One hand slightly flexed with a very prominent thumb

One hand flexed with a prominent thumb

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

13th degree of Cancer (12° - 13°)

EXERCISING WILL
To claim our destiny and fulfil our potential we must act strongly upon the world, which wants to resist us

The quality of will is that which determines the depth and reach of a person and this is also what shapes the character. Nothing much can be achieved by a person of weak will, not even the expression of individuality. If we are to become all we can be, then we need to put aside false pride and reach deep into what is true and real within.

Rudhyar:
A HAND WITH A PROMINENT THUMB IS HELD OUT FOR STUDY

A hand with a prominent thumb is held out for study

Determination

We have to find a place to stand

The thumb symbolises the power of the species to fulfil its determination to dominate its environment. It is the law of Nature that the weak are destroyed; no amount of persuasion about ethics or reasonableness will thwart the power of the powerful. On some important level we have to engage with the struggle between hunter and hunted. Here, practicality is brought to the point of ruthlessness.

It is not helpful to allow this survival urge to degenerate into aggressiveness. Whereas it is completely meaningful to attempt to control all the forces – natural or human – that would otherwise intrude upon our security needs, it is short-sighted and self-defeating to initiate the projection of force beyond our domain.

Having bonded with family and tribe, we are then committed to secure our ability to develop our potentials – for self and community. If we allow ourselves to surrender to the great forces of our environment, this spiritual freedom would be forfeited, perhaps permanently. It is unacceptable from every perspective.

We simply have to find a place to stand in life, where we have confidence that we can deal with whatever threatens us. Trust and naivety have their place in life – but not as base-line fundamentals. In a dangerous world we need to secure ourselves first and foremost.

The push of our species speaks to humanity’s belief in its own supremacy over all orders of Nature. We do not fear other species or capitulate to a stronger force that would attempt our eradication. As distinct from the constant terror of life for Neanderthals, this belief is the foundation characteristic of the modern human, as now our courage is directed more towards adventure than against attack.

Recently the dawning of awareness has emerged that we have taken this too far – that we are not showing sufficient responsibility for the environment and that we are abusing the power we have. With power must always go responsibility – and the steady hand of humanity’s stewardship will begin to tremble and shake until we strike the right balance between Nature and nurture.

Yet we are not the same as other animals, we have a spiritual aspect that bestows upon us the duty of bringing light to earth – and that responsibility must be backed up by authority. With this sense of authority, we claim the right to self-determination, against all forces and environments. Only when we are safe from physical danger, unclenched and relaxed, can we truly open up to Grace.