Veil Nebula: Wisps of an Exploded Star
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

We’re listening to our instincts today, doing what (we think) comes naturally, so why is everything going cockeyed? The problem is what we’re seeing as instinctual is actually a window into our ‘blind spot’, that area where we just don’t have any perspective on our own take on things, or on our behaviors; the result, then, is that we are choosing and acting in that way we do when we are unaware of the implications and consequences of what we do. Those most embarrassing moments happen when we’re in this groove, the ones that torture us later, because we assess ourselves as having been so naive, so flippant, as having been the only one who didn’t know, in the moment. Today, though, we do have remedies for this–and the first is to absolve yourself from any bad feeling acting from the ‘blind spot’ may have presented.

First, let’s look at the nature of the upsets we may deal with: relationships get down and dirty, seemingly inherently difficult in their essence, and what bothers us is the way they seem to require an element of disempowerment on our part, just to keep the peace. Interactions become a kind of anti-matter power struggle, where the powers exerted can’t be pointed to and named. The thinking today is anti-ambitions; everyone acts like having goals is a selfish thing to do–and yet, we see everyone pursuing their own agenda (oh, there’s a taste of that irony we saw yesterday!) Too, no matter how closely we examine our options, it’s very difficult to discern the right thing, the smart thing, or the wise thing, in all that static.

But, if we’ll make the effort to tune in, Nature supplies the answers, or at least a guideline to help us navigate. We get a measure of reality by assuming the mantle of our own authority, by acting within our ‘natural’ roles (to include those of parent, child, sibling, friend, mate), and by seeing enough worth in ourselves to approach authorities not in a spirit of overlord/ serf, but ready to negotiate something that respects both parties. Could be a tough day, but with the potential to bring significant steps forward, particularly in areas of human relations and Self-regard.

Today’s word image is ice cream. Seems non-controversial, right? A treat for all? No–for those who are lactose intolerant, ice cream is a hellish punishment, so good for a few minutes, and then . . . you know the drill. The image suggests we need to be aware that those things we regard as positive or good may not be so for someone else, for completely legitimate reasons. Keep that in mind today, as you act, react, and interact.

Grin Reaper by Banksy, Photo By Szater – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3408893

We could expect big things from others, not noticing the irony in our unwillingness to do anything on our own. We’re not lazy; we need others, or a larger cause, to spur us forward, and yet we anticipate that the world or the social order should step in and motivate us, pick up the slack, give us something to believe in. We are so mistaken. We suffer from two issues: wonky, fantastical thinking, and erratic perceptions of ourselves that drive repeated sudden shifts in the way we see our role, our sense of identity, and that divert our attention something terrible. We can’t quite see that we are asking for precisely what we’re unable or unwilling to give to the world ourselves. Take my word for it, and free yourself from grumbling resentment at the way you can’t seem to get anything truly satisfying out of anyone–instead look toward your own inventiveness (innovative Self-responsibility), and combine it with the wisest thing you know (centered in security and appreciation of the finer things and/ or basic comforts–or tap the skills). Those together can act as a highly effective guide to bumps and valleys today, if only by giving you a safe place to retreat, or a means of comfort or security.

Georges Seurat ‘Morgenspaziergang’ (Morning Walk), 1885 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is planting a tree, needing to go elsewhere, and finding someone to look after it in your absence. It’s time to move on in some area where you’ve got a young, new, or ‘immature’ project or effort ‘planted’ and growing. This is unexpected, but also right. Hand it off to the next person–or trust that the Universe will provide care, and go forward–the recent New Moon is calling, and it’s showing you a new beginning. Trust that what you planted will survive, even as you start something fresh.

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by Lucien-Victor Guirand De Scevola 1899 {{PD}}

We have a kind of easy equivalency going on that results in greater benefits even than we intend, a sort of sum larger than its parts, as actions and choices highlight originality and uniqueness, and are based on a strong understanding of what we’re working with. A highly positive day, with benefits arising from showing ourselves and our talents (Venus in Leo) directly to others, who are then instrumental in our gaining reward (Jupiter in Libra). Optimism, opportunity, and taking the reins in smart ways (this latter from Pallas parallel Juno) will all pay off. What torpedoes us? Not trusting ourselves to do the right, or the wise, thing.

Today’s word image is the act of someone being scalped. I know! I don’t usually go with a grim image, but this one persisted–I must’ve seen it, read about it, or heard it mentioned almost a dozen times within a week–so I didn’t see how I could overlook it. Let’s view this in symbolic terms. Just above the top of the head is the crown chakra, and the hair represents thought. Does a scalping, then, represent a spiritual trauma meant to radically change thinking? Or is it an aggressive act that removes a protective way of processing the world, exposing us to reality with no barriers, in essence offering spiritual ‘enlightenment’? Was something like this done to you, or are you the perpetrator, trying to ‘wake up’ someone else? Which comes first, the spiritual shift or information, or the change in thinking? Consider your most recent, large-in-effect trauma (a thing you processed as traumatic–it doesn’t have to meet anyone else’s standard for injury); also consider what this offered you in spiritual terms, and how it may have altered thinking or the thought processes. And if you were the individual who caused this for someone else, ask yourself not what the effect was, but rather, what you got out of it.

‘Judgement of Solomon’ Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens c1620 {{PD}}

Is our move to take control of our own lives positive and instinctual, or is it driven by a fear that others will take what power we do have, if they discover what we’ve got buried? That latter alternative sounds a lot more sinister than it really is, and may cause you to brush aside the second possibility (or, if you are compulsively guilty without cause, you may cling to the second potential and deny the first!) Either way, it’s something we need to sort out today, as Venus conjoins that North Node point and beckons with sweets, candy, Love, or a bigger reward, just. on. the. horizon. You know what’s wrong with that? The future never comes, it’s always the present, and that means we could find ourselves pursuing a mirage today, some promised land that in truth can only be accessed this way: by absolutely refusing to be hobbled by our past, by our shames, by displays of temper and pique, and by those matters we’d just rather not think about. Name your poison: that’s the very thing that needs overcoming, in order to reach the prize. Hint: don’t leave the mind in charge; it carries too strong a streak of the impractical to be of real use today.

Arthur Hughes – ‘Sir Galahad and the Quest for the Holy Grail’ 1869 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is: the quest. Is there something you’re constantly seeking, a personal Holy Grail, a goal that propels you forward? Have you had more than one over your lifetime, and do these change periodically, and have you ever attained one? It’s important to know whether we’re heading toward things we want to accomplish or gain, or whether we’re running on fumes, dreaming and naming goals we have no intention of ever reaching (likely as a distraction, or as a way to say, ‘See? I tried.’) How much responsibility do you actually want? All questions we need to explore, even if we don’t come up with an immediate answer.

See my latest on dating during the Saturn Return over at ‘Been There, Done That’, and if you find this blog useful, please consider a donation or purchase in support–I’m offering a couple of new services you can see here. Thank you, and enjoy your Thursday!

By Ilya Repin 1926 {{PD}}

The mind is sharp today–we see opportunity–yet somehow, by our choices or actions, end up undermining ourselves. It’s a crazy kind of energy that promotes unpredictable reactions, erratic behaviors, surprises and revelations–and that finds us putting far too much attention on problems, restrictions, and what we can’t do or have (this latter from the Sun square Saturn, always a downer, though if we can pull ourselves together, we can see the problem and fix it effectively). A few things to remember: don’t compromise values in an attempt to be original or unique; displays of temper are unwise or just plain impractical; thinking of ways to empower yourself is not the same as actually empowering yourself–don’t assume thoughts are the same as deeds; admit when ambitions are the real reason for your choices or actions, rather than dressing them up in what you think are altruistic motives; and being negative guarantees you’ll miss a chance to alter your reality for the positive. Honesty in the broadest sense brings success.

Today’s word image is a glass full of sand. Well that’s no good if we’re thirsty! In what way are you trying to ‘slake your thirst’ with something that just doesn’t cut it? The disconnect comes when we don’t admit our true needs to ourselves. Pinpoint the need, ‘fess up to what will truly quench it, then fulfill the prescription–nothing else will do.

And at the relationship blog–