Saturn/Jupiter Conjunction taken from my iphone at 6:30 p.m. tonight (pin dot upper left is the conjunction)

The Great Conjunction or the Great Awakening? I say both. A time where there are truths revealed. We can read this conjunction in astronomical, astrological, spiritual or psychological terms. I have long been a student of the Universal Kabbalah so I could read it in spiritual terms. I am also an organizational psychologist and a trained clinician, so I could interpret it as a psychological metaphor.

From a scientific perspective, the last time the conjunction of this magnitude occurred between Jupiter and Saturn was in 1623. This was three years after the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, being some of the first white settlers in what would become the United States.

It is speculated that this unification may also be the star of Bethlehem referred to as signaling Jesus's birth in the Bible.

Stars Guide Us

Whether myth or historical fact, one thing we know for sure: people throughout centuries have looked to the stars to guide them - whether literally as they sailed the seas, or astrologically, initially derived from astronomy, to guide their lives.

Jupiter and Saturn, Opposite Energies

Kabbalistically, the energetic elements of each planet is as follows: Jupiter is the planet of expansion, prosperity, management & leadership. It says, go for it! Put your foot on the gas pedal. Saturn is the planet of karma, patience, discipline, the great teacher. It says, go slow and steady and pay attention. Whatever you reap, you will sow. In a sense, they are opposite energies. And yet they are converging overhead as we are a divided country, and world, below.

Winter Solstice & Stardust

This conjunction also occurs on the longest, most dark night of the year: The Winter Solistice. In these times when we are sometimes more connected to our devices, I feel it is particuarly important to stay connected to nature. We are more connected to nature, and are of nature, than most of us realize as we go about our days. Another way to say it is, "most of the elements that make up the human body were formed in stars."

The Return of the Sun

The winter solstice has long been a time to rejoice the return of the sun as the days begin to lengthen starting tomorrow. I see all this as a metaphor - how are we navigating the darkness in our lives? Where do we need to shed more light, or insight? Where has the pandemic given us insight - a view into our selves and our lives and what is really important?

The Great Awakening

2020 has been a wake up call for many on so many levels - The Great Awakening. It’s made us aware of many things: how connected we all really are... how what we do or don't do impacts our neighbor... the history we were told may not be true... what is really essential in our lives. We effect and impact either other, locally, globally, even when we think we don't.

The pandemic has been a spiritual teacher of sorts, forcing us to learn some painful lessons.

Reconciling What No Longer Works or We Can Ignore

It's a time of a great reconciling. People are waking up to what hasn't worked, or was built on a less than solid foundation, no longer works. Stories we were told, or not told, are now being revealed or rewritten. As a country, we have much to still reconcile. It's been a year of much social unrest, ironically, while we were socially distant.

I'd like to share an article, published today by my daughter, Nikki Shaner-Bradford, Troubled Indemnity. She reveals the truth behind foundations upon which this country was built, and the social contracts that were cemented with our first settlers. It is about reparations in this country. There is so much to learn and become aware of, and I am learning much from the next generation. We cannot fix what we don't have in our awareness, or don't choose to understand. 

How Do We Share Our Stories?

I leave it with you to explore the content of Nikki's article. It moved me profoundly. Why wasn't I taught this in history class? The answer is painfully obvious. We share history and shape the stories in ways that serve us.

Finding the Light or a Way Forward

The Winter Solstice is the night with the most darkness. As the media says this will be a long and dark winter, I remain inwardly light and optimistic, knowing there is much work to do as a people moving forward in a way that works better for everyone. I choose a positive mind, firmly grounded in reality.

2020 has been a time of overcoming challenges - whether you or a loved one has lost a job, a family member or your work or social life has been completely upended or taxed. The invitation is to find hope and meaning as you navigate a way forward. Yes, the vaccine has created hope. And what is happening is much more than a vaccine or the promise of a renewed way of living. 

Truths Revealed: It's Time to Change the Conversation

This year has been a catalyst for promoting different conversations. It's a time for getting at greater truths. It's a time for promoting a greater sense of compassion, empathy and understanding, for the collective good. What is your role and what do you choose to know? What do you choose to learn? What do you choose to do with what you now know? How can you lead a way forward for those who rely on you? Just like Jupiter and Saturn, how can you reconcile opposing forces and come to an alignment with those very different from you or with those who you share a complex history?

Action

What is one thing you can say or do today that promotes greater understanding, connection or a willingness to learn from those who are different from you?

I wish you and your loved ones, if not happiness during the holidays, perhaps some peace and reconciliation.