Research appears to suggest that it is important for helpers or friends to step back when an individual has made up their mind to take a path that others perceive as leading to disaster. The reason why helpers need to do this was first explained by Jack W. Brehm, a notable psychologist. who first postulated the theory of psychological reactance where people react negatively to threats to their freedom or autonomy. The theory was publishedin his book "A Theory of Psychological Reactance." in 1966 during his affiliation with Duke University.
Astrologers have long understood that significant discoveries can often be related to eclipses and major planetary conjunctions. The year 1966 stands out as one in which two outer planets Uranus and Pluto were conjunct. Martha Wescott provides the following keywords for Uranus-Pluto.
Attempts to “force” change draw unexpected reactions based on resentment; vindictive or forceful reactions to freedom demands; to see that individuals can disconnect or distance themselves from others out of fear of being powerless.
Martha’s keyphrases resonate with Brehm “reactance theory” which posits that individuals experience an unpleasant motivational arousal when they perceive a threat to their freedoms or autonomy. This reaction can manifest as resistance, defiance, or even strengthening their original position, especially when faced with advice or persuasion that feels controlling.
Jack W. Brehm was born on 16 January 1928 at Des Moines, Iowa. Presented here is a chart for the solar eclipse of 12 November 1966, the year he published his “reactance theory”. Notice the powerful conjunction of Uranus-Pluto on the MC in sextile aspect to the eclipse.
The eclipse luminaries are conjunct the star Zubeneschamali while the South Node (patterns of behaviour to leave behind) is conjunct the star Zubenelgenub. About these stars, Nick Fiorenza writes:
Zubenelgenubi, the karmic seat for incarnating souls, lies upon the ecliptic. This location in the ecliptic is also the exalted seat of Saturn--lord of karmic retribution, keeper of time. Zubenelgenubi reveals past patterns that keep us entrapped in the reincarnational clutches--from attaining our highest destiny and evolutionary freedom. Karma does not mean something bad, it simply means our past experiential path, one that must be reconciled by moving forth from our past into our dharma. Zubeneschamali, the dharmic seat, lies slightly north of the ecliptic. Zubeneschamali embodies our responsibility to complete our chosen paths of incarnational involvement so we may claim our evolutionary freedom and spiritual awakening. This freedom is embodied by the Northern Crown, which lies above the clutches of the Scorpion.
This passage appears to suggest that the eclipse is indicating a bifurcation in the road ahead. Either we continue with our behaviour patterns of the past or choose a difficult road which may require effort, willingness to face personal challenges, and the courage to change. Growth involves confronting and overcoming obstacles, which can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.
To understand what is at stake here I invite readers to imagine a circle that symbolizes repeating a pattern endlessly. At one point in the circle a creative person breaks the cycle and moves into a spiral metaphorically symbolizing a change that leaves the past behind. The star Zubeneschamali marks this break. Friends and helpers can point out this new path but as Brehm suggests that it may be perhaps be better to step back to avoid “reactance”.
The Sabian symbol of the eclipse degree appears to suggest that only individual effort can reveal the sacred path ahead.
PHASE 230 (SCORPIO 20°): A WOMAN DRAWS AWAY TWO DARK CURTAINS CLOSING THE ENTRANCE TO A SACRED PATHWAY.
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