The floating world...
The Floating World is a reference to an artistic and cultural style and period in Feudal japan. Most often, it is associated with the pursuit of pleasures in japanese society at a time when Japan was all but cut off from the rest of the world. However, there were, are, deeper implications evoked by the 'Floating World', pointing to a delicate, yet creative potency, dynamic regarding life and spirit.
Aquarius 26, "A hydrometer" literally refers to an instrument that measures the specific gravity of a substance suspended in another. When reading the alcohol content on the label of a wine bottle, the percentage of alcohol is determined by hydrometric reading.
Within day to day affairs, Aquarius 26 introduces sensitivity to dimensions of experience which may not seem substantial.. perhaps, for example, more like a dream, a fantasy or mere wishfulness. But it would be a mistake to dismiss awareness to such ultra-delicate qualities in favour of hard and fast realities. There is something going on which opens a dimension of so-called reality of a special sort. The affect is both to make the ordinary world seem a floating dream, and to free one from being stuck in the belief that hard situations are just that... hard.
Aquarius 27, "An ancient pottery bowl filled with violets" introduces, amongst other motifs, an element of tiny sparkling enhancement or adornment. The philosophy is likened unto 'less is more', 'work with what you have in modesty' and a general approach to life as 'success in small things'.
Violets poetically refer to the fading stars before the dawn floating in the violets hues of heaven. Small flowers; brightening touch. 'An ancient pottery bowl' refers to a vessel... old, rustic, cracked with age... suggesting, for example, that one need not run out to the super-store to buy a new glossy vase to place on the table for your guests tonight. The old vase will do...beautifully. 'An ancient vase' is also a reference to the original vase... the human skull. That the skull cap has been used in archaic times for practical and ritual applications as a vessel is well known. The metaphoric cord struck here has to do with awareness that, sensitive to subtle, small sparkling starry thoughts, can see the dawn approaching.
The opposing Leo symbol, "Daybreak", creates a compelling image of stars fading in violet background against the approaching oceanic wave of daybreak. Personally, I find that image very beautiful and one that can be appreciated by being outside at daybreak, or while meditating.. the darkened theatre of your mind illuminated with passing thoughts, dreams and images, while before you, the pervasive light of day floods perceptual reality. Within this image, an attitude for approaching life is suggested. 'Daybreak' awareness sees, knows and understands the depth, importance and beauty of what approaches, therefore inwardly, even the smallest adornments will do... while inwardly, the sparkling lights of inspiration are gracefully held in modest relationship with Life force written large.
Aquarius 28, "A tree felled and sawed" continues the journey of awareness of that which is just beyond the horizon of perceptual realities. Liminal awareness, subliminal sensitivities, working with energies beyond ordinary understanding: all these can readily be found within this symbol manifestation.
Aquarius 29, " butterfly emerging from a chrysalis" is a beautiful image that likely has our thought go immediately to the beauty of the butterfly. But 'emerging from a chrysalis' is a challenge. It suggests working one's way free from a tight, confining space. The natural rhythm of this process follows its own time and what is stunningly remarkable is that the butterfly knows when it is time to emerge, transformed, freed from the sticky binding confines of the chrysalis. That quality of experience is what we look for in Aquarius 29.
Aquarius 30, "The fields of Ardath in bloom", refers on the one hand to the mystic meadows of Babylon, but also to rarified awareness and presence of spiritual dimensions that float there, ever available, yet unseen for the most part. The 30th degree of all signs expresses a culmination of achievement of some sort. If there are other worlds hidden, folded beneath the veils, here it is, here they are, available to those who wish to penetrate through. The key surge of sense in Aquarius 30 lies in 'fellowship' both in human affairs and in trans-personal realms. The highest manifestation of fellowship brings a strength of hearts joined that can conquer anything, yet are joined in heart-felt ways sweet beyond all understanding.
Aquarius 26-30, therefore, is a five-fold series of images that all somehow express extra-sensory realities. To appreciate more of this journey, look first to the corresponding Leo Sabian symbols, then to the Taurus & Scorpio symbols. The story is there, as are the many real-life struggles and challenges individuals often experience with placements in these degree areas. There are, for each symbol placement, suggested ways of working... lets call them degree specific yogas... and these form the stuff of the counselling astrologers conversation with clients.
Blain Bovee
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