Large white cross upraised

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

2nd degree of Virgo (1° - 2°)

GROWTH THROUGH SUFFERING
As they say: no pain no gain

Although a certain degree of understanding comes from the mental process of analysis there needs to be real challenge to the level of ordeal if we are to deepen our knowledge. The sense of forced surrender of self is as painful as crucifixion emotionally and yet is an entirely necessary step in liberation.

Rudhyar:
A LARGE WHITE CROSS DOMINATES THE LANDSCAPE

A large white cross dominates the landscape

Glorification

Who is true, offers uncompromising testimony to their deepest allegiances

At school, at work and with our family and friends, there is real pressure on us to go along with things. The flow of collective behaviour has a current as strong as a river, and we are destined to be carried along with it unless we exercise moral courage, and restrict any involvement in mindless conformity. This courage is the dynamic of our rising up.

Often the first examination as to our courage of self-expression has to do with religion and cultural ethics; sadly most people are quickly and completely seduced by dogma and doctrine. The orators and priests rarely explain with reason – they tend to persuade using specious argument and emotion.

However, by our very existence, each of us is spokesperson for a set of values – for which we are placed in a position of stewardship. It is our sacred duty to take good care of our system of belief and morality as though it were a child.

This is done by staying true, and offering uncompromising testimony to our deepest allegiances. If we believe in rationality, then our code must be rational – and we must challenge whatever is not logical. If we believe in love, we must challenge what is not loving. It is our fearless straightforwardness that acts as a corrective to maladjusted aspects in other individuals and society in general.

Glorification of Christ in the raising of His symbol is an example of this. Whether or not we ourselves are Christian, we still can nevertheless see that this process raises the aspiration of its participants, above the commonplace and mediocre, to a transcendent level of hope.

The original symbolism becomes changed over the years. The cross was added at a later stage in Christian imagery – other symbols for Christ have been the lamb, the unicorn, the pelican and the fish – but the raising up stays clear and obvious. People glorify by raising things up.

We can reject the cross, even Christ, but can we really reject the raising up of sacredness and the hope in furthering the spread of goodness? We cannot.