Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Fertility of Failure

 
Saturn and Achievement
You probably know about Saturn ... restrictions, frustrations, self consciousness and criticism, inner recognition of talent, and the relentless failures that create obstacles to achievement in that sector of life. One hurdle begets another. But for Saturn, failure is a treasure chest that holds the key to solid and enduring success, after trial, error, correction, and perfection.

Saturn delivers rewards only after sustained effort. We're taught that failure is an embarrassment, an invalidation of self, and a blight on one's character, none of which is necessarily true. Not succeeding at a desired goal can merely be a step to higher achievement as a result of working more and improving skills, and waiting until technique is honed to its best productive level.

Frequently failure leads to studying what's wrong, and sometimes this educational nugget is sewn into the fabric of a venture from the start to make sure it doesn't work out. It's only meant to be a step in the direction toward satisfactory achievement, especially if one aims high. The obstacles provide information, direction, and insurance for the future. In that case, failure comes as a relief so one can move on.

I think one secret of a good life is seeing the value in these blocks as an individual progresses, learning not to perceive them as personal flaws, but another day in mastering the tied shoe lace. I'm sure you remember trying over and over to accomplish a feat, even getting to the point of despairing and giving up, but then the magic moment comes and it all clicks into place bringing pride and jubilation.

Saturn can't function without setbacks and disappointment. Much of what is finally produced by the entity rests on the full acceptance of this state of affairs, wherein ideas are formulated and edited and practice is performed until evidence of expertise is tangible. Within failure lies solid confidence, when you realize how good you've become regardless of others' opinions. The aim is to find self validation and then you're ready for presentation in the world with accompanying success. Saturn provides a framework of support while you work on inner development until ready to emerge. Then the restricting barrier comes down.

And so it is for the United States and her Pluto return in Saturn ruled Capricorn. Failure is becoming a familiar phenomenon in American politics as a frustrating paralysis has gripped the governmental processes. After the previous administration hopes were extremely high that the nation's troubles were over when the term ended and the new exciting person took charge. Of course people hoped for quick redemption and better times, but considering the cumulative number of flaws in the system, an acceptance of the country's mistakes will probably be required with no magic bailouts, no shortcuts through enchanted woods, and no magic saviors, even with Neptune in Pisces.

The moist enchanted woods are actually a good symbol for the rich aromatic fertile soil that gives birth to growth with Saturn, especially with Pluto's love of useful decay. And in decay is where our system is. It's no wonder that the chaotic patchwork efforts to piece it together are failing noticeably. So noticeable, in fact, that even the medicated and/or distracted masses are perceiving the absence of success. A very good sign. If the failure is so potent as to penetrate the thick cloud around the American people's cognition, then who knows what could happen? In time. It seems like the fall has been stepped up lately and I think that's also a good sign. With a Saturn return just completed, we're opening a new phase in our destined acquisition of justice and equality through many more challenging encounters. One must always remember, that with Saturn, these prizes must be earned. It's impossible to determine when intellectual ideals match group evolution. The ideals always have to be a step ahead, don't they? So acceptance of the failure to reach them could turn attention to the progress already made and what needs to be done to get to the next level.With Saturn returning to natal Saturn in Libra the phenomenally uncivilized discourse dominating the public arena was impossible to miss. Shocking comments often crossing the border into obscenity have become accepted routine and the infantile name-calling from everywhere keeps sending us further into the dark ages of verbal sharing. If you read speeches from history you can see the decline and it's possible that the descent into barbaric communication has a purpose. Education is also in decline and other factors are combining to bring collective attention to the improvement necessary in order to fulfill the Libran destiny. Libra is one on one and I've always had a theory that the two party system the country favors is the path to learning how to carry on high minded debate and eventual cooperation. Sometimes the opposite is one step to the goal. Language changes as history progresses but the urge to come to productive agreement remains. We really do want to work it out, don't we? We do really like one another, do we not?

Interestingly, the presidential debates this year had a curious combination of civilized exchange and boorish childish outbursts. Bodies were twitching, but a few ideas did actually penetrate the barrier separating the eager listener/students and the frightened ego driven maniacal performers. Truth was evasive inasmuch as it ever honestly wants to be revealed. Glimmers will suffice.

Dreams of an economic promised land for all citizens has diminished markedly and the widening gap between the haves and have-nots seems destined to continue until resolution looms into view. Perhaps the lowered standard of living is exactly what's indicated for numerous reasons, one being the preservation of what we've got left on a finite earth. The psychological health of a population content with what it has instead of grasping and growing every millisecond of the day could be a major payoff after the contraction and failure of Saturn is complete. Of course you know that will take plenty of time in Saturn's slow and steady way.

The failures in the Middle East seem poised to continue and even escalate and these too could be instructive in terms of rerouting the country from her military expansion. Internal conflict with its high level of violence and bursting prison system at home has been neglected in favor of murder elsewhere. I "fail" to see how we can continue on this path and expect a healthy society. But for now, the realities are coming into focus with potential deterioration before repair.

 The grand experiment in creative democracy that started in 1776 has not met its mark quite yet, and a good look at why might help, in case any are still looking for an ideal. With Pluto returning in Capricorn it could seem at first that the failure is profound, and with that understanding some degree of hopelessness can be expected on and off. Exposing the depth of it is probably preferable to covering it up and that takes practice. People who point it out might be shunned since ideas about fixing the systemic failure haven't been fully formulated yet. But listening carefully, as painful as it might be, hopefully will be the choice. Increased governmental control is not the answer given its current state, nor is absence of government considering the helplessness of the body politic. Smaller government, bigger government, it makes no difference when the entity is faulty. Working with the discomfort of Saturn is a virtual guarantee that intelligent use of the time will eventually reap productive results from failure's fertile ground. Theoretically speaking.

25 Comments:

Anonymous Joe said...

Some might not believe it, but for me, this food-for-thought discourse is every bit as necessary and nourishing as actual edibles. :o)

28/10/12 11:17 AM  
Blogger kadimiros said...

"But for Saturn, failure is a treasure chest that holds the key to solid and enduring success, after trial, error, correction, and perfection."

Here's a fun metaphor that occurs to me. Some think of steep mountains as daunting obstacles, but even young mountain goats dance across the rocks, leaping with delight as though heedless, almost as soon as they can stand and walk. Downhill is said to be easier than uphill, of course, but then again, check out these guys and gals starting at 17 seconds into the video. (I have conveniently linked to that part of the video for you.)

The mountains are "in their blood", of course, from the long course of evolution. We can say that nimble footwork is first nature to these beings.

Humans are a little different, seeming to have much less first nature governing their destinies. This frees humans to acquire many second natures if they choose to evolve them. It may seem a longer haul to maturation and competency (with seemingly interminable hours under Saturn's watchful gaze) but in some respects it can be extraordinarily fast compared to the longer ages of biological evolution.

"I think one secret of a good life is seeing the value in these blocks as an individual progresses, learning not to perceive them as personal flaws, but another day in mastering the tied shoe lace. I'm sure you remember trying over and over to accomplish a feat, even getting to the point of despairing and giving up, but then the magic moment comes and it all clicks into place bringing pride and jubilation."

That reminds me of something brought up to me, several weeks ago, on the generational transmission of information. The tying of shoelaces was given as an example, and all of that was related to the element of Earth. I had to admit that I never did learn from instruction how to tie shoelaces. I mastered it on my own with a bit of thought.

Well, "Frankenstorm" and the full moon are about to double whammy the East Coast of the United States. Political operatives are taking heed that Mother Nature may be voting early. We'll see, eh?

The full moon -- Moon opposition Sun -- is at 7 degrees Taurus. At the same time, the Moon will be opposing Saturn and trining Pluto.

Curiously, the Sabian symbol for 6-7 degrees Taurus is "the woman of Samaria at the ancestral well: the meeting of the traditional and of the creative spirit pointing to the future."

28/10/12 1:59 PM  
Blogger jm said...

Ha Ha Joe! No wonder you're a lean mean brilliant man.

To have my output equated with food is a high honor! It's reassuring to know I could eat my words if I had to. (:-)

28/10/12 2:53 PM  
Blogger jm said...


Humans are a little different, seeming to have much less first nature governing their destinies. This frees humans to acquire many second natures if they choose to evolve them


Great thought. "Choosing to evolve them" suggests some influence on our destinies. Sounds OK.

LOL. I learned to tie shoelaces from a book that had actual laces on the page. I practiced diligently and enjoyed the learning process as much as mastering the action due to the creative fun way it was presented.

I'll have to give this full moon some study.

the meeting of the traditional and of the creative spirit pointing to the future.

That might make sense. The storm reminds me of the Saturn vortex. "Winds of change" also comes up. Something seems to be stirring, for sure.

Something about authority? Control of earthly societies? Taurus-Scorpio is all about resources and how they're shared or consolidated for further gain. Destruction for the purpose of future growth. Pain and pleasure are also in the Taurus-Scorpio camp.

I'll think on it. Interesting.

28/10/12 3:07 PM  
Blogger jm said...

Oh my god, that video. Thanks for the edit.

Downhill. I've always considered downhill as hard or even harder. In human hiking terms, it requires restraint, discipline, and contraction. Momentum is actually with the hiker on the way up.

How miraculous nature is. Those goats, man.

28/10/12 3:50 PM  
Anonymous Joe said...

No, seriously! I ponder this long-ranging, cosmic stuff all the time, and have no one to share it with, really. This helps more than you know.

28/10/12 4:51 PM  
Blogger jm said...

What do you think Joe? Your insights are always so good.

I've had difficulty finding the right ones to share it with too. So here I am! Back again!

But yes. The long range cosmic stuff is the best of life. You and I know how it can be superficially skirted by so many and half heartedly pursued while longing to return to the adoration of public figures. Parallel to this, there seems to be an upsurge of spiritual longing in our society. The after effect of Prozac perhaps as artificial neural connections come back home.

28/10/12 6:01 PM  
Anonymous Joe said...

The after effect of Prozac perhaps as artificial neural connections come back home.

Or come back online, as it were, what with the outgoing Age and the incoming one. :o) Speaking of long-ranging themes.

31/10/12 4:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Me too jm, I agree with joe "This helps more than you know". I am listening in the wings...

~mpk

31/10/12 11:54 AM  
Blogger jm said...

I can't tell what's connected to what and where anymore. My brains blew recently, but they've calmed down maybe in a new circuit board.
Hmmmm. That reminds me.

Mpk, howdy pardner!

31/10/12 8:20 PM  
Blogger Felina Lune Kavi said...

Very well written! Our mutual friend, Lakshmi, pointed me toward your blog as I write about astrology in my own (the last one about the Full Moon in Taurus). I must say, the Fertility of Failure is an appropriate title and resonates with my own journey for the past year and a half. I had my Saturn Return last October...and Saturn conjunct my Pluto following that. My husband and I have been trying to conceive, and have 'failed' thus far. But something about this Full Moon makes me wonder if we have finally succeeded after many failures that showed us what we need to sacrifice in our lives to make way for the new we are trying to accomplish.

1/11/12 6:52 AM  
Blogger jm said...

Felina, thank you for chiming in. What a joy if the conception has come about. It verifies what I think about the exquisite pleasure of success after trial and tribulation. Timing is paramount and I trust Saturn for that guidance.

we can learn to live without wasting our time and resources.

You wrote this in your full moon article and I think it encapsulates what the Taurus/Scorpio nodes are about along with Saturn in Scorpio. Dealing effectively with collective and personal resources is possible and a good interpretation of the times ahead always keeping the present in the forefront as you wisely suggest.

This is the time we learn the lesson that power is not where it has always appeared to be, it’s been patiently hanging back in the shadows of our collective psyche waiting for the right time to make a bold move.

Well put. A constant theme in my life since I have the Taurus/Scorpio nodes in my natal chart.

I hope all goes well and new life is coming your way. With the fertility of Taurus it could be symbolic of far reaching growth.

Germinating seeds and nurturing development during this cycle is something to look forward to.

Thanks again.

1/11/12 7:54 PM  
Blogger kadimiros said...

"That might make sense. The storm reminds me of the Saturn vortex. 'Winds of change' also comes up. Something seems to be stirring, for sure."

Sometimes the Sabian symbol images can be quite striking in their applicability. The opposite degree occupied by the Sun was 6-7 Scorpio, "Deep-sea divers: The will to explore the hidden depths of all experiences and to search for primordial causes." This reinforces our latest discussion in the "Upward Bound" comments thread.

Whatever the physical causes of a storm, the storm will remind us of analogous activity within our psyches.

"Something about authority?"

Well, questions that come up include: What is authoritative, and what are its limits? What are the proper uses of authority, its guiding principles, and its purpose? What is authority, and what is simply power?

"Control of earthly societies? Taurus-Scorpio is all about resources and how they're shared or consolidated for further gain. Destruction for the purpose of future growth."

Those do appear to be choices under review. "Creative destruction" or "destructive creation", who can tell the difference?

"How miraculous nature is. Those goats, man."

A species of ibex is the "wild goats" of the bible, I believe. I think moderns can't fully appreciate the animal symbols we inherited from older cultures, our own no longer having close experience of the creatures upon which they are modeled in their natural habitat.

2/11/12 8:18 PM  
Anonymous Joe said...

Kadimiros, your comment "Whatever the physical causes of a storm, the storm will remind us of analogous activity within our psyches" reminded me of the storm's astro-analysis by Robert Phoenix, in which he commented:

Using a bit of astro-cartography, both Saturn and the Moon cut right through New York. Here we see the effluvial deluge in motion through Scorpio. Water is emotion and excess of water is the release of denial through emotion, even if this storm was amped, what we’re seeing is the breaking of some emotional barrier and what’s leftover will be even more interesting than the initial impact of its force. In the aftermath, people will weep or sigh. The psychic air needs some very deep cleansing. Atmospheric catharsis is fine as long as people don’t have to go through some form of nuclear meltdown as well. In which case, there is simply more stress upon stress, weighing down the overburdened backs of the modern American.

The source link is here.

A bit dated in his social views of gender, inducing eye-rolling for me at times, but Robert is adept at connecting the dots.

3/11/12 6:28 AM  
Blogger kadimiros said...

Excellent, Joe. Phoenix has it well and colorfully stated in that paragraph.

For some, it has highlighted the contrast between haves and have-nots. That brings us back to "the woman of Samaria at the ancestral well: the meeting of the traditional and of the creative spirit pointing to the future." Ancestral well is a potent image here.

There seems to be a realignment of a few expressed priorities in the tristate area in the storm's aftermath. Regardless of national party ties, local government leaders are declaring themselves for long-term planning and restructuring of aged systems to protect their respective states (and themselves as politicians, of course). The costs of limited, short-term vision in a dangerous world is staring them in the face, whether disasters are wrought by men or brought by nature.

The larger systems in which we are embedded have fallen from public consciousness in recent time as more internal struggles vied for attention. We can remember that urban and regional planning has to do with the control of land, resources and design of environment. This seems very apropos to the symbolism of the full Moon on the Taurus-Scorpio axis lining up with the Saturn-Pluto mutual reception, the Moon acting as amplifier.

This would naturally conflict with what is called the "dark side of planning" where its actual practice violates the ethical aims, so it remains to be seen how far this all goes.

3/11/12 11:51 AM  
Blogger kadimiros said...

On the individual level, concern over support, security, taxes, insurance, and matters of life and death can be related to the tension between Taurus and Scorpio, and between their natural houses of possessions and renewal. They touch on attitudes, obligations and commitments to shared burdens and risk pooling -- questions that are highlighted by disasters and that go to deeper issues than more surface arguments.

4/11/12 7:09 AM  
Blogger jm said...

Whatever the physical causes of a storm, the storm will remind us of analogous activity within our psyches.

Interesting how the Saturn storm seemed to come to earth. Manifest reality.

"Creative destruction" or "destructive creation", who can tell the difference?

They always come together. Destruction demands creation afterwords. And it comes to rearrange the parts to be put back together in a new way. More of the Taurus/Scorpio theme of letting go. I suppose it indicates letting go of reality as it was known. Reconstruction is such a positive in the the mind of the human. It's like we always know it must come to an end eventually. The ax falls and we are somewhat relieved to have it over with and begin the reconstruction.

4/11/12 8:40 PM  
Blogger jm said...

Joe, that is well put.

Water is emotion and excess of water is the release of denial through emotion, even if this storm was amped, what we’re seeing is the breaking of some emotional barrier and what’s leftover will be even more interesting than the initial impact of its force.

Yes. It's just beginning. The political season as a reflection of the collective emotion has revealed a deep distress in the body politic. Lots of expressions of agony along with unpleasant sexual associations, some going into obscenity. Lots of sex, abortion, below the belt combat, and all the Scorpio good stuff releasing itself, and possibly finding relief as the relief efforts continue. Catharsis, however, doesn't always work as well as we hoped.

But the deep cleansing suggested is an obvious requirement.

It's interesting that the aftermath exposes all that garbage and raw sewage, along with dangerous escaping gasses, and the mess we keep creating with our uncontrolled desire and lust for commodities.

It's been easy to blame the rich and the corporations up till now, but the massive vomit of the whole bunch of us is on display, as well as a crack in Love Thy Neighbor.

Some share and help, some don't. The perfect mix.

4/11/12 8:51 PM  
Blogger jm said...

Taurus-Scorpio brings to the surface the question of what's yours and what's mine, and what's ours. The real arena of marriage, after the wonderful romantic coming together in Libra. Shared burdens most of all come to mind as suggested.

Insurance issues are interesting and with the mutual reception, the question of responsibility is up front, as in how much should the government do? Who is responsible for aid and reconstruction? How do private entities figure in as reconstruction plans are drawn?

But maybe uppermost, is who's in charge? Who protects us, if anyone or entity can? Our perceptions of the usual order of things are shattered. What about God and nature? What's going on here? Is there real shelter from the storm as we like to dream about?

Whose fault is it and who's job is it to fix everything? Why is life on earth so dangerous and what can we do about it?

I guess just remember to be grateful for safely getting through a day.

4/11/12 9:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey jm, my own marriage is on the rocks... might be ending. the storm really was a harbinger. Whose fault is it and who's job is it to fix everything?

~mpk

5/11/12 10:23 AM  
Blogger jm said...

Hey Mpk! I knew when I saw your original post that this was happening. In fact, I knew all along that it would. South node in the 7th, if I'm recalling correctly. I'll take a look.

It's no one's fault and with a 7th house node, it can't be fixed by relationship. It's not even wrong, despite what interpersonal agonies might be involved. A first house north node must strike out alone into the wilderness eventually. I'm sure you thought, like I did, that you could drag your beloved with you on your solo journey, but I discovered the truth in time. It looks like you got lucky.

We have to guard against the impulse to go running back to the false security of partnerships. We have to learn how to maintain separation and autonomy at all costs, even within relationships. It's an identity issue. We can't define ourselves according to anyone else's standard. We discover relationship with ourselves and an end to separation anxiety and loneliness. It can take a lifetime.

5/11/12 2:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

well, i hope i'm strong enough to do what is best. my wife does not want to end it. you think it's not possible to find a partnership that works in my context?

~mpk

5/11/12 2:51 PM  
Blogger jm said...

I think it's possible. Mine worked for 25 years, but he was 20 years older than I so I knew my time alone was ahead. They called us the most together/apart couple they'd ever known. We lived together mostly, but sometimes we didn't. The best stretch was when we had apartments of our own across the hall from each other.

The best approach for a 7th SN is to figure out what's wrong and try to get what you want most of all and not accommodate her demands too much. Your decisions should be centered around your needs. Then you can give adequately to her. If she accuses you of being less than a good person, she's probably mistaken.

It's a chemical thing. If people desire each other enough, they finds ways to work it out. Sometimes a big creative stretch is required. You'll know if you need to go your own way. The south node can be addictive, so one must guard against clinging to everybody's detriment.

6/11/12 1:37 PM  
Anonymous Joe said...

jm, that's interesting about your 20 year difference in age. It's similar with me and my guy, albeit 17 years for us. We learned early on that we can't be together, doing the same thing for hours on end. If we do, we get on each others' nerves PDQ.

And yeah, I know my time alone is ahead, as well. Unless it isn't. With all the Gemini work-related traveling I do, anything could happen to me.

6/11/12 4:18 PM  
Blogger jm said...

One never knows. Thankfully.

7/11/12 2:03 PM  

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