ARIES SABIAN SYMBOLS
Realization: Seal embraces woman rising from waters |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
1st degree of Aries (0°- 1°) Knowledge of polarity awakens the power to create something out of nothing The seal is to be seen as the phallic principle responding to the woman rising from the depths, which symbolize pre-existence as waters of infinite potential, from which arises the polarity of feminine and masculine. Into this nothingness, something arises drawn by receptive potential, and awareness expands. Separation is born and requires ‘this’ to be different from ‘that’. Duality implies relationship between things, one more pushy, the other more responsive, sex in its essential form. The potentiality of space to give way has an awakening effect upon spirit to enter and express itself. Spirit naturally reaches wherever its desire-nature will be accommodated, and indeed meets willing response. At the beginning what was dormant potential is now vibrant – with interdependent emotion and purpose; it is interaction that generates the vibration, life itself, in which things perpetually change; there are separations and reformations. Realization dawns that anyone can take advantage of every moment. Focusing this turbulent life force is the awesome task of a mighty will, operating through a clear mind with a precise vision, to produce a laser beam of intent. This power of will shapes uncommitted energy into the exact form that reflects this vision: what you 'see' is what you get, and seeing is active not passive. Alone, the mind is an untrustworthy organ of understanding so the heart must also be engaged if our values are to be expressed sincerely. When we are moved by the heart, then such activation can be reckless, assertive, courageous and purposeful yet will realize only harmony and joy. If we lose concentration, the result is clouded and requires the corrective processes of refinement. This is feedback, which can teach humility and help develop awareness of our interpretations; also it binds us into considerate relationship, so that character can be smoothed out. If we get self-obsessed then we fail, because we forfeit the ability to recognize more obscure aspects of the infinite potential within any situation. Despite errors and pains, faith is never lost and another new beginning is always guaranteed. Restating original blessing is evidence of innocence and purity, and shows that hope is eternal, that faith is a birth-right. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
2nd degree of Aries (1°- 2°) Life is the mirror that shows us who and what we are Intuitively, the feeling of having our own distinctive mind-set of beliefs, needs, dreams and attitudes is subjective proof of our uniqueness of identity. Philosophers suggest this is an illusion from a relationship with our environment – although most assuredly, it has meaning to us. Yet there is the tendency to repress much of our uniqueness out of shame, fear or other inhibitions that have arisen from external pressure. To the soul, it actually matters very little what role we choose to play out but, probably because we seek self-reassurance, we repeatedly rehearse certain aspects of personality. These are naive attempts to experience life on our own terms. The comedian’s task is to reveal other aspects, those which lurk beneath the gloss of what is socially acceptable, so that these denied parts can find release. There is no limit to the variations of expression of our uniqueness, and no requirement to favour this over that – indeed it is important to experiment, and not judge one aspect of personality better than another – all aspects of self need to be promoted to discover the fullest range of potentialities. By laughing at humanity’s funny ways, an entertainer softens resistance within us to acknowledge certain of our own unlovely qualities. Although this process facilitates self-awareness, it does not guarantee it. Really we need to reach out and attempt to understand the significance and wisdom of whatever comes up and is being shown to us. We can laugh with the comedian in order to release trivial tensions, or we can delve deeper to reach for hidden understandings, and then the release can be experienced on a much deeper level. We come across the same type of light-hearted revelation in so many different connections with people, and it is according to our preference whether we see them as idle diversions or find a glimpse of the truth of transcendence within each seemingly insignificant event that we encounter. The clowning can be considered as either a frivolous entertainment or profound and widespread spiritual teaching; the choice is ours. Self-expression is a gateway to develop personal power; the power of personality is evolved in the confident unique expression of the true self, the authentic self, potentially in each and every moment. Individuality itself arises out of polarity – we live constantly stressed between the affirmation and the surrender of self. This we experience whenever our own worldview comes up against another’s and – whether that other fights against us or just laughs gently at our strange ways – we are made to pause. The emergence of who we really are occurs as Life, which perpetually holds up a mirror to itself through us and to us. This is the essence-secret. Wrapped up in clouded mystery, with its own conflicts and distortions that have yet to be released, what we see is nothing more than a reflection of our own inner nature. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
3rd degree of Aries (2°- 3°) Individual and community are mutually supportive aspects of each other As much as the individual serves society, society serves the individual – not only in terms of resources, but also in terms of their evolving definition. The man and the country are in mutual exploitation. There is huge social pressure upon a person to obey the rules and do what is thought appropriate by conventional ethics and practice. Even so, some are capable of rejecting the bondage that comes from reluctant or unthinking conformity, and find their own way to relate to the community that supports them. Although it may not appear so, in truth reality is personal. Each and every feeling, belief and opinion is an expression of this, and these all have ramifications in our life circumstances. If we are to reach our fullest potential as unique individuals then we must give full play to them. Naturally, there are forces of empathy and familiarity that bind an individual to the collective reality that shows through culture and tradition. However – notwithstanding the benefits of a degree of acceptance of social norms – each of us will characterize our own take on this, as indeed we must to be authentic in self-expression. The point is that by doing so, we necessarily dedicate ourselves and our lives to the best interests of our community. We are as much part of the whole as anyone else and, without our doing what we feel is right, then there cannot be full engagement with the society of which we are an integral part. The community would be diminished. This is in no way different from a personal imperative to dramatize our very personal wants and needs through the group, as a path of self-actualization. How could we be ourselves if separated from the context of our traditions and culture? Where is the meaning in that? A real breadth of community involvement is therefore a sign of one who is truly self-oriented, having the wisdom and sensitivity to understand that each must serve the other if harmony is to emerge. Even more than that – it goes beyond just harmony to fulfilment. The individual is thus silhouetted against the background of his country, each exploiting the other in the process of expressing a general principle in specific terms. If each would relax into this truism, then personal and communal interests would be more profoundly in accord and more richly expressed. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
4th degree of Aries (3°- 4°) Unselfconscious pursuit of selfish pleasure is an entirely valid path to joy In all that we do and feel, we experience the uniqueness of the world that we alone inhabit. If the feelings are not in alignment with our sense of rightness, then it is because something is not right. This is probably because we have moved too far away from the childlike sense that joy is our birth-right. Wish-fulfilment is our optimum life-strategy; being utterly naive is to be true to oneself. The image of two lovers taking a stroll in a quiet, beautiful setting, speaks of an experience of happiness without the burden of accountability. The moment is itself enough to justify its value as a valid and important experience, when no extraneous forces are allowed to press upon us any unwelcome responsibility. We need not even respond to society’s requirements, knowing that such innocent joy is self-evidently good. Such an act of faith is a guarantee that potentialities of character will blossom and thrive. It demonstrates the all-important self-confidence that brings a sparkle both to material and spiritual realities. Confidence is powerful magic that generates further confidence and somehow leads to material success and spiritual freedom. Taking this idea to its exaltation, we see that what is often called selfishness is in fact the spiritually valid principle of enlightened self-interest. No meaning can be derived from behaviour that does not serve oneself. Nor does power have any purpose except continuously and persistently to promote our own reality in which our own interests are well served. All our resources therefore are to be focused with complete commitment to serve the high purpose of enjoyment. Joy is sublime, so enjoyment is that which moves us towards sublime self-realization. When the least opportunity presents itself, then we strike! We affirm joy; we pursue enjoyment – as a path of awakened self-liberation. Whatever sense we may have of responsibility, it must first and last be in service of ourselves, or it simply lacks authenticity and is almost certainly an arising of hidden fears or guilt. Of course we have a measure of sensitivity to the needs of others, and yet that consideration is an elegance that takes second place to the primary duty of continual self-disclosure. This wisdom is considered too permissive to be acceptable to mainstream society, which marginalizes those who are strong in their personal power and have no willingness to conform to the fear-based morality systems of the majority. Self-indulgence, which often triggers criticism, is only really a danger for those who practice this philosophy without a minimal degree of spiritual awareness or conscience. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
5th degree of Aries (4°- 5°) Through processes of development and refinement, our impulses lead us towards self-realization Three aspects of individuality are encountered and refined in our interaction with situations and environments. These are our skills, loyalties and values; through these we make ourselves known to our self. Each of us develops their own set of values and these become known through what we stand for – and what we study. Just like a triangle, which is particularly well balanced, these three aspects firmly support us in our aspirations. Yet they are no less to be seen as wings that enable a zealous enthusiast to sour to heights of self-realization. In the journey of self-discovery, it is of key importance to appreciate the special worth of our impulses. As life throws up its adventures and challenges, we will know who we are through the purity of these original impulses and our essential nature will hold us in good stead if we trust them, whatever occurs. They are of course shaped by values, loyalties and skills. Life is necessarily a transformative sequence of events that processes the inner nature of a person through endless experiences. There are many aspects of the inner nature of our personality and desires, and these give clear evidence to the deepest enduring vision of self – that image of the future that tends to become reality. The goal of life is to determine what finally we hold to be good and true. Do we assert light over darkness? And for us – what is light? The basic self goes through unending tests of worth, the higher self unending examinations of conscience – and through these processes, refinement is assured. Without such an approach we are left with nothing more than the dismissal of every ordinary experience as inconvenient, even pointless, except the extent to which it offers pleasure and promotes in us a blissful state of obliviousness to the truth of who we are and what we are doing. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
6th degree of Aries (5°- 6°) The meaning of life is the relationship between knowledge and experience This image employs traditional symbolism: a square indicates materiality, and the light is spirituality. We are all challenged to find an enlightened path as we struggle with physicality. A path must have meaning if it is to inspire and motivate us. We have an unending flow of different worldly experiences to assimilate into consciousness, which we can only achieve by giving meaning to experiences. How we choose to create meaning out of experience is entirely dependent upon our system of values and preferences. Those events that really touch us, and reach deep into the core of our being, do so because, on some level, they have importance and can stimulate hidden aspects to awaken within. Establishing our unique authentic identity really is a prodigious task. We are taken into states of confusion, timidity and indecision – all of which are the antithesis of spirit, whose essential nature is spontaneous, courageous and certain. Yet our thoughts waver, and even the best of us lose sight of what we are becoming. A set life-direction, based on passionately-held principles and adherence to standards, is of greater worth than one that lacks purpose or clarity. It is more useful to oneself and the community. It does take strength to assert oneself against the many forces that constantly push and pull from all sides, and we must not surrender to the frustrations that arise, or else the integrity of true self will be lost to distortion. At some level of spiritual philosophy, it is seen that everything is symbolic. Without the gift of knowledge, then experience is meaningless – yet without the reality-check of experience, then knowledge is not only unfulfilling, it is two-dimensional. Therefore can we see that knowledge is the symbol of experience, and experience the symbol of knowledge? Each is the meaning of the other, and neither has meaning without the other. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
7th degree of Aries (6°- 7°) Mastering how to focus attention brings competence in all of the many realms of existence The nature of reality is not made clear to us except insofar as we are able to create for ourselves a well-defined identity. This clarity of identity progresses in direct proportion to the degree of proficiency we develop as we learn how to control events. It is wrong to assume passively that there exists, in secret, a complete and detailed version of self and that our life’s purpose is to uncover it. Identity is created out of a never-ending succession of choices; it does not exist at all except when making these choices. They can be choices of action or perception – doing or being – and they arise out of what we are doing with our attention and its focus. Our mastery over external situations can never be total, yet we get better results when we learn how to divide our attention. We need to know how to divide our focus of attention enough to determine between this and that – as a matter of choosing what has little urgent consequence and what is actually important now. According to conscience, preference or expediency, a more developed person chooses where to put their attention. Typically they focus away from what is no longer pressing and towards what now deserves the mind’s full concentration. In this way, we come to realize the principles by which to discriminate what we value. We better define who we are by making informed decisions that enact these higher values. Because of the confidence that comes from living out of values, we can express great versatility of action, always moving towards the most likely activity by which to approach an appropriate, currently important, goal. Confidence comes simply from living the path we choose, and acting out our own will, not another’s. Yet the easily-distracted mind can so easily be directed wastefully, and then it achieves no more than an impotent, unthinking scattering of resources. There is any number of interpenetrating realms of existence. Simultaneously we live in physical, emotional and spiritual realms, and each person has their own version of what is happening – this is much more a true representation of the nature of reality. It is so recorded within our multifaceted identity, whose potential has a limitless reach and breadth going immeasurably beyond our best efforts of current imagination. If we master the mind’s focus, then we are able to participate fully and powerfully in these many different ways to see the world. |
Excitation: Large hat with streamers flying, facing East |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
8th degree of Aries (7°- 8°) Life itself is a force that triggers assertiveness and initiative A primal assertive force presides within each of us, equivalent to the excitation indicated by an erect phallus, and stirred into expression by the imminence of new experience, into which we feel to inject an initiative. Those of us who have watched the sun rise know how all-pervasive and compellingly pure this feeling can be. We feel powerful, even in the face of the absolute life-giver. Naturally society has to assert the collective will; that is its essential role. Yet the spiritually awakened individual has awakened the power of spirit, and this power is not social at all, it is self-glorifying. It is exuberant and demonstrative, it is naive and self-proclaiming and it is receptive to the fiery powers whose only apt symbol is the sun. Naively, we show our joyful exuberance by showing off our fine feathers, tying streamers to a party hat which catches the wind, so we are noticed and seen to be filled with life force. In this mood we enter relationships with those around us and are ready to engage with any and all of the possible variations and novelties that humanity throws up. We come to realize that we can utilize all life experiences, all kinds of interactions and involvements, to the benefit of all concerned, simply by having sensitivity and responding assertively to bring forward the potential in all situations. Every scenario is new; each moment has its own dawn, its own birthing of potential – and the one who sees it first can claim it, and integrate much of the great force of its life energy into their growing expression of self. Feeling God-like, the assertive ego knows itself to be capable of creation and has absolutely no false modesty about his rights and duties to create whatever its perfect imagination suggests. Life itself is a force that triggers assertiveness and initiative. It does not serve to posture or pretend, because a false interest or involvement leads to unhelpful kickback. The required commitment is an absolute, unconditional assertiveness – half-hearted warriors die! By this process a person can find an underlying trend, and actualize it as their life purpose. Then they are able to offer complete and unconditional cooperation in every moment, co-creating with awareness through a continual act of dynamic balancing. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
9th degree of Aries (8°- 9°) Wisdom grows when we see that perception of what is shapes what is to be A person who gazes into a crystal ball is attempting to access an aspect of the mind that needs to be stimulated by non-rational techniques. Often called right-brain intelligence, this half of the mind’s understanding is found through soft surrender to intuition. Through the marrying of this with rational thought, we are able to perceive with much greater acuteness the linkage between what is imagined and what comes to pass. We actually have the capacity to bring to mind an entire universe, to grasp its operation principles, and to learn of the tools by which to manipulate it. Rather surprisingly, we find it to be entirely subjective. The bigger, cosmic picture, though indeed accessible, is only accessible through personal experience, with all the uniqueness, prejudice and ambiguity that that entails. We see that our perception of who we are, with all its convoluted oddities, is none other than a perfectly authentic, graphic representation of our slant on outer reality. We come truly to understand that what we imagine is the map of what we will come to experience. Fiery imagination and watery intuition married together offer unique and mysterious glimpses of what is to come. From nothing more than these glimpses, we are willing to modify the set of our journey and bend towards the dark temptation of the unknown. There is a hint of the hero’s quest beginning to emerge. The hero is not the pioneer, nor the leader. In order for the hero to realize his potential he needs to resolve the paradox of how an individual can simultaneously be the thesis and the antithesis of society. The hero is thrown up from within the community at a time of crisis specifically in order to rework the principles of the group consciousness into a new form. The crisis has arisen because the old ways are no longer being interpreted meaningfully for the evolved times. Danger is at hand and the hero is the first – and often the only – one to be ready and willing to act upon the omens that speak of permanent radical change. Interestingly, this so often occurs in stories when the hero consults the oracle, typically a crystal-gazing woman. The world and the individual are thus in a cosmic interactive partnership, each in time reflecting the other in every mood and every situation. So this allows a fore view of what is to come, since what we feel now must somehow be reflected in the future. With care, this facility can be used to shape our attitudes and strategies in organising outcomes to suit our personal convenience. We are advised to be aware that, taken beyond a helpful level, such ability inclines us towards idle curiosity. Why seek information about the future if we have not the willingness to shape it? Gazing upon it will shape it – that is cosmic law – so are we clear enough, energetic enough, to deal with the implications and consequences of that? |
Interpretation: Man teaching new forms for old symbols |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
10th degree of Aries (9°- 10°) Old ideals have to be embodied into new experiences so that knowledge evolves What is so often imagined to be a creative slant on reality can be nothing more than a witless distortion of values – just a twisted perspective of events. Although truth is a subjective, unique personal experience, our interpretation surely needs to be kept within the boundaries of reasonableness. Some renderings are simply silly and entirely unworkable as useful models of life. What is needed is a continuous readjustment of understanding that can only really be brought about through a careful assimilation of our personal encounters. Checking out our experiences against the viewpoints of others, including predecessors, provides a degree of objectivity, and helps us to find a more genuine picture of what is actually valid. This brings abstract concepts into the realm of personal significance, so that the collective, usually inherited, ideals of society take on meaning for us as individuals, with our own system of values. And that set of values is a very important part of how our reality is experienced, since we tend to see things the way we want to see them. These symbols can be of any type from arcane rune stones to works of art, in designs or in poetry and myth. To study them in depth requires a certain degree of embodiment, and then there arises new insights as a direct result of bringing the theoretical intelligence of old symbolism into the hard truths of real encounter. These realizations are reorientations on emotional, mental and indeed physical levels – you can feel them change you. The wisdom of the race is constantly subject to a renewal process that depends entirely upon the dynamic interplay between the theoretical ideals of collective reality, and the hard fact of personal experience. What is encapsulated into historical symbolism as indicative of what is real must not be allowed to die if it is to stay of relevance. We can only grasp the meaning of our lives by the interpretation of symbols; they must be currently apt or our sense of what is true becomes outdated and restrictive. This renewal is by process of trial and error – and works on many levels to keep fresh the heritage that cooperatively we are part of. It works because it validates theoretical knowledge against the incomparable worth of practical experience. Yet eventually, bit by bit, the eternal progression of refinement leaves its mark, and a divine truth emerges. We see that a singular principle is dramatizing itself in multiple forms – one in the many – and is valid for both the individual and the community. Ultimately we learn that all symbols point towards one thing, one source, one wisdom – which is the meaning and purpose of all life for everyone and everything. |
Idealization: President of a country
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
11th degree of Aries (10°- 11°) Leaders sacrifice themselves to an ideal, then suffer consequences of their own imperfections The ultimate expression of self-assurance arises only when we focus entirely upon our chosen primary value, for example honour, courage or wisdom, subordinating all other characteristics to that one purpose. To become president – the highest representative of a country – one has not only to be shaped to an extreme degree, one has also to sacrifice other aspects of self – so it is important that the primary value is carefully acknowledged and is of essential worth to the individual. To become a central and principal influence, it is not enough to be able to find a new way to spin the established wisdom and ways of your society; what is required is the deepening of qualities also. Any major life role is selected so that it can allow the fullest, broadest demonstration of whichever value we champion, so that it is fashioned and strengthened to the highest degree possible. Recognition by others is a major shaping force that moulds our qualities and characteristics to fit the exact requirements of the position. Although the ego is in high relief, it serves not the individual, but the society’s needs for leadership. The spirit of any community is held up for a while by one whose own spirit is in close alignment with the group’s. Members tend to tolerate only the slightest discrepancy between the behaviour of the individual and the values of society, and critically challenge all else. It behoves them to indicate clearly and unequivocally whether the leader is conforming to their ideal – to the exclusion of any other non-aligned behaviours. What follows is a study in idealization. An ideal is not a real human quality but a philosophical concept. It is held up as an aspiration that guides people to awaken the best version attainable within them. The more emotional undercurrents of the zeitgeist incline towards expression through qualities rather than simply beliefs. Ideals not ideas. These are more enduring and speak to the hidden parts of society’s unconscious memories, and have far more impact upon the collective psyche. Rousing the people to support a new initiative is better done with tone and rhetoric rather than logical, patient explanation. However well intended, efforts to become more assertive and realize the ideal will usually lead to vain pretence and destructive outcomes. There will always be disappointment – the ideal is after all only a dream. The person so often gets caught up in a situation based on make-believe; it is entirely unsustainable. We must be willing to accept the disappointments and the resultant projections of others – of blame and criticism – in the knowledge that it is the ideal itself that is being furthered, not our self-love. |
Insouciance: Flock of wild geese
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
12th degree of Aries (11°- 12°) Involvements lack meaning unless they lead eventually towards spiritual liberation No matter what life circumstances arise, no matter what challenges and temptations there are to face, no matter how noble the aspirations we embody, there is one quality that can never be beaten down – we all want freedom. Insouciance means being carefree or unconcerned and light-hearted. This is the true essential core of personality and is irresistible in every single aspect of life experience. This absolute indomitable freedom-urge speaks to us of our immortality and our spiritual heritage through the innocent imperative of independence. It is this that allows us to have the expectation that our ideals will all be fulfilled, and cosmic obligations towards us met. We trust in this because in the end that is what freedom means – that we get what we want. What we know sets us free, yet knowledge, to be raised to the level of wisdom, requires experience – and therefore involvement. Of course, if we want to deepen our involvements, then we must invest our freedom. We may well lose sight of the inherent freedom-feeling whenever we concentrate upon the challenges within the involvement, yet our ability to rise above things is ever-present. An aspect of our humanity is its naive gift to be spirit-like, and free from burdens. Eventually, no matter how important one has become and how burdensome the responsibilities carried by ones broad shoulders, an inner voice cries ‘freedom!’ When geese are seen to rise above it all, the picture of insouciance, they are as free as birds – yet they are slavishly obeying their undeviating characteristic migration. We too are absolutely free to do whatever it is that we must do – a beautiful paradox. As a personal characteristic, this quality could become a very selfish attitude that actually does very little to add real value to self. We need to guard against an irresponsible, wasteful lack of focus that amounts to nothing more than reckless negligence. It’s a thin line between this and the high spiritually valid pursuit of one’s unique, unencumbered destiny, detached from inappropriate burdens and fruitless anxiety. There is, at the core of our eternal being, an absolute sense of our cosmic birth-right to be free to choose every step of our path throughout eternity, whether embodied or as spirit. This sense is the fundament of all existence and is more powerful and pervasive than all else. However much the individual is cajoled by society – oppressed and brainwashed, emotionally blackmailed and simply deceived – still they know that freedom is the absolute eternal truth of life. |
Impetuousness: Unsuccessful bomb explosion
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
13th degree of Aries (12°- 13°) When energy flows freely, the outcome is ultimately always good A person can find how to achieve a dynamic balance between two opposing motivations. One is to serve society at a high level of responsibility the other to be absolutely free to follow one’s own destiny. The inner intuitive knowledge of how best to act in support of one of these and not the other is often entirely unreasoned – no more than a feeling of impetuousness. We all have destructive urges at times and these can sometimes seem to be as evil as an anarchist’s bomb. Yet they are not evil. These urges are rendered dark and unwholesome because they generate frustration when they are denied and judged inherently wrong-minded. Even the destructive forces of forest fires, tempests and volcanos have an invigorating – life giving – dimension when seen from a wider time perspective. These forces are entirely necessary to rebalance things. The heart remains open when we allow innocent impetuousness to sponsor our words and actions. This has special worth because the open heart absorbs and nullifies the destructive acts of humanity, making unsuccessful any unconscious attempts to do harm. In the battle of dark against light, light is always the winner in the end. Goodness eventually overcomes all else. It may be that this is less than self-evident – yet surely it is self-evident that we are always better off to affirm optimism, even to make it our moral code. When innocent impetuousness is distorted into petulance and vanity then nothing useful is created. A futile expenditure of energy and general waste of resources is its outcome. The feeling itself is valid, yet any feeling can be distorted as it becomes embodied into self-serving behaviour, and we always have to guard against these distortions. Even so, forgiveness also has its place in the deeper mind of society, and most often these naive outbursts are not severely punished even if they result in apparently anti-social behaviour. The truth is that nature is dangerous, even human nature. The civilising processes are relatively recent innovations and are far from fully embodied in the species. However liberating and creative these impulses may be, they cause distress in others who feel the need to be more controlled and ‘civilized’. Often enough, the dangers arise when the fears of such people are not sufficiently respected. |
Revelation: Serpent coiling near man and woman
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
14th degree of Aries (13°- 14°) Appreciation of the highest aspects of life depends on the acceptance of the lowest The snake imagery points towards revelation of the most profound wisdom of sexuality. In sex, the wisdom of naive impetuosity is balanced in time by the wisdom of responsible self-discipline. The continual acquisition of this quality shows that we are developing a very real understanding of the nature of cosmic reality and our place within it. Provided we have a significant degree of self-control, we are safe to explore the lower aspects of our nature without fear. These baser impulses substantially rejected by society, are actually important contributors to our total wellbeing and must not be denied. Nature is dangerous, make no mistake about that – and human nature is no exception, especially sexuality. Yet if we are to attain any understanding of who and what we are, then then we are required to feel deeply into the hidden areas and accept our darker side. We have urges and they must not be denied or repressed, or else we will soon find ourselves overwhelmed by these baser instincts, and lose the truth of our balanced condition. Our appetites lead us into the darker region of human experience, and towards the knowledge of the more essential, less civilized, aspects of our true selves. Without this exploration the deeper secrets, kept taboo by society, are never assimilated as wisdom. Half angel, half animal, we are forced to develop the power of balance that is afforded by an active, sensitive, expressive heart. Sex is an activity that allows, in fact revels in, the interplay of two people enjoying their animal nature in sacred play. Were animal to dominate, then it would become hollow; were angel to take over then it would lack full-bloodedness. When the heart is open, both sacredness and lustiness can be found in exaltation – a true revelation of wisdom. Without delving into the depth of unconscious urges, we could never rise up to the heights of conscious experience. We can never, without accepting the basest aspects of ourselves, have any appreciation of the highest, sacred aspects of life. The idea of Original Sin is refuted here, and biblical knowledge of good and evil is now understood as distortion of a profound esoteric principle. The ‘Fall’ of Adam and Eve is in fact a courageous adventure into the acceptance of our baser nature so that the higher self becomes free to emerge and express the greater glory of God. The mystery of three is revealed as man, woman and sex, or as rational, emotional and creativity. This comes about when duality is neither obeyed nor feared – it simply is what it is. Neither good nor bad can ever exist alone, and both are essential aspects of Creation and creativity. Revelation is not a part of religion, it is part of mysticism. A student of the mysteries will have to slough off the constraints of good and bad – the moral code by which society controls the masses – in order to awaken the depths and heights of knowledge, well beyond the limits of duality. |
Diligence: Indian weaving a blanket
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in 15th degree of Aries (14°- 15°) Sanctifying ordinary things shows great personal wisdom and leads to harmony The simple business of life is able to give a sense of great personal satisfaction. Just meeting our own personal needs and taking care of very basic matters is as meaningful as any activity. A highly developed person makes everything look both easy and important, demonstrating high principles by doing mundane tasks properly. When we place this idea into a cultural context, we see how a range of arts and skills are to be learned in order to live in keeping with our community. The development of such skills not only enhances the culture but also stabilizes the individual ego. It is this ego-centring, as much as the learning of skills, which enables us to experience deeper self-awareness. Through these two processes, the ability to bring about desired objectives is fixed. Being ourselves is then entirely enough to achieve our highest goals. This is the difference between achieving success and being successful. The best grounding of these most subtle understandings takes place when we learn simply to be who we are, and how to cope with life. There are enough little day-to-day challenges to keep us focused on the matter in hand, and these demands upon our skills and artfulness are important lessons – in fact examinations. We are therefore advised to be diligent – to get on top of things in the ordinary daily life circumstances that we have, so that all necessary skills become embodied as personality traits. Whenever we do anything to the best of our ability, as an act of sacredness, then life becomes a simple demonstration of personal excellence. Indeed, there is no better demonstration of the genius of our highest being than persistently to engage fully and quietly in doing what needs to be done, and doing it excellently well. Otherwise what? No merit is to be found in the acceptance of the daily round as dull and simply in service of our need for comfort and security. In that case, external results may show shallow signs of success in material terms, yet on the inner planes, little is gained. |
Invigoration: Brownies dancing in the setting sun
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
16th degree of Aries (15°- 16°) We must act as though we make a difference, knowing that we don’t It is perfectly meaningful to approach life with a reckless sense of liberation, with unfettered confidence that it is simply a dance of sorts, whose purpose is to facilitate the exhibition of each and every special aspect and potential of selfhood. This part of us wants to go a bit crazy and, against society’s expectations, take big risks. It is reckless, spontaneous, very life-affirming and vigorous, and throws caution to the wind; it trusts the forces of nature and is rewarded for its courage and sense of adventure with real tangible abundance. This approach is supported when we trust that the relationship between an individual and nature itself is essentially friendly. What could show this more than spirit and nature together dancing down the sun like an innocent girl child? Evidence is found for this also in the very fact of the life-giving properties bestowed upon us by natural elements. Do we not all feel invigorated by the wind, rain, sun and stars? What is going on, in and through the individual, is the operation of universal law reworking reality by sorting and resorting, sifting and shifting, in an ever-dynamic review and reveal process. As a direct result of his enthusiastic willingness to participate in this continuous dynamism, at whatever expenditure of effort, the individual attracts great good fortune – whose fruits are felt as simple, reliable, constant, abundance. It is a rare individual that can grasp the eternal paradox of life. One who can, will enjoy this great abundance, and often has access to a delightful, sparkling nature. Enthusiasm is a divine quality, quite literally the flowing of God through one’s whole being, and it has the supreme ability to create success on all levels. With this, all is possible. It engenders confidence, optimism, charisma and other positive qualities that defeat life’s heaviness. So what is this paradox? It is – that we must act as though we make a difference, knowing that we don’t. Sufis call this ‘struggle and surrender’, and teach that happiness depends upon finding a dynamic balance between them. As taught in Taoism, all action adds to imbalance – and yet the absence of imbalance is the end of dynamism and vitality, the end of life. Therefore, since nothing really matters on a cosmic level, it makes perfect sense to do crazy things, trusting in our luck, and our ability to dance around the difficulties with a smile. The test of awareness for this degree has to do with finding the correct balance between complacency and struggle. Some could suffer delusions of self-sufficiency instead of appropriate self-serving activity. Everything returns to Source to be purified; this is an eternal cosmic law, which maintains the integrity of all and everything in its non-stop waves of eternal change. A lifetime of vigorous action pulls the individual away from unification for a speck of cosmic time. It is folly to believe that such activity matters much, and yet foolhardiness to think it does not. To act anyway, knowing it is reckless and pointless is evidence of a very inspired wisdom. |
Divorcement: Two prim spinsters
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
17th degree of Aries (16°- 17°) We must be utterly true to ourselves It can be totally fitting to divorce ourselves from everyday living with all its judgements. The image of a couple of old ladies, having lived alone together for decades, is often considered farcical, sad and bizarre – yet such eccentricity speaks of a very private sustainment of reality, a valid personal creation of the world. The insular condition of retreat shuns the triviality of superficial relationships, which so often waste our precious energy. Society’s morality, laws and practices can be too burdensome for certain people. At what cost this support? If the price we pay for these securities and comforts is the loss of uniqueness, then the soul suffers. Better to insulate ourselves from such a corrosive influence than to live without access to the soul’s spiritual wisdom. We are who we are and, within reasonable limits, let society come to terms with that! Great pleasure can be found by isolating ourselves far from the madding crowd – we feel joy when we shield ourselves from distractions. We turn our backs upon worthless, spiritually unprofitable relationships, and reject their lesser rewards. Mindless pretence of virtue and distinction is poor substitute for the true unfolding of our inner qualities. Being caught up in such vanities precludes the possibility of real accomplishment in life. A moment’s wry reflection upon the quality of ordinary day-to-day conversations gives us to understand just how shallow and lacking in wisdom is the general population in its work-a-day mode of being. Yet, a lot of people find such intercourse to be the exaltation of life. People can become concerned with their distorted perceptions of our business and what they see as our particular pros and cons. On a superficial level, to please them, we could get drawn into a process, of raising up that which is in fact shallow. There is of course absolutely nothing life-denying about casual commerce – but each of us has our own unique and creative spin and, rather than conforming, we must bring this to bear in every situation, and as we do so we enrich both the lives of others and our distinctive sense of self. Above all else, we must be true to ourselves. Yet it is far from easy even to know who we are and what we stand for – so how can we even know whether we are being true? What we do is to use the process of idealization. We raise our principles to the level of ideals, so that we may feel them to have a spiritual quality. We need to find and define our unique specialization and allow nothing into the private domain of our personal experience that would compromise our integrity. Living according to our ideals, we then become capable of rejecting social pressures to conform and, with them, the implicit judgements against those who do not. Such an approach usually brings a solitude that is not easily endured by most people. Except for the very advanced, this becomes loneliness, and so is no longer life-enhancing. It’s good to find a like-minded companion so that some measure of society is maintained. |
Rumination: An empty hammock
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
18th degree of Aries (17°- 18°) Two equal and opposing forces exist: pure impulse and conditioned response Contemplation is the first step towards inspiration, and time spent ruminating can actually be very productive. An active person needs to set aside time just for being, or they will lose a sense of how they feel. Down-time is a requirement of a healthy psyche – so it is better to plan for it and make it serve, rather than disrupt outer reality. Life throws up an almost constant barrage of difficulties and most people have absolutely no idea why. Others take time to lie on their hammocks and ruminate on matters. Our difficulties are not thrown at us by a mischievous or cruel set of gods to spoil our joy, nor do they need to be an unsolvable puzzle. We can come to terms and gain sufficient insight to cope and improve but only if we give some thought to what is going on, otherwise we are fated to relive the same issues repeatedly on a constant cyclical treadmill. With poise, we find peace and good conscience, so we find greater awareness of the conflicting polarities within us. In fact, this is the process whereby we form relationship, as we strive to find a good fit between the inner and outer inclinations in life. The urge to balance is the motivation towards conscious relationship. By reaching a state of inner reconciliation, we become wiser and more capable of organising adjustments in our circumstances. Then, through contemplation, we find that the disharmony arising in our situations can actually better be reconciled within. To do so, we remember the integrity of our being. To bring a sense of balance requires the heart to become involved, which typically is easier when we slow down since if the heart is not still then external lack of harmony arises. We have impulses, and always to deny them is to deny life – and yet always to allow them is to deny the civilising processes of self-control. Here is the knife-edge of self-definition, the crux-point of identity. This is the frontier of self. It is not enough to refine our personal vision. The task goes well beyond that into the higher realms of group consciousness. ‘What is the collective vision of this time and place – and how does my unique self-expression give greater glory to that?’ Personal freedom is an absolute imperative, as strong an urge as any other; it cannot be denied – it will not be thwarted. And yet the self requires a society, or it is nothing. So the advanced thinker envisions a society wherein each individual’s vision is aligned with, and supportive of, society’s collective vision. Self-adequacy is maximized through an absolute dismissal of any compulsion of society’s conditioning. We may not understand the purpose of conditioning, nor indeed why others conform while we reject – but the intuitive mind doesn’t need such explanations. Life is always subject to our perception, re-interpretation and influence. We cannot dodge it – the best we can do is optimize it according to our own sense of rightness. |
Panorama: A magic carpet
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universal idea is best expressed through planets in
19th degree of Aries (19°- 20°) Mind has an infinite capacity to overview experience and use imagination as a magical process Although religious teachings emphasize social involvement, invariably the higher esoteric wisdom pursued in mysticism is arrived at following a process of learning how to become detached. The mystic scorns ordinary living with all its burdens. Social influences make intense demands upon the mind to focus on worldly matters. We are trained to pursue position and wealth at whatever cost to our spiritual wellbeing. This is madness, and of course is supportive of depression, anxiety, superficiality and Godlessness. Daily spiritual practice will remedy this condition, allowing us to rise above the denseness of the earth so that the mind can enjoy a relaxed state and recuperate from its ordeal. There is a misconception that meditation takes up time and diminishes our effectiveness in dealing with life. The reverse is true, because we spend less time making mistakes and have a general access to a higher degree of wisdom and insight. Then all of our involvements become meaningful, and our vision of the future becomes rich and expansive. Curiosity is a key quality that distinguishes our species – it is that which unlocks greater human potential. The expansion of potential, the expansion of vision and the expansion of consciousness are all correlated. To grow, we need first to see further. As we look, so we find. Those who look out towards distant horizons will envision a broader future for themselves and for humanity, seeing how great is the gift an unlimited array of possibility. We glance around at a vast panorama of potential as if from a magic carpet, above it all. This overview enables us to decide how and where to become involved in human affairs; our involvement reflects the extent of our willingness to let go of the panoramic viewpoint. The greater vision that is gained through detachment can be put to real advantage, when we learn to use imagination to expand our destiny. Life offers such possibility for each of us, limited only by our imagination. Even though we focus down, and temporarily lose the perspective of detachment, a part of us remains aloof so that we can periodically pull back in order to reflect and consider. The soul’s freedom is never completely lost, although there is a real danger that it can be all but forgotten. If we lose sight of our spiritual self, then for a while life becomes shallow – a hollow, pretend life lived out by a caricature of ourselves and surviving on a scant diet of vicarious or imagined joy. It is to be avoided at all costs. Such a life is a distortion of the spiritual principle of detachment. With an unattached state, we celebrate all potentialities, variations on a theme, a kaleidoscope of experiences –without a need to become over-involved. |
Hospitality: Young girl feeding birds in winter
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
20th degree of Aries (20°- 21°) In the act of giving, spiritual nourishment is felt as joy Hospitality is the spiritual mystery of the mutuality of joy created and released by the act of giving, where the subtle and the gross are married together elegantly, with a delicate awareness of the importance of each of these two aspects of life. Our love for the beauty of nature, whose power is actually often cruel and life-threatening, is hard to balance with our quite normal fears of danger. Yet for some people, there is an inexplicable force of innocence that makes them quite comfortable with the challenge of finding the balance, and usually enables them to do so. It is usually the power and beauty of nature that stimulates a sense of wonder within us. Without doubt this is more easily accessible to the young-minded, receptive, innocent person. The qualities of youth and of the feminine are more perceptive to the experience of nature, and seem to have a more profound attunement to its mystery. The girl does not rail against the cold, she does not wallow in useless feelings about hungry birds; she feeds them. It seems, on a surface level, that it is largely the birds that are receiving the benefits from this act of generosity; yet there is more to see. A truly significant benefit is accrued to the giver – an extraordinary power of self-assurance is enhanced by such an act. As we give to the needy, we the givers experience nourishment. If the gift is of bread alone, with a zealous do-good intention, then much is forfeited, especially if the deeper hidden intention is to win approval. This more masculine act serves quite a different purpose and has a barren quality, rather like foreign aid, whose purposes are political rather than caring. The physical item passed – bread or money – is merely the objectification of the real, deeper gift of love. The level of one’s spiritual station is often marked by how much sensitivity one brings to acts of charity. The hidden, loving aspect of the gift has far more power to sustain life and hope than one can easily express. When we trust in nature, in life itself, we find ourselves rewarded each day with the blessings that are all around us. In nature we see the seasons change, so we learn to flow; we see passion and stillness, so we allow each its place in our expression; we see how everything is sustained by the constant interactive flow of abundance, so we become one with that and open ourselves to receive abundance and to become a conduit for hospitality and generosity. A baby is not without power, despite all appearances, because of its innocence. This is evidence of humanity’s essential goodness – we are gentle with the vulnerable, and kind to the needy, when we have no reason to be. By making themselves entirely at the mercy of others, like babies the innocent attract kindness and thereby contribute to the generosity of spirit. When we surrender to life, we open ourselves to participate in such generosity, as a receiver or giver. |
Exertion: Pugilist entering the ring
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
21st degree of Aries (20°- 21°) Pushing forward against resistance is entirely necessary if we are to maximize our capacity for life This image of a boxer is of one who has conviction in their powers of accomplishment, and vigorously exhibits a concentrated attempt at self-determination. Success supports the expansion of further confidence, until eventually we let go of the need to achieve goals – yet up to then we will be drawn to test ourselves. We seek the triumph of victory. No significant difference separates the strength of self-knowledge and the power of self-confidence because a person who knows their strengths and admits their weaknesses stands strong. It is understood that such confidence is enhanced by the supportive attention of others, in their role as an audience, enjoyably observing such a complete and compelling revelation of full exertion. There is a need to guard against a surly inclination to offer blind rebellion against those who would try to limit our manifestation of ability and force. Such defiant behavior will inevitably lead to a squandering of resources on things of little or no true value. However, much is to be gained by a courageous, energetic, up-and-at-it approach to dealing with the business of life, revealed best in combat. We can speak metaphorically of the fighter – but really the battle is first internal. It shows in the world at large as conflict – and it supports our yearning to grow strong. We seek it. Raw experience is the grit that promotes such self-realization. There is never any shying away from an ardent mobilization of capacities. Pushing forward against resistance is necessary if we are to maximize capability, so antagonists have a cooperative influence. Competition and conflict are not to be seen as negative forces. We can’t improve who and what we are without coming up against others who test us. We are tested in many ways – strength, commitment, ability and courage – and this does more than measure us; it develops us. Without them, we cannot move to fulfilment of potential. There are situations where it is not useful to pull punches, since we need to punch through to a new level of self. Whether this disturbs others is not our concern; they must look to their own strengths to deal with their own experiences; sensitivity to the needs of others is not stressed at all. The likelihood is very small that we will allow any empathy to diminish the chances of success in achieving goals. Without conflict we cannot awaken the resources with which we deal with conflict – courage, concentration, resistance, a willingness to take risks and cope with friction, uncertainty and antagonism. We put aside all other concerns and focus on one thing – wholeheartedly dedicating ourselves to ourselves. We only improve our game by competing with a stronger opponent. To push further and develop potentialities, we are willing to risk the fruits of previous attainment without caution or fear of loss. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. |
Prospect: Gate to the garden of desire
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
22nd degree of Aries (21°- 22°) Vitality is made known by its appetite for new experiences I am. I exist. I am alive. Beingness itself is the first and most mysterious truth. It is self-evident and incontrovertible – nothing can deny existence – and it is evidenced by desire. As desire opens up more prospects of self-disclosure, it rewards itself with a deepening of faith – and the affirmation of optimism. Curiosity and the need for adventure are longings that pull us all into undiscovered regions of potential. In this way all new impulses are given form, as the twigs and branches that give greater and richer diversity to shape the metaphorical tree of life. Free will allows us to choose hardship, or to choose the fruits of our heart’s desire. When we strike out to fulfil our hopes, then the universe aligns, and delivers – for those strong in faith. Similarly, personality is shaped as we seek reassurance that our aims have value and are appreciated – that they serve to beautify life. The process is continuous, a reflection of the universal pattern of twigs and branches – thus do ideals become real, embodied in us and expressed as new facets of an evolving persona. Pursuit of self-fulfilment is directed with courageous enthusiasm towards new frontiers. Rivers are there to ford, mountains to climb. The overcoming of obstacles is welcomed as the only route to development. A pioneer is involved with stepping bravely where no-one has been before, gaining the advantages of being first. Arrival is not attractive as a final destination; it is simply a resting place. Fulfilment of visions would only offer evidence of the poverty of imagination, which has no truth here. We are at the gate of the secret garden, the celebration of all desire. The prospect is abundance; a bounty that reveals itself to be beyond the reach of appetite for a normal person. Yet there is work to do! Fruit does not jump off the branch into the mouth, and fantasies are ten-a-penny without effort to realize them. Time spent a-dreaming has to be measured against time spent a-doing. Imaginings are powerful, creative urges that bind subtle feelings into substantial images. For dreams to come true these images have to become thought and deeds – and that requires effort. Most people are caught up in the struggle for survival, yet others always enjoy the choicest fruits, the deepest relationships, the most exciting adventures. How do they do it? They celebrate life itself, with joyful, optimistic expectation that the superabundance of goodness promised in the Garden of Eden is theirs for the asking. A sense of the eternal comes through the heart as naive optimism, the conceit of youth, which is as blessed as it is charmed. This arrogance sees an unlimited future of desires fulfilled, only then to be replaced by new desire newly fulfilled – in a never ending tropical garden constantly and simultaneously in fruit, in flower, and in bud. |
Reticence: Woman in pastel carrying heavy veiled load |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
23rd degree of Aries (22°- 23°) Vitality does not find its exaltation in petty things A modest woman, with her own burdens, is somewhat disinclined to open up. We consider here the basic importance of anchoring ourselves inwardly. In order to attend to our own issues we must somehow cut ourselves off and establish a wall against intrusion. This can be done elegantly and without giving offence by veiling ourselves, and being cautious about opening up to untested areas of activity. We can afford to understate our aims while we establish the worth of engagement. In fact, our very vitality and personal integrity will often depend upon such an approach. Each of us can, when optimum resourcefulness is at hand, reach up to a state of personal brilliance. There are various elements that need to be in correct relationship for this to occur, and we have to give them our fullest attention. Our sense of self needs to centre on these elements, and not so much on externals. We must not engage too much in trivia if we are to remain true; since the hidden truth is that actually we each have the capacity for genius. Becoming bogged down in pettifogging niceties will certainly erode this capacity. It is best to avoid situations where there is pressure to conform to low standards of interaction. It behoves us to defend ourselves against the insidious vampirism of those people who drag us down to their level of mediocrity. External events are mostly transient distractions, since we lack true involvement. Any experience of enduring value is established only to the extent that we take personal responsibility for its outcome. It is easier to say no than goodbye, so it is usually better to resist new involvement than abruptly curtail what has already begun. We do not want to disappoint another; it could lead to resentment and perhaps attack. Such an attitude – where we concern ourselves deeply with what is our business, and shy away from what is not – leads towards an unimpeachable integrity of character. It also promotes a great fullness of life, not only for us, but also as a significant and proper contribution to the community. This is because we successfully engage with what we are doing, with not much wastage of effort. We may need honestly to identify any disinclination to engage with the community at large on fair terms – and to check that we are not taking more than we are giving. Eventually this would bring distress. It becomes clear that most interactions are inconsequential, that the superficial variances between people are unimportant and that, if we are not careful, we can easily waste too much time and energy dealing with things of no ultimate worth. A certain reticence to become involved with such trivial matters may therefore be particularly helpful whenever we have heavy loads to carry. |
Munificence: Open window; net curtain blowing into a cornucopia |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
24th degree of Aries (23°- 24°) Personal attainment is evidenced by the spiritual state of abundance Symbolically, the open window is inviting; the prevailing breeze is unseen, yet points towards the horn of plenty. From this it is understood that, for those ready to respond, subtle guidance must not be ignored if we are to ‘seize the day’. In Sufism, the mystery of the Earth plane is seen to be abundance. The perception of oneself as poor is false – either a false interpretation or a false strategy of mind. A Sufi sheikh instructs a student who is travelling to a strange town –“Seek out the luckiest person you can find”. The student is perplexed. “What is called luck is one of the outward indicators of a spiritually advanced person”, explains the teacher. In a real sense, luck is a spiritual principle. When we have learned well what to do and how to be, then we attract good fortune. It has a lot to do with sharing. The wise have learned to embody the spiritual principle of open-handedness – as an example of the Golden Rule. This rule teaches us to be to others the way we want them to be towards us. What we give out, we get back – so being generous attracts generosity. The unconscious aspect of mind interprets our generosity as evidence that we are well-off, and therefore leads us to expect to receive good fortune. This expectation is self-validating. Therefore personal attainment is evidenced by abundance. This need not be financial or material – it is a state of being, felt as the absence of want. A strong, clear ego brings confidence because we are being true to ourselves. Such confidence brings good luck because abundance is the natural condition of an aligned being. So there is an alignment with all parts of our being; we have found our natural authentic state. Therefore this degree shows an irrepressible gift for capturing the richer rewards of life, and sharing them generously with others. Human and cosmic truths are interactive – each reflecting the other – and here we see that the cosmic truth of abundance is matched by richness in the material world. Also, we remember to be grateful and avoid the smugness of those who vainly dispense favours as though their bounty is an aspect of self-love, rather than cosmic love. At the level of self-development, we are shown, by our good fortune, that uninhibited enthusiasm is a spiritual practice, which gives evidence to the wisdom of mutual prodigality. Giving and receiving with an open hand, we become more and more certain that abundance grows if it flows. |
Sensibility: A double promise
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
25th degree of Aries (24°- 25°) We get what we want, or we will come to want what we get Whenever we fully access the information made available to us through our senses, and feel into the implications, then we experience greater sensibility. Resourcefulness is the result. Since few people are able to do this, one who does gains an edge. Misuse of this ability is a compromise of personal integrity – chicanery is better avoided. Whenever we are thwarted, we have the ability to find alternative options. Some of these will have equal or even greater value to us. Noticing this allows us to grow in trust that everything always turns out well in the end. The double promise is that we get what we want, or we will come to want what we get. There is skill in learning when to move from the first to the second. Looking beneath the surface of this life-affirming idea, we may see how it readily applies itself to the process of optimising cooperative endeavours. Cooperation often asks us to moderate or put aside our own track of activity. With the full confidence that the unexpected always eventually leads us true, we have no difficulty bending a little. We gain the ability to turn all of our negative ideas and feelings around, confident that better things are coming. Everything can be seen as pertinent – to test and train us – to assist our process of learning how to measure our own needs against those of others, and seek equality rather than advantage. That we can gain advantage is a false concept. What suits our long-term wellbeing best is to live in balance; advantage disturbs that balance, and might lead to a distorted perception of self as having greater importance than another. Having reached a high degree of satisfaction with the way we are, we seek less and less to externalize our conflicts. We deal inwardly with the ever-present dualities. It is still extremely helpful to engage with others whose life-view differs radically from our own, but now we seek cooperation rather than competition. Everything needs to find its balance, and this is more explicitly enacted in cooperative endeavour than elsewhere. So we can learn how to find it within ourselves from finding this balance with others. The optimist would see set-backs as clear symbols of a better situation approaching, and begin to look out for this newly-expected good fortune. Of course, this expectation speeds up the process and attracts evidence of its realization. |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
26th degree of Aries (25°- 26°) 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 confuse, because priorities are more difficult to establish, so it is constructive 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 adamant independence. The skills and knowledge to support this drive are found in social contact. Energy expended making connections is well rewarded, giving rise to a great personal capacity for public 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 underwrite 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. Let’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, and this comes through developing the qualities that give rise to our abilities, rather than just the abilities themselves – for example virtues such as sensitivity, compassion and truth, which will bubble up in all our relationships whether or not we perfect proficiency as 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?’ |
Reformulation: Lost opportunity regained in the imagination |
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
27th degree of Aries (26°- 27°) We constantly re-create our lives and characteristics out of our imagination Life is a game of snakes-and-ladders, and the successful have found a way not only to avoid certain of the snakes, but also to limit the reach of their downward thrust. Without making mistakes, we make nothing. To deal with setbacks, to optimize our gains and minimize our losses, it is expedient to put some safeguards in place. This is done by setting a foundation table, below which we simply can never fall. This baseline is probably best expressed as qualities – truth, justice, non-violence and self-control for example. At core, we are immortal beings, whose essential purpose is to recreate inner characteristics as our outer identity. This is like a river, ever-changing yet seemingly constant; it reformulates itself in every moment. Of key importance is the ability to take effective command of ourselves and find ways to be more than a pawn buffeted around by external superficial situations. Life usually isn’t smooth for very long. Every step we take is met by resistance, and big steps meet big resistance. The youthful fool runs helter-skelter into any mountainous challenge, showing their skills and celebrating their exuberance of energy. Not everyone learns from their mistakes, some seem to re-enact their faults as though caught in a treadmill. The more astute person will establish a base-camp before moving forward, and firmly claim and establish new territory before setting off to higher goals. Using creative imagination to find new opportunities, the wise become authors of their own destiny. They work according to well-defined plans and principles – the fruits harvested from their earlier exuberance. We are directed to greater accomplishments in response to our particular desire-nature. The formula of our life-plan is always a work-in-progress, and we need continually to reformulate strategies if we are to do better than we did. This is the key to mastery. Otherwise the frequent disappointments, frustrations and false starts will simply lead to defeatism and self-pity as a retreat from reality. Not every bit of the energy invested in consolidation is always well-spent – but over a period of time it usually is; anyway it’s insurance, so part of its value is to bestow peace of mind. |
Disjunction: A large disappointed audience
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
28th degree of Aries (27°- 28°) The hardest lesson we eventually have to learn is detachment Self-identification rests not in shallow demonstrations of acceptance from others, but securely in our own sense of how we creatively deal with life’s challenges and opportunities. The superficial rewards that are offered in life are transient. Only that which is basic, stable and true will endure. There is little value in pursuing popularity by triggering or responding to fleeting moods of the masses. The audience’s disappointment speaks of their expectations rather than the real worth of the celebrity they target. In order to be free of the seductive pull of popularity, we need to be willing to create disjunction from that which does not offer us lasting value. It is meaningful for a child to copy parents, and students to follow teachers, yet this process is introductory. The enlightened adult needs no parenting. Any attempts, by priests, officials, family and friends, to influence the opinion and behaviour of a mature adult have to be carefully examined. The individual must become indifferent to persuasive rhetoric if they are free to be authentic. This concept is taught in Buddhism, as the enlightened principle of detachment. Finding our true spiritual path, we learn to cater to nothing external, except to demonstrate preferences. How people respond emotionally to us should not be the major factor when we choose what to do. There is a much more important set of criteria by which to live. This surely has to do with expressing our unique take on life, and the deepest, soul-level motivations that we feel. Others’ feelings can pull us into their world of resentment, prejudice, depression and untruth. This needs to be firmly refuted. We must set boundaries against their cynicism, and disregard how our controversial approach is received; then we are protecting ourselves from its demoralising influence. We need to be involved with others, since we learn from their teachings and we have both a stage for our self-proclamation and a source of grit to stimulate our growth. However, it is helpful to become self-reflective. Since we cannot depend upon applause eventually our immature attention needs would probably lead to disappointment and disillusionment. This appropriately supports the development of our own unique set of values. Otherwise, unconsciously we surrender our true self into the defeats and frustrations of others, and the risk is strong of becoming identified with failure and losing our sacred optimism. |
Veneration: A celestial choir singing
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
29th degree of Aries (28°- 29°) Having faith in the meaning of life, we articulate it through devotion It is said of the cherubim that throughout eternity their sole purpose and activity is to praise God through music and song. Within us, we experience the cosmic overtones of this vibration as spirituality – or at least the foundation of spirituality – and this is made known by our attempts to project spiritual curiosity into daily life. Then we can transform the fear-based distortions, such as self-deception, flattery and fantasy, into more useful expressions such as self-examination, appreciation and imagination. Whatever we bring to the table adds to the feast whenever we tune in to what Sufis call the ‘music of the spheres.’ All personal powers and skills can be harnessed legitimately for purposes of self-projection without fear or embarrassment. Combining two things, power and beauty, we create the world we choose to inhabit. Each of us is an immortal being, an instrument for enduring visions, and our aspirations hallow the world – our hopes are prayers. Veneration is a subtle form of articulation. What are being expressed articulately are eternal realities. Bringing them into the world requires both the power to act in the world and the mystical knowledge of how to infuse ourselves with beauty. To be competent in the world of phenomena, we must become competent also – and perhaps first – in the unseen realms. That realm of the psyche that is approached through spiritual practice is largely unknown, and not quantifiable. Materialists therefore distain it, and often deny its existence willy-nilly, without examining the super-abundant evidence that points to such a realm. Something truly unexpected occurs when we put aside our conditioning, and give praise. There is great power in the voice to actualize our thoughts – hence the importance of cleansing ourselves of cynical conversations. When we speak the name of God, with a tone of beauty and awe, then we invoke divine presence. We therefore invite into our bodies the associated qualities and awareness – of divinity, beauty and wonder. Few people are willing to raise their unrestrained voices in praise, yet there is a dimensional difference between feeling devotional and expressing that feeling. Something magical happens when we train the voice to express the highest aspirations we can reach – whether or not that is seen as spiritual. Negativity is healed so that we begin to express optimism more readily than cynicism; the result of this healing is seen in our lives as improved good fortune, and a better attitude to difficult situations. Prayer has become habitual, empty or avoided by so many, yet the sincere seeker comes to understand the esoteric significance of this practice – that devotion beautifies the personality, that prayer is fundamentally human and self-empowering, and that we are psychologically healthier when we engage fully with it. |
Reliability: A duck pond and its brood
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
30th degree of Aries (29°- 30°) When we trust in the cosmic order, then everything falls into place The image is of a very ordinary event: animals finding an environment in which to raise young. Yet a person is born to greater things. Of course we need to become a reliable agency of natural processes like nesting, breeding and feeding, but any tendency to accept such a life as meaningful is evidence of complacency, and is wastage of human potential. Humans are said to be part angel, part animal. The angelic connects us to the Absolute, whereas the animal nature teaches us about fight, flight, food and sex. Competence in a human must surely then have to do with finding a workable balance that acknowledges both parts of our make-up. We learn how to establish our own world according to our unique needs and preferences, and mostly this is done automatically and without much self-reflection. Yet the inner self would gain much from understanding why these preferred qualities exist, because it is qualities rather than events that speak of the soul’s purposes. All things are fit for purpose, yet we ourselves have a lot to do before we discover what that purpose is. Where do we fit? We need to push ourselves into life with a specific, albeit tentative, intention, and the responses we get will only be smooth, and positive, if we align with our deepest goals. If life’s feedback shows a lack of fitness then we can try something else. We trust that there exists a cosmic order, even if we may not yet grasp its fullest mystery, and that we have our own special place in it. Our life task is to find it. To function optimally within the cosmic order, we need to trust in our own inner aptitude and align with it. Rather than seek it through an arduous process of analysis and strain, we can just sink into it by simply being true to ourselves in every moment. This is highly satisfying, and very empowering. The vast majority of people struggle to find even the same level of worldly competence as animals. We seek to acquire home, job, partner and kids – and we need to understand that these pursuits are all animal functions. Anyone who has managed this is already quite rare. But what of the angelic dimension? If the function of angels is to awaken in us some resonance with the Divine, then we presumably need to awaken divine qualities in order to become a competent human being. These are universally acknowledged – such things as love, creativity, truth and joy – and we each have our own special mix of them. We learn that by surrendering to something greater than ourselves, our own mix of these divine qualities brings us happiness. |
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