Santa Claus filling stockings furtively

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

2nd degree of Gemini (1°- 2°)

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS
A childlike openness to the possibility of wonders brings unexpected gifts as though from magical sources

Our barely-perceived touch with the unconscious side of self is matched by the other, super-conscious, side of self, which is accessed by faith, purity and an innocent heart - one that still believes in a benign and generous father figure. As long as we do not look too closely or with any cynicism the spiritual realms offer comfort and blessings without explanations.

Rudhyar:
SANTA CLAUS FURTIVELY FILLING STOCKINGS HANGING IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE

Santa Claus filling furtively filling stockings hanging in front of the fireplace

Prodigality

Appreciation and abundance keep alive a community’s awareness of spiritual values

Santa Claus is a symbol that engenders the feeling of thankfulness with an appropriate blend of family, humour, childlike simplicity and – because of its timing – a touch of sacredness.

Having lived for 2000 years under the auspices of Christian teachings, many Westerners have ambiguity about the relationship between their spiritual and their material aspirations. The natural joy that is felt when taking pleasure from worldly goods can be marred by distorted religious teachings.

Every day there are rewards to be had for no other reason than it suits us individually to enjoy whatever we can. Those who are not poor eat as much for pleasure as for need.

It is very helpful indeed, on a spiritual level, to practice appreciation, because it opens the heart centre, which both generates a warm feeling of love, and attracts abundance. If we forget to do this daily – well then, at least once a year we are reminded.

It is a little sad that the taking of pleasure is so often done furtively. This is seen in other areas such as sexuality and celebration of success, and indicates the power of the dark forces within religion to deny our natural feelings. It can lead to a sense of futility because it sets up an inner contrariness of purpose – where we have desire for something that we believe is disallowed because we were persuaded that it should be.

Christmas may seem too crass to honour Christ. Yet the ritualisation of generosity, of family connectedness and the licence to behave more openly are all worthy – these qualities are not the sublime essence of the teachings of Christ, but they do not contradict them. At least it keeps some of the community’s spiritual values alive.

Also, on another level, the ritual is a powerful programming process to train us from an early age to expect abundance, even prodigality. The expectation of surplus is not only a survival technique but also a profound spiritual teaching. We tend to be materialistic, even possessive, and Christmas brings this attribute of ours to a positive, more conscious expression.