I spent a good chunk of yesterday reading over comment threads on Facebook and this blog about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Friday’s Capricorn solstice. I was trying to find my bearings, find what could possibly be left to say about being alive on this planet to witness the last day of an ancient calendar cycle; what there is left to say about witnessing the mass killing of young children and the discussions springing up about the event.
My Sagittarius Moon is within a couple degrees of the Galactic Center, which the Sun conjoins today. I kept hoping my antennae might buzz, or that in taking a walk down the street, I might be struck by some profound insight, beamed in straight from the GC. Instead, I found myself mired in various tasks that made it hard to find a through-line to inner depths or even inspiration. And then I realized that some of the comments I had read possessed such a clear message and resonated so strongly with me, that maybe recognizing that message meant my Moon was working after all.
“Eris is forcing us to become aware of one of our flaws: not dealing with the problem of assault weapons availability,” wrote commenter bkoehler. “Pholus has taken one small private pain (1 person, 1 small town) and made it a nation-wide suffering.”
This was a theme I noticed in a few places, and not just about the gun issue: that more people seem to be open to hearing and explicitly talking about the confluence of issues that have intertwined to allow 20 children and six adults to be killed by one young and apparently deeply troubled man.
We are seeing the unconscionable gaps in our mental health services; our industrial-strength warehousing of people (especially young men of color, and those with mental illness) in prisons; our increasing appetite for violence in the media, in entertainment, in speech and thought; our state of perpetual war and consumerist distraction. More people seem to be saying, ‘this issue is showing us an entire web of our cultural failures, and we are willing to consider their relationships to each other — and to ourselves’.
Eric has written about the prominence of Juno’s conjunction with the Sun on Dec. 21, 2012 as a spiritual imperative for us to establish a true relationship to ourselves. He wrote in a recent subscriber issue, “we really do need to get right with ourselves before we can be right with anyone else. That, or we need to go into our relationships honestly admitting that we’re also working out an inner relationship, and leave the bond with the other flexible enough to accommodate some self discovery.”
I think in addition to these ideas of inner contact and intimacy with others, this idea of the 2012 solstice being about ‘relationship’ is also about cause and effect.
Perhaps this is a too-broad interpretation of Juno, but I can’t ignore the many, many conversations on the Internet right now about the relationships between cultural trends and Friday’s events in Newtown, CT; the relationships between the various mass shootings in this year alone; the relationships between our environment, our DNA, our brain chemistry and neural pathways, our parenting, our economy, our school systems, our health care systems, our use of technology, and so on.
PW commenter gwind asked, “what if the gun issue is the result, not necessarily a cause. What I am hearing is that we are finally getting to the discussion about how sick & disconnected our culture is becoming.” That thought caught my attention, if I understood it correctly: what if the availability of assault weapons in the U.S. isn’t the reason for tragedy, but rather the meta-tragedy of our culture in general is the reason for our gun culture?
I haven’t managed to follow the thought all the way through, but I think it’s worth considering. Gwind continued:
“I then add it to the Mayan calendar issue. I think part of the discussion about 12-21-12 is about the collective soul wanting so desperately for a new reality. We want a correction and do not know how to go about it. Like someone who may attempt to commit suicide; they may not want to really die, they may just want the pain to end.”
This makes more sense to me than the optimistic but sadly unrealistic idea that with the end of the 13th baktun of the Mayan calendar, mass enlightenment will simply occur — even for those who have been doing their spiritual homework all along. But a cry for help in the form of a shock to our collective emotional, energetic and psychic bodies, resulting in the widespread acknowledgement of humanity’s interconnected failures? Yes, I could see that — especially if it also shows us how we can begin making the corrections and healing.
We need to get out of our navels. As much as the solstice may have to do with working out our inner relationship as we negotiate more flexible, growth-oriented relationships with others, there is here also a call to find a way out of our respective narcissistic tendencies and wounds.
Commenter Green-star-gazer offered perhaps the most resonant, wide-view take on what message such a brutal, tragic human event might have, occurring as it did so close to the astrological event that has carried both the most promise and the most fear of 2012. Here are excerpts; I encourage you to read the entire comment for its context of Shamanistic worldview:
What if as a result of all these sacrifices (including and especially those of the Souls who incarnate as the ones who pull the triggers) we are given a moment to STOP and ask ourselves if we are really doing what we’ve come here to do? Are we really doing the very best that we can with what time we’ve been given here? Are we really giving to each other, ourselves and our planet our very best, most creative efforts, full of passion and compassion?
Or are we following the lemming trail off the cliff because we’ve gone so far asleep that we don’t believe that we have any power to affect change? What are we doing here? Why have we allowed ourselves to become so dark and full of dread? Why have we allowed ourselves to perpetuate violence against each other at every turn… in casual conversation, in music, in games, in media, in politics, business and even in intimate relationships?
Why do we allow ourselves to be immersed in a culture of fear, dread and violence? These are good questions to ask ourselves, here at the turning of the ages.
When are we going to wake up and see that we are CHOOSING to do this to ourselves? To me, that is what this chart of this moment is ALL about. It is a huge billboard reminder that we can make different choices at every turn and transform our outer reality if we are sufficiently motivated and have the courage to stand up to the dark forces and say, ‘You are not what I am going to support, with my choices, with my actions and with my energy (which can be money) anymore. Period. End of story.’
The question is, are we finally ready to stand up and really start to behave as if every choice matters… because it does.
Consider also that on its way to the Capricorn solstice on Friday, the Sagittarius Sun trines minor planet 1992 QB1 in Aries tonight just after its conjunction to the Galactic Core. 1992 QB1 is a planet Eric has associated with the crossing of thresholds, and with those who help others to make such crossings — into new phases of life, death or sexuality. A trine facilitates easy flow.
For the young souls of Sandy Hook who are making a crossing of their own, I wish peace. For those of us still here on this plane of existence, it seems we have a threshold of our own to cross: into understanding the unity represented by these relationships, and into a state of ‘acting as if to hold the world together’. And the Sun and 1192 QB1 are holding the door open. The Capricorn solstice of 2012 is just the beginning. But of what?
There are many Australians watching from afar with so much sadness and empathy re the events experienced by a community within your nation. We send our deep love and heartfelt hope across the hemisphere so that the government of your country, your community and all its people have the courage to make some significant changes in its psyche etc re guns.
We experienced something similar, a terrible massacre at Port Arthur in Tasmania which led to our government making huge legislative changes. There is a detailed article here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur_massacre_%28Australia%29).
The world is watching you…please don’t let yourselves (and us) down.
I have not had time to keep up with all the comments and articles, so thank you Amanda for pulling together this tapestry.
“…what if the availability of assault weapons in the U.S. isn’t the reason for tragedy, but rather the meta-tragedy of our culture in general is the reason for our gun culture?”
Yes, of course it is!! Decades and decades of seeking false power – control through interpersonal relationship (bulling) and war.
I only have two comments to add.
1. I feel certain it is in understanding this is of a bigger plan than you, or I, the shooter, his Mother, and all the innocent victims. I personally feel compassion for all of them, equally.
Yet, 2. We, each of us have the power to start, (end), effect and create change in our inner world, reflecting to the outer, That is through the power of letting go (relinquishing from the act of trying to control) and finding the forgiveness that is there. In my opinion, my life experience, even personal incidents of bulling that I have encountered just this week. Where, when I realized I could do nothing to change another’s perception, understanding the only solution was in my acknowledgement in offering– to let it go. Only then was true healing received; in myself and the other.
Wonderful discussion, Amanda et al.
I was reminded of this chapter and book:
The Galactic Tidal Wave of Light
“Awareness is awakening within the masses on this planet. The sum total of events as they quicken and unfold is seeping its way into everyone’s reality. These events are orchestrated and designed to bring you collectively, as a species, to this new octave of light expression. This infusion from the galactic tidal wave of light comes from the future through portals you open on this Earth plane as you follow and weave yourself through the journey and story we have shared with you. The masses are awakening. You see them around you and feel the rumblings of consciousness, the internal Earth changes, which will truly mark the rites of passage for all of humanity.”
(Content of “Bringers of the Dawn”, pg. 239 – 243, Chapter Twenty-Two.)
This is an introspective time indeed. The aftermath of tragedy always serves as a mirror; to our world, to our community, and to ourselves.
How we think, of course, influences behavior; but we change the world only through a change in behavior. So if we think, discuss, converse, and blog, but do nothing different, then we have indeed done nothing.
I wish everyone here the strength of inner courage and fortitude to assimilate all that is said here, by Eric, by Amanda, by all, both here at Planet Waves and elsewhere in order enact change. It can begin with the smallest act of kindness. Perhaps a kind word or two.
And with that I close by saying, thank you all for such well thought out blogs and posts and comments and may you all find the peace of mind and joy that we all deserve.
I applaud your working antennae Ms. Amanda; you have pulled it altogether in a meaningful way which I believe is also the work of transiting Isis conjunct your Moon as well as the GC. I’m all in favor of getting out of our own navels too, or anyone else’s for that matter (unless you are in the medical profession), as our primary focal point. In fact, when you think about it, on Friday Morning as the Sun crosses into Capricorn, Isis who famously pulled it altogether, and Narcissus, originator of narcissistic tendencies, will open the Cap front door for the Sun at their 29+ Sagittarius degree. Even now QB1 also holds the door at a new threshold open to illuminate the way forward for the Sun as it conjuncts the GA. All systems are go it appears.
It bears repeating that Gary Caton wrote in 2009 (Aug/Sept. The Mt. Astrologer magazine) that Juno is the overall principle of connectivity, and she will be there at 0 Cap too at the moment of Solstice, connecting people, ideas and energy . Along with her is Terpsichore who, as the Muse of Dance, is well versed in choreography, all the better to intertwine the confluence of issues.
We are taught to follow the lemming trail almost from birth, by well-meaning parents and grandparents, then by well-meaning teachers as we grow older. It is not only the path to survival (of the ego) but touted as the “path to happiness” they promise us. Most of us more or less follow their guidance, few of us aware of Joseph Campbell’s advice to follow our bliss. Green-Star-gazer has seen in this solstice chart the opportunity to choose a different path. Do we wake up as a species and begin to express our unique gifts in service to the whole, or do we allow our prior orientation to achieve success in the material world, no matter the cost to our soul, to maintain our focus. Asteroid Karma, at 27 Virgo 19 in the solstice chart, challenges us to break the cycle from her midpoint location between the GC in Sagittarius and Ceres in Gemini. Examine these facts we have become conscious of Karma tells us; the failure of the mental health systems, mostly due to funding, the breakdown of the family unit due to many reasons but largely because of how we prioritize our values, and the many other contributing factors of our society’s collapse. Karma too says we have a choice. Do something!
But mostly we should salute Neptune who will be sextile the conscious Sun at Solstice. Release those restricting confines that keep you from being you he begs us. For many years now the way-showers of the Better-World’s-a’comin’ movement have encouraged us to become detached from whatever keeps you subservient. Many of us are aware of losing people, places and purposes which have been part of who we are; our identity. It can get scary when we don’t have a label to hide behind. Neptune is providing the escape route to be wholly ourselves, body, heart, mind, soul.
Have you noticed how much “mass killing” and “masculine” sound alike? Do you think we have carried the manly-man theme too far? Do you think its time that men and women strive for balance between their masculine and feminine natures and wouldn’t that be considered progress in humanity; an evolutionary step upward? Of course you do. It takes a village to bury a child as well as raise a child, and so we suffer and grieve together. Our American Man on the Moon said it was a giant step for mankind. We can do even better.
be
I wrote this article after all the Shootings, here in Oregon and Conn
December 15th, 2012 spiritually
http://becomespirituallyawake.com/
After hearing about events that have taken place in Oregon and Conn I was left in a meditative state of trying to understand what is going on and why this is happening.
One of the things that came up for me very quickly and I am talking at this point from vibrational and Oneness perspective so keep that in mind, was the realization that while many of us have been looking forward to the end of the Mayan calendar and the manifestation of the 5th dimension vibrations etc…there is a choice in the vibration of the planet and ourselves.
We each make that choice and our society as a whole and in parts, government, employers,employees, communities and so forth are each in their own ways finding their place OR losing their sense of selves within the whole IE the ongoing 1% 99%, the escalating debts and lack of basic necessities that many are being faced with and the lack of tools and ability to overcome and rise to the new energies that are also coming into the world..Higher emotional intelligence, More Intuition and also more personal freedom and responsibility as we simultaneously grow spiritually more aware and awake and also refuse to rise to those energies and dig in our heels so as to hold on to the very fabric of what we have come to know as our life.
As this is happening there is a tremendous polarization and some of us are rising to the challenge and some of us are submerged by the tidal waves of immense change we are all facing right now.
Like a rubber band that is stretched to the limits…at some point it WILL break and then it stings badly.
We all feel terrible for what has happened and for the pain that the families, communities and each other feel as I do.
At the same time I cannot help but see that until this CHANGE is finished there will be many more situations where people/governments agencies/communities will feel totally marginalized and trapped……. like a animal…strike out in anger and destructiveness to self protect what it considers itself.
We see this in the erosion of the constitutional rights by government, the ever growing disfranchised people in this country and the world and also in the growing gulf of spiritual connection that many feel. In essence the snake eating it’s own tail.
More restrictions on people by government =more disfranchised people=more reaction=more sense of powerless=more senseless violence.
My sense is that to control guns, control people or to try and have tighter reins is not the answer for it is a natural response to fight against that which we see as restricting our right to be free in every aspect.
I believe the answer is to be MORE open, more inclusive and to make others feel like they are human beings as they are..not like they will be if they change but right where they are.
Like my father used to say..“It’s easy to love those that love us” NOW we MUST love and show that love to those that do not, for they are the ones who need it the most. Talk to those that do not see eye to eye with you share a hug or a laugh with someone who makes you uncomfortable and while doing so look at your inner self and see why they make you uncomfortable….and then deal with that.
We each are a holographic part of the whole world, so to change the World we have to change ourselves.
I KNOW WE WILL DO THIS FOR THERE IS NO OTHER WAY……The Only question is how long it will take and how difficult will be the growing pains?
My heart goes out to those that feel so marginalized that they see no other choice but to fight and hurt others. And to this those that are hurt by that.
We all do it in various degrees and that is where the battle will need to be fought and overcome to make it real and permanent.
WITHIN!!
> ☆¨´`’*°☆.¸.☆¨´`’*°☆.
> ( ․Peace ¸.☆¨´`’*°☆.․:)
> `•♥♪♫¸¸.☆¨love¸․ ․ ☆¨
> ․ ․`’*♥° n hugs¨¸¸.☆¨..
I found this particularly helpful, hot on the heels of reading another piece ( http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-harsh-truths-that-will-make-you-better-person/ ) on how we define ourselves. “I AM this or that” as opposed to “I DO this or that.” (This should be a no-brainer for someone trained in theatre; however, that action in the text was always my weakness acting-wise though not at all as a director. But that’s an exploration for another time.)
SO. Carlos Santana:
“There is hope though, because culture is not set in stone! We are subject to it, but we also shape it. Banning weapons is not culture shaping, it is just law. Shaping culture starts with how we educate our youth on how to place value on community & our place in Mother Nature.”
http://socialismartnature.tumblr.com/post/38160474343/legendary-musician-carlos-santana-on-connecticut
Also read a short piece by a mother, who noted: “My nine year old practices gun control for us by trying to control his ability to not get shot.” (On survival techniques being taught in schools…) As DivaCarla notes, the remedies suggested so frequently are more violence. As though steeping learning brains in violence will curb it.
Listing five things one actually DOES is a great exercise, with more practical results than being able to say one is compassionate, one is grateful etc. (Though, obviously, doing doesn’t preclude being.)
!992 is the last Katun, or twenty-year cycle, from 1992 to 2012. I read how one interpretation of the Tzolkin Calender, refers to this period when the Earth Mother will gradually withdraw her life force energy from the planet to facilitate the transition, as Venus (home of the original matrix)will eclipse the sun in 2012. It goes on to say, that human beings will experience disturbance in their sexual energies and powers to reproduce. And, many will during the last Katun go hungry because the earth cannot support everyone. It goes to say how aggression will peak which will inadvertently cleanse the burden of too much unsustainable life.
What I found interesting in this book, is the claim that the Maya believe the original mother place of forming intelligent life consciousness in this system was Venus. That’s why they revere the 2nd planet from the Sun. But she was struck by asteroid at that time and life shifted to Earth.
The book is “Medicine Dream” and the author is Merilyn Tunneshende. It was published in 1996. Merilyn writes about her mentoring experience with a Tzolkin Indian from Yucatan – best known as the famous character “Don Juan” (the old man) in the books by Carlos Castaneda.
Amanda, thanks. For directing me to comments, especially GSG. I’ve been offline and not following. The shamanic perspective put forth matches my view on a soul level. It elevates all above the victim status. It does not assuage grief and horror. It’s not supposed to.
The shooter is being portrayed as Other, as an abberation, something we must be protected from as a society, not someone made by society and his own family system. The remedies proposed are more violence: security, invasion, police state, even that teachers should be armed. The danger is that we willingly give our power away again, closer to home than at the airport security checkpoint.
Critical that we as a society of humans take back our power, which means own our collective responsibility, and change. Wake up. It begins before birth, as so many mothers live in fear. And truly violence and trauma are systemized in medicalized birth. Start there, and work onward to food, media and war.