As I have grown to understand how life works, one particular skill has served me well. It is a learned skill, not one that comes naturally, that I call "interpreting reflections."

 

Opposite our interior world or inner feelings is our external world or our awareness of what is happening outside and around us. The people and happenings, the circumstances of our daily life are continually providing us with information. We act and react with the external world constantly, but how often do we consider the meaning and significance of what we see or what is happening?

 

I believe there is much to gain from interpreting the reflections we receive from the external world.

 

In astrology, the Descendant or 7^th house describes how we view others or what we expect from them. Planets in the 7^th house also show us what we project on others.  The truth is we couldn't see either the good or bad in another person unless it was first present in us. The energies of the 7^th house and its planets are a part of us first, even though we may disown them and project them on others.

 

If that is true, then when we look outward, I believe we can get a hint of what is happening inside ourselves. In fact, one way your unconscious or subconscious speaks to you is through the people and circumstances you face moment by moment.

 

How does this work? I remember a job I held in a non-profit organization in my 40s where my relationship with my co-workers was abysmal. I loved the work I was doing because I believed in the purpose of the organization, but I kept running into snags with others in the office. Even my boss was disempowering when he told me I had a poor ability to write. Can you imagine that? I believed him and for ten years I rarely did any writing other than my personal journal.

 

At the time, I figured I just worked with a bunch of jerks. Had I been more open to interpreting reflections, I would have realized what I now know looking back. My writing was poor because the subject matter (technical project reports) was boring to me. My interpersonal relations were terrible because I was highly self-critical and self-doubting as a result of being out of balance with my own inner nature. I was working in a technical environment with a "got-to-get-it-done-at-all-costs" mentality, disregarding the yearning of my heart to relate to others on a more personal or spiritual basis.

 

If I was interpreting reflections then, I would have left gracefully with more appropriate work to go to, but instead I quit in a huff. Oh, what a lesson I learned!

 

This past week I had the opportunity to offer this perspective to a client. I pointed out that the reason the foundations of her life were falling apart was that her life no longer fit her, evidence of her inner growth. How did I know? Because I could interpret the reflections she was getting and what she was saying as the beginning of a whole new sense of herself. Even though unknown, the future will present her with a life that more naturally fits her new awareness. Of this I am certain.

 

Interpreting reflections has many other uses. Have you ever wondered why everyone is angry around you on certain days? Check inside and see if you've got any simmering feelings of frustrations or have been holding yourself back from action due to self-doubt.

 

I am not suggesting that all people's actions around you are directly tied to you. I am suggesting that when something happens more than once or it affects you very intensely, it just might be something meaningful and worth taking time to interpret the reflection and perhaps make a course correction as a result.

 

There is a Buddhist Monk I read about -- I am sorry I don't remember his name -- who, looking out at all the troubles of the world, resolved to take action everyday by looking inside himself to find conflict, greed, deception, etc. and heal it there.

 

I hope you too will find the great benefits from interpreting the reflections from your external world.

"People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering."
---St. Augustine

 

NOTE: Following are general comments on the energies of each day. Your personal experience may be strongly modified by the relationship of these transits to your individual natal chart. To understand the significance of your personal experience, consult a professional astrologer.

 

Saturday, July 14, 8:04 am ET - NEW MOON at 22 Cancer

The New Moon in Cancer suggests a new phase of attention to your personal security, home, family and self-care. With creative Uranus cooperating, you may find it easier to make changes. However, Neptune challenging the New Moon could distract us by raising fears and doubts. Instead, nurture yourself and your ambitions with consistent attention and see what can be achieved.

 

If you wish upon the New Moon (within 3 days before or after), you have the possibility of fulfillment by the time of the Full Moon. Cancer New Moon wishes relate to: home/family, safety, growing, intimacy/ caring skills, feelings/moods, nurturing, and releasing insecurity.

 

Friday, July 20 - Mars in Taurus sextile Uranus in Pisces

Inspired thoughts provide fuel for tangible action. It is also possible nothing will happen if fear of lost comforts is allowed to erode the possibilities for the future.

 

Tuesday, July 24 - Mars in Taurus square Neptune in Aquarius

It's a difficult day to accomplish anything. The impulse to address your needs is in conflict with concern for the greater good. You could be too self-sacrificing or more beneficially, you could devote yourself to a creative endeavor, a humanitarian project or take time to mediate.

 

Friday, July 27 - Venus stations going retrograde at 3 Virgo

Until September 8^th, the love planet's backward cycle may produce increased friction in relationships. Even creative projects may feel uninspiring. It is an excellent time to review relationship patterns to eliminate ineffective or bad habits - a reward that will offer satisfaction later.

 

Sunday, July 29, 8:48 pm ET - FULL MOON at 7 Aquarius

Under the Full Moon of community-oriented Aquarius, you may feel stress between the ego's needs and collective interests. Though we are each individuals with separate needs, our similarities are greater than our differences and everyone one is needed to contribute their unique gifts for the good of the whole.

 

Tuesday, July 31 - Mars in Taurus squares Saturn in Leo

After Mars action was diverted by Neptune a week ago, he is now being blocked by Saturn. Good questions to ask when you fee blocked are: What is my intention and am I going at it in the best way? Could a delay offer me time to discover a more efficient and affective approach?

 

Thursday, August 2 - Sun in Leo trines Jupiter in Sagittarius

The Sun shines happily on all of us today. With the Sun and Jupiter in the signs of their rulership, there is a feeling of abundance, optimism and joy in the wind. Enjoy the sense of well-being but remember you'll pay for your indulgences tomorrow.

 

Monday, August 6 - Saturn in Leo trines Pluto in Sagittarius and Jupiter stations going direct at 10 Sagittarius

As dramatically negative as the opposition was on 9-11-01, the trine (easy) aspect between Saturn and Pluto can be strongly positive. The commitment of Saturn and the passion of Pluto blend to provide endurance, tenacity, and resolve for any project or ambition that has been waiting. You may find the concentration and patience to move forward now. Adding to the occasion, Jupiter also moves forward providing optimism and opportunities for sharing our aspirations.

by Dianne Eppler Adams

Wednesday July 25, 2007, 7-9 pm - $45

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