Counterbalance; Trends or Fads? ~ 1 Feb 2006


With the Sun now transiting the middle degrees of Aquarius, alternate ideas, controversial images and polarized points of view become the norm. In the United States last night, our President gave the State of the Union address. Surrounding the festivities a noted anti-Iraq war protester who has lost her son to that war was refused admittance to the address though she had been invited. She refused to take off a shirt indicating the number of U.S. troops killed to date in that conflict. On the other side of the aisle, the wife of a conservative law maker also got booted for wearing a shirt bearing a message in support of our troops. Neither woman should attempt to fly on Southwest Airlines since they have a reputation for deplaning passengers with controversial shirts. Correction, they refuse passage to those wearing shirts that offend politically and theologically. But wait, what if their interpretation differs from mine and I take offense to the shirt worn by a passenger plopping down next to me?


A couple of important themes emerge from the transit of the planets over the Aquarian black holes (of which there are many). First, any statement must refer to a true trend and not a fad. Statements intended to appease, assuage and pacify the points of view of others do nothing to solve matters. Also, protest seldom works. Heated protest tends to erode into polarization in which both parties only digs deeper into opposing points of view. Here, I prefer the I-Ching’s approach in hexagram 49 - Revolution (Molting). The four points of order work perfectly during Aquarian intervals. First, wait for the right moment. Second, proceed in a manner that arouses support of the people and resists excesses. Third, be free of selfish motivations. Fourth, the change must answer a real need. The I-Ching also advises that great change occurs from within to without, instead of from without to within. Hmm. Happy Chinese New Year, by the way (and Ground Hog day).


It’s so funny how it works. With Neptune, ruler of films in Aquarius, the Golden Globe Awards racked them up for films that polarized restrictive and/or conservative views. Somehow, says Neptune, all issues, like ‘em or not, must stay in conscious focus. Pluto eagerly pipes in from his intensifying proximity to the center of the galaxy, “Yeah, and ignoring something does not make it go away.” By the way, he causally tosses back over his shoulder as he leads you to a box he’d love for you to open, “If you’re going to transform, don’t expect a magic poof of pink smoke.” Point being, the times right now require impeccable conscious attention, dedication to one’s transformative trends (avoiding the latest fad scenario) and some sweat and intention, too.


It all reminds me of what’s so fun about Aquarians. They’re the first onboard the new thing: whether it is the latest electronic gadget, alternative band or consciousness thread. Their names beat even Aries people on the list. By the time the Aries have crowded in line, though, the Aquarians start wishing they had signed up in invisible ink. How embarrassing to be caught in a fad and looking like one of the flock.


Regardless, the black hole transits of the moment remind us all of some important facts. Transformational processes never cease. Once you step into the process, you’re in and you can’t scratch, beg or whimper your way out. The movie, Down the Rabbit Hole, opens soon. Go see it before it’s the latest fad. Find your own way without insisting others do it the same way. Ignore nothing, especially those things that offend your more delicate sensibilities. Always check the map. Somewhere near by stands one of those “signs” indicating “You Are Here.” Check that point to ensure it’s perfectly placed, original, authentic and unique.