I receive a number of calendars each
fall in anticipation of the coming year. As I was deciding which ones
to save and which ones to recycle, it occurred to me that I was holding
in my hand 365 days of pure potential! Days, weeks, and months to fill
with a fresh approach if I choose. This led to a question: “What do
I want to add or change or keep the same?”
After some deep thought, I decided
that the most important element that I could add would be Balance.
I will explain how each of the 12 signs offers insights into an area
of life that can provide the possibility of greater balance in all areas
of our lives. As you examine each principle, you can decide if more
attention to that aspect of your life would provide more balance,
harmony, and happiness. We all hold, within ourselves, each of the 12
Principles in a unique combination that describes who we are. More or
less emphasis on a principle is a choice we make each day. Consider
the choices you will make in the uncharted days ahead.
Principle #1 — Aries,
Mars, First house are the Astrological indicators of the sense of self,
me first, I am somebody. In our culture we are often taught to hide
self interest for fear of being considered “selfish” or “self centered”.
If you tend to give up your own ideas, your opinions, and pride in yourself,
you can achieve balance by developing more of this principle in your
life.
Principle #2 — Taurus,
Venus, Second house are all Astrological indicators of the importance
of developing an appreciation of the sensual, practical, earthy side
of yourself. It represents your personal resources, whether that be
money you earn, talents that you develop, or a strong sense of what
has value. If you lack a sense of security, you may find balance
by developing your ability to turn talent into money in the bank.
Principle #3 — Gemini,
Mercury, Third house are the names given to the intellectual, communicating
and curious side of yourself. Have you developed your ability to communicate
exactly how you feel? Do you set aside time to gather information about
areas of great interest to you? By developing your ideas and learning
to speak well you can balance your need to be heard.
Principle #4 — Cancer,
Moon, and Fourth house are the Astrological symbols for an important
part of yourself. Starting with your early childhood, your connection
to your Mother (or the main nurturing person), will affect how you express
emotions and feel cared or conversely, fail to feel nurtured and loved.
Any effort to understand and heal or rekindle the emotional connection
to “family” will be time and effort well spent in your goal of bringing
more balance into your life.
Principle #5 — Leo,
Sun, and Fifth house represent the way in which you feel good about
yourself. This brings out your ability to have fun, to add drama, and
creativity into the picture. It is also the connection to children,
your own or those of others. We sometimes achieve a sense of pride in
the accomplishments of our children. However, nothing takes the place
of applause for your own performance. Add balance by learning
how to “shine”!
Principle #6 — Virgo,
Mercury, and Sixth house all represent the area of life where we get
the work of the world done efficiently and on time. It also places an
emphasis upon the efficient function of the body in order to be healthy.
Developing skill or craftsmanship is part of this emphasis upon the
daily work. If your job is not satisfying, this could be the year that
a fresh approach could add balance to this important part of
your life.
Principle #7 — Libra,
Venus, and Seventh house are the areas where we encounter the idea or
concept of balance in relationships. It is through the interaction
with others that we learn more about our need to share. The music of
a great concert, a day at the beach, or dinner at your favorite restaurant
will be enhanced by sharing it with a partner or friend. In addition,
music, art, photography, or artistic endeavors are activities that add
balance to your days.
Principle #8 — Scorpio,
Pluto, and the Eighth house are all expressions of the need to understand
life with depth and passion. It also represents the desire for self-mastery
and control. If you have attempted to control others instead of yourself,
it can be felt as a hunger for something more that you can’t express.
If you need to focus upon this powerful drive, it will require complete
honesty. Honesty, that is, with yourself. This brings balance
from within.
Principle #9 — Sagittarius,
Jupiter, and the Ninth house are astrological indicators of the need
to “know”, to understand, and to teach what you have learned. The search
for some ultimate truth may lead you to read, travel, seek a spiritual
teacher or guide or become the spokesperson for the law. Another expression
is to choose personal freedom to do what ever you please as long as
it is fun. This can be anything from mountain climbing to gambling,
to becoming a perpetual student. If you haven’t yet found a philosophy
to live by, principle #9 will help you find the balance it provides.
Principle #10 —
Capricorn, Saturn, and the Tenth house all represent another key part
of your psyche. This is the area where you are confronted with Saturn
the symbol for the “Father”, the rule maker, or as a friend calls it,
“the operating manual”. No matter if you have become the “parent” that
tells others what to do or are still rebelling against all authority,
this role can create resistance from others. When you are in charge
of yourself you achieve the respect you crave. Learning to be your own
disciplinarian can indeed bring balance into your life.
Principle # 11 —
Aquarius, Uranus, and the Eleventh house are symbols for the idea of
the integrity of the “individual”. It is a fine line between being unique
and being eccentric. If you are a born rebel and desire personal freedom
above all else, it may be necessary to develop some of the skills of
Principle # 7 and # 12. Looking for ways to help others in your community
is in harmony with this principle. You may need to balance your
own rights with the rights of others in order to maintain a good relationship
with family and friends.
Principle #12 —
Pisces, Neptune, and the Twelfth house represent the concepts of seeking
the “Ultimate”, Truth with a capital T, God in some form or expression,
in other words an Ideal to immerse yourself into. Some find this in
religion, some in music, art, selfless service to humanity, (doctors,
nurses, scientists, public servants), and some in escape into drugs
or daydreams. You will know you have successfully included this principle
into your life when you balance your inner wisdom or voice with
compassion for others on the Path.
I hope you recognize the Principles
that are already part of your life and the ones that are missing. They
are all there in varying degrees. You can choose to fill the days ahead
with the ones that bring the most balance and satisfaction into
your year ahead. My wish for you is that 2003 will bring rewards and
challenges well met.
Blessings,
Louise
