Psyche in the City – ‘Time for Change?’

‘The right path will reveal itself to you at the right time.’ Freya ♥

For many people, 2009 has been a year for taking the bull by the horns and making big changes. Saturn and Uranus have been forming an opposition during the course of year which has been creating an energetic tension. This is often experienced as either a clash between old and new or conflicting desires between wanting to maintain the status quo and to invite radical change. Many people are looking for creative solutions to old problems, or are being presented with the opportunity to have a complete overhaul in their lives. But how can we successfully navigate change when we feel caught in the middle of opposing forces?

When we take an extreme stand in something, we often find ourselves suddenly and unexpectedly swinging in the opposite direction. If we feel undecided then we may swing between the two opposites many times, believing that if we could just choose the best way to go and stick to it, everything would be ok. The more seemingly opposite our choices are, the greater the sense of tension and the more ferocious the game of mental tennis becomes.

When we focus on opposites and flip our attention from one side to the other, we often miss the bigger picture. We may take impulsive action then worry that it was the wrong thing to do. We may start a change of direction and suddenly want to back out. Or we may become frozen in fear and refuse to take any action at all because we are too fixated on finding the right option. In this state of inner conflict we can miss the simple message our psyche is trying to present to us: It is time for a change.

Rather than getting distracted by the inner tennis match we can chose stand still and ask ourselves; ‘what in my current situation is making me unhappy?’ When we appear to be faced with two conflicting options we need to take time to reach an understanding rather than simply reacting to the discomfort. Sometimes we discover that a radical change is indeed required – that is is the only way out of an untenable situation. However, often we discover is that there is a way of making the required changes in a gentle step by step manner, without the need to turn our lives upside down.

Ultimately growth requires both change and stability. When you plant a seed you will eventually have to re-pot it so that it can continue to flourish. Saturn represents the soil and the pot that supports it. The seedling needs this to give it stability while it grows strong roots. But when it becomes ready, the seedling will need the upheaval represented by Uranus; to be re-potted or planted into the wild.

Some people are prone to getting pot-bound and attached to the status quo (Saturn). Others impulsively re-pot at the slightest provocation (Uranus). Both these extreme reactions hinder the growth process because a balanced approach is required. If we refuse to budge, the rug will often get pulled from under our feet. And if we throw everything up in the air without any consideration for our need for security or proper timing – we create unnecessary stress or instability in our lives. The following steps will help you keep your balance while navigating changes in your life:

1. Always pay attention to the need for change as soon as it arises.

2. Seek to understand what exactly is making you unhappy in your current situation.

3. Take time identifying all options that are available to you. If it seems like an ‘all or nothing’ decision then look for the ‘middle way’ – things are rarely simply black or white.

4. If you feel ready for a radical change and you are in a position to do so without creating unnecessary stress then go for it! (See if you feel the same way consistently for at least a week.) However, if you find you keep changing your mind about what you should do, it is a sign that you need to take a different approach. In this case, identify moderate actions and manageable steps you can take that will enable you to test the water, gather relevant information and/or approach the current situation from a different perspective.

5. Trust that when you are willing, the right path will reveal itself to you at the right time, and that you will know what needs to be done. Remember, the Universe is always on your side when you chose to walk the path of personal growth.

Sometimes you will discover all that was required of you was a change of perspective. Other times going ahead and making small changes will help you build the confidence that will enable you to make a radical change later. If you are ever not sure about leaving something behind – it is worth trying to do things differently and seeing if things can change before deciding to let it go. If you have tried doing things differently and you discover things are still not right, then you can trust your decision to move on. Freya ♥