April 10th ~ 17th
“Spring” by Elisabeth Sonrel
Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam?
Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.
~ J.R.R. Tolkien
This virus is testing the moral fiber and core ethical values of everyone these days. None so much as those who already have power. There is nothing wrong with wealth and power in and of itself. It is what you do with that privilege that counts. Over this past week we have seen those in power playing politics to determine who will live and who will die (a bit dramatic, but cutting to the chase); who have tried to get their cut of government bailouts despite their showing profits; or attempting to make profits off of the tragedy that is unfolding. We are being shown the weaknesses in the fabric of our infrastructures, and they are just riddled with loopholes.
But we have also seen the story of a landlord who waived the rent for each of his tenants in his 28 buildings in Brooklyn, knowing that so many of his tenants had probably lost their jobs. First responders were either sleeping at their dispatchers or in their own cars, to avoid infecting their loved ones at home. A good friend is working tirelessly on new clinical trials to treat the virus. And people are willing to put their lives on hold in order to protect others. In these Jupiter/Pluto times we will witness the extremes of the very good as well as the greedy.
Many of us are being advised, if not legally mandated to avoid human contact. Something that does not come naturally to humans who (for the most part) are normally social beings. But those people who are practicing social distancing are doing so for the greater good: to protect those who are most vulnerable. Many are doing this, because with this particular epidemic it is the only means and ways we have at the moment to flatten the curve. This will help to ensure that we have fewer sick people cropping up all at one time, which will then allow our healthcare systems to continue to function.
We are doing this because it is the right thing to do. And in the void that this pandemic is creating, people are stepping in to fill that void: helping the vulnerable, the elderly, the destitute. It is our goodness that will rally and overcome fear, selfishness, and the infodemic of misinformation. The global pandemic has shown us that when someone sneezes in one part of the globe, we will inevitably catch a cold in our own corner of the globe. We are dipping our toes in the Age of Aquarius where it becomes more and more evident just how interdependent we are, and how we can accomplish so much more when we are willing to work with each other, rather than compete with one another. And that each and every one of us counts. Every one.
Why is it that the poorest people always pay the highest price? ~ Gov. Andrew Cuomo
This coming week the Sun will square the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction testing our values and moral fiber. Are we going to rise to the occasion? Or stoop to the lowest and most base instincts?
Here are some of the things we are being asked to cultivate with the Jupiter/Pluto conjunctions this year:
Placing oneself in service to the Greater Good of humanity as a whole.
Thinking globally. This includes how our actions locally have grander implications and ramifications.
Using one’s influence, resources, skills and expertise to benefit the majority.
Holding those in power accountable for their moral and ethical decisions.
Looking at a the ways we use our own power, privilege and resources: asking ourselves whether or not we are living up to our own moral and ethical standards. And whether or not we are only thinking about our own selfish desires, or the betterment of the Greater Whole.
There will be opportunities this year to grow, and to fulfill a larger vision. And we will find ourselves compelled to get back to our own core beliefs and principles. These are times when we ask ourselves: What are you willing to put your back against the wall for? What are you willing to take risks or make sacrifices for?
We are also confronted with the choice of doing nothing: of refusing to rock the boat; of not wanting to get involved; or worse, to obstruct and be an obstacle. In the end, with Jupiter conjunct Pluto we are being asked to let our conscience be our guides. And in this context we will need to ask ourselves: What side of history do you want to see yourself standing on? Sometimes there are just some things that you know you need to stand for. This requires great courage and a strong sense of who we are, and what we believe in, so that even in the face of extraordinary odds, even when we are being coerced by others, even in the face of evil, we will stand for what is right and true.
One of the keys to Jupiter/Pluto is that we do what we do, because it is the right thing to do, and not because we are expecting some sort of reward or recognition, or because we want some sort of glory. We also have to remember that we are not superior: we are equal and coexistent with each other. And if there is something we can do to right the imbalance of power, then may it be so.
Frodo: I can’t do this, Sam.
Sam: I know.
It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories Mr Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy. How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad happened. But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam.
Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.
~ J.R.R. Tolkien (The Two Towers)
For next week’s horoscopes, click below: