Opposites…

Dictionary.com defines my blog post title in its adjective form as:

situated, placed, or lying face to face with something else or each other, or in corresponding positions with relation to an intervening line, space, or thing.

It can also be described as:

contrary or radically different in some respect common to both, as in nature, qualities, direction, result, or significance; opposed.

There are all kinds of opposites in energy. Astrology teaches about relationships on the wheel. In the study of personality astrology, oppositions, aspects in a “tug of war,” “at odds,” or that “cause friction,” are thought of as energies one must combat – and, sadly, that makes up most of the information out there. As one gains further study, however, soul astrology teaches one to see beyond this hype; we are taught to see that resolutions of these energies lead to our growth, and we begin to slay our personal dragons with more enthusiasm.

In Eden Energy Medicine I learned about the Meridian Wheel, which offers this distinctive view of opposite relationships. The chart below shows the meridians separated in two-hour segments that relate to a specific time of day/night. Opposites here are linked together as partners, so when any energy is in some kind of trouble, I was taught to automatically consider what’s directly across from it as a possible “treatment option.” Healing one helps heal the other, and that good energy flows around the wheel to the benefit of all.

Between the two definitions at the start of the post, I propose that we consider opposites as energies that are “corresponding” versus “opposed.” One of these choices is much more encouraging and open than the other, isn’t it? It’s all in how we think about it. And why do you suppose we talk about opposites attracting? Perhaps it’s because we’re supposed to learn something more deeply about ourselves because of that other person, and that’s what causes the magnetic pull in the first place, a pull that offers a step towards Wholeness.

Whether affected by a book, a movie, a quote, a talk with a friend, astrology or meridians, it always comes back to YOU. Opposing or not, our relationships with the outside world are guiding each of us to discover our relationship to Self. Outer experiences act as bridges to our inner worlds, challenging us to heal and grow.

Our evolving consciousness is what blurs the lines of “separation,” inviting and expanding our understanding, acceptance, and awareness of Us. We are the microcosm of the macrocosm – not just a drop in the ocean, but an entire ocean in a drop, according to Rumi. We are made up of the forces of the Universe, and the goal is not in combating energies, but in aligning them, ultimately creating a union, a synthesis.

Consider the next “tug of war” that comes along more thoughtfully and see what happens.