Ramblings - First published January 2021
Ramblings from David
Inspired by the light
Saturn and Jupiter were in conjunction in December. A conjunction is when planets pass on their orbits, appearing when viewed from Earth to be in line near each other. The conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter, the solar systems two largest planets, is known as a Great Conjunction. What was special about the conjunction that occurred in December 2020 is that it only happens about every 400 years, when Jupiter and Saturn appear as one bright light in the night sky.
The last time this happened was in 1623. Yes, quite a long time ago but interestingly it occurred when there was a time of plague. In London many things were in ‘lockdown’ – gatherings were banned, businesses were closed and theatre doors were shut for periods of years at a time. How times have changed as we all Zoom around our modern lives!
Could the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn be a ‘sign’ I hear some ask. Ever since man looked into the sky, day and night, the celestial bodies with their movements and changes have created narrative, understanding, cultures, lifestyles and science. The conjunction may spark the imagination and indeed affect life as a whole. The forces in the Universe and the space between have an impact upon life and the lives of each and everyone of us – from conception and beyond. Like the wind blowing which we brace ourselves against, or the spring sun, pleasant and inspiring – the movements in the cosmos have an impact.
The great conjunction occurred on December 21st, the winter solstice. Jupiter and Saturn were at their closest – less than a 10th of a degree apart. It is thought that the Star of Bethlehem was the result of the great conjunction. Others believe the Star of Bethlehem was a unique event – whatever the truth is, there is something in life that has led to that occasion being significant. It was not just a star that a few Zoroastrians found meaning from, it was an event that has significantly guided the path of billions.
Over two thousand years later, that single celestial event is engrained in the culture of many countries. Most people would struggle to recall a significant celestial event from the last year despite extensive documentation and reporting, so something in life has been created that maintains the Star of Wonder as a special event in the imagination and memories of many – something that makes a great thing that exceeds the physical but has a huge impact upon the physical and our lives. God knows!
Once a year Christmas is a focus for billions of people. A celebration that has found its place in the modern day with attributes that have emerged and then become tradition. The magic of Christmas is often talked about and to many, is felt for different reasons, but whatever the reason and experience, if the magic/specialness is anticipated and engaged with well, the occasion becomes greater. We as people are encouraged to enjoy the times that are purposefully made special. The chance to ‘look’ at something different, in a unified way, bolsters a different way of thinking which can free the mind from stagnant dangers. This different way helps people to maintain a regular pattern of anticipation and excitement for their moments and the future, giving place and purpose at different times of year.
People are part of the life and spirit that exists all around us. Having special days, and making the effort to make special moments in your daily lives becomes a joy. The practice brings a peace into the World which benefits more than just the human race as we know it. Whatever your opinion about your own life or the state of the world may be, it is undeniable that there has been an astronomical shift in the last few hundred years, from what human life was and largely had been for millennia, to a world that makes possible a situation that allows you to read what is written here.
If I told you here what it was going to be like in 2400 years time, it could make about as much sense as me telling one of the shepherds, at the time of the Nativity, that the world today has united in reducing carbon emissions. If however I told the shepherd that in 2000 years there would be many places, in most countries, that have every harvest imaginable and are able to supply it throughout the year, every year, they may be justified in thinking that God had blessed them and their descendants… and they would be right. We have entered a new age – part of life's path where the future is already known by the heavens. The final destination is certain. The journey however is up to us to embrace as best we can to make good and celebrate what we know to be good.
