“All journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware.” Martin Buber
“New ways of thinking about familiar things can release new energies and make all manner of things possible.” Charles Handy
When I first moved to the country I worked as a waitress in a historic inn. Some of the people who worked with me were artists who lived in rustic cabins out on a wildlife sanctuary. They were a free spirited bunch who preferred to work at the inn at night and spend the daytime pursuing their artistic projects. Often at the end of a very hot summer evening when the work at the inn was done we would go for a midnight swim in the ocean or a neighboring lake or go dancing in a nearby club.
Through them I met a very mysterious elderly man who lived in old brick house downtown. He had silvery hair and sparkling eyes which time and experience had not dimmed. When you conversed with him it seemed as if you shared some unspoken secret about the magic of life.
One day he invited me to tea at his house. His living room was formal and furnished with antiques – a good reflection of him. He liked to dress like a dapper college professor in tweeds and button down shirts and bow ties.
In his living room on the mantle were several tiny silver objects; a key, a rope, torch and a knife.
These objects were often seen in ancient paintings of goddesses who were making a trip to the underworld. Each object had great power which could be used for good or ill – a torch could be used to light the way but also to set a fire and destroy. A rope could be used as a tether to keep something safe and close to you but it could also be used to bind you to something – an idea or emotion or person – that held you captive in some way. The knife could be used to cut you free or to harm another. A key could be used to open new doors which would require discrimination.
The Full Moon in Sagittarius which is Tuesday May 29th at 8 degrees of Sagittarius is a good time to explore these themes as related to your own personal journey. The sign of Sagittarius likes to be in new territory- on a journey of an inner or outer nature. There are some good things to contemplate – Are your horizons broad enough? Do you feel excited about the prospects ahead? Do you have what you need to proceed? How are you planning to implement your power?
The sign of Gemini rules the thought patterns established in the early childhood surroundings – the givens, if you will. The tension between these two signs can result in growth and evolution.
The rapid evolutionary changes taking place on the planet now can feel at times like a journey into the underworld- both in an inner and an outer way. With Jupiter’s transit through the sign of Scorpio,(which rules the underworld) it’s wise to remember what the Jungian astrologer and teacher Lynn Bell has said, “Jupiter in Scorpio goes into the darkness to bring up the light.”
One of the Sabian symbols for this Full Moon is,”Deep within the depths of the earth, new elements are being formed.”
Thanks to Lynda Hill for the Sabian symbol reference and Lynn Bell, who teaches at CPA in London.