Currently Venus is in her sign of exaltation Pisces (meaning great strength, content) – however she is still in the shadow of the Sun, as Venus has traversed the underworld, and come to the other side, having shifted from morning to evening star. She is still feeling burnt out, tired, perhaps depressed, facing the reality of unrealistic expectations, relationship fallouts.
With Mars still in Taurus and still the the shadow of Rahu – the eclipse, all relationships – and our attitude to relating, is likely going through a great change.
Vehicle issues may be be arising, finances may be troubled right now. The desire to spend is strong. (Venus loves luxury) – Beware, buyer’s remorse! Venus is the main Karaka (significator) for spouse, or a female partner. She represents the gentle, loving and tender side of our natures, (venus connects to Jal -Water). Her quality and state in the chart reflects one’s tastes, values and love language – how one prefers to give and receive affection, touch and the experience of pleasure.
When are we not in relationship? When studying charts, the qualities and nature of your partner can be seen too, as they are an intimate reflection of you – all that is hidden, beautiful and not …
The gift of the ‘other’ is a divine looking glass where we can see all that is hidden within the Self. For the Dharma warrior, conflict is welcomed, opposition is met with curiosity. When triggered, especially in romantic situations when emotions are involved and vulnerability lies raw and bare like an exposed wound toward the harsh midday sun – the other either becomes evil incarnate, or a divine messenger – Don’t shoot.
The reality of ‘other’ in some way shape or form, exists. And it is through the other that we can know ourself. Of course, there may come a point in a soul’s path, which entails solitude, a need to withdraw and disengage … but only for so long. It is in the intricate dance of relationship that great transformation has the opportunity to unfold.
“if you are irritated by every rub, how can you ever be polished?” – Rumi
Jai Māyā Devi – The Great Mirror Conspiracy – The triggers!
Māyā makes us question what is perceived … Māyā means, ‘that which appears to be’ And what appears to be one thing, may not be that at all.
And so, what is real?
And, what is unreal?
This has been at the core of human questioning and spiritual seeking ..It is succinctly addressed in the Pavamana mantra:
Om Asatoma Sad-Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya
Mrytyor-Maa Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om
Lead me from the (asat) untruth to the (sad) Truth.
Lead me from (tamas – ignorance) darkness to (jyotir-knowledge) light.
Lead me from (cycle of birth/rebirth) death to (self-realisation) immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace.
While the translation is rough, and sanskrit words contain layers and depth of meaning not limited to a one word translation, the essence of this mantra addresses the very question of what truth is, and the quest to know this truth, beyond the play of duality.
There is a hunger in the human soul to be free
It is our very essence
Spirit has no limit
No boundaries
Spirit is constantly pushing beyond, yearning to break free.
The deep inner knowing within knows its limitless reality, and seeks to breaks these bonds, to break the limitations, the bondage to the material world. When this desire is not made conscious it can manifest as addiction, a pathology. Desire twists and the need to push limits occurs only on the physical – compulsive actions.
Do your choices take you toward greater freedom – Sattva, Vidya?
Or further into ignorance – Tamas?
True freedom ultimately lies beyond the senses, when the individual turns their attention away from the grasping at the external perception; returning home to centre.
Humans long for freedom. This is our nature. It is this hunger, this thirst, this longing within, which this mantra (and many others) speaks to.
Sacred relationships break down illusions, temper the spirit and open the heart. Humility is a rare quality, but essential. In charts when you see the Mars afflicting the 7th house for example, often it can be seen that there is little peace in relationships. Mars is the warrior, and in the 7th, (or aspecting), the field of relating, becomes a battlefield. Someone wants to be right, another refuses to yield – Ego stands for “Edging God Out “
“An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind” – Gandhi
Relationships offer the opportunity to witness and examine what is dysfunctional within, and find new approaches to old patterns. You cannot change another, but you can change how you respond to them. To learn what is real, or unreal, truth and projection. It is a gift to find two individuals who can fearlessly hold up the divine mirror to each other, with compassion – ‘Marriage’ is unification (Yoga) of two energies, two souls helping each other grow spiritually, willingly holding the mirror, knowing their journey is separate, but also together. This was the higher purpose of marriage in ancient India. Today, it can be explored in conscious relationships.
Relating is an art, but not everyone is an artist. To love another human being is truly a work of art. It is a dance with the life force flowing in another. Love is a skill.
Fortunately, like any skill, it can be learned and improved upon.
Practice makes perfect 🙂
With love,
Darinka
{ Art By Stephen Mackey }
Darinka Maja 