Spirit at the Crossings XVIII

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The Sabians Symbols for the 2017 Summer Solstice

The Sabian Symbols are a template to the course and unfolding of life. A chart is like a snap-shot in time – it is a moment of significance that is ripe with meaning and guidance. The Sabian Symbols for any chart can show up in many ways – in a literal way, in an emotional, spiritual or intellectual sense. Here we are looking at these Symbols in the astrological chart for the 2017 Summer Solstice. To me, they tell an intriguing tale.

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Sun is on Cancer 1
ON A SHIP THE SAILORS LOWER AN OLD FLAG AND RAISE A NEW ONE

This Symbol implies a time of dropping the old whilst adopting the new. To ‘Lower an Old Flag and Raise a New One’ marks real turning points in one’s life. Something is changing, possibly dramatically, and the transformation should be taken seriously. Something that once was useful or valuable is, or has, ended and something brand new is beginning or emerging. There should be a symbolic gesture or expression of this change of allegiance. It may help to run any new ideas or plans up the “flagpole” to see if anybody salutes. You could change countries, professions, relationships, etc, as these are very significant times.

The Caution: Quickly rejecting the old just for the sake of change. Fickleness. Not sticking with things long enough to win the rewards of longevity or loyalty. Mutiny.

Lynda Says:

Every year at the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere and the Winter Solstice in the
southern, the Sun is on the first degree of Cancer. It marks a time of a turning of the tide, at
least in some fashion. At the time of the Solstice, we can do well to let go of those things that
no longer work for us in order to leave room for the new. We may want to say goodbye to
something or someone, and, this can bring a sense of loss, but, there is also a feeling of renewal
and new beginnings. Even if it’s just done symbolically in your mind, lowering the old flag and
raising a new one on any issues in your life can bring about a transformation. Time for the
new now, especially as the Sun and Mercury are conjunct (together) at this Solstice = Mercury
brings the same message of lowering the flag and moving on just hours after the exact time
of the Solstice.

Moon is on Taurus 19
A NEW CONTINENT IS RISING OUT OF THE OCEAN

This Symbol shows the rising of a new place, a place to be, a new country or somewhere to strive for a new life. It implies that you can find that extra spark to create a brand new, original opportunity. This pictures the beginning of something that holds enormous potential for the future. There is much work to be done developing this into something fertile and productive. A whole new field of activity is coming to light. What you have done in the past has led you to this, but these new beginnings need to be met with a fresh sense of purpose and possibility.

The Caution: Continually seeking ‘new worlds’ – not finding a place and cooperation in the existing one. Moving on constantly without finishing up with the old. Fickleness.

Lynda Says:

As if the degree of the Sun at the solstice of lowering an old flag and raising a new one isn’t enough
of a message of a time of transformation, the Moon is backing up that message. What is emerging
now that is new, invigorating, fresh and meaningful? New realities come to light with this degree,
and, we would do well to nourish this sense of “emergence.” The future is pregnant with possibilities,
especially if we water and fertilize what it is that’s emerging. New beginnings are possible on so
many levels; spiritually, emotionally, mentally – in actuality. With Venus conjunct the Moon, we
can have added insight into our objectives and how to bring them about. Planting seeds works
wonders now and new horizons can emerge.

Mercury is on Gemini 30
A PARADE OF BATHING BEAUTIES BEFORE LARGE BEACH CROWDS

This Symbol shows how society appreciates and acknowledges beauty and glamour. It is often important to put on your best face and apparel and to present yourself with confidence. Be aware that some are getting a lot of attention and there is a potential audience. There may be a feeling of only being appreciated for one’s superficial attributes and values without appreciation of the deeper layers of one’s persona. Displays of beauty and physical fitness can bring joy and wonder, or jealousy and derision, so you may need to be careful of what’s being revealed and who it is revealed to.

The Caution: Using superficialities to falsely win support. Giving importance to appearance and neglecting the “beauty within.” Too much makeup. Flaunting one’s body.

Lynda Says:

This Symbol is an interesting one in that it can talk about being up and about and enjoying the
outdoors, getting out in the sun, freeing up one’s body and generally hanging out with others.
It can also show the desire to have one’s “beach body” or it can show how superficial some
judgements in society are about beauty and just what is beautiful and acceptable. One of the
messages of this Symbol is to not judge others lest you be judged yourself. Of course, some
people put themselves ‘out there’, and, by doing that, they draw criticism. The trick is being
authentically one’s self, regardless of others’ opinions, appraisals or reviews. Just hours after
the Solstice, Mercury moves on to Cancer 1 and conjuncts the Sun on the same “lowering of a
flag and raising a new one” degree.

Venus is on Taurus 16
AN OLD PERSON IS ATTEMPTING, WITH A DEGREE OF SUCCESS UNSUSPECTED BY THEM, TO REVEAL THE MYSTERIES TO A MOTLEY GROUP

This Symbol implies that one holds an understanding that is either ahead of the times or behind the times. Regardless of which it is, you may feel that no-one is paying attention to your advice or wisdom, but it is not your wisdom that is at fault, it may be your approach coupled with a lack of awareness of the listeners. Perhaps those you are trying to reach are not ready yet for the information or they instinctively already know it. However, often people are soaking up things without really showing how much they are ‘getting it’. Sometimes you teach better by example than by trying to persuade.

The Caution: Exaggerated opinion of knowledge. The mistaken belief that others wish to know. being in touch with the “times.” Ramming one’s beliefs. Lack of feedback.

Lynda Says:

Venus on this degree can have us wondering if people really listen to our advice, our counsel,
our wisdom or teachings. The point is that those who resonate with the message will pay attention
– those who don’t won’t. The trick with this Symbol is to keep smiling, to keep dispensing your
thoughts and messages, but, to not be too concerned if others “get it” as some will not as they
can be so entrenched in their own ideas that they are really not listening. Of course, it can happen
that we don’t listen to others – we all have our own views on the world and it’s machinations, but,
sometimes through sharing our realizations, we help others to have their own breakthroughs.

Mars is on Cancer 11
A CLOWN IS CARICATURING WELL-KNOWN PERSONALITIES

This Symbol pictures being light-hearted, enjoying life and taking on the attributes of others in order to entertain and amuse. Laughter is said to be the best medicine and employing a light attitude can be useful to relax and get things back on the right track. It can be fun to look at life from an objective viewpoint and caricaturing others can cause us to laugh at the seriousness of life. However, perhaps someone is not ‘being real’; using masks to hide what’s really going on in their life. Or, perhaps they’re playing the fool when the situation needs a more seriousness. This degree often shows the ability to take on the personas of others.

The Caution: Being foolish in the face of positive possibilities. Trying to cover up one’s true self or one’s mistakes through buffoonery. Facades. Laughing stocks. False impressions.

Lynda Says:

Sometimes we need to use humor to get through life – we laugh at things and turn situations
around through not being too serious about everything. However, with Mars here, we may
be tiring of continually seeing the ridiculous, the profane, the silly things going on that can
mask true realities. It’s interesting to note that Robin Williams had this degree in his chart,
and, we appreciate his portrayals of characters, however, with Mars on this Symbol, we may
need to get below surface appearances to see what the true story is. No more wearing of masks,
no more pretenses may be what’s needed in order to pierce the veil. Mars is in a square with
Jupiter in Libra, and, it becomes exact a few days after the Solstice. This is telling us that it’s
great to be optimistic and forward thinking, but, we may need to temper our enthusiasm,
emotions, etc, with a sense of what is really possible, or desirable, for our future. We, or others,
may need to redirect their anger if they find themselves hitting a brick wall.

Jupiter is on Libra 14
IN THE HEAT OF THE NOON, A PERSON TAKES A SIESTA

This Symbol speaks of taking a rest when one needs to. At times, you may feel the need to take a break even though you are in the middle of a situation. To relax and recuperate will often serve to give you greater strength to complete the task at hand, also, being always on the go can be rather wearying. However, being lazy and unproductive is not the answer either. Taking a “Noon Siesta” can end up meaning taking hours and hours off work and not managing to make progress or get anywhere. Striking a balance between working too hard and not working hard enough is definitely the key.

The Caution: Wasting time. Disinterested. Losing energy or interest when at the peak of activity or achievement OR refusing to take a break. Dropping from exhaustion.

Linda Says:

Have you been feeling tired, rather discouraged, wanting to lay on the lounge with the remote in
your hand? Finding it hard to get motivated, or, working too hard and not seeing much in return?
Jupiter stationed direct on this degree, and, this can be a time of needing to reconnect with our
energies through taking some time off, meditating, doing things for ourselves and remembering
that we are not machines that can run on empty. Time to refuel with a little R & R, however that is
found. On the other hand, you may feel that you’ve been doing that long enough and that you need
to get going with the things that need to be done, especially repairs to your body, mind, spirit, life,
relationships, etc. Further, Jupiter is a “Finger Of God” formation – a yod to Neptune and Venus,
so it may take a little time to really get going with our plans, but, of course, this shouldn’t stop us from
planning, dreaming and working out the details. The time to push through may not be quite right yet,
but it is surely coming as there is so much potential emerging now. Taking it one step at a time helps.

Saturn is on Sagittarius 25
A CHUBBY LITTLE RICH BOY RIDES UPON A HOBBYHORSE

This Symbol shows someone who has everything in life playing and enjoying doing whatever they want in a safe and comfortable atmosphere – the ‘Boy’ does something he feels like doing, something easy and natural. He plays and may not be thinking too much about what’s going on in the real world as he is shielded from the more harmful elements of society because he is ‘Rich.’ You may feel that you are doing what is necessary, but this is more like a training situation and will lead to greater ability in the future, although you should watch out for the propensity to be ‘flogging a dead horse.’ Practice and play, but one day you’re going to have to prove yourself in a more rigorous, demanding situation.

The Caution: Spoilt and shallow. Only doing what one wants without considering the consequences for others. Constantly going on and on and on about something. Tantrums.

Lynda Says:

Are you doing what you want to be doing? Are you concentrating on those things that don’t feel
rewarding, creative, useful in your life? Saturn on this degree can show this, but, it can also point
to the realization of the inequality that we see in life around us where “the rich” get to play while
those who are not have to work, work, work. We do well to remember to stick to our own agendas
and make our lives more of what they can be, especially when it comes to doing things simply
because we enjoy or get a kick out of doing them. Saturn is retrograde, but, it is in a nice grand-trine
with Uranus and the Moon’s north node, so we are being asked to get organized and to throw out
those things (emotions, memories, possessions and/or relationships) that we no longer need.
We are in a big process of re-aligning with Spirit.

Uranus is on Aries 28
A LARGE AUDIENCE

This Symbol shows a sense of being an observer or a spectator, sometimes more than being a participant. You may have an inner critic that analyses things. In fact you might feel as though you, or someone else, have failed and left something wanting. But how much is this because too much was expected in the first place? The ‘Audience’ sometimes only remembers the last performance, so get up and try again. Be aware that you may be your own ‘audience.’ Do you feel that things have or haven’t lived up to expectations? Are you missing out through negative projections? Perhaps your need to feel satisfied, to perform or be fulfilled should be more realistic.

The Caution: Feeling sorry because of defeat or frustration. A lot of people feeling emotionally “wiped-out.” Shattering of illusions. Refusal of entry. Not getting a seat.

Lynda Says:

A lot of people are feeling this sense of “Disappointment” in what’s going on personally, locally
and in the entire world. We are seeing this disappointment because there are so many things
that need changing. The message from Uranus seems to be that we need to change our tune in
order to see more of the things we want to see. Changing our responses to the things we see, or
choosing to not pay so much attention to the things that bring that sense of alienation, remorse
or difficulty, can bring about a change in the world around us. Our ‘imaginations’ may need
tweaking. How better to respond to what’s happening? We have a right to feel put off by the
things we’re witnessing, but perhaps it’s time for us to dream a new dream.

Neptune is on Pisces 15
AN OFFICER DRILLING HIS MEN IN A SIMULATED ATTACK

This shows being well rehearsed, prepared and ready for anything that life throws at you. When you’re well rehearsed, you are able to spring to attention when situations warrant it. You may feel that you need to rehearse or prepare for difficult situations. There is wisdom in practicing to reduce the chance of error or failure. However, are you going over and over possible positive or negative outcomes thereby losing the joy that can be found in relaxing and letting down your guard? Sometimes the things we think are going to happen don’t happen at all. Choosing where, when and how to be ready and willing to go for objectives is half the battle.

The Caution: Rigid routine for no real purpose. Overreactions. Seeing threats or attack everywhere. Going over things too much. Not knowing what to do or how to act. Drills.

Lynda says:

Neptune stationary direct on this degree can bring up feelings of ‘what next?’. It can be important
to sort out what is really happening in our lives and not falling into the trap of “the sky is falling.”
Neptune on this degree can have us going over and over thoughts, emotions, fears, etc, and, some
of them are likely to be “false flags” – we need to be discerning about what is real and what is false.
Fake news, fears of “attacks”and the like can have us off center if we’re not careful. Some of the
things we fear are not at all useful. The saying “worrying is praying for the things we don’t want”
comes to mind.

Pluto is on Capricorn 19
A CHILD OF ABOUT FIVE CARRYING A HUGE SHOPPING BAG FILLED WITH GROCERIES

This Symbol shows having to “Carry” heavy loads, to shoulder responsibilities, do chores and jobs and help others, sometimes because there’s no one else who can or will do it. Often, the “Child” gets these responsibilities because they are the one who others know is going to take it seriously, completing the task, taking care of details. You may feel that you have been burdened with responsibilities beyond normal expectations and possibly beyond your capability. Despite being keen and enthusiastic, you must be careful not to try to take on too much, or do too much, or too quickly. Like a child, you need to play, be creative and rest.

The Caution: Overloading the innocent and the inexperienced without thought of the consequences. Never being ‘off duty.’ Dropping the bundle. Carrying the family.

Lynda Says:

With Pluto here, we may be carrying loads that feel heavy or demanding. We may be seeing
some people being asked to take on too much responsibility, and, we may be feeling that ourselves.
We are also witnessing some in power who are not up to the task; they are acting immaturely,
not standing up to their responsibilities, children taking on the load of their families, etc. Still,
it is by assessing what we will do and what we don’t want to do can show us what we need to
shoulder and what we don’t.

Chiron is on Pisces 29
LIGHT BREAKING INTO MANY COLORS AS IT PASSES THROUGH A PRISM

This shows analyzing things, considering and drawing conclusions from available data and being perceptive of colors, light refraction or reflection, auras and light. You probably have the ability to break situations down into the simplest components in order to see the full picture. This can and often does lead to a greater understanding of the relationship between the whole and the many parts. Just be careful not to overanalyze, thereby losing the joy that’s inherent in the simplicities of life. Taking a single vision and turning it into many individual streams can be rewarding, but it can also confuse and distract.

The Caution: Locked into a set of parameters. Over analyzing things. Being blinded by ambition. Diffracted personalities. Mirages. Using instruments yet not seeing things as they are.

Lynda Says:

Chiron here can have us analyzing things a little too much, especially with Neptune on the
“Simulated Attack” degree. However, we can learn a lot by really looking into the ‘stories
that we tell ourselves’ (Chiron is known as The Wounded Healer, but it’s about The Stories
That We Tell Ourselves). However, it can be that by breaking down things into their component
parts and seeing what’s really going on that we can see our “wounds,” our concerns and worries,
our stories, from a new and brighter perspective.

North Node is on Leo 26
AFTER A HEAVY STORM, A RAINBOW APPEARS

This Symbol shows the relief and beauty that a rainbow can bring after a storm has cleared. A sense of relief can flood over you as you realize that the sun is coming out and the birds are beginning to sing again. This may be a time of difficulties and obstacles, but take heart as it seems that the end result will be O.K. Still, you probably need to be periodically reassured by a clear sign that better times are coming. Remember, without the storm there would be no blessing of the rainbow. Try wearing colorful clothes, open the windows and the doors and get into the sunshine.

The Caution: Selfish thoughts about the rewards inherent in conflicts. Not knowing when to cheer up. Bouncing around and creating dramas. Constant turmoil. Seeking storms.

Lynda Says:

The North Node on this degree is showing us that after each “storm” comes the “rainbow.” We can be
assured that the difficult times will always pass and that we can count on the beauty and benevolence
of the rainbow. Seeing “sunshine,” and concentrating on the light can clear up any feelings of
disappointment, doubt, alienation, etc.

South Node is on Aquarius 26
A GARAGE MAN TESTING A CAR’S BATTERY WITH A HYDROMETER

This Symbol shows the need to pick up problems and diagnose what might be wrong whether it’s mechanically, physically, spiritually or emotionally. The “Car” can be a car, or it can be your body; your earthly vehicle, and it may need some “Testing” to see how it’s coping with life’s pressures. Perhaps you need to use some type of gauge on your emotional reactions. There is often a need to take a more intuitive or psychic approach to problems, although an objective or inventive view will also bring results. Figure out any malfunctions so your life can proceed in a smoother, more efficient manner. Performing necessary checks and balances to ensure your life is working properly are part of the everyday maintenance of society.

The Caution: Causing distress by constantly analyzing things. Bad health. Lack of water or not looking after one’s self. Breakdowns from lack of care. Missing vital signals.

Lynda Says:

The South Node on this degree tells us to really tune into our intuitions, our senses, what our inner
feelings are telling us about what is really going on. We may find ourselves being more sensitive to
events in the world and our outer and inner realities. Tuning in can have us finding where we may
need to make some adjustments to our lives so we can function in a smoother, more reliable and
effective way.

Wishing everyone a Happy Solstice,
Lynda