Beginnings…endings…liminal spaces that between two worlds. But how often do we realise that we are at the threshold until we are through it and looking back? As a species, we’re not the best at consciously crossing these thresholds, and when we do pay attention - as with marriages, births, deaths - we become distracted by the outer representations rather than paying attention to what they mean for us at a deeper level .
Beginnings and endings… two sides of the one coin. You can’t have a beginning without something have ended, no more than you can have an end without the prospect of a new beginning. Even death brings a new start - whether that is the beginning of the next phase of a soul’s journey or the decomposition of the body to feed new life. It is tempting to stay focused on one or the other: stuck in a place of ending, or jumping without a backward glance into the promise of a new beginning.
In astrology, endings are often indicated by Pluto transits to the natal chart. Pluto - Ruler of the Underworld in Greek mythology - is associated with the psychic shadow and with death, and also with transformation. Sure, it can be an indication that an ending is needed, that something must die. But it more accurately reflects that something lies in the shadow that will be unearthed, resulting in a death of some kind, but also leading to a subsequent rebirth.
In Peruvian Shamanic traditions, the animal archetype associated with death is Jaguar: its fearlessness in the face of danger, and its ability to stealthily prowl in the undergrowth, offering an opportunity for Shaman and others to call on it energetically in order to connect with the courage to face death.
There are times when we get stuck, frightened of an imminent ending - or are too quick to jump, looking to dodge the pain of death by throwing ourselves into a new beginning. These archetypal energies of Pluto and Jaguar can be drawn on to strengthen our resolve to act more consciously. What is it that is ending? If we look beyond the externals - beyond the career, the relationship, the friendship - are there aspects of ourselves or of the dynamics of a situation that need to end, rather than an entire situation? As we struggle with a resistance to change or the temptation to flee something that is causing us trouble, are we running the risk of destroying what may still have value if regenerated? Are we clear on exactly what it is that is in need of death and rebirth?
On the other hand, there are times when it is the career, a relationship, a friendship - or even a loved one - that dies. At those times, too, the archetypal energies of mythic and shamanic archetypes can help us through as we take our time to acknowledge what inside ourselves and in our lives is truly ending. We allow the energy of night to swallow us as we delve into the darkness with Pluto and Jaguar as guides, taking courage from their fearless natures - and also taking solace from knowing that other archetypal guides are available to take us on an onward journey when we are ready.
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