Virgo: "I Analyze"
1st Decan Influence: "Discrimination"

August 24th – September 2nd

Virgo’s cardinal influence is "Discrimination," the ability to perceive differences.  This word, like many, has undergone some change in connotation in common usage.  Unfortunately the change has been on the negative side and leaves us with an impression that "discrimination" is an undesirable thing.

The word has been applied to the injustices of racial slurs.  The fact is that it comes from the Latin "discrimino", which actually means the ability to analyze, the capacity to perceive the parts of a thing and thus break it down into its just parts.  Clearly, this is wise.  

A "discriminating person" has come to imply a fussy or "picky" one, a trait we also see in many Virgos.  However, in its pure sense, the word only means the ability to differentiate things from one another, an analytical process without which we would be hard put to be wise.  

The relationship between the ability to discriminate and the capacity to live wisely is borne forth most clearly in the Message of Virgo:  “Determine thy path with care, that you may follow the steep, narrow, and unused trail to perfection, but not the broad pleasant ways of the mortal world.” Discriminate and analyze, for only thus can you determine the path of Wisdom.
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For more on the lessons of VIRGO see:  http://druidcraft.us/astrology.htm
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What is a Decan?  Each astrological sign is approximately 30 degrees in width and is divided into three 10-day portions called decans, which represent the (1) Cardinal, (2) Fixed, & (3) Mutable phases of the influence. Each decan is assigned a Word that further defines the sign and the influences we ALL feel during that 10-day portion of the astrological month.

Why study the influence?  In the Druidic Craft of the Wise, we are taught that in order to become proficient in our magical practice we need to progress spiritually toward the Perfected state of the Creators, our Spiritual Parents, and elder brothers and sisters, the gods and angels.  To do this, we need to assimilate all the strengths of each zodiacal sign and overcome the weaknesses.  

Study help: To help us acquire the strengths of each sign we are urged to meditate upon the meaning of the current decan, to find quotable quotes and words of wisdom to help us understand how we can apply these strengths in our own personality.  

Post the quotes that speak to you on your bathroom mirror or computer monitor to help remind you of these qualities, and share the best with others, that we all might benefit on our Way to Perfection.

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VIRGO'S DISCRIMINATING ANALYSIS
~ by Misty-Eve*
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I once knew a man who would make a big issue of problems we encountered by having to place blame squarely on someone else’s shoulders before he could make any strides forward.  To me this seemed to have the same effect as if he were spinning his wheels and going no where fast.  I never could see the advantage of taking the time to do that because moving forward through analysis to find solutions which would fix the problem always seemed like the better choice.

What do YOU do when you see the contrast between what IS serving you in this life and what IS NOT?  Does your self-talk motivate you to fix the problem and try again, or do you say things to yourself that dampen your spirit?

"Abilities wither under faultfinding, blossom with encouragement."    
~ Donald A. Laird

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
~ source unknown

Children are such good examples of this.  Have you ever watched a toddler learn to walk?  They will fall down over and over again and after they fall they will get up and try it again.  They don’t have self-talk that defeats their adventurous spirit.  They just keep on plugging away until they finally achieve the goal.

I’m certainly not perfect.  Things don’t always go as planned.  However, I try to be like the little child who meets every adventure with the delight of potential new discoveries waiting for me just around the corner.  When something goes wrong I look for remedies rather than excuses, so I can get on with the adventure that I call my life.

If you could use your magical abilities to create the perfect lifestyle for yourself, where would you begin to make changes?  As children of the Creators, growing into their likeness, we are learning to magically create the perfect lifestyle for ourselves with every thought we think.

The Law of Attraction says “that which is like unto itself is drawn”.  If this is true, then will it help me more if I think negatively about myself and my progress, or optimistically?  

As you analyze your life, what do you find pleasing?  What needs your attention?  

How will you think about what you discover?  Will it help or hinder your progress?

It’s worth thinking about…
~ Misty-Eve*
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WHAT NEEDS ATTENTION?

"We often spend so much time coping with problems along our path that we only have a dim or even inaccurate view of what's really important to us."
~ Peter Senge

Where are you struggling in your life?

Look at your career, finances, relationships, growth, health and emotions. Where are you experiencing major challenges? Of these, which area most needs your attention at this time? Set an intention to face this struggle and resolve it. ATTENTION on your TENSION often releases it.

"The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it's the same problem you had last year."
~ John Foster Dulles

Awareness is the key to all change.
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SPEAK KINDLY TO YOURSELF

“What is this self inside us, this silent observer, severe and speechless critic, who can terrorize us, and urge us on to futile activity, and in the end, judge us still more severely, for the errors into which his own reproaches drove us?”
~ T. S. Eliot

How do you talk to yourself?  Would you talk that way to anyone else?

Our thoughts create our reality. How do you typically think about yourself? Do you berate yourself for being stupid, sloppy, forgetful or insensitive? Do you watch yourself with interest, respect and compassion? Stay alert to your self-talk and let go of judgments that don’t serve you.

"Self-acceptance is my refusal to be in an adversarial relationship to myself."
~ Nathaniel Branden
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DISCRIMINATION: QUOTES Of The DAY
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“The ability of discerning high quality unavoidably implies the ability of identifying shortcomings.”
~ Edsgar Dijkstra

"The real aim of criticism is not to destroy — although a due regard for the facts does often compel us to do away with or revise older opinions — but it’s real aim is toward a fuller appreciation of the beauty and truth of the creative work on which it fixes its regard. The word "criticism" is derived from the Greek word kritikos, which means "the ability to select or discriminate," hence, to decide or judge. The meaning of criticism is thus discriminating judgment."
~ unknown

"Hence jarring sectaries may learn
Their real interest to discern;
That brother should not war with brother,
And worry and devour each other;
But sing and shine by sweet consent,
Till life's poor transient night is spent,
Respecting in each other's case
The gifts of nature and of grace."
~ William Cowper (1731-1800) English Poet

“Every thought is a whispered prayer.”
~ Native American saying
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10 STEPS TO BETTER DECISION MAKING
Considering The Possibilities
 
1. Making a difficult choice can seem harrowing when you feel you're working alone. Involve others in your decision making by asking for criticism and seeking advice from those who can approach the choice from a fresh perspective. Listen to opinions that fall on both sides of the topic at hand. You may also want to consult an expert.

2. Learn from your mistakes as well as your triumphs. Examine decisions you have made in the past as they will teach you more than you will learn from most other sources. Though some decisions will not seem important, all decisions shape our lives and should be regarded as educational. Apply that knowledge to your current dilemma.

3. A good decision acted upon in a timely matter is always better than a great one acted upon too late. It is important to recognize that you will never know enough to make the perfect decision. Don't become paralyzed by your need to foresee all possible outcomes to every possible choice.

4. Involve your head and your heart. Ask both practical questions and personal questions about the problem at hand. Considering the facts as well as your feelings (and the feelings of others) when examining your options will ensure that you make a balanced decision.

5. Before anything else, focus on the most basic, necessary results. Often, a decision maker will get bogged down thinking about the non-essential elements of a decision. Avoid considering extraneous factors and far-fetched perfect outcomes. Ask yourself, "What needs to be done?"

6. Consider the entire range of possibilities, no matter how unlikely. When faced with a complex decision, brainstorm by yourself or with others to find as many of the vital elements as possible. Evaluate those elements as they relate to the choice you must make.

7. It was a wise person who noted that, "you can't please all of the people all of the time." Almost all decisions will involve some dissatisfaction or conflict. Some decisions may even create new problems. Once you have made a decision, stand by it. Keep in mind that you have used your best judgment and it was the best choice at the time.

8. Don't waste time on poor choices. Reject poor choices, even if you've begun to implement them, and stop doing the things that aren't working, so you can focus on the solutions that have strong potential.

9. Consult with the people who will be directly affected by your decision. People appreciate being heard and enjoy when their opinions are seen as valuable. Even making a simple choice can have a profound impact on those around you.

10. It is easy to dismiss your intuition, but in doing so, you may be disregarding valuable insight and even solutions. Ask yourself what choices you would make if you weren't afraid and then see what your subconscious offers as an answer. Try to ignore the fear of error when consulting your "gut."
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DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

To learn more about the teachings of the DRUIDIC CRAFT OF THE WISE visit the “Courses” page on the website: http://druidcraft.us/

You are a blessed being!
 
Misty-Eve*
Druidic Craft of the Wise
The American Rite
http://druidcraft.us

"The first point of wisdom is to discern that which is false; the second, to know that which is true."
~ Lactantius

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A Daily Newsletter of Astrological Reflections from The Druid Perspective
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