Sabian Symbols: Seagulls watching a ship
Seagulls watching a ship
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Sagittarius 16 (15° - 16°)TRUSTING THE SURVIVAL INSTINCT
It requires clarity and self-discipline to resist the temptation to become habituated to comforts and forget natural instincts "Mastery of alertness" The wildness within us, which maintains our relationship with the freedom and spontaneity of Nature, can easily be forfeited. The fruits of human endeavour are comfort and security above all else – we do whatever we can to mitigate the risk of danger, hunger and cold. Yet the certainty is that we will become somewhat dependent, perhaps totally dependent both physically and psychologically, on those comforts – and lose our edge. People on a spiritual quest often put themselves into harm’s way intentionally so to keep alive certain of their instincts, which otherwise would atrophy.
Rudhyar: SEAGULLS FLY AROUND A SHIP IN EXPECTATION OF FOOD |
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Seagulls fly around a ship in expectation of food
Alertness
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Spirit is ever alert to fulfil its desire nature
The gulls following a fishing trawler know well enough that their survival depends upon observation and competition. This is also true for us humans. It is true to say that we do not have to grasp every single fish we are offered – because there is also give-and-take in life, and what we lose on the swings, we gain on the roundabout. Yet there are opportunities all around us, and we are required by our uncertainty of survival to develop the gift of receiving them. This is best seen as a twofold process – first see, then take. This image is of alertness. There is a very definite process by which sensory data comes at last to enter consciousness. The object of our opportunity is there – but do we see it? We may see it – but do we notice it? We may notice it – but do we act? Alertness is a state of consciousness that has both yin and yang aspects – first see, then take. Spirit is neither modest nor fearful – its essential purpose is to fulfil its desire nature. It demands its full share in the privileges and rewards of human society. This runs contrary to the non-stop pressure to conform and accept that typifies our public surroundings, within which we are constrained to adopt social constraints that forbid us full expression of our urges – such as laws, conventions, traditions, morality and religious practices. Our personal interests are served only as we maintain unceasing vigilance on our own behalf. No one else holds us first in their hierarchy of importance – and society has no respect for our personal characteristic desires at all. Whatever we fail to claim definitely for our own purposes, to fulfil our own desires, is thereby surrendered promptly to the devices of someone else, or lost entirely. |
Seagulls watching a ship
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Commentary by Richard Grey
Developing the abilities to notice and receive, to do and take what we need - which otherwise will be lost. N - seagulls | self-discipline | abundance (of opportunity), danger of dependency and conformity to social norms, being wild & powerful H - alertness | observation (watching - a ship) | sensory data | unceasing vigilance T - the gift of receiving (seeing and taking),what do I want? G - the act of receiving/taking it if it's available/offered; grasping opportunity P - expectation of needs being met (food) | cooperation (give and take) S - response-ability to danger & comfort; developing authority to do & take what we need, it's not OK to dominate Nature (our own or Nature itself) Y - accepting I have needs and desires |
