Sabian Symbols: Holly and mistletoe
Holly and mistletoe
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Gemini 4 (3°- 4°)PRIMITIVE ROOTS
Pagan practices of spirituality resonate with very deep race memories and bind us into the Source of all knowledge "Accessing primitive wisdom" Clarity, explanations, rationality and reasonableness of ego-centred justifications are the concomitants of civilised society and adult norms of acceptable attitudes. Yet beneath the surface we long for something we know is lost or forgotten, something more real, closer to Nature, mysteries of pagan wisdom. Even though these darker forces hint that something dangerous lurks, we are attracted.
Rudhyar: HOLLY AND MISTLETOE REAWAKEN OLD MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS |
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Holly and mistletoe reawaken old memories of Christmas
Ritualisation
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Rituals renew our initiatives
Holly and mistletoe are used decoratively at Christmas to mark the cycle of life, and give greater strength to the binding power of ritual. If we lose sight of our personal freedom of initiative, or lack the will to assert our own unique path, then with these rituals we become supported by society and our close associations. Rituals can relate to the seasons, or daily rhythms, and they need not always be profound or universal; they can be empty of meaning or pregnant with potential – the difference has to do with our approach. Do we expect them to feel supportive, or constraining? Whatever the expectations, we are free to create our own personalities and situations, as well as our own rituals – in fact there is no end to the subtle encouragement we receive from every direction to express ourselves fully and expansively. This is because life is ever accommodating towards those who reach out with a specific course of action. Resources are always there – so too is the stimulus we may need to energize our imagination. There are countless opportunities for us to try out new experiences. Each of them allows us to establish how our inner, subjective world-view can be substantiated with dignity, even within the outer world that is shaped by society and its customs. If we choose to align with society, then its traditions support us; if not then they do not – they test us as to whether our actions and attitudes are worth the price of disapproval. Life throws up new versions of the eternal kaleidoscope – in cyclical manifestations of our range of choices – and, on some level, it is irrelevant which option we take of the many available. By responding quickly to each choice, life can superficially get very rich. Yet it is the inner aspect of experience that bestows meaning. With a vibrant sense of sharing our own special magic, we can participate fully in any and every moment and each event. Through this, we experience perpetual inner self-renewal, and the deepening of meaning. However, it takes a degree of composure and truthful self-awareness, to resist the temptation to indulge an obsession with the superficial. We perhaps need to make sure we are not mistaking fool’s gold for the real thing, for example by enjoying the celebration of seasonal rituals without learning about their source and symbolic purpose. Holly and mistletoe are pagan mysteries not Christian. |
