The Passing of Old Ways

The equinox of March 2015 is over, but the effects will be remain for some time. There were a lot of indicators before, that what is outmoded, in terms of domineering personalities, systems and modes of thinking would receive their deadlines this past weekend. (In local politics, this wound up playing out quite literally with the passing of an old leader–one I wasn’t particularly enamoured with; I suppose I’m a terrible minx who can’t look past how he conveniently put his political opponents behind bars without trial for over two decades.) I’ve said before and still believe that divine timing is perfect; so those who love reading signs in the heavens, in dreams, or waking life should have plenty to notice on what is necessary to bid goodbye to (fear- or ego-driven forms of control, lock-step behavior, force) in order to welcome the new. For some, this may come in the form of the terrifying realisation that nothing in the future is guaranteed–not even the (false) sense of security of old. The adage “the surest way to predict the future is to create it” now needs its time in the light.

We are at a point in which more people need to realise that the power to create the future is not merely to give it to others to do so, and then forget about it. The motivations of those who seek power and use force are very different from those who don’t. Even on an individual level, maturity is gained upon the realisation that one is responsible for their own experiences in life. Further, that one’s environment is made of the results of the collective intentions and efforts of the people who share that space. True democracy is impossible without an informed (and empowered) electorate willing to withdraw support from “leaders” and systems that no longer take care of their interests. And this assumes that people do want democracy, instead of fobbing off the responsibility of creating their future and environments onto other people. Those who would claim that power may not be doing so out of altruism and the same goals.

I used to believe that I couldn’t do it all on my own, and that’s still true. During my time  in the US, years ago, my drive  to serve had me following, observing and supporting peaceful protests, civil actions, vegetarianism, environmentalism, corporate boycotts and the whole lot, while being quite drained, over and over, that no one around seemed to care as much of all that was wrong in the world. It was activist fatigue.  After a while, my corporate and political awareness became a way of life–I’d withdrawn support from so many corporations (P&G, Nestle, Gap, Chick-Fil-A, WalMart) and activities (shopping, going to the movies) that after a while, the reasons for my boycotts (human rights, minimum wage, legal but toxic ingredients, environmental abuses, animal abuses, political abuses, LGBT stances) needed a moment or two for me to recall if someone asked  about it in conversation.

I don’t regret that difficult transition period. I like knowing where my money goes, and care that it doesn’t go towards abuses I abhor. If I have “no choice” in the matter, then I may give reluctantly and while consciously withdrawing other energies of support.  I am well aware that this method of making financial and energetic decisions requires a lot of research, discernment, and effort, even risk-taking (I’ve offended many). It is diametrically opposed to staying ignorant or denying the reality, connections and enormity of any situation. But like anything else, any activity carried out often enough soon becomes habit. That niggling voice in your head or heart that says “you can do more!” (or less as the case may be) becomes easier to live with when it is heeded and compromises made.

Over time, as I learned to deal with people who projected their insecurities upon me, I realised that my way of supporting causes I believed in, through research and my decisions as a reader/shopper/human could be uncomfortable for those who perhaps were not walking the talk, or who were now confronted by their lack of knowledge or responsibility. I did not  worry to be judged by them. But I did perhaps get pissed off when these individuals would argue from ignorance, or  dismissed my sources of information. As comfort, there were always other people who were more open and supportive, even if I only knew them online.

This little revisit to my past has a point: Creating new ways of life, new systems and new patterns requires two things: The withdrawal of energy/attention to from that which we no longer want, and the directing of energy and attention towards that which we do. But the former cannot be done without examining where we have been giving away our energy, power, and tacit approval. If these systems and patterns have not been working, they will in time, break down and fall apart, and this is what must be faced in order to move forward.

Astrology beginner that I am, I believe the Uranus-Pluto square of the last several weeks has been highlighting exactly this. It may have come to some of us in the form of illness, breakdowns, family crises, or other triggers of negative experience. Yet all challenges are opportunities for growth.

We cannot hope for different results without examining the results of past efforts and acknowledging what went wrong. This is as applicable on a global scale as it is on the  personal. Where have the imbalances been? The inequalities, the abuses of power, the lack of oversight, integrity, truth? How much has one side of an equation been villainised or victimised over the other? Has this brought about the world and life we want? If we resolve that there will be “no more turning away” within ourselves or out in the world, then no matter where, that change begins with our attention.

The old ways need to pass to make way for the new. And so they are.