Seeking the Balance of Peace
by Pythia Peay

"The world is evolving from imperfection towards perfection; it needs all love and sympathy; great tenderness and watchfulness is required from each one of us."

In astrology, images are used to convey the essence of a sign. For Libra, that image is the scale, the symbol of balance and moderation. The religious history of the scales yields rich insights; it is the key that unlocks the door to Libran mysteries. Of Chaldean origin, the scales are linked to matters of fate, guilt, and punishment. 

Indeed in ancient myths the scales are pictured at the critical juncture between life and death, just as the soul is about to pass into the next realm. In ancient Egypt, the soul was weighed against the weight of a feather. In the Persian tradition, the angel Rashu weighed souls at the Bridge of Fate, while in the Christian faith St. Michael, Archangel of the Day of Judgement, is pictured with a set of scales. And in ancient Greece, the goddess Themis, the embodiment of law, was represented with scales. 

Thus spiritually the scales represent the process of weighing and measuring one's thoughts and actions against universal ideals of truth. As these ancient images teach us, we cannot move on into a new stage of evolution until we have examined our intentions and come to terms with our past actions. Yet the meaning implicit in the image of the scales has 
psychological significance, as well. A psyche that tips too far in one direction or another is considered unhealthy, manic, or "bipolar." And physically, good health revolves around a lifestyle that includes equal portions of work and pleasure, exercise and rest, and a balanced diet.

An awakened conscience, mental equilibrium, homeostasis - these are healing qualities that regulate the human condition spiritually, psychologically, and physically. How can they help us in the potentially explosive situation we find ourselves in today?

With Mercury retrograde in the sign of Libra, it seems appropriate to spend time "weighing and measuring" the causes that have helped create the crisis the world is in. We cannot move forward until we go back and sort through the legacies of the Persian Gulf War, the Cold War, and even World War 11. It may be a time to study ideas of pacifism, or emerging religious theories around a "just war." ¹

But achieving inner emotional balance is also important "peace" work. Many are veering wildly between extremes of utter hopelessness, a cheery normalcy, or extreme political views. Peace, however, is a condition achieved through skillful negotiation; likewise each person can use this time to negotiate among their own warring emotions.

Too much despair, for instance, and the soul disappears into a maw of helplessness. In this condition we are no use to anyone, ourselves or anyone else. Too much positivism and we are at risk of denial. We cannot see the darkness for the light. Too much radical political extremism leads to demonization of "the other" - whether Arab or American, Muslim, Christian, or Jew. 

Like no other, this is a time to practice the art of spiritual, emotional, and physical balance. So this New Moon, center yourself at the all-important fulcrum that holds the scales. Weigh and measure. Be circumspect. Exercise prudence in the face of extremism, whether it arises from within or without. Hold strong to the sanity provided by your spiritual faith. 

For as it is taught in the Jewish tradition, the devil is rendered powerless against the good struck in the balance between the inner and the outer. Peace, instruct the sages, stems from stability. Says the Dalai Lama, "..the practice of Dharma, real spiritual practice, is in some sense like a voltage stabilizer. The function of the stabilizer is to prevent irregular power surges and instead give you a stable and constant source of power." ² 

This way, perhaps each of us can become a powerful center radiating peaceful equilibrium - a spiritual rock in the foundation of peace that, by our individual actions, we are helping to construct for future generations.

¹ See the Washington Post Religion section, October 13, 2001, for a discussion of the "just war" theory in religious tradition.
² "The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living," The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler