Sabian Symbols: Rock formations at the edge of a precipice

Rock formations at the edge of a precipice

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

Leo 5 (4° - 5°)

GEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Compared to Nature's scope in space and time, we are puny and momentary; we are encouraged to reconsider self-importance
"Seeing things in the larger context"

Any sense we may have that we are powerful and special, though often helpful in our process of self-evolution, must be put into the context of what unfolds in geological time - the works of Nature. However young and vibrant we may feel within our own small world, we are insignificant within that greater, ageless expression of creative possibility.
 
Rudhyar:
ROCK FORMATIONS TOWER OVER A DEEP CANYON

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​Rock formations tower over a deep canyon

Endurance

To further our character we must come to terms with danger

Personality only achieves the rock formation of its enduring stability at the precipice of the risks it is willing to take. The very contours, that define who and what we are, are shaped by the prevailing forces of uncertainty in life.

We expand our reach only by taking on new experiences and their associated risks. There is something inherent in danger that opens up new perspectives of awareness within us, which in turn sponsor further creativity and enjoyment. Safety isn’t much fun – do we really want it that much?

Each innocent and pleasurable encounter leads to something else – and events pyramid in their many ramifications to a crunch point and final outcome. These are the waves of life – we approach comfort and joy, become embroiled in crisis, gain satisfaction from resolution, and then there emerges yet another new opportunity for the enjoyment we gain from our involvements.

Reality is constructed in such a way that we are always eventually required to deal with something significant and life-threatening. We are occasionally forced to decide and act upon matters immediate and important.

In fact, it is the very nature of things that every single shift in orientation will, in time, become another crossroads demanding further self-definition.

Inevitably, to sustain ourselves in our very individuality requires that we respond unendingly to challenges that menace our comfortable enjoyment. This puts in doubt any strategy of seeking contentment and permanence as a life path.

There is no life trajectory without difficulty – nor would we really want one. Our ultimate aplomb and competency depend entirely upon overcoming trials and hazard, so we learn to withstand and, at least to a degree, to anticipate, resistance and attack.

​Rock formations at the edge of a precipice

Advanced Level: Elven Star Analysis

​Although we can find relevance in some way to all 360 degrees, each degree resonates particularly, and mysteriously, with the 6 other points of its Elven Star and clues, from the 7 Words System, and the Sabian Journey, are shown in the text below. This fifth degree of the Expression "Self-Confidence" is the Progression principle.

The scope of Leo 5 is "Seeing things in the larger context", and its means of expansion is Capricorn 9, "Being in tune with love, harmony and beauty". Its preferred path, Gemini 13, "Aspiration and inspiration", leads to its principle challenge, found in Scorpio 17, "Complete self-determination".

Awareness of its spiritual purpose is described in Aries 22, "Optimism, synergy, sharing and abundance as life principles", which generates the feedback found in Virgo 26, "Studying humility as a spiritual practice" and thus the evolutionary gateway offered by Aquarius 30, "Envision the universe as a point of radiant light". 

​(This list will differ slightly from your Elven Star points unless your degree is exact, such as Taurus 15:00 not Taurus 15:39)

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