Austerities: things that are done to live simply
The word austerity generally refers to economic measures adopted by governments to amend spending. Austerity measures are typically pursued if there is a threat that a government cannot honor its debt liabilities.
In 2010 there were 250,000 internet searches for the word austerity.
Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.
~Frederic Chopin
The art of simplicity is the study for February. As we grow our roots further into 2014, it is apparent that what we bring with us, weighs us down. Therefore appreciation for those things in our lives that contribute to peace and contented well-being become more apparent as we glance at our environments with wonder—how did we get here?
This is referred to as ‘art’ because though it is our natural state, simplicity has so long not been our experience that practice is necessary, at first, to remind us that ‘I am not what I think I am’. Therefore I may practice detachment from this illusion. The practice of which, many of us may be aware, is referred to as Self inquiry promoted by many teachers of non-duality—and awakening us to the simple Truth, I am, That.
We continue in February to dismiss fears perpetuated by genetic inheritance and social
propriety whilst using discernment to arrive at that which is of real value. The Pluto/Venus conjunction that begins the month in opposition to Jupiter highlights the parental axis (in Capricorn/Cancer respectively, father/mother) in our charts. Essentially, our foundations are experiencing a renovation and in some cases demolition in order to discover the treasure beneath the existing structure. A structure that in part has been built upon what we have learned in our early years from our parents. The desire for transformation knows no bounds. Confidence replaces concern and questions rarely are asked as the answers arise before the question is fully formed.
Venus advances out of the equation mid month whilst Uranus comes into aspect with Jupiter once again, through a square that strikes us with the necessary clarity to leap beyond one’s present position of possible indecisiveness and/or confusion. If our business is our passion there is likely to be great strides made towards furthering goals and realizing visions. If it has seemed to be a long time arriving, all the sweeter is the success. This applies to whatever we consider our ‘business’ to be. Reaping the reward for focus and persistence is a theme for those who have gracefully traversed the pathless path. As this square appeared also in August of 2013 we are now positioned to make the most of a very growth oriented period. Look to the houses where transiting Pluto/Venus and Jupiter/ Uranus reside to consider the areas in your own life that are being affected by this cosmic alignment promoting transformation, growth and illumination.
With Mercury cycling retrograde on the 6th from Pisces back into Aquarius the mind remains occupied with the ‘big picture’ and provides beneficial perspective for the easy waltz with independence and awaking that can only usher us into a place of greater well being. The sensitivity that results as we gracefully come to occupy our natural state is radiated by Venus as she travels through the latter part of Capricorn and is sextiled by Saturn in Scorpio. The other side of this aspect may be the experience of heightened sensitivity that feels uncomfortable, even hurtful. It is good to remember once again to not take things personally, to remember that it is the ego with expectations that promotes our suffering. This is an opportunity to feel on a deep level those emotions that in the past may have produced any number of insecurities—to observe and to move toward neutrally.
Koan for Now
Sekita said: I believe that we must be careful to keep Buddha-mind undefiled by conceptual thinking.
Sogaku said: When an Ox walked across Muon’s sand garden he covered it with fresh sand.”
~from Abiding in Nondual Awarenessby Robert Wolfe
Year of the Wood Horse
The year of the wood/tree horse begins January 31st. The dynamic of this is interesting as it implies flexibility yet stability, and freedom yet service. The dual nature of this symbol brings balance where opposing forces might seem to suggest stress. The lesson we learn is inherent in the place of rest that exists when each of these is understood as a significant compliment to the other. Arising from what is known here is a third element, so to speak, that is our intrinsic nature. It is when we understand the nature of duality that non-duality is known.
Tarot Card of the Month
The Tarot Cards for February are Death XIII (Pluto) and the Empress III (Venus) as these two planets set the groundwork for our February experience. It is when we transform our self criticism to Self love that we more easily access abundance, fertility and creativity. The Empress is the ease with which manifestation happens when the oppositional forces are recognized as a feature of this physical experience.
February is dominated by Sun in Aquarius, an air sign. Though dry and cold, we should still think rain and know that it is here reviving the Earth and nourishing us all. As the Sun moves into Pisces on the 18th, blessings will be bestowed upon us as a conjunction to Neptune decreases our ego eccentricities creating the possibility of a leap of faith!
