Mindful Heart Astrology – Aquarius Imagines

Imagine: One World, One Humanity

This morning I woke up, much like most other people in the Western World, greeted with a slew of news headlines underscoring the need for a significantly more humanitarian and compassionate viewpoint and approach. On days such as this I often hear the words of John Lennon’s song “Imagine” playing in my mind.

Much has been written about the composition of this song, both positive and critically negative. I wonder if the latter is a result of the lyrics striking a chord, or two, that many people may find uncomfortable. Personally though, my take on the message is simply to imagine a world that is completely inclusive, without borders or divisiveness. It is, I feel, a sentiment coming from a very humanistic viewpoint with a message for us to consider. Yoko Ono has been quoted as saying the overall statement of “Imagine” was “just what John believed: that we are all one country, one world, one people”.

I was prompted of course to look at John Lennon’s Natal Chart to see what Aquarian influences might be involved. It was no surprise to find that he had an 11th House Aquarius Moon. This house placement is clearly representative of the expression of his inner feelings and beliefs through the public or societal realm of published and performed music. Song can be considered a form of poetry, and poetry is a very personal thing. In Lennon’s case, he obviously felt the need to share what he felt through this medium, perhaps with the hope that a wider group of people may take notice and, as he did, begin to imagine “all the people living life in peace”.

The Visionary

Aquarius is a sign that frequently suggests something “future oriented” or visionary, perhaps even idealistic.  I’ve often wondered whether people like John Lennon are actually a little ahead of their time. They seem to think and act differently from the masses, and stand out as being unusual or rebellious. This quality is so firmly rooted in some people that they have very little concern about acceptance. Their beliefs are so deep that their reality, or vision of what could be, is not a question for them. They simply have the need to live their lives according to their beliefs or values, regardless of what others may think.

More and more I see examples of people who are courageous enough to step up, or step out, and take a stand for what they believe is right or what really matters. Perhaps it begins as a response to a personal attack or negative experience but somehow, particularly with some Aquarian influence, it becomes a broader and more expansive statement. The humanitarian nature of Aquarius is concerned about the well-being of other people, groups, causes, or the global condition.

Another notable Aquarius Moon was Princess Diana. She spoke out on a wide range of issues and used her profile to raise awareness and funding for numerous charitable causes. One of the best known was her work for the campaign to ban landmines. As we know, she did not always represent the views or wishes of the establishment to which she belonged and was subject to a good deal of criticism, but that didn’t keep her from pursuing issues she felt were important.

The Humanitarian

Those with Moon in Aquarius can exhibit very powerful humanitarian tendencies. For both John Lennon and Princess Diana it seems that the Aquarius traits (characterized by the rulership of Uranus and Saturn) manifested in a shakeup to traditional structures, or a rebellion against them. Regardless of their individual motives, each of them felt the need for change in the world and did something to highlight it.

In a recent interview, George Clooney was quoted to have said that as a celebrity, “I can’t change policy…but I can make things louder”. He is one of many well-known figures who have, over the years, done what they could to help with various issues and ultimately try to make the world a better place. His production company is working on a feature-film version of the story of the Syrian Civil Defense “White Helmets”, search and rescue teams.  In the same interview he said “The White Helmets are the heroes.  So if I can help them out at all, and people can know about it, in any way possible, that’s a good use of celebrity, I think”.

While some criticize the perceived rich and famous for their public support in aiding others who have no opportunity to make their voice heard, I think George and many like him have got it right. Perhaps the reason for their success and the celebrity, or an obligation rising from it, is to help those who cannot help themselves. It’s about doing what can be done with what you have.

The Ordinary doing the Extraordinary

So, what about us ordinary people? There are times when I have been considered an idealist. I’ve heard people say “you can’t fix the problem, you won’t make a difference and what you do is only a drop in the ocean”. My response has always been “that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try”. A few years ago I was walking along a side street in central London, and came to a small park with a statue of Gandhi in the centre. I stopped for a moment and thought about the man and his life and recalled one of his quotes, “Change is brought about by ordinary people doing extraordinary things”. He was himself, after all, an ordinary man.

I turned away from the statue and walked a few steps to a park bench with a plaque attached to it, marking the celebration of 21 years of The Mothers for Peace.  On the plaque was a very clear statement that I will never forget: “PEACE WILL COME THROUGH THE WILL OF ORDINARY PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF”.

So, as I contemplate the state of our world during this time of Aquarius, rather than be disheartened by the daily news I choose to see the bright sparks and the opportunities we all have to make a difference. I will continue to be inspired by the words of John Lennon and “Imagine”, until our reality reflects “a brotherhood of man”.