The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. ~Felix Adler (Professor of political and social ethics)
We are all heroes; have performed heroic deeds and ventured into territories unknown, pushing our limits and discovering what marvelous aspects of our selves lie sequestered. It often means letting go of a fear that otherwise prevents us from discovering deeper truths. This is an ongoing process where we travel deeper and closer to the ultimate truth, the whole time divesting our selves of whatever is not a permanent aspect of that truth.
April 1st is April Fool’s Day! In April, we begin with the first of the major arcana cards, the Fool O. In the Tarot, he is the hero who stands on the edge of a new adventure. He travels lightly with only a small satchel tied to a stick; and we get the feeling that his ego is what he is carrying and that it is not a hindrance.
Beginning then on the initial day of this shorter month, we find our selves setting off on an adventure that, by virtue of our being on this planet, we have chosen—who knows when. Maybe we choose over and over again. In each moment, we say yes and that propels us into the next. Our whole experience here in this plane of existence is the hero’s journey.
Unlike the Fool however, who stands perpetually perched on the threshold, we have many times experienced that position and the next, which is stepping into the abyss. We are not naïve and fully innocent as our Tarot hero is often described to be. We are experienced enough to know that our forays into darkness result in many “ah ha” moments that are responsible for expansion.
One resource that the hero has in abundance is energy. The energy to leap tall buildings in a single bound, etc. Astrologically, physical energy is the territory of Mars, the ruler of Aries. Since Aries has been retrograde in Virgo since January 23rd, our natural heroic tendencies may have regressed with the planet. And since Virgo rules the 6th house of health, our own physical energy may have been low for this time period.
We have been incubating ideas. The desire to explore new lands and forge new pathways probably merged with the more cautious side of the self. On April 13th, Mars finally goes direct at 8:53 p.m., an occurrence that should precipitate a flurry of activity.
Still in Virgo, however, Mars will not suddenly burst into full flame or scale vertical rock walls. There will be a considered aspect to all actions that benefit individuals and the collective. Still, we are discerning the ‘right’ path to take or the ‘right’ action to implement. Some people are more certain of their actions than others. We should be aware of those who are confident as they typically choose for the rest of us, whether or not our highest good is being considered. If this is not the case, then we are, as heroes, obligated to stand up and represent our selves and the highest good.
April is always a good month to consider how you want to step out into the world as it adorns itself anew. After a period of hibernation, the length of which depends on your location, coming out into the light might require an adjustment or two in how you have been nurturing your self. Time to prepare the body for lighter fare and perhaps make long-term choices that will serve you well physically.
Being here is a great gift. And we need to treat the vehicle that allows us to experience, very well. In our youth the word caution did not exist. As we get older the facts of our impetuosity catches up with us. Eating habits and exercise routines come under scrutiny as we attempt to regain what once was. April is the month of youthful vigor...everyone feels the affects of Spring.
As Mars goes direct in the wee degrees of Aries (3) we have ample opportunity to continue examining our selves from the perspective of perfection. Virgo seeks to perfect self before continuing with issues of relationship which begin in Libra, and the 7th house in which we come to know balance within duality. Of course we all know that we are already perfect as that which never changes. When we realize this, all else is evident to the point of discontinuing discussion. And everything I have just said can be filed under disposable.
The other two cards for April are:
The Four of Pentacles--The firm platform from which we venture out into the world feeling strong and well supported in our actions. In the Voyager deck, this is the commencement card which aptly describes our present situation, not just that Spring has arrived, but as a collective we begin to function in ways that serve us to renew our relationship with mother Earth. Pentacles are the earth sign of the Tarot. It behooves us, as so many know, to create a more loving relationship with or home planet.
The last card is the Wheel of Fortune. The wheel turns endlessly. New cycles begin and our present experiences drift into the past. Any sense of our being in control must be relinquished. We have no need to know what is next. It always shows up, and as true heroes we are prepared to greet what is next in a positive and enlightened way. No matter what stage of growth the hero experiences, he will be lighting the way for those who have not yet gained that perspective.
April is an experience of nuance; subtler shades of subtle shades that the eye discerns through graceful observation that is made without judgment. One then finds one self on top of the mountain without having suffered the climb.
Thank you and well being to you!
