Sabian Symbols: A quiver filled with arrows
This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Gemini 9 (8° - 9°)MASTERY OVER SELF
Challenges are not simply awkward obstacles, they are tests for us to learn how to focus the mind "Focusing the mind through mastery of self" Earlier it wad found that the need to fight for survival triggered aggressiveness as a normal potential attitude in humanity; now we look at what happens when that attitude goes beyond defense and into attack mode. Conquest. Whether an individual chooses to attempt to conquer Nature, weaker individuals, or their own baser instincts and urges is a prime indicator of their spiritual station.
Rudhyar: A QUIVER FILLED WITH ARROWS |
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A quiver filled with arrows
Preparation |
To realise our potential wealth, we follow the formula: preparation, practice, power
The archer does not want to spend his arrows, and the encumbrance of carrying them is not for the joy of it. Some aspects of our life are for insurance; we are constrained to make preparations, just in case. We have a right to hold our place, and yet we may need to bring to our service the necessary resources and equipment to claim a position against intrusion. In the modern world, it is better to equip ourselves with skills rather than weapons and tools. Within the realm of skills, the mind is sovereign ruler by having a quick intelligence and ready alertness to spot where our best interests lie. Training the mind is a sound investment. Fruits are offered to those who go through the preparation to train and discipline their art to the level of excellence. Material rewards give evidence of the true wealth within – we feel rich when we know how to create abundance through employment of our skills. We may demand what is reasonable to maintain our physical needs. Our right, to exist free from need or attack, extends even to the level of having and enforcing a legitimate requirement upon others – though landowners and other power-possessors will often try to deny us what Nature allows. Yet permission and moral rectitude are by no means always sufficient. Sometimes we need to take what is not offered in order to pursue our quite legitimate intentions. There is danger in this of course. It is not spiritually lawful to bully, nor take more than enough, and enjoy surfeit at the cost of another’s insufficiency. Neither is it proper to press our case in the service of another without their petition. We have a right to defend; we have a right to project. But do we have what it takes to claim those rights? The formula for success in all aspects of life is quite simple and entirely dependable. To realize our potential wealth, we follow the formula: preparation, practice, power. Be not seduced, deceived, overpowered and effectively enslaved by those in positions; be empowered by your appetites and abilities to take what is yours – and do it with a clear conscience. |