Jan, your concluding thought leaves me with a question: "a fierce battle that seeks to restore balanced creativity, understanding, stability, realism, objectivity, and responsibility in society and individuals"
Clearly the unrest is palpable here on earth. How or when will we know where this battle is meant to take us? Or is that for each of us, as individuals, to decide?
Hi Elizabeth, I generally view individuals as microcosms of the macrocosm. It feels inevitable that the tensions present themselves on all levels, in us, in our societies and in the invisible realms. How and when a person might or should engage depends on many things. Individuals travel a path based on their own unique make up and calling. I do think that when each individual takes seriously the work of restoring that which has become distorted or out of balance within themselves the effect is far reaching. A long look into our own shadow material would be a place to start and of course each person must do that individually or perhaps with the guidance of a spiritual director, therapist, coach or soul friend. I say this because all true and lasting change in a society happens when the movement towards change arises organically within individuals and far less so when it is manufactured by power structures. This was a great question that really made me think! Thank you.
So appreciative of your reply, Jan. I could not agree more that meaningful and lasting change originates from shifts in individual beliefs. I don't know that we can see it as it's happening (other than when the effects are meant to just be personal) but we experience it after the fact. Considered from another vantage point, this supports what I want to believe (isn't that the way our minds love to work?!): That we are best served by focusing on how to change our own behaviors rather than on trying to change others'. I had to google this verse. I'm too far removed from my days of biblical attention, but this is the concept, I think, yes? "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)."
That's been such a fantastic read, so many new details. I haven't read anything on the topic of Eclipses, just used my own basic understanding of astrology to find out the main themes. But this exploration has definitely enriched my world. Thank you, Jan!
Hi Nika, This eclipse season is a big one! Glad this post provided additional insight and information for you. Part Two comes out on Thursday 3/28 focusing on the Total Solar Eclipse look for it in your inbox.
I really enjoyed reading your explanation, thank you. I have to say, as a full time Tarot reader, I have noticed a lot of delay recently and things coming to a head in the 1st half of April! All make sense to the transitional space a lot of people seem to be inhabiting just at the moment, waiting for significant change. Death seems to be making a regular appearance in readings, to me dramatic change, a major crossroad and leaving the past behind and entering into a new and better place (birth and renewal) and or at least getting some clarity, one way or another, of where you are headed at last. I always find it interesting that if Death is in a reading the Sun card is often in the same relationship in the reading as in the card! Sometimes replaced by the Ace of Coins which is a replica of the Sun anyway. To me this is comforting as it shows that no matter how bad things maybe good things are to come out of the change. While one has to deal with pain and loss I am always amazed at how some readers prefer doom and gloom rather than seeing the positive change can bring.
Hi Anthony, The Ace of Pentacles being a mirror of the Sun is a very interesting observation. I concur that Death and The Sun appearing together is a powerful indication of renewal/rebirth. When I read for myself or others I am always very intentional about checking my own natural biases at the door and I endeavor to simply read the cards exactly as they are. Being neither and optimist or a pessimist but rather a realist makes that possible. Sometimes the cards do indicate "doom" but you are right in knowing that there is plenty of nuance in every reading and what may superficially appear negative actually holds the seeds of positive possibilities. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share your insights, much appreciated.
I Absolutely concur about shedding one's own feelings and attitudes. Being Neutral is so important. A Reading is about preparing people for events, good or bad, forewarned is for armed! A disappointment is often an opportunity to let go and move on positively. A release from that which has held you back.
I try! Being a Virgo I tend to be down to earth but my rising Libra lets me look on the more optimistic side of things and I can't help being an incurable romantic! Ha ha!
Jan, your concluding thought leaves me with a question: "a fierce battle that seeks to restore balanced creativity, understanding, stability, realism, objectivity, and responsibility in society and individuals"
Clearly the unrest is palpable here on earth. How or when will we know where this battle is meant to take us? Or is that for each of us, as individuals, to decide?
Hi Elizabeth, I generally view individuals as microcosms of the macrocosm. It feels inevitable that the tensions present themselves on all levels, in us, in our societies and in the invisible realms. How and when a person might or should engage depends on many things. Individuals travel a path based on their own unique make up and calling. I do think that when each individual takes seriously the work of restoring that which has become distorted or out of balance within themselves the effect is far reaching. A long look into our own shadow material would be a place to start and of course each person must do that individually or perhaps with the guidance of a spiritual director, therapist, coach or soul friend. I say this because all true and lasting change in a society happens when the movement towards change arises organically within individuals and far less so when it is manufactured by power structures. This was a great question that really made me think! Thank you.
So appreciative of your reply, Jan. I could not agree more that meaningful and lasting change originates from shifts in individual beliefs. I don't know that we can see it as it's happening (other than when the effects are meant to just be personal) but we experience it after the fact. Considered from another vantage point, this supports what I want to believe (isn't that the way our minds love to work?!): That we are best served by focusing on how to change our own behaviors rather than on trying to change others'. I had to google this verse. I'm too far removed from my days of biblical attention, but this is the concept, I think, yes? "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)."
That's been such a fantastic read, so many new details. I haven't read anything on the topic of Eclipses, just used my own basic understanding of astrology to find out the main themes. But this exploration has definitely enriched my world. Thank you, Jan!
Hi Nika, This eclipse season is a big one! Glad this post provided additional insight and information for you. Part Two comes out on Thursday 3/28 focusing on the Total Solar Eclipse look for it in your inbox.
I really enjoyed reading your explanation, thank you. I have to say, as a full time Tarot reader, I have noticed a lot of delay recently and things coming to a head in the 1st half of April! All make sense to the transitional space a lot of people seem to be inhabiting just at the moment, waiting for significant change. Death seems to be making a regular appearance in readings, to me dramatic change, a major crossroad and leaving the past behind and entering into a new and better place (birth and renewal) and or at least getting some clarity, one way or another, of where you are headed at last. I always find it interesting that if Death is in a reading the Sun card is often in the same relationship in the reading as in the card! Sometimes replaced by the Ace of Coins which is a replica of the Sun anyway. To me this is comforting as it shows that no matter how bad things maybe good things are to come out of the change. While one has to deal with pain and loss I am always amazed at how some readers prefer doom and gloom rather than seeing the positive change can bring.
Hi Anthony, The Ace of Pentacles being a mirror of the Sun is a very interesting observation. I concur that Death and The Sun appearing together is a powerful indication of renewal/rebirth. When I read for myself or others I am always very intentional about checking my own natural biases at the door and I endeavor to simply read the cards exactly as they are. Being neither and optimist or a pessimist but rather a realist makes that possible. Sometimes the cards do indicate "doom" but you are right in knowing that there is plenty of nuance in every reading and what may superficially appear negative actually holds the seeds of positive possibilities. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share your insights, much appreciated.
I Absolutely concur about shedding one's own feelings and attitudes. Being Neutral is so important. A Reading is about preparing people for events, good or bad, forewarned is for armed! A disappointment is often an opportunity to let go and move on positively. A release from that which has held you back.
As someone who leans into optimism, I really appreciate this outlook, Anthony!
I try! Being a Virgo I tend to be down to earth but my rising Libra lets me look on the more optimistic side of things and I can't help being an incurable romantic! Ha ha!