I believe you are your work. Don’t trade the stuff of your life, time, for nothing more than dollars. That’s a rotten bargain. Rita Mae Brown
Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones. Ralph Waldo Emerson
To open a business is very easy; to keep it open is very difficult. Chinese Proverb
I founded Wang Laboratories . . . to show that Chinese could excel at things other than running laundries and restaurants. An Wang
The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger — but recognize the opportunity. Richard M. Nixon
An income tax form is like a laundry list—either way you lose your shirt. Fred Allen
The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. Robert Frost
December's new Moon falls on December 13, and it has a fabulously rich message. The Sabian Symbol is Sagittarius 22: A CHINESE LAUNDRY. The questions this Symbol often ask include - Do you like what you're doing? Do you get well rewarded and respected for it? Are you shutting yourself away and not allowing yourself a better life? Do you do menial work and wonder why you continue to do it? Are you washing other people's underwear? Do you feel you're doing the work of Sisyphus? (Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a heavy rock up a mountain, and, just before reaching the top, the weight of the rock would have it rolling down the hill again).
Few tasks are more like the torture of Sisyphus than housework, with its endless repetition: the clean becomes soiled, the soiled is made clean, over and over, day after day. Simone de Beauvoir
The ‘Chinese Laundry’ was once a place where a lot of the work was done laboriously by hand in cramped and difficult conditions, and for long hours. The Chinese did the work that other people did not want to do, indeed, would often refuse to do. There was often a sense of alienation which was made worse by language and cultural barriers. Although the wages were low, people would work hard side-by-side, not asking for much, but being glad of the opportunity to make an honest day’s wage for a good day’s work. There was also the opportunity to make a life in the “new world”, in America. In those early days, and even today, discrimination was often directed towards foreign people who worked in menial occupations. However, if they withdrew their labor, whole sections of the community would collapse
You may find that you are not being taken seriously or are expected to perform in a stereotypical way. You may also have closed your own mind to other options for employment, or your life’s work, that could be more rewarding to you and your community. Be careful not to shut yourself away in a situation that will end up binding you to it. Make sure that you aren’t putting yourself, or others, in a box that they can’t escape from. This Symbol can bring all sorts of prejudices to the surface, be they social, racial or otherwise. This can also picture a situation where a few people are working closely together, speaking the same language. Even in this there can be alienation and loneliness. Remember to perform everyday tasks with reverence and see how it can transform your feelings and experience of life. Assessing how “clean” your act is may bring surprising results. Further, how much do you need to clean up for everyone around you?
Keywords: Restrictive expectations. Relations with others because of social duty. Performing tasks. Mediocrity, or the fear of it. Washing machines and dryers. Money and other laundering. Laws and legislation based on social and racial inequality. Issues of belonging. Cleaning up for others. The search for purity. Institutions that inhibit individuality. Convents. Stereotyping people. Work and the rewards it should bring.
The Caution: Giving in to prejudice. Self-inflicted sense of inferiority that can lead to missed opportunities for relating. Feeling trapped with no way out. Not being taken seriously. Doing menial jobs with little reward or real return. Slave labor. Lack of individual identity. Shutters to keep the world out.
On the political scene, there is much discussion about immigrants and immigration, along with issues to do with 'an honest day's wage for an honest day's work'. Picture the salaries that big business doles out against what the average salary worker is getting. This will be made stronger by the Quest degree (the following degree) of the new Moon.
It's Sagittarius 23: A GROUP OF IMMIGRANTS FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING A NEW COUNTRY.
This Symbol shows the ability, or the opportunity, to find a new way of life, a new country or nationality, or new place to live or raise a family. This degree shows the possibility and hope for better things and a new way of life. Whether you are an “Immigrant” or someone looking to move onto new territory, you need to be prepared to venture out into new adventures for the promise that’s offered. Once you’ve “Fulfilled the Requirements”, you can move into this brand new life and reap the rewards. There may need to be adjustments about the way one communicates one's thoughts and ideas - be receptive to this new way of life and you'll learn much.
Reorientation of self. Learning new languages or customs. Passing tests (or not). Asylum. Immigration. The Statue of Liberty. Papers. Qualifications. Refugees. Laws. Borders.
The Caution: Inflexible traditions. The pursuit of the unknown. Rigid border controls. Customs restrictions. Being rejected and sent back. Not filling out the paperwork. Lack of credentials.
Basically, for many, this is saying to get yourself out of the confines that have kept you from doing (or being) where you want to be and to get sorted around being where (or how) you want to be. This new Moon speaks of an unfolding in terms of happiness and fulfillment as the next degree is Sagittarius 24: A BLUEBIRD, A SIGN OF GOOD LUCK AND HAPPINESS, IS STANDING AT THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE
This Symbol shows the promise of domestic bliss or the ability to make a house into a home. The “Bluebird” brings a sense of “Good Luck and Happiness” and is a sign of good fortune, a comfortable home, and a sense that one belongs, is safe and cared for. This Symbol is the archetypal cottage with the picket fence; the vision that many have of owning their own home. It also speaks of natural, positive, good will towards the inhabitants and, probably, towards the neighbors. There is a clear omen of good fortune at your door. Invite love and happiness in by being warm and inviting. Respond to your higher moral hopes, spread love to all who enter your house or live nearby.
Promise of happiness. Cottages and picket fences. Real estate – owning or renting. House maintenance. Messages of hope and happiness. Thresholds. Welcome mats. Songs of birds.
The Caution: Denying happiness or good news from entering. Feeling that the grass is always greener somewhere else. Thinking that buying things will make one's life happier.
The aim is to live a happier, more rewarding life.
Jupiter rules Sagittarius and is the ruler of this new Moon. Jupiter is retrograde and on a rather challenging, but often rewarding, degree. It is Gemini 10: AN AIRPLANE DIVES TOWARD THE EARTH AS THOUGH FALLING
This implies an ability to be able to play with and defy gravity while maintaining a sense of being in control and able to pull out of difficult situations. Your situation may seem to be heading for disaster, but perhaps you can still be in control, and, at the right moment, you'll be able to pull out of the nose dive and save the day. The question is: do you really always have an adequate grip on the controls? Are you, or is someone else, actively working against people’s best interests? Imagine yourself regaining control, physical, mentally, emotionally or spiritually and pull yourself out of the nose dive and you’ll become stronger and will enjoy the experience at the same time.
Plunging into experiences without thought of ramifications. If you become conscious you may be protected (and saved) at the last moment. Daredevil stunts. Depression.
The Caution: Refusing help even though disaster is imminent. Free falls, defying gravity and the consequences. Shakeups. Neglect of physical realities. Crashing and burning.
Mercury is on Sag 4 - it is covering the ground again after going retrograde on this spot over a month ago. So, we've been here before, but we have fresh eyes to see what's going on.
Sagittarius 4: A LITTLE CHILD LEARNING TO WALK WITH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF PARENTS
This Symbol implies the necessity of those older to be teachers, exemplars or guides to the younger or less experienced. The “Child” needs the “Encouragement” of “Parents” in order to feel supported or guided. At times in your life, you are likely to fulfill the roles of child or parent to others. As you learn and grow, you may move into new phases of learning that, despite all your previous experience, are surprisingly difficult. Patience and step-by-step progress is needed, as is a guiding hand and a kind word or two. There may be those around you that don't take your difficulties or responsibility seriously, but your struggles will pay off, particularly if you care and share.
Genuine progress. Instinctive determination. Feeling mother earth under your feet. Taking delight in the smallest progress. Teachers, parents, children. Driving schools.
The Caution: Relying on skills that are not mastered. Not taking the initiative. Preferring being at risk rather than accepting help. Being left alone. Tripping others up.
A kind word and guidance never go astray and sometimes we give it to others and at other times we are the ones who are in need of assistance to get past some difficulty or learning curve.
Venus is on Scorpio 27: A MILITARY BAND MARCHES NOISILY ON THROUGH THE CITY STREETS
This Symbol shows the need for occasionally making a show for society to remind ourselves of our successes and achievements, whether they are collective or personal achievements. The “Military Band” can make an enormous amount of noise as it “Marches Noisily”, but sometimes we need to be awoken or reminded of the cohesion that a military band can show. Likewise, this degree can show a personality that likes to bang its own drum or to make a big noise for the establishment. As long as the audience is ok with the parade through their environment, one can contain the reaction from others. Sometimes, though, people get annoyed by people banging their drums a little too loudly.
Noisy announcements. Making music to rouse people from complacency. Demanding attention. Trumpeting one's agenda. Marching in time. The blast of the media. Drums.
The Caution: A lot of volume that's too pompous. The message getting lost in the noise and fanfare. Demanding to be heard. Propaganda. Threats to peace. Banging one’s drum.
Venus is only one degree away from a conjunction with the karmic Moon's north node. This marks a time when some relationships will strengthen, with bonds made, and others will break down, if they have lived their course. The Moon's north node is on Scorpio 26: INDIANS MAKING CAMP IN NEW TERRITORY
This Symbol implies being able to, or having to, settle into “New Territory”. Once a new place has been found, there is the need to acclimatize, adjust quickly and settle in. This new territory can be manifested in a physical, emotional or spiritual framework. Whichever it is, you need to feel at home in an inner and outer sense. You may feel a creeping sense of unease if you find it hard to relax in the new environment or that the rug may be pulled from under your feet. You may also be someone who moves often in life, sometimes before you were able to get a sense of belonging or having friends. However, there is likely to be a pioneering or venturing spirit.
Settling in. Walk-ins. Concerns with territory. Immigration. Tents. Shelter. Cohabitation. Setting up camp. Squatters. Respecting boundaries. Reservations. Migration. Renting.
The Caution: Moving into or invading people’s territory. Putting up with things when one should move. Barging in. Having to compromise living space. Arriving unannounced.
I hope things have settled down on the military front and people are able to be in their homes without fear of 'invasion'.
The Quest degree of Venus backs up the idea of finding one's place. It is Scorpio 28: THE KING OF THE FAIRIES APPROACHING HIS DOMAIN. Where do you belong? Are you where you belong? Where (or how) do you want to be? Do you have people around you that care about you, support you in your efforts?
Mars is on Capricorn 21: A RELAY RACE
This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to work together with others in a cooperative venture, to know when to go and when to stop, when to take the baton and when to pass it on, and how to pace yourself so you can stay in the “Relay Race”. Each person has to contribute as best they can; some run fast, some have their own types of talents, some trip you up and cause you to falter. It is through communing with others and working together that you figure out who’s going to help win the race and who’s not. Sometimes, victory seems achievable, but you are likely to be a member of a team, with your own special task to perform. You may not be the one who crosses the finish line, but you will, eventually, share in the group effort. Just be watchful for when it’s your turn and when it isn’t.
Shared endeavor. Knowing when to pass on responsibilities. Having to wait your turn. Inheritances. The power of surrender. Taking turns. Split second timing. Coordination.
The Caution: Not letting go of control to another. Feeling defeated. Not having the necessary resources to win. Butting in when others are talking. Not sharing the glory.
Mars here is asking that we share the work, the responsibility and the rewards. Working together implies knowing when something is someone else's issue and what is truly yours to work on or to figure out. Boundaries may need to be set around fairness in sharing the work on a more equitable level, especially as this is the Mars degree.
Uranus is on Aries 5: A WHITE TRIANGLE IS SEEN; IT HAS GOLDEN WINGS
This Symbol shows the ability to be able to lift yourself above the ordinary, using your natural gifts to find a new perspective, an uplifted view; to expand your awareness. This can picture an eagerness for spiritual integration or a capacity to escape from reality. Try to ground the vision, but allow yourself the free flight of vision. There is often a strong spiritual nature that expresses itself through purity of thought and insight.
Inspiration and zeal. Feeling elevated and inspired through spiritual or creative efforts. Flying to a greater perspective. Self transcendence. Angels and their messages.
The Caution: Not noticing your down-to-earth needs or those around you. Escapism. Forgetting about the needs and desires of the body. Losing the plot.
Uranus' message brings with it the knowledge of life being a spiritual journey and that things happen for a reason and to rise above situations so that you can see them from a better perspective.
Neptune is on Pisces 1: A CROWDED PUBLIC MARKET PLACE
This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to advertise, market, and sell things, barter and complete the deal. People come together, bringing their talents, skills and wares to the marketplace. Being involved in the marketplace is the thing, and how much you are involved will show the things you need to do and the tempo of the buying and selling. It can indicate the issue of having ones self or goods on display and ready for sale. The “Market Place” is said to be “Crowded” and “Public”. Many aspects of the community are on display and available for the benefit of others. You may find that you are able to contribute, benefit and gain. Getting yourself or your products 'out there', where they can be appreciated can bring rewards on many levels.
Human interchange. Bartering. Products. Commerce. Business. Crowded places. Signs. Competition. The Internet. Websites. Classifieds. Consumables. Money. Publishing.
The Caution: Too greedy to share. Airing one's 'laundry', emotions or possessions in public. Not having a “shopping list”. Playing off against each other. Cheap displays.
Neptune has been on this degree, on and off, for several months now. It brings up issues to do with getting one's self out into the marketplace and sharing in the financial rewards. How do you market yourself? Are you, or your services, getting the attention, respect and finances that fulfill your needs? Neptune has been reflecting huge discrepances and unfairness in the monetary system, with CEO's and managers taking huge swathes of cash while others find it hard to maintain a roof over their head. Artists and musicians, amongst others of course, can benefit from tapping into the magic and mystery of Neptune by doing some powerful affirmations to bring in money - often unexpectedly.
Pluto is on Capricorn 9: AN ANGEL COMES CARRYING A HARP
This degree shows the ability, or the need, of being able to care for others - being there when they need it. It also shows that “Angels” will come when you call on them, or when you’re most in need yourself. You may be able to 'tune in' and radiate harmony around you. This pictures caring for others, generosity and a fulfilled selfhood. Inspiring people to do their best can bring rewards to all concerned. The trick with this degree can be sorting out whether to trust the ‘tune’ that others sometimes play. Following someone for the wrong reasons can just lead you astray.
Messages of peace from the other side. Being in tune, spiritually. Elevated views of humanity. Creating harmony. Pulling on heartstrings. Redemption. Gurus. Revelations.
The Caution: Having a holier-than-thou attitude. Losing oneself in fantasy. Tricking people with soothing words that mean nothing. Harping on about things. The Pied Piper.
Chiron - the Wounded Healer and the Stories We Tell Ourselves - is on Pisces 5: A PARADE OF ARMY OFFICERS IN FULL DRESS
This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to spring to attention and rally to show others their duty, honor and their protection of the community and the higher ideals. You may find that recognition needs to be given for service and dedication to the community. Dedication, discipline and duty bring their own rewards and it is often people with this Symbol that turn up first with whatever is needed in order to make people feel better, protected or recognized. Putting on your best face, and your uniform – and there are many ‘uniforms’ that can be worn - and joining with others will ensure success. There may be issues of showing one’s ‘authority’ in public, staking one’s claim as part of the broader community that works to protect and bring everyone together.
National pride displayed. Patriotism. Memories of war. Being committed to service. Being dressed up. Putting on a uniform. Medals. Stripes. Drills. Routines. Parades.
The Caution: ‘Stiff' and unfeeling. Having special privileges that other's don't. Having to do what one must do. Drills and boring routines. ‘Drill sergeants’. Sloppy dressing.
How often do we do things because society says we must? How often do we have to put on our 'uniforms' and get out and do our duty? When is it time to take time off? To relax and not feel that life is such a struggle?
This is going to be a very meaningful time - well, of course, it already is.
Copyright ©2012 Sabian Symbols
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