Human understanding of reality has long been based on the interplay between light and dark; the two main polarities. Ancient astrologers utilized Northern seasonal changes as symbolism for this interplay, based on the path of the Sun through the year. The portion called Scorpio is a truly powerful, almost tangible intensifying of darkness marked by death and decay as days become shorter, plants die and leaves have blown off the trees.
In our solar-based societies, darkness has a hard time of it. Culturally we are encouraged to “let the light in, be positive, progress!”. A persistent “light/growth good vs. darkness/decay bad” mentality does not take into consideration nature’s great cycles of creation and destruction. Perhaps understandable, but potentially problematic because it can lead to biased judgement, polarization and life inevitably gets discontent.
For ancient astrologers the Sun’s position in an individual chart became, among other things, emblematic of where that person would aspire in their lifetime. The Moon was, also among other symbolism, indicative of the environment backstory and ongoing environmental influences which also shape the life.
It is believed the Buddha was born when the Sun was in Taurus and Moon in Scorpio –thus featuring his path of opposites – the sustaining of intensifying light (Sun) and the sustaining of intensifying darkness (Moon). Born into royal and riches, he despaired of poverty and suffering right outside his door. In recountings of the Buddha’s life, he learned about impermanence through extremes of a privileged birth versus an equal intensity of demons and temptations plaguing him. His example shows the value of including both light and dark; a middle path of neither great indulgence nor great renunciation of the material world.
Those who do not automatically reject darkness usually have the ability to look beneath superficial appearances, to experience chaos, things falling away and find wisdom and validity within those experiences. Perhaps when the dark and cold Scorpionic winds blow with the shredding of a yearly cycle, we may take the time to sit with it and eventually find a different kind of warmth in its blessings.
