A Fire to Tend
…On Vesta and the rest of the lot
Plutarch, whose name shares much of the DNA of the planet at the center of this piece, once said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” We could say the same for the heart. To kindle a fire takes great attention. Once the fuel is gathered, we must carefully add to the flames. Without the proper care and attention, it can run wild or simply go out. The light and life-giving warmth fire offers is arguably the most essential piece of the human puzzle. When this Promethean gift was given, we thrived. Before it, we survived in the cold dark. This entire process of tending to the fire falls into the sacred court of the first Olympian, Vesta. Lately, she has been at the center (at the hearth) of much of the world events transpiring around Pluto and the Lovers (Mars/Venus).
Admittedly, I overlooked her influence within this stellium at first. My attention was with Venus and Mars on their approach to Pluto. Clearly, this setup has brought a lot to be discussed around the fire. The horrors in the East, fuel at all-time highs, many commodities the same, and the visceral uncertainty of what comes next are raging in the hearts of all of us. But how can we contain it? How can we possibly process the bombardment of the fear-inducing information filling up our minds? One suggestion, a vestal one, is to spend some time by the fire. The alchemy of all the elements at work, combusting into light and warmth is a formidable teacher. It connects us to origins. It reminds us of our power. It calms us, placing us back into our center. It helps bring the Goddess back into our orbit.
At the moment, Vesta is anaretic in the last degree of Capricorn. By the time you read this, she will likely have moved on to Aquarius with the Lovers. They have all had their moment with Pluto, as have we. I’m sure you have a story to tell. And now, it’s time for intimations of what comes next. Meditations on the Aquarian Age? Memories of the Great Conjunction? A sobering lesson in the true nature of Fixed Air, and the unmovable convictions we all have for the future. Dangerous business.
I’m no expert on Vesta, yet I’ve been listening to her intently throughout this particular transit. She has taught me two things:
1. Home is where the hearth is
2. When the world is falling apart, it’s best to do nothing.
Let me elaborate.
With the first realization, it’s an old one. An epiphany I would gamble most people have had at least once in their lives. Yet, we modern folks, often don’t spend time by the fire. But when we do, there is something sacred beneath the cozy, something magical in the way it hypnotizes. As long as we’ve got fire, we are home; The hearth is the heart that inspires great art. And with the second realization, what I mean by doing nothing is more pointed at panic, than being helpful. I know many people who are hastily cooking up plans to flee modern society, turning their toes to the wild. I myself have felt this call my entire life. I’m not saying it’s the wrong move, but what I am saying is if it’s led by fear or uncertainty, spend some time by the fire, with the Goddess, before you start regretting your choices. It’s always wise to sit with a decision for at least a lunar cycle.
In summation, Vesta is a worthy ally to have as we crash through this 4th turning. There is little doubt we are in the midst of a crisis. Will it get better? Sure, someday. Life is made up of circles and spirals. But for now, we are in the throes of a truly plutonic part of the cycle. And even though we have shifted from being virologists to experts on international politics, we still don’t know enough to worry. Keep those you love close, and never forget to create by the fire.
Praise be to the Fire Keeper!
Eudaimonia,
Adam
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