First, Mercury retrograde alert. In less than two weeks Mercury turns retrograde in Gemini, a sign he rules. Will this upcoming Merc Rx be more intense than normal as a result, or easier to manage? That depends upon what one does to preview and preset the interval. Time to get uber organized. Diminish fragmenting activities. Consolidate creative post it notes. Get all your electronic memos in one place, on all gadgets, then multiply the back up protocols. Remember everything and watch how your mind translates your thoughts through your mouth.
Over the past months the world has watched as ISIS/ISL demolished religious treasures and culturally significant works of art in the very cradle of civilization as it is often called. In Nepal, the recent massive earthquake took unknown numbers of souls from bodies and destroyed temples and iconic spiritually-inspired art that had stood for centuries. It will be virtually impossible to recreate these artifacts that portray the iconic musings of humankind through the ages.
Here in my town, graffiti taggers recently blasted an iconic downtown theater with their territorial markings. Fortunately, a company that specializes in disaster cleanup donated their time to undo the spray-painted icons.
Astrologically, we are now in the era of Eris in Aries opposing Haumea in Libra. Eris, is the dreaded and feared goddess of mayhem and discord who despises exclusion, judgment by the powers that be, and reacts most strongly to what she believes to be subjugation by others, and Haumea in Libra. Haumea is the Hawaiian goddess of creativity with a knack for feeding the masses and spreading lava about the planet. We have already witnessed one of these oppositions which will continue, combining with other influences for the next two years.
In November of this year Haumea and Eris oppose again, as they do in April of 2016. We will see these celestial standoffs continue well into 2017, by exactitude and within orb range.
In 2016 Uranus enters the mix, aligning with Eris in June and September. In October of 2016 Uranus and Haumea oppose each another.
It seems these planets declare a culmination of sorts in March of 2017 when (within orb) Jupiter aligns with Haumea in Libra and Uranus stands with Eris in Aries, the conjoined sets virtually opposing each another. Certainly it could be declared that heightened political instability may result, and within that instability, more destruction of the cultural artifacts of opposing religions and political factions. Are we to idly standby and watch as those feeling rejected, disowned, disenfranchised, undervalued, neglected and discarded destroy what iconically portrays the beliefs of those perceived as oppressors? Or are we to engage in the cultural restoration.
So what can be done?
Well, in Arizona there is a plethora of graffiti tagging - and we are certainly not alone. Some of the graffiti actually shows great artistic promise. Where is the established artist who can guide the taggers into creating collective amalgamations of art that decorate sound barriers along roads, underpasses and create something of beauty instead of irritated declarations of territory, statements of threat, and whatever else they intend to articulate in their inconvenient medium?
How can we spread the concept that the art and iconic imagery of civilization possess phenomenal value?
How can we enlighten political leaders that cutting funding for the arts in the interest of shoring up business and defense is a short-sighted strategy? After all, without the arts, civilization suffers and consciousness shrinks.
Eris, Haumea, Uranus and Jupiter seemed to have stated that a cultural revolution must endure and succeed. Given that Jupiter and Uranus underscore the insane infiltration of gadgets, new media and more, some balancing might be needed to ensure art remains art. At a recent film festival I had occasion to watch two documentaries about well known artists. One of these artists started designed posters for heavy metal bands. While his style is not something that stirs my creativity, this artist is exceptional. One of his statements: Line drawings (like sketching figures with a pencil) cannot be expressed in a computer. Computers will never replace the consciousness and soul of art. The other artist created images using lenses from glasses in broad, phenomenal works of art that indirectly offer insight into myopic views. (For those who might want to Google: Forced Perspective, Datuna: Portrait of America are the films)
I cannot tell you the numbers of screenwriters I know, who when in the moments of raw creation, write things down on paper with pencils and pens. For the primal creative percolation, electronic devices fall short for many creative sorts.
Companies that make the film that directors use to shoot movies previously discontinued it, deferring to digital media. Now it is being manufactured again. Film is back! Film is the preferred media of many major filmmakers and studios.
Okay, fine. Some may disagree with the above points citing creative purism and old school art methods as a liability of Ludditism. Regardless, there’s a cultural and consciousness renaissance wanting to happen. What can any given individual do to ensure their participation in the new era of creative reformation?
First, be aware. Be aware of your surroundings, your work and home environment and the world. No matter how you do it... internet or old media, find out what’s happening. On an unconscious level avoiding global awareness may cause disconnection, which negatively feeds Eris’ sense of not belonging. If a sense of not belonging feeds into a sense of disenfranchisement, the reactions of isolation often establish a belief that one is persecuted or at cultural or spiritual disadvantage.
Second, create. Every single person with a horoscope collected planetary aspects upon incarnation. Each and every one of those aspects yearns for expression. Finding the yearn might be the yarn of weaving the intrinsic gifts a person possesses and turning those gifts into potent and positive creative manifestations.
Third, put it out there. Here comes a very important part: If you wear your individuality, uniqueness, avant garde-ness as merit badges of being misunderstood and on the fringe, it is likely that the perceptions of alienation and isolation will be rewarded with rejection by those in the position to further one’s artistic expression.
Fourth, reset your view of culture. Recreate your belief in the stuff you feel drives humankind forward. Listen to music. Sketch in the coffee shop. Paint in your spare time. Find the zen in raking leaves. Become an expression of personal artistry in each and every task in life. Know your personal fit with your talent.
Can the culture of humankind work to restore enhanced collective consciousness for this planet? Jupiter, Uranus, Haumea and Eris think so. Every Earthling would benefit by honoring the whims and expectations of these planets!
Let the renaissance begin! May culture be restored! May the inspiration of the arts soothe and promote ever-evolving consciousness!
Quick memory jog here: Mercury retro in Gemini is just ahead. Remember to remember.
More soon!