Navigating Rough Seas

I recently read a basic primer on loving-kindness appropriately titled “Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness,” by Sharon Salzberg, a western teacher of Buddhist principles. I felt I needed to revisit these principles as I entered a sea of choppy waters where recriminations and despair would seek to hinder safe passage. I was rounding a Cape Horn, with the belief that a mighty Pacific lay just beyond. Would I hold myself steady as I navigated this difficult passage? All I had was my belief and my strong will. The winds of self-doubt, the winds of bitterness, both came more than once to test my resolve and the worthiness of my vessel, but I prevailed, choosing love as my guide.

Of course, the book was the perfect choice. Books play an important role in my life. I am always studying, seeking answers in books. I reminded myself recently that, although my sun sign is in fire, I have most of my astrological chart in air, the intellectual. And my midheaven is in the air sign of Gemini, the communicator ruled by Mercury, so I like to know that what I learn has a practical application. When I was very young, I thought that libraries were holy places.

This particular book on loving-kindness was sent to me by a dear brother, the brother who sends me his unwanted books on spirituality when cleaning out his cluttered life. These are books he so desperately needs himself—the ones he picks up at used bookstores by the dozens, but has yet to read, and still the search continues. It was revealed to me in a vision that he still carries the heartbreak and bitterness of a disillusioned Jesuit priest from a past life. His grief and anger against God is very deep and entrenched. I refused to go too deep into that vision, as I often take on the emotions of others. This book, this gift, from one who, I am sure, once led me in faith in a past life, arrived in a big fat box the week prior to my needing it. Of course. Do you see the perfect work of Christ in this? Christ's love is more beautiful and poetic than we can imagine.

I do not know of any time in my life when suffering was best met with fear and bitterness. Blaming others for our misfortunes. Blaming God for our misfortunes. Blaming ourselves for our misfortunes. All of this is useless. If we approach our challenges in a more spiritually logical fashion, in practice and with consistency, as the Buddhists do, we will find that the solutions are never far. They are just around the bend. God does not produce suffering, but He will not interfere in our highest lessons about love. It is through understanding the nature of His love that we find our bearings in life. Love in action is dynamic, challenging, a magnificent passage to another peaceful shore.

Pluto in Capricorn

I am very grateful this week. Pluto, the planet of deep transformation, has finally moved on to Capricorn to stay for 16 years as of Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving in the United States). This is exciting news for me because it has been in my sun sign, Sagittarius, since 1995, creating havoc in my “me, myself and I” sector. So the changes were fundamental to my sense of self. The best changes were brought about by a growing inner awareness. But other changes came about as the result of hard lessons, through destruction and chaos. It has been painful at times...so much has been stripped away. Only what is essential to the next phase of my journey has been left behind. And new things have been added. All of us have taken this journey together, of course, in different areas of our lives.

Through it all, one of my favorite expressions became, “Change is good.” Whenever someone in the family or at work reported a situation requiring a new plan, I responded with, “Change is good.” I wasn't a student of astrology for most of this period, but I certainly recognized a pattern for hard change. I can laugh about that expression now, but to survive emotionally, I had to be vigilant about how I looked upon these cataclysmic changes in my life. Keep a positive outlook. Find the silver linings. Find the humor. And I did. And I do. A strong sense of optimism is one of the more useful Sagittarian traits.

A lot of truths about myself were revealed. A lot of bad habits were dealt with. I've lost some people and some new people have arrived. I have found greater peace in my life. Recognizing my personality strengths and weaknesses has helped me to make better choices. I know now where I trip myself up. I also experienced a spiritual awakening which profoundly altered my world view, building upon the sound foundation of a much-treasured personal relationship with God.

With Pluto now settled into my second house, the coming years will put the “new me” to the test revealing just what I’m worth, both figuratively and materially. And, of course, change is never-ending in life, so I am sure there will be more changes to come. I hope they aren't as drastic. I could use a break.

The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was during the American Revolution. If you do a search, you will find numerous online essays about the implications of Pluto’s transits. I hope you will take the time to read some of them. Astrology affects more than just the individual. Most astrologers believe that America, in particular, is about to undergo major changes in its political and economic power structures, and that the end result, after much turmoil, will be a better deal for all of us. With the election of Obama, whose slogan was all about change, and the recent financial collapse, we will see what develops.

To find out what Pluto’s transit through Capricorn means for you, click here.