Fyodor Dostoevsky
Times of crisis, of disruption or constructive change, are not only predictable, but desirable. They mean growth. Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.
I love using the Sabian Symbols as a focus for the lunar cycle. The huge variety of images seems to marry extrordinarily well with the shifting cycles of the Moon as it weaves itself through the signs of the zodiac fulfilling its phases of fertilisation, growth, blossoming, death and decay.
The symbol for this New Moon is that of : AN UNEXPECTED THUNDERSTORM.
Dane Rudhyar expresses the energy of this symbol as The need to develop the inner security which will enable us to meet unexpected crises. Here we are concerned with social and collective processes, and the function of the individual within them. The symbol itself — “An unexpected thunderstorm” — could be given a very positive meaning in an arid environment, but the emphasis on “unexpected” tends to accent the sudden and dangerous character of the event. Such a thunderstorm in a region of dry hills can cause a devastating flood. At any rate, it refers to an event for which one is not prepared — Seen as a second stage symbol — thus in contrast to the preceding one — this scene stresses the fact that nature may reduce to impermanence the seemingly most permanent endeavors and constructive activities of men. Under a downpour of rain, adobe brick can return to mud. All human institutions and their achievements can be washed away, even in their day of great glory. “Dust you were, dust you must become.” This is NATURE’S CHALLENGE. The culmination of this particular cycle is the Full Moon in Aquarius which takes place on the 1st of August at 10 degrees, the symbol for which is as follows:
A MAN WHO HAD FOR A TIME BECOME THE EMBODIMENT OF A POPULAR IDEAL IS MADE TO REALIZE THAT AS A PERSON HE IS NOT THIS IDEAL. Rudhyar expresses this energy as: The need to deal with human beings as persons rather than as screens upon which one projects one’s dream and ideal. Person versus archetype, meaning a critical need for SELF-REVALUATION.
My own interpretation of this pair would perhaps be connected to the growing awareness amongst the population of the human fallibility of leaders, and a growing understanding of their natural weakness.
Despite the widespread association of Aquarius with freedom, progressive thought, unattached love and rebellion, it is, in reality, ruled by Saturn, and concerned with limitations. Unlike earthy Capricorn however, Aquarius is an air sign, so the limitations and structure that this sign is concerned with are of the intangible realm of communication and the mind. Many of the changes that we have seen lately in the world around us seem to be of this nature; the drive for connectivity to the hive mind of the internet, the push towards order & restriction, cleansing, purification and sanitisation. The polarisation of wealth towards fewer and fewer individuals contains signatures of Aquarius and its opposite sign Leo, promoting the need to act for the good of all. Despite this very laudable Aquarian sentiment, there is a shadow aspect, rooted in the desire for wealth, position and power which is the darker side of Aquarius opposite sign of Leo.
The mythology of Aquarius is symbolised by a figure pouring water on the land, dating back at least as far as ancient Babylon, quite possibly further and is linked closely to themes of purification and cleansing. The rains that accompanied the appearance of the constellation of Aquarius in the ancient world were seen as an opportunity to clear away accumulated sins and promote fertility, as well as the need to avoid the inevitable floods and the danger of drowning.
The Sun is at its weakest in the sign of Aquarius, being close to earth, low in the sky in the northern hemisphere, and in the sign opposite its sign of rulership Leo. In the ancient Egyptian funerary text, The Book of Gates, which describes the passage of the Sun through the hours of darkness it spends beneath the earth, the administering of cool refreshment might also be linked to the symbolism of Aquarius, as the Sun is prepared for new life through the cleansing of all that has gone before.
For this New Moon I have laid two cards from the Thoth Journey Tarot to give us focus for this upcoming cycle: What is in the dark? and What will come to light?
The Root of Fire brings the spark of inspiration needed at the start of any journey, the finger that beckons you to voyage forth into the next adventure. Be attentive to what is presenting itself, the chance meeting, the easily missed remark, the messages written between the lines or a half-remembered dream; any of these could lead to your next journey. Aces underline their element in a reading, adding force, which can be positive or negative. For example, Fire is associated with creative passion and anger; new energy and dynamism, but too much Fire can bring rash behaviour and even fevers or accidents. The area of the zodiac is the Cancer-Leo-Virgo quadrant, the Summer season. By nature it is Hot, Dry, and Choleric, inclining south in direction, and towards the future; it implies the road ahead.
In this case, the sabian symbol of “unexpected storms” combined with the imagry of this card, point towards events of a firey nature.
Water 7 asks you to look at how you may get hooked into the ‘pleasure principle’ to avoid a deep, passionate and committed engagement with life. You may need to look at any tendencies to shrink from authenticity, which could be rooted in fear of standing out from the crowd. Try challenging yourself to connect to the yearning desires contained within your hopes and dreams. Seven is a number related to the maturation process and has a spiritual connection. A passion for meaning emerges, and in the Water suit, this can also bring a susceptibility to glamour. In your quest to find a spiritual connection, it is important to remember that things are not always what they initially seem. This card is associated with the 3rd decan of Scorpio and comes under the dominian of the Knight of Wands. It is of the water element and is ruled by Venus; I associate this card, together with the 5 & 6 of Cups with addiction.
My interpretation of these two cards would point towards political or religious revelations within the next six months concerning persons who have kept their manifestos hidden or acted in a subversive or underhand way. Although professing to work for the common good, they will be revealed for their self-serving nature, where the goal has been self-reward. On a personal level, look at where new plans and projects may be being led by motivations not rooted in self-care but in self-gratification. Freeing yourself from old patterns of behaviour will prove to be both liberating and energising.
I will be celebrating the New Moon by planting…. flowers this time, as the Moon is in an air sign, and I will look to the flowering in August and see what has come to pass.
A blessed New Moon to you all ❤
Joanna-Kate Grant 