The Loss of Soul in the Modern World : Henry David Thoreau

 

 

   

The Loss of Soul in the Modern World | Henry David Thoreau

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YACxW_OU4k

 Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) was a transcendentalist philosopher, essayist, and poet who often critiqued the dehumanizing effects of modern society, including its emphasis on materialism, conformity, and disconnection from nature. The idea of a “loss of soul” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the alienation and spiritual emptiness he observed in industrialized society. His most relevant work addressing these themes is Walden, written during his two-year experiment in simple living at Walden Pond (1845–1847) and published on August 9, 1854.In Walden, Thoreau explores how modern life—driven by economic pursuits, societal expectations, and technological advancements—leads to spiritual and existential disconnection. A key passage from his work that resonates with the “loss of soul” theme is: 

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.” This famous line reflects his view that many people in modern society live unfulfilling lives, disconnected from their true selves and deeper purpose, which could be interpreted as a “loss of soul.”

 

Presented here is Thoreau’s natal chart as provided by Astro-Databank [1]. Two combinations stand out 

(a) A Yod formation with Sun as apex quicunx Neptune sextile Kronos forming the base (b) Saturn in Pisces square MC 

Kronos/Neptune

Disillusioned (Neptune) with what is “sold” as success (Kronos) 

The Sabian symbol of the Sun says it better: 

Cancer 21 (20° - 21°): Prima Donna singing

BEING AWARE OF THE PRICE OF SUCCESS

Despite the huge social cost of our attainments they almost never produce the happiness we yearn for. The pursuit of fame and fortune is so commonplace that it forms the core motivation for the majority of people, and our cultural ideas of what is successful are mostly shaped by the measurement of financial wealth or wide social popularity. Rarely does a person enquire of themselves at what price was such success purchased. https://www.jamesburgess.com/prima-donna-singing.html

During his two-year experiment in simple living at Walden Pond (1845–1847), his solar arc progressed Neptune was opposite his radix triggering the Yod. 

At about the same time, transit Saturn had returned to its natal place in Pisces in his first house. Astrologers associate Saturn with ambition and desire for success. In Pisces , the last sign of the zodiac there is potential for a healing release of these outworn structures so glorified by society. 

Pisces is an era of storms and of wholesale disintegration. But Piscean winds of destiny may impel men of vision and courage to discover many a "new world," as much as they do destroy or suffocate the many who stubbornly resist change. Dane Rudhyar

 

 

[1] https://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Thoreau,_Henry_David