The Correspondences of the West
• Intermolecular Binding Force – Physical Body – Physical Intelligence
• Introspection – true power comes from knowing thyself
• Earth element, minerals deep within, gravitational forces
• Autumn
• Black – going within, acknowledgement of darkness
• Adulthood
• Recognition in the present moment
• Here we learn how, what and why we are manifesting what we are manifesting
• Change and transition, recognition of subtle shifts in all aspect of your nature through these processes
• Teaching of others, leading by example
• Focused actions towards goals: taking care of the physical body and everyday affairs, financial responsibilities
• Learning to recognize and let go of attachments
• Learning to choose using the intellect instead of allowing addictions to decide (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual)
• Learning to recognize the difference between conscious and subconscious behaviors
• Examining and refining your true intentions
• Governing animal: the bear – the characteristics of bears (any breed) provide metaphors which define the correspondences for the West: their habits, methods of coping with stress, their culture, who their enemies are, how they raise their young, their strengths, diet, habitat, gestation periods, etc.
West is the time of Fall, of change and transition, the time of turning inward to introspective, knowledgeable adult thinking. We all know that the physical body knows how to heal itself, that it is wise. But, do we acknowledge the wisdom in a back ache? The wisdom in cancer? Our physical body is telling us that we are somehow out of alignment with our true self. What are you “doing” that creates a conflict within you? What do you believe that provides the impetus to do it? Examine all your life experiences to gain a deeper understanding of your beliefs. Why do you believe what you believe? Is it really necessary to “do” more or “have” more, to view yourself as a “good enough” person? The animal totem in the west teaches us responsibility. We bind all that we know about ourselves to clarify our goals and develop a plan for achieving them. It is a time of self examination. What lessons have I learned from my life experiences? Are my goals in alignment (grounded) with who I think am? Am I really who I think I am? What are my personal strengths? What tasks can I delegate to others so I can develop my strengths further? How can I reach my goals?
