Many planetary movements ago I was in a cult. I didn’t know I was in it when I was, but that’s part of the deal. Once I had figured it out, I was scared to leave. That is also what they wanted. I spent many years after feeling like if I even mentioned their name, I would bear some sort of consequence. In a culture where people believe in groundhogs forecasting the weather, black cats and broken mirrors predicting life outcomes, it’s hard to not to wonder if such things could be true.
And then there is astrology.
Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs and the natural world. It has been an integral part of many cultures for centuries and is still widely practiced today. Astrology provides a unique way of understanding ourselves and the world around us, offering a framework for self-discovery and personal growth.
Another benefit of astrology is its ability to provide a sense of connection and meaning in our lives. By studying the cycles of the moon and the movements of the planets, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rhythms of the natural world and our place within it. Astrology encourages us to view ourselves as part of a larger whole and to recognize the interconnectedness of all things, fostering a sense of empathy, compassion, and unity.
They called people like me “seekers” and the seekers were taught to be scared of their true nature. I had to tip toe around such concepts because of the religion I grew up in. It was not acceptable to even read such things least you be called a satan worshipper, “not of God” or worse. Ancient symbols, teachings and ways of being that fell out of the realm of what they considered “godly” were condemned and so was everyone who looked towards them.
I recently listened to Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. If you haven’t read it, I recommend it. “Believing that something is wrong with us is a deep and tenacious suffering,” says Tara Brach. This suffering emerges in crippling self-judgments and conflicts, and it keeps as at war with ourselves. I don’t know about you, but for me, being at war with myself is not where I want to be. And yet, I am. And I have been for quite sometime.
Whenever I come up against hard questions and I struggle to answer them truthfully, I know I have to ask myself better questions to get to the root of it. How has being at war with myself served me in my relationships, my work and especially my art? How have I used this self criticism to undermine my efforts and keep some stupid story alive? And most importantly, how I can I make friends with myself? Is it even possible?
I obviously have no answers, only questions. Not because I am a seeker but because I am a curiouser. That is my new word for those of us who look within to live life better on the outside. It’s for those of us who know we need to learn to play well with each other by playing well with ourselves first. And that means asking questions, excavating the depths of ourselves and navigating this crazy world any which way we can to live our truth. Like an Aries be bold, energetic, passionate, driven by your heart and go “all in” on yourself.
Check out my not so “godly” Astrology Series, painted strictly for those navigating their lives by the stars in the sky and the ones in their eyes.
Until next time,
Leave a Reply