Hold That Thought – Hold That Square
Yesterday’s installment asked you to hold the thought of the letter “L” followed by the number “7”. In the parlance of the beat generation (who blazed the trail for the Woodstock generation) “L7” was representative of a square. This derogatory term implied someone (the majority at that time) who did not “dig” the more inclusive and less inhibited counter-cultural consciousness emerging after the last triple conjunction of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron, just after World War II. So, eventually, square came to have a bad name. Generalizing when it comes to human beings, however, ignores what we have in common and does not contribute to healing.
Most of what we take as mainstream astrology has also given the term square (commonly referring to a 90-degree aspect) a reputation for difficulty, something to be dreaded. Generalizing when it comes to astrology, however, ignores the opportunity presented by the fact that there are at least two sides to every sign, every house, every ruler, every transit and every aspect. Since there are enough doom prophets in astrology already, may we please look at a remarkable aspect taking place right now and find some very positive possibilities?
For nearly a week now (and until Mercury stations retrograde in yet another week) Mercury and Mars have been holding a very tight square of less than one degree. Given how fast these two travel compared to the outer planets, maintaining that tight of a formation for so long is absolutely astonishing. This is the result of each planet being in just the right place, just as the apparent motion of Mercury is slowing down while that of Mars is speeding up at nearly the same rate. How could such a synchronous combination not, somehow, also represent a unique opportunity? How do we suss it out? Depends on who you are. Following is an offering in service of one way to look at it.
Mars in Cancer, Mercury in Libra, cardinal signs. Applying the doctrine of of signatures intuitively, the morphology of a square would also seem to imply cardinal signs, especially Aries and Libra, the first day of which the Sun’s rays are square to the Earth’s equator, giving everyone on our planet a square deal of equal day and night for the time that turning point lasts. Ah yes, a turning point, a pivot point, one with palpable enough duration to be discerned long before the advent of accurate clocks.
But this turning point does not directly involve the Sun. However, with Mercury (the ruling planet of Virgo in Thema Mundi) involved and with the Sun in Virgo, one could definitely say that `ol Sol is on the same page. In this case, however, we have personal planets, implying a personal situation.
One of the practices that emerged from humanistic psychology is the concept of “holding”. In other words, responding instead of reacting. In a culture that encourages quick solutions, demands immediate gratification, caught in an unsustainable need to generate ever greater profits ever faster, the idea of holding verges on the heretical.
Think however, about how much good holding space for someone can do as they process a profound moment. No need for talking, or even touching, just being there as a witness. Most of us have had the chance to give and receive that service. In the case of an astrological square, the concept is best described as holding tension.
Holding tension is a delicate matter, especially when the situation is volatile. How to be patient when others are pressing an issue? How to refrain from aggression without surrender of dignity? How to wait on a need for closure? It’s not easy but those of us who have been fortunate enough to witness it, or even accomplish it know it’s possible.
So when we have the planet of reciprocal communication holding tension with the divine expression of patriarchal aggression, one might ask where the feminine principle. One need look no farther then the Moon and Venus.
Today starts with the Moon moving into Aquarius, opposing Vesta in Leo and in a waning sextile with Pluto, having come off a telling conjunction with same over the weekend. This aspect in Aquarius carries a combination of 8th and 11th house energy. Issues of transformation and metamorphosis, power and surrender expressed through feminine and taken forward into the collective, ideally as a gift of service. Later today, the waxing Moon will exact an opposition with Venus in Leo, creating a divine fulcrum. Holding the tension as we approach the full Moon while at the same time bringing to fullness the energy initiated when The Moon conjoined Venus in Cancer, just hours before the new Moon in Leo (remember that?). With a concurrent fulcrum and a a turning point of its own, we have an opportunity to meditate on the divine feminine growing within us and in the world – just take an honest look.
One of the great artists who bridged the beat generation and the Woodstock generation was John Coltrane (not incidentally born on the autumnal equinox). One of his great talents as a musician was knowing when to sit out. Holding space while his collaborators made their contribution. Holding tension as we waited and wondered “where’d that horn go, man, is there something wrong with the record?”. Sitting out, holding space, holding tension. The skies are giving us a opportunity to observe, to learn, to practice even. So, can you make like Coltrane?
Offered In Service,
Len Wallick
Another thougt-provoking column Len. It takes my thoughts re: your previous column (8/31) about the dance–about the beginnings of a dance and my trust in what prompted it in the first place. You’ve expanded that to express beautifully those difficulties and challenges: patience, holding the tension… waiting rather than acting. Because what is at stake is precious. Holding to earth releasing fire.
As rlfrdm and others have said in their own words too. Thanks so much.
And speaking jazz (my passion) and Coltrane… here is a link to an NPR radio show on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue album. Zen-like jazz masters talking about their creative muse. A brilliant show. The bits about Coltrane are truly cosmic, man.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10862796
Pan
Rlfrdm – thank you for this update and your news of experiencing “hints of an epiphany.” That is wonderful and gives you something to build on. I’d say just let those hints find a way and place to settle within you and try and stay with any discomfort, while letting yourself feel loved and supported.
Oh and try and work into your day something you absolutely love to do – for you.
😉
Shebear, and all, an update: Since writing earlier-and probably because of it-I’ve had hints of an epiphany. The profound insecurity that was being expressed in my way of living, especially recently, and particularly in a relationship that means so much to me, had taken me to a place of clinging and neediness that completely overwhelmed my capacity to give. Actually rendered me deeply unfaithful and unavailable to someone who has needed the opposite from me. Moment by moment this morning I am receiving a picture of what real faithfulness can look like and it includes lots of that gentle letting go I have felt so incapable of seeing. I am now thinking of how I can find a way to share this beautiful possibility with my partner. The challenges will be to keep this new lesson fresh and free and reverting less to my insecure place, and being more relaxed and accepting when I do “relapse,” as I surely will. How to stay balanced in this delicate balance of giving and taking is a powerful question.
Rlfrdm and Genevieve (and others who are experiencing the rocky road in their relationships with their significant other), you are describing my situation to a tee.
My husband and I have had challenges galore throughout our marriage, including several attempts by him to exit when the going got tough, but somehow my mantra of ““I’m here and will remain just here” (thanks Rlfrdm!) is finally being owned by him at his core and an amazing creative growth is unfolding within us both as a result. It seems that as I have managed to look my own fears full on these past few months, my confidence in letting things be and surrendering to the process, has anchored those fears and let me experience faith and courage instead.
Perhaps we are learning to quit being a disposable society which tosses things aside when they don’t seem to serve us any longer, and maybe, just maybe, the magic of the feminine, the energy behind the scenes, is inviting us all, male and female, to be patient within ourselves and each other.
I’d like to pass on this quote from a Sufi:
What is patience?
“Patience may be called the power of endurance in the absence of the desired thing or conditions.” (Hazrat Inayat Khan)
Thanks Wavers for this lovely thread and the hope shared within it.
Len, your piece combined with the comments from readers provided just the catalyst I needed to begin making some sense of my situation. Things have been really rocky in a significant relationship-and so outside what I thought was reality-and, like Genevieve, I have thought in recent weeks that I was coming to the conclusion that it was time to pick up stakes and move on. This has been extremely painful. Then an amazing thing happened: over the weekend I reread my annual and worked with Eric’s September horoscope, and through that and in combination with an important dream Monday morning, I determined to look for a way to let him know that, “I’m here and will remain just here.” This rational and generous commitment evaporated, though, yesterday with yet another uncomfortable interaction. Last night before I went to sleep I meditated on my September regular and inner space. To be honest, since September’s came out I have been scared. I’m a Capricorn and the universe has seemed to be asking far more of me than I thought I could possibly deliver lately. Now it’s asking me not to push? to just let go and let God?! With the current feeling of crisis I am experiencing? The last question I asked before sleep was, “Well what does that look like?” This morning I got up (way too early; couldn’t sleep) and read this. Thank you Len; thank you everybody. I don’t know if I can pull off what clearly needs to be done but I have a much better sense of what my holding might look like and I don’t feel so alone in striving to do it-and gently.
Len,
This article on the astrology and “holding tension” is brilliant. It absolutely resonated what went on in my life this past weekend. My boyfriend and I are going through a rough time. He’s going through a major transformation, he has no idea where he’s at, doesn’t understand his feelings, and just generally feels stressed around me and his friends (and has no idea why). And it’s really been affecting me. It’s hard to just be me around him when there’s no ground to stand on. Instead of pushing for an answer on how to move forward I’ve been just trying to hold space for understanding, healing and letting him work through this change. I was amazed to read your article today and see laid out in your interpretation of the astrology what I’ve been going through recently with him.
“Think however, about how much good holding space for someone can do as they process a profound moment.”
That’s exactly how I feel things are with him. I’ve watched, observed, offered understanding and compassion and not pushed for definitive answers. Holding tension can be hard, especially since we are taught to want to resolve something ASAP or just let it fall apart instead of holding that space for the person to work out what needs to be worked out. I’ve thought of ending my relationship with him a number of times over the past few weeks, but each time there’s this voice inside of me that says it’s not time. I feel like I am being taught so much by what I am experiencing with him and I didn’t realize what it was until I read your article. I’m practicing and learning to hold tension – how to wait for a way forward once he has gone through this growth, how to be patient when there is no obvious way forward and the person you are with is struggling to understand themselves. “Holding tension” describes exactly how it feels.
So thank you, Len!
Best Wishes, Genevieve
P.S. Coltrane rocks!
Len, I was almost holding my breath while reading that. I’m applauding. You’ve turned my central conflict right now on its head, and given me a new handle on it. What a lovely piece, Coltrane indeed.
My natal Mars in Aries sextiles my Mercury in Aquarius (on the ascending) and I search out methods to be present quietly, to hear the masterful universe at work, and allow the unfolding rather than jump into it. It’s grand to sit back and hear the beautiful sound that truth makes … I’m hearing it here, brother sun & moon.
Patriarchal aggression? Mars only expresses patriarchal aggression in the hands of a patriarchal aggressor. I don’t like the idea that any planet is exclusively male or female.
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hey wandering_yeti, this is the ‘problem’ with archetypes – they just are.
as you suggest, it is the way we apply them that counts. I, for one, would not wish the planets to become androgynous, as this would take the ‘romance’ out of the drama!
i like a feminine Venus and a feminine Moon – finding in them considerable comfort. with Mars being so long associated with war, methinks it may resonate inappropriately to find Mars questioning her gender..
just a thought..! 8)
I’ve been aware of the “holding” pattern since early yesterday evening (after tossing some “lobsters” into the sea….;-) and I had a restless, sleepless night so I tried to breathe deeply my way across the tightrope.
When I feel this energy, I try to let the opening lines of the Serenity Prayer speak to me:
“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”
I agree with you Len, when you write here:
“In a culture that encourages quick solutions, demands immediate gratification, caught in an unsustainable need to generate ever greater profits ever faster, the idea of holding verges on the heretical.”
I have to walk this path of the heretic and I invite everyone on my path to try and slow down and take some moments to reflect on their lives with patience, courage, wisdom and faith in the hopes we all get to experience “the profound.”
Patriarchal aggression? Mars only expresses patriarchal aggression in the hands of a patriarchal aggressor. I don’t like the idea that any planet is exclusively male or female. I think we moderns get distracted by the Roman names of the planets a little too thoroughly. I think it’s mainly because Venus is the only planet with the name of a goddess in the Roman way of naming things that we see Venus as a predominantly feminine force. It’s Metal in Chinese astrology. Weapons and courage, but also sadness and grief and musical instruments. The sun is a goddess in Japan and old northern Europe. Confining women to lunar and venusian energies is a reflection of the culture that can’t bear to see a woman outside the home, nunnery or brothel standing in her own power without a man to protect her. To me Mars is just as much the girl who rides a bike to work every day even when it’s raining as it is a male aggressor. Venus is just as much a man with delicate sensitivity to music as it is a pretty woman being used to sell stuff. Mercury hirself is thoroughly pangendered. The male and female principles are present in all the planets and in all people.
Len:
You have an ability to capture the cosmic moment with an uncannily pinpoint accuracy.
As with HDW – you so have me right now its not funny. Looks like I’m going to have to call you Len as in “Boom Boom” Wallick. Your astrological analysis has a one-two punch.
Holding tension is a delicate matter, especially when the situation is volatile. How to be patient when others are pressing an issue? How to refrain from aggression without surrender of dignity? How to wait on a need for closure? It’s not easy but those of us who have been fortunate enough to witness it, or even accomplish it know it’s possible.
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This sums it all up brilliantly, Len! And, I have to say, particularly relevant to my circumstances at the present time.
Thanks.