There is a beautiful symbolism at work today with the conjunction of Venus to Mars in Leo, the sign of the Sun. Under Leo’s influence we learn how to celebrate our Divine Self and find joy in the smallest of things. So many of us suffer from depression or a lack of meaning that can create a despair from which it is difficult to emerge. Our religions don’t support the development of Self: from Christianity to Buddhism we are taught to give up the Self in order to please the divinity or to surrender attachments. While this may give people peace from time to time, it does not support the development of a healthy sense of Self; this, however, is the lesson of Leo.
Today we have Venus and Mars converging in the sign of the Self. Venus and Mars are often thought to be opposites: Venus is feminine, Mars is masculine. Venus is soft, Mars is hard. Venus is considered benefic, Mars malefic. But Venus and Mars are two sides of the same coin – both planets govern areas of life which help us to develop our sense of Self. Venus governs that which we attract and value. Mars governs that which we desire and draw to us through intent. Under today’s Venus/Mars conjunction in Leo, the sign of the Self, we have the opportunity to explore more deeply the variety of ways in which we can better express ourselves and draw those things that will give us a real sense of purpose and ultimately, joy. This aspect lasts for only a couple of days, so let’s make the most of it! ❤️
In Zen letting go of the attachment to a fixed sense of the self is considered a pathway to freedom. It enables an expansion of of our awareness to being one with the ten thousand things (others and all things), and to fully appreciate the experience of our lives.
Yes, I do understand that. However, it can also be used to support a belief system of self-hatred and prevent one from developing a healthy psychology.
I assume that your not referring to Zen Buddhism using a practice to promote self hatred. If so, please know as a 20 year practitioner and student promoting self hatred is not anywhere in zen practice. Self compassion is the root of compassion for all beings.
My statements are not intended to disparage any religious beliefs. My point is that people can use religious beliefs to promote their own issues of self-hatred. I see this over and over again in my practice – people who are deeply wounded who internalize religious messages which serve to reinforce their own sense that they are damaged and worthless. In any case I was not speaking specifically about Zen Buddhism, but of any kind of religious framework which promotes the idea that self-expression is harmful to one’s religious progress.