Post by Sowelu on Feb 5, 2006 16:31:50 GMT -5
In the Mood to be Nude
by Natesh Reed
[/b][/size][/center]by Natesh Reed
A FRIEND of mine, who once used to live abroad, told me that people are perplexed that when there are things of much more importance happening in the world, the focus of Americans seems to be on what is happening to Michael Jackson, Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt.
We are fascinated about what is going on in the lives of others and upset that others are gossiping about how we choose to live our lives, who we sleep with, who we want to sleep with, who the person who we want to sleep with slept with, and who the neighborís dog, goldfish or cat has been sleeping with. As a society that is simultaneously voyeuristic and prudish, we suffer from a split personality disorder.
In America, the exposure of a breast during halftime at the Super Bowl, accidental or not, is considered by many to be indecent and foul. Nursing a baby in public is frowned upon by some. Maybe itís because they have always denied themselves the nourishment that they very much deserve. Our former attorney general wanted to cover up the breast on the statue of Justice. What does that tell you?
We are conditioned to believe that being nude is immoral. We are taught that we must never share the truth of our hearts and bare the breast of our soul because that would be a weakness. And, after all, we dare not be vulnerable because someone might take advantage of that. And, in all honesty, exploitation does happen.
However, vulnerability can work to our advantage. It takes courage to be bare and open to the scrutiny of all. It can be looked upon as a virtue, and not a weakness to share our thoughts and feelings with others.
Ever have that feeling that there is something that you would like to share with another, but are afraid to? Ever want to tell someone that you are in love with them, or that you think that they are the sexiest person alive? How about telling someone that it pisses you off (no pun intended) when they leave the toilet seat up? Aaaaah, but then we always seem to hold back.
We are often times afraid to share our feelings. Perhaps we think that they wonít be appreciated, or that they will be misunderstood. Or that someone may take advantage of us. So, instead, we walk around with a pile of emotional garbage inside of us waiting to erupt.
Granted, it is best for us to accept responsibility for our feelings and thoughts. But, it is equally important, and emotionally liberating for us to healthily express them.
When we donít share our feelings, we shut out opportunity. What if that person had been waiting for ages for us to say that we are in love with them? Or perhaps they had been wondering why our feathers are all ruffled every time that we come out of the bathroom.
When we express our deepest feelings, we are spiritually nude. We bare all. We open our soul. So, why as a culture do we see vulnerability as a weakness, rather than something that is incredibly powerful, and sexy too.
I'll Show You Mine If You'll Show Me Yours
I have a friend who I am deeply attracted to. Part of it is physical, but the main thing is that I just feel so comfortable and nourished around her.
We've always shared our thoughts and feelings about the attraction. Although we both acknowledge that there is an extremely deep soul connection, we have agreed to keep it platonic.
I witness her connecting to men that I perceive her to be attracted too. Sometimes she enters into relationships with them. Yes!!!! I feel jealous. But, I trust our relationship enough to know that I can always tell her that I feel jealous and she will listen, with compassion.
And, I do tell her. When I do so, I feel insecure as a result of expressing my feelings. But, the love and acceptance in our relationship makes it feel safe for me to explore my vulnerability. I emerge stronger, more self-assured. And, our relationship deepens. We grow closer.
The question of how we deal with our vulnerability is what confronts us in the astrology for February. This is manifesting on the personal, social and political level. We can learn much from the experiences to come by exploring the connection between these levels.
This month gives us a welcome opportunity to go deeply into the feelings and thoughts associated with the experiences that consciousness is presenting us with. We have a chance to identify the areas where our vulnerability has been exploited.
In accepting both the beauty and the ugliness, we can begin to see the true face underlying both of these masks. This will of course be a different experience for each person involved. But, the essence that we begin to sense and understand from this experience is one that has a uniting quality.
And From Radio I ChingReach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.
-- Robert Hunter
Through February, Venus and Jupiter form a close association. According to Vedic astrology (which works on a different measurement of the horoscope), Venus is in Sagittarius and Jupiter is in Libra. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter and Libra is ruled by Venus. Each of these planets occupies the sign of the other. What this means is that the energy of these two planets support each other. (This is called 'mutual reception'.)
Venus was retrograde until the 3rd, when it went direct -- but the effects of that change are still lasting.
There is an urge to find meaning in all the things that our senses are telling us and to take this concept, and with it develop a vision for the future.
We are primarily concerned with the means in which we can fulfill our needs. From this space we begin to yearn for a better environment and long for a shift in how we associate with the world around us. There is the opportunity to develop a sense of hope that we can change our life and perhaps start a ripple effect that inspires the lives of others.
Near February 6th, coinciding with the time of the Parallel Worlds alignment that Eric has been writing about, focus may deepen on the Bush administration. The issues of power and business partnerships as it relates to the administration may become more prominent.
This can be a time of upheaval on other levels as well and about the time of the full moon, which will be in Leo from a Vedic perspective, we may be dealing with a healthy dose of anger.
Anger, when given the proper expression can be healthy for growth and has a place in the spiritual realm. Remember that emotion can be channeled into devotion. From this space we can find the discipline to make our vision whole.
Around the time of the new moon, this vision and what it represents to us can begin to take shape. We can gather our strength, prepare to put our money where our mouth is rather than putting our foot in it and plan our journey.
Dare to go deeply into what you experience this month. Understand that when you are ready and you sense it to be safe, it can be truly liberating to share the stories of our insecurities. There is a lot of power locked up in just a little bit of vulnerability, begging to be released. Trust is the key. And, given the times, trust can be difficult to find. Develop it within yourself and watch its stability spread to the world around you. Be well!!
www.planetwaves.net/contents/natesh.html
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Natesh Reed is a Vedic astrologer, Kundalini Yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner living in Kingston, NY. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with him, visit nateshreed.com
