Not Quite Over Yet: The Critical Phase Before Renewal
Emotional Resilience, Saturn’s Weight, and the Power of the Waning Moon
Before we dive into the astrological insights, I’d like to take a moment to invite you to join me in a brief 10-second prayer for those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It’s a heartbreaking event, and right now, the least we can do is offer our prayers for their peaceful journey onward.
Courses & Consultations
If you’d like to work with me personally, I’m available for one-on-one astrology sessions, and you can also check out my upcoming Diploma in Indian Astrology.
Astrological Commentary
The last quarter moon points out to the time where we have to face the results of our choices that we made earlier. Whether the outcome is favourable or unfavorable, this experience is sure to provide numerous valuable lessons and significant insights, leading to a wealth of new understandings and knowledge. This holds especially true for this time period, mainly due to the Moon’s proximity to Saturn in Pisces, which highlights a potential tension that could compel us into uncomfortable situations or actions we may not fully agree with. Although our current situation might not be ideal, it’s important to remember that it’s a direct consequence of a past decision, and this experience will provide valuable lessons that will benefit us throughout the remainder of the year. With our considerable experience from the past fortnight, we might unintentionally display a certain inflexibility or rebelliousness, potentially affecting those around us. It is important to remember, however, that we must acknowledge the diversity of individual circumstances and perspectives, recognising that people are at different stages in their lives and hold varying viewpoints. Consequently, due to potential time constraints, we might need to forgo our rigid approach, necessitating a release of past practices and embracing a more adaptable approach to integrate with the future. While this may feel like an identity crisis, it’s important to remember that this is just a phase, and things can shift quickly. With the Moon conjunct Saturn during this time, we’re supported by grit and determination to navigate what might feel like a frustrating period. Yet, this phase also offers deep learning and timeless wisdom if we’re willing to embrace it.
During the Balsamic phase, the Moon’s conjunction with Venus in Aries, while not typically a harmonious placement for either celestial body, could unexpectedly provide the emotional support needed to take essential steps toward the future, even after a necessary encounter with reality. This conjunction, a powerful tool for maintaining momentum, will help us to find the motivation required to complete our journey through this two-week period. Despite the relatively calmer emotional landscape of this balsamic phase, thanks to the Venus-Moon conjunction, we should anticipate and prepare for impulsive situations that may require a proactive strategy of conflict avoidance and disengagement. Internal conflicts can hinder our expansion, but the Balsamic moon, despite symbolising endings, offers the potential for developing inner resolve and mature wisdom, which can be invaluable in navigating and overcoming these challenges.
Inward Glance
Epictetus’ Discourses
Book I - Chapter-I - Essence of 1.1.18 to 1.1.22
Epictetus frequently employed a teaching method that involved portraying the internal deliberations of an individual confronted with adversity. Imagine, he says, a person condemned to death complaining, “Must I be beheaded now, and alone?” The tone is bitter, filled with self-pity. But then he asks, “Do you want everyone to be beheaded just because misery loves company?” In this passage, Epictetus eloquently illustrates the absurdity of inflicting suffering upon others as a means of alleviating one’s personal discomfort, highlighting the inherent flaws in such a mindset. The tendency to want others to share in our suffering is unproductive and ultimately solves nothing.
Subsequently, he directs attention toward illustrative examples drawn from the Roman history. One was Lateranus, a senator condemned by Nero to be executed. Because the blow from the executioner’s sword was not strong enough to kill Lateran’s instantly, his body instinctively recoiled from the impact. However, composing himself, he calmly extended his neck once more, prepared and poised for the second attack. In that brief instant, the initial surge of human instinct gave way to something far more profound, a remarkable display of composure, a quiet acceptance of reality, and an impressive mastery of self. To provide yet another example, consider the case of a man who was stopped and questioned by Epaphroditus, one of Nero’s freedmen; Epaphroditus’s inquiry centered on determining the specific offense for which the man was accountable. The man responded with remarkable dignity, “If I want anything, I will tell it to your master.” Although death was imminent, he maintained his dignity and refused to debase himself by begging for mercy. The narratives presented here illustrate that true strength doesn’t lie in evading suffering or mortality, but rather in confronting these inevitable aspects of life while preserving one’s moral compass and unwavering sense of integrity..
And so, Epictetus asks, “What should we have ready at hand in a situation like this? The knowledge of what is mine and what is not mine, what I can and cannot do.” While I may lack control over the inevitability of death or the occurrence of injustice, I retain full autonomy in determining my response to such events. “I must die. But must I die bawling? I am destined for chains, but is it truly necessary that I also subject myself to the agony of complaining? It is not avoidance of fate that is required of us, but rather a courageous and dignified encounter with whatever destiny may bring; our response must be characterized by a calm and self-possessed approach, ensuring that we meet fate on our own terms and with an unwavering sense of dignity. Although the event itself may be fated, the way in which we respond to it and how we deal with it and its consequences are entirely determined by us.