Sabian Symbols: Many little birds on a limb of a large tree
This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Leo 28 (27° - 28°)TO FOCUS UPON OPPORTUNITY
Provided we function within the scope of our ability to concentrate the attention, our opportunities are numberless "Focusing upon optimal opportunity" No matter how far we advance, life will always throw up challenges and examinations. The realised person is not excused from such tests and struggles, it's just that they have learned from their experiences how to focus the mind and how to affirm optimism without ignoring or denying the issue at hand. Such focusing is the optimal operation of choice - trying to do too much would stop us from doing anything especially well.
Rudhyar: MANY LITTLE BIRDS ON THE LIMB OF A BIG TREE |
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Many little birds on a limb of a large tree
Ramification |
At defining moments in life, we must opt for that which feeds our long-term goals
If we take birds to represent the mental realm of inspiration and ideas, then this image points to the need to limit ourselves by selecting one out of many options. We actually define ourselves by what we reject of the great multiplicity of choices we have. This usually is best done by carefully considering likely ramifications before the implementation of any particular life course. From what is available, we can expand our range of life possibilities, but only as long as we opt for one thing over another. Some people are very open to uncertainty, and can even enjoy a perverse feeling of momentary self-importance when they are confused – this does not lead to anything upon which we can build a contented life. Lesser things become greater; little ideas sometimes grow to become important. The values and principles that structure our lives, and root us into reality like a tree, are the seeds of the future fruits we harvest in our situations. In any moment we stand at the crossroads between one potential future and another. If we are confused, we really must find centre – because our ability to cope in a crisis depends upon this. A crisis is a turning point, and we need to turn in the right direction, opting for the better seed stock. Our destiny unfolds like a river, from a source which at the time is so often seemingly insignificant and completely obscure – meeting a new person or having a new idea for example. This advises us to focus on ideas that have enduring orientation and will feed our long-term goals – things like goodness and beauty – so they, rather than bewilderment, become the basis of our future. We are tested by life as to whether we can hold onto our composure. So much comes at us – whether opportunity or challenge – and we have to maintain poise, or we lose the power to manage, and create our lives how we want them to be. However, if we can capture the mood of a special moment and hold onto it self-confidently with strength and optimism, then we experience the wonderful lightness of being that is available to human spirit not only as the fruits of experience but as the seed too. This is the feeling-quality of our potential for happiness. |
Many little birds on a limb of a large tree
Commentary from Richard Grey
No - what we choose (to reject) Hello - finding focus | concentrating attention | the mental realm | expanding Thanks - values and principles Goodbye - crossroads | coping in a crisis Please - affirming optimism Sorry - carefully considering likely ramifications | composure | poise Yes - special moments |