SACRIFICE
Lughnasadh is a good time to consider the role of sacrifice in our lives. Remembering that true sacrifice is offered willingly, I put forward two considerations for reflection upon the nature of sacrifice, both at the personal and societal levels.
Sun & Uranus – Personal Struggle
Here are some keywords for these two travellers, within the context of this post.
I am not exploring the mythologies of the associated deities in this post but, for those who are familiar, these may add a little more depth to the traveller meanings.
Sun = ego, hero, consciousness (Gods: Lugh and Apollo)
Uranus = creator, revolutionary, reform, enlightenment (Gods: Odin and Prometheus)
While the Sun and Uranus are accustomed to being in opposition (Sun at home in Leo sits directly across the Girdle from Uranus at home in Aquarius), the relationship they are navigating during Lughnasadh 2021 – called a square – is more challenging. Where an opposition has a balance of give and take, a square is pure tension and conflict…often irreconcilable.
For Lughnasadh 2021, this means individual ego (Sun) is actually fighting against the need for sacrifice, consequently creating an obstacle to enlightenment and progress (Uranus). In their home positions, these two forces compromise and balance each other, understanding that each has a part to play. With the current square interaction, the Sun is actually in a stronger position (at home in Leo where Uranus is in detriment in Taurus) which suggests that ego will likely win this particular fight. It’s not hard to see this at play with everyone feeling as if they’ve done nothing but sacrifice for that last 18 months. However, it is important to remember that true sacrifice is a done willingly, it cannot be imposed.
Ultimately, the current energies direct us towards a choice: ego stagnation or promethean progress. The better option seems obvious to some, but sacrifice is a personal choice.
Government & Populace – Social Contract
Lughnasadh is an interesting time to consider the interplay of government and its people. In ancient times, the role of leadership boosted the king (Sun) to its highest potential and honour, but also required the sacrifice of that king (Sun); it was both a privilege and a forfeiture.
While we may not require the physical forfeiture of life, what is the sacrifice required of our leaders today? They still get the position of honour and privilege, but what do they truly offer in return?
It is here that we see the real imbalance in favour of the masculine solar energies. With the negation, contempt, and absence of the Goddess as balance, the king offers himself for adoration only… he feeds himself, instead of the people.
Makes a Queendom sound pretty appealing.