All connected

We were privileged to witness the total solar eclipse Monday 8^th April in Texas. It was literally awesome to be present when such a significant solar system event was taking place, the gradual reduction in light, the singing of the birds, the eerie light on foliage as light slowly faded, the stunning appearance of the diamond ring and the Sun’s corona behind the pitch-black disc of the Moon. A single (night?) bird sang during totality, which ended all too quickly some 5 minutes later as ‘normality’ began to re-establish itself.

The whole experience was a reminder that we humans, the animals, vegetables and minerals of the earth are all one, interrelated with and dependent on the Sun, Moon and the rest of the solar system. It was this sort of connection that inspired the first astrologers in times when there was not even any concept of not being connected.

Since then, the human rational mind has developed enormously, to the extent that it dominates the individual and society. See eg the work of Iain McGilchrist on left-brain dominance[1]. In this process, many have adopted a materialistic faith which leads them to decry astrology, even deny its possible relevance – just as in earlier ages some religionists, in the fervour of their belief in their exclusive truth, equally denied astrology.

Yet always the essential truth of our interconnection is reasserted by those who look deeply into the nature of things[2]. And such awe-inspiring experiences provide us all with a reminder. The universe is full off meaning for those who look, for the seekers who look beyond simplistic rationality. And here astrology again becomes relevant, providing inspiration to those who seek.

Featured image shows “Diamond ring” during the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 at First Connecticut Lake, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, by Sltim, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

[1] The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, Iain McGilchrist

[2] See e.g. Spiritual Awakenings: Scientists and Academics Describe Their Experiences, Ed. Marjorie Woollacott, David Lorimer.