Month: March 2020

We need to be aware that the creative impulse – the power that some call God – is only as interested in us and our chosen way of living to the same extent that we are interested in ourselves: as the truism posits: “God helps those who help themselves” which simply translates – if we choose to live a life of repetition doing the same things while expecting different or improved outcomes – then this delusional approach will engender nothing new, revelatory or evolutionary. It stands to reason doesn’t it – that failure to willingly walk into the unknown – to choose the path less travelled – will result only in the stupefaction of the journeyperson, stymying the journey? If instead we choose bravery – fortune favours the brave – then events can be altered and obstacles thrown onto our path become omen deliberately placed in a bid get our attention – as Jung suggests: “To this day God is the name by which I designate all things which cross my wilful path violently and recklessly, all things which upset my subjective views, plans and intentions and change the course of my life for better or worse.”

Sometimes these ‘obstacles’ are not quite so obvious: the signs and messages might take more subtle form requiring us to be more introspective, to contemplate events from the lateral alongside the literal. It is from this perspective that we need to consider that a Compass it is not only a navigational tool – for giving/pointing direction, it also brings the gift of showing us where we are – within any given point of time and space. This knowing “where we are” first – becomes all important for how can we proceed in a particular/specific direction – setting off for a desired destination, if we have no idea where we are starting from? So before we proceed we need to know a couple of things apart from the aforementioned where am I – we need to initially know “Who am I” and secondarily ‘how did I get here’? As the saying goes: “Those who fail to acknowledge the past are fated to repeat it” so we need to be able to look back to see that we got here via a certain route and as we retrace our steps to find our current location and if we are completely honest with the answering of this question we will see that our thoughts, choices and actions constructed the path to bring us to this point. Although the requirement is to be as close to the NOW as we can when we are attempting to find a way forward (for in truth we are only ever living in the present moment) – it is a good idea to ensure we aren’t simply jogging on the hamster wheel under the illusion that we are moving but not actually making any headway. So in our desire to locate our current location and the centre of the self, better to be (first) still in motion and from this vantage be ready to receive guidance from within this space prior to taking our first new step. In general terms it seems that when we don’t like where we find ourselves we prefer to foist the blame elsewhere claiming to be a victim of circumstance, an innocent bystander. There are of course exceptions to every such generalisation and the glimpse into history will also reveal events that there were indeed ‘things’ that occurred beyond our (conscious) control – things that happened when we were infants for example that had huge bearing and impact upon how we saw/see and respond/ed to the world at large. Some of these events were so injurious to a developing psyche that it did, does and will continue to require effort on our part to integrate such wounding in order to change our Fate: if we want to construct new and better outcomes by co-creating Destiny instead of being sealed to Fate then this conscious choosing becomes the Path, the Quest and the way home.

Fate is defined by online dictionary as: the development of one’s life events which are considered to be outside a person’s control- regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power i.e. the events and the life you have been given are permanent and unchangeable – in essence Fate is our Lot in life.

Destiny is defined as: events that will happen in the future and (again according to Dictionary) outside any (human) intervention strategy or ability to adjust.

With very little discernible difference available from the two definitions: as supplied by online dictionary – it is easy to see why there is a propensity to substitute each (word) for the other and why as direct consequence confusion is rife.

Another (preferred) definition suggests quite the opposite to the above: Destiny is that which you are meant to do (in this life) that can be adjusted by the choices we make and the actions we take. There are no permanent or predestined outcomes.

Why making a distinction between the two words is so relevant and important?

Western society functions by way of subjugation by the Power Elite (and rest assured there is such): i.e. who keep the wheels of industry turning by keeping the masses controlled. Fear of consequence and most notably fear of death are the most effective means of maintaining control. This leads to a life weighed down by “The Sword of Damocles” – don’t rock the boat – where symptoms of anxiety deplete our energy because we either retain our security through: blind compliance – by doing what we are told and against our true nature or we internalise our ‘struggle’ against invisible threats – becoming neurotic and or castrated. The experience of weight and doom is exacerbated: feeling as though our fate is sealed – and that the harder we try to change, i.e. to alter the situation for the better – the worse ‘things’ become. No matter which direction we look or take it all seems bleak and predetermined: caught in quicksand where the more we struggle the quicker we sink! So we start to blame, we become angry and dispirited victims: the Gods are against us we rail, the deck is stacked and marked or worse still – voices from our past convince us “I have sinned” and I am being punished: I am outcast, I am abandoned – I am stuck.

The Task at hand: to change our Fated doom into our fabulous Destiny

How do we proceed, what do we do? How do we ensure our movements are in pursuit of our Destiny and not running in fear of Fate?

Tell me your story – (via my email address below) protected and supported by Temenos – and always remember: this is your story and you will get out of it what you are prepared to put into it.

We first need to realise that this event, this feeling of being stuck – the impasse – contains magik and it can be the Agent for Change! And we can change ‘things’ not by doing – but by sitting still. Sounds simple enough right…… however there is an aspect to our mind that is prone to linger in and on the issues that we think contain the ‘root’ cause of all the ‘things’ gone and going awry. Disruption and imposition that bring discomfort and dis/ease is ‘Natures’ way of inviting us to wake up. So this (ma)lingering needs to be seen for what it is and then re-focused so as to reframe: to do this we first need to Sit Still and be quiet – Dichotomy – impasse – ambiguity – uncertainty: a willingness to live within the grey-ness to seek and find comfort within the nebulous – “My inspiration for today – is to rediscover the colour grey”.

How long do we need to sit still?

We sit long enough to show our commitment to self-include into the process and while we wait we prepare. We call on the Gods; we eat some humble pie and we listen. When it becomes apparent that we are ready the messages arrive with instructions included. We are challenged as we go: each step will again and again require shows of commitment and a willingness to learn the cipher and follow the clues.

We use the language of image, symbols as archetypes because they are incorruptible and belong to the individual’s story whereas words can distract us away from the task at hand and they can be easily misinterpreted.

Sacred Listening

We contact and engage our own innate inner wisdom when we listen to the stillness within and we access and make use of these types of language where the clues and the cipher are dependent upon our life experiences and the ‘way’ that we approach the source. Information gleaned will be subtle, nuanced and specific – to each person where one symbol or archetype can have different meaning for each person. This methodology encourages us to have faith in whatever is revealed ‘knowing’ that it will be relevant to our story and our particular line of inquiry on a very personal level. The Sounding Board role (that’s me) in this process is critical for it is also encompasses the (archetypal roles of) guide, conduit and detective designed to support the journeyperson, prompt and offer ‘ideas’ based upon the notion that involvement is due simply to the synchronous nature of the relationship: I have been ‘invited’ because I have an innate understanding of both process and language: because I too walk the path and do the ‘work’ and I am responsible for bringing the Temenos.

The Wound/Shadow link

We have each of us sustained a Wound – which can be (considered) Fatal in that we are (unconsciously) bound to it until the end of life: in essence this is our Fate.

Or alternately we make a (conscious) decision to work with the Wound – we do our Shadow work and this alters the entire scenario: our Shadow work is our soul work – we are on the path and moving towards our Destiny. This type or depth of work can be daunting: so much so that the vast majority prefer to defer: decry or deny.

So how do we approach and engage with our deepest, darkest fears?

– we bring the light and keep it light.

emmettpeels@bigpond.com

A strategy for alignment with and the proper use of this energetic shift.

After a brief stay in Aries – May of 2018 – Uranus God of the Future made a return to the constellation of Taurus in early March of 2019 to remain there until July of 2025 – short hiatus into Gemini – with a further 6 months into April 2026.

We have each of us incarnated into this body, this place at this time in order to learn our specific lessons and as part of this it is now imperative to have ongoing regular “Contact” with our own organismic body wisdom and the willingness to be totally responsible. It is this choosing of conscious action or instead remain reliant/dependent upon a “priest” – in whatever guise – to tell you what (your) God is saying to you.

Amongst other things the planet Uranus is the harbinger of unexpected change. The old adage “expect the unexpected” is a perfect fit for the energetic influence that arrives with this transit.  The God of change is also in charge of the following:

• Technological advancement: the proper use and integration of
• Progressive Thought and Action via mindful connection to the incoming paradigm shift and awareness of and allegiance to the Zeitgeist: we can no longer revert to dysfunctional old ways of thinking and behaving – a total rethink on things of value: what do we cherish, what is important?
• Health/healing – both personal and planetary is foundational to enable us to cope with the incoming changes. Taurus is the caretaker of Gaia and the decisions made and the ensuing conducting of our affairs needs to be based upon and grounded in the conscious awareness of organismic body wisdom and nil negative impact on our one and only Home. Organics, green solutions, Bio-dynamics, Fungi magik – we need to tend to the garden and care for the other animals with whom we share this space: clever food options may include – vegetarian protein and free-range animal care.
• Disruption (to old and defunct systems and mindsets) via Revolution & Rebellion including ousting old fashioned governments and bureaucracies and
• Addressing the global environmental abuses and Abrupt Climate Change issues.
• Absolute Zero tolerance of all social injustices – care for the homeless, the poverty stricken, the hungry and the refugees.
• The redistribution of resources for the address of any/all economic discrepancies and inequities: yay the wealthy get to give something back!
• Financial practise reforms and the exposure of poor (corporate) practises and
• New ways of banking via the use Cryptocurrencies & Blockchain

Warning: Homo sapiens as the ruling species presiding over all other lifeforms on this turquoise jewel has arrived at what will be seen as the defining point in our evolutionary journey and indeed our very survival. Collectively – when viewed honestly – we as caretaker custodians have done a very poor job. The planet where we live has had enough of the environmental abuses and our mistreatment of the others with whom we share this incredible orb. The incoming Astrological and Astronomical changes will no longer suffer these shenanigans – we either get clever and amend our ways or suffer the consequences soon to be arriving with a (potentially) angry God of Change doing a tag team with the raging bull: let us choose wisely.  Howard Sasportas, in The Twelve Houses, suggests: “Uranus’ house may show where we rashly disrespect the limits of our human-ness presuming we can automatically transcend the restrictions of the physical body or ‘rise above’ the instinctual components of our nature, we commit the sin of hubris and invite punishment to fall on us”.

 In Roman myth Uranus is the Great Awakener – the harbinger of Divine Truth –  Fair warning?

The environment wherein I am living: i.e. privileged first world civilisation has recently changed – (via the influences of a ‘mystery’ virus) and will likely continue to change further. The bulk of those living within this privileged arrangement: where access to the basics has always been assured, want the situation to return to normal ASAP. I am looking forward to ongoing disruptions to what has been the status quo or ‘the norm’ simply because the situation may have supplied security and comfort to the majority but there are many, including the homeless and others on the fringe who need to be considered and cared for. Sitting with uncertainty is good for the soul and learning to surrender the notion that we have control is a necessary aspect of personal growth and the collective evolution. So far as I am concerned there are changes that are needed and it would seem that the only way the humans can be roused – away from the preferred distracted lifestyle is via a good solid dose of shock therapy:  as CG Jung would posit – “The gods have become our diseases” or vice versa – Uranus in Taurus – expect the unexpected and be prepared for those changes to keep coming Woohoo in Wuhan.

Maladroit misanthrope the world’s most effective (but defective) detective suggests that “when looking for a thing – include all the things: objects, places and spaces – in the world or run the risk of not finding the object of your quest because of the limits created from using a smaller search area”. Of course this advice is not to be taken literally – for who could look in every nook? The advice is essential i.e. of essence; it means to keep the mind open and subsequently the search area. To think laterally as well as literally and most importantly to use our Gut instinct, our intuitive skills and allow our mind to meander, to ponder and to reflect. Redemption is both the goal and the act: we are looking to redeem an aspect of the ‘self’ a part of us invisible to the naked ear and one that cannot be known to our left brain thinking. The act of recording/journaling (the details) becomes sacred when we approach the task inclusive of the notion of numinosity. By working with the Gods: i.e. the archetypal (living within the individual and collective unconscious) – we keep the process ‘alive’. And just like when we take up a pen/cil to capture the image from a dream the more nonsensical the better, we keep the faith in the images and symbols to contain and deliver the exact right information: vital and direct from source and we can accept the form without question – it is incorruptible. Our task is to decipher the meaning whilst leaving the symbology and imagery intact with its vibrancy and colour. This is soul work and it is zeitgeist work – the spirits and ghosts are here and now: haunting and willing to assist. We can further our cause, our quest and the search by using the right approach and the correct ‘tools’. Astrology is one such ‘tool’ for it speaks in the same dialect as the language of symbols. And it is here within the deciphering process: using the Astro symbols – that we need to be astute and invite the spirit of Daryl Zero into the process and to become our own agent provocateur, to collaborate and converse with the ghosts and the gods – as Jung would posit “Called or not (Called) your Gods will be there”. We might as well be clever and do the work alongside these Gods.

Let’s use Saturn as an example. Saturn has had a bit of a bum rap over the years, yes he is the Lord of Limits but he is also the bringer of structure. I personally have natal Saturn conjunct my 12^th house Scorpio moon and I felt for a long time as though I have been incarcerated by this configuration. It wasn’t until I surrendered to the situation that my preconceived view of confinement of cloister transformed to become sanctuary and security: where the environment was suddenly supportive of the process to further the quest. Once I ceased the evading and avoiding – that was linked to the limited view – I understood that I could foster my own ‘self’ discipline doing what Liz Greene would call “Crafting of a deep inner authority, where what is difficult is welcomed – in a bid to extract things of value”. I no longer needed to be victim of circumstance, I have instead taken responsibility for ‘my lot’ as extension of the ideal of being co-creator and as extension to this ideal that I chose my set of living arrangements in order to access specific life lessons.

To the general population Astrology is a bit of whimsy – check today’s stars, read our horoscope as we wait for our GP or dentist appointment. This view does of course have an element of truth, but it is not the total definition of what Astrology might be.

Astrology is also a way to see and interpret the human based view of all things existential. It operates on the premise that the universe is alive and conscious: e.g. Chi, Prana, Anima Mundi – which means the entire shebang functions via an intelligent vibration. It also proposes that – we as individual humans – have chosen to incarnate into the specific body within which we reside (in the) Here and Now. And as extension to/and of this vibrating intelligence, we have chosen time, date and place of birth to ensure that we are (always) where we need to be in order to learn the lessons attached to the birth event. Astrology suggests that the planets/celestial bodies within our solar system are each imbued with specific ‘archetypal energies’ (see below for definition of archetypes), that produce, yield patterns – messages that will resonate and correlate to each human’s specific lessons via direct experiential exchange between our living body/psyche, the living intelligent cosmos and the minutiae and events as they play out. In short Astrology is a method for developing insight into the self – to get to “Know Thyself” – and ones latent potential via pattern recognition – the mandala of the cosmos’ spirals, cycles – lessons on offer …………… as above – so below.

Astrology is the using of symbolic language in a bid to communicate and deal with the less visible aspects of the human psyche and the surrounding environmental conditions wherein we are born and reside. Astrology creates and opens a portal – a way into the ‘self’ – which promotes communication and understanding of the life journey, it enables us as observer/participant the means whereby we can see and locate patterns and cycles that contain the potential to supply and promote meaning to the seemingly random events of the everyday. The Birth/Natal chart is essentially the capturing of the pattern of the surrounding heavens – in symbolic form – at the moment we enter this human life. This approach/methodology can illuminate areas from within our psyche that contain the innate capacity to show and bring benefit from life’s lessons as they appear. This means that as we set about (consciously) living our life journey there will be particular life events of significance that will align with or correspond to specific astrological/planetary transits or movement. Astrology is – in its broadest sense: the search for human meaning via observation and interaction between one’s conscious self – the psyche, live events and the extended world in which we reside. It seeks to shed light upon both the general/collective behaviour and the more specific individualised life events that occur (synchronously) via the influence of planets/celestial bodies and us within the confines of 3D planetary living.

Archetypal Correspondence – the language of symbol – according to CG Jung’s definition “An Archetype is an inherited, inherent and ancient aspect of the collective unconscious that is present within the individual psyche that typically presents in symbolic form – is essentially neutral – i.e. without any ascribed meaning – until activated (energised) by wilful movement from the unconscious to the conscious realms”

  The basic principle of astrology infers that the planets contain fundamental, cosmically based connection to specific archetypal forces or principles (captured within the collective unconscious) which influence human existence and behaviours, character and personality and in direct association also suggest that the patterns formed by the planets positions and movement/transits through the heavens will bear meaningful correspondence to the patterns of human affairs on the Earth. In terms of individuals, the positions of the planets at the time, date and place of a person’s birth are regarded as corresponding to the basic archetypal patterns of that person’s life and character. The birth moment – leaving the mother’s womb – taking our first breath that we become archetypally imbued – imprinted and affected by the ‘Gods/archetypes’ to produce specific symbols aligned with specific (karmic) lessons for which we have chosen this particular time and life. The Natal/birth chart can provide for us a vivid portrait of one’s total self and the potentials on offer – its usefulness however will be entirely dependent upon how willing we are to face our true character: i.e. the whole self as revealed in Archetypal form – including the Shadow: parts of the self that may be shunned even disowned due to their difficult, dark or hidden nature/presentation.

 Psychology is only now beginning to acknowledge what the astrologers have known for many years: in our (psychological) struggle to bring back the fragmented, lost pieces of ourselves we are oftentimes propelled into a maelstrom of confusion which can shock and terrify but can also awaken us to potential development the possibility for evolution and healing. Our hero/ine’s journey towards individuation may take many paths and have different guises and forms which will correspond to different astrological cycles/transits throughout the living of our lives. Difficult lessons can arrive through loss which will likely be accompanied by suffering. With the honouring and legitimising of these vital occurrences comes opportunity for healing and evolution whereas failure to honour the suffering will see any associated negative symptoms persist. Our diligent approach to THE work will become the way forward as we attempt to make meaning, decipher the codes: finding and using the patterns and cycles of the rich and varied tapestry of life. NB: See Dane Rudhyar’s Acorn theory where the suggestion is that the entirety of our potential is made present by the agreement and arrangement to incarnate at a specific point/place time/space and suggesting that we have contained within us all that we can or will ever be. It differs from the medical/psychological theorem where the psychological notion posits that we need to gather fragmented pieces of the psyche and glue them back on.

NB – Though the goal of using Astrology be an Alchemical process: turning lead into gold – the depiction and  realisation of one’s (potential) destiny it needs to be remembered that using any ‘language’ (including Astrology) within the therapeutic/counselling type arena is based upon the notion to serve the persons involved. It is not designed or deemed to be infallible and the quality of the health of the individual’s life and the nature of the individual’s soul are far more important than any insight that the natal chart may infer or offer. And just like these ‘symbolic’ readings that arrive into the healing/counselling arena via such linguistic use it needs to be mentioned and prioritised that the ownership and interpretation of any language and or symbol always belongs to the individual that provides the image, idea and symbol: i.e. the dream belongs to the dreamer and use remains their choice.    

And to quote the very clever modern day Wise Woman and Sha(wo)man Zoë Shuttleworth from her superb website Zodiac Astrological Alchemy – Know Thyself – https://zo-diac.com/ the italics below give a beautiful succinct definition for today’s subject matter

Astrology is an ancient art-science that considers the meaning interwoven in the celestial bodies against the backdrop of the zodiac and the mysterious correlation between these cosmic movements and the events in our lives: our inner psychic terrain and thus our human experience.