Totally My Blog

The Cross and the Curve

2012-01-07T16:37:00.014-05:00

"Saturn, the most distant planet visible to the unaided eye, takes approximately 29 earth years to orbit the sun. Therefore, a person's life can coincide with two, or possibly three of this planet's orbits. For these reasons, Saturn is associated with the relentless aspects of death, time, and the limitations of reality. In Saturn's astronomical symbol, the curve, or personality, submits to the cross, the restrictions of matter. Called the Greater Malefic, Saturn brings sorrow to those areas of a person's life that are based on unrealistic expectations. It teaches us that all attachment leads to suffering, for nothing with form is permanent. Saturn causes transformation by creating stronger foundations and removing what is no longer needed."

Rose Window

2011-07-05T23:57:00.003-04:00

Notre Dame de Paris North Rose Window, completed 1250

Perspective

2010-09-23T00:23:00.003-04:00

Saturn

2009-01-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Decathexis

2008-06-08T18:59:00.007-04:00

Decathexis: to withdraw one's feelings of emotional attachment from a person, idea or object in anticipation and acceptance of a future loss.

Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. On Death and Dying, 1969

Disappointed Love

2007-03-14T14:45:00.004-04:00

Francis Danby. Disappointed Love, 1821

Le Moulin de la Galette

2006-07-09T16:58:00.002-04:00

Vincent Van Gogh. Le Moulin de la Galette, 1886

Desiderata

2005-08-04T10:37:00.002-04:00

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann. Desiderata, 1927