According to the Sabian Mysteries, the 1st degree of Libra– sign and degree status of the next full moon–presents itself in the form of a butterfly. Butterflies, the most recognizable symbols of transformation are so delicate and beautiful that their appearance suspends us. If you wanted to capture the beauty of a butterfly you would have to throw a dart at it and pin it in mid-air. But, to pin a butterfly is to destroy it so without even giving it any thought, we appreciate its beauty and when our time with it is over, we are satisfied.
In trying to wrap my mind around this and do as the Sabians suggest– I tried to understand it with both the right and left side of my brain. My first mind led me to the Tibetan sand mandalas, the meditative practice of monks, that teaches the value of detachment and lessons of impermanence. I got that. Left brain? Handled.
A day later, my right brain reminded me of a man I almost hesitate to say I had a relationship with because it was so short lived. A few weeks with this efflorescent being were marked with little joys and unimagined simplicities that felt warm. My youth returned as if I had never lost it. I smiled often. As quickly as he arrived, he was gone and what was left wasn’t animosity, anger, and pain. The only things left were a deep impression and my heart as “tender as a baby’s.”
So if I take these two examples, a sand mandala, and a fleeting encounter and apply it in general advice for the next full moon, I’d have to say be clear and ready. If the Full Moon brings love to your doorstep, expect it to be perfect before relinquishing all expectation. Don’t try to hold on to it, it will slip through your fingers. You can’t pin it even if you wanted to because God didn’t give you that kind of aim. What you can do, however, is pay attention in its presence. Who you are in this sand mandala moment is your best, highest self on a flight path to where true love actually lives.
–KM
