The Justice Archetype
Hannah Green
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Dear Community,
Happy October and I hope this finds you well!
I am delighted to be going to Santa Fe mid October and look forward to the roasting green chilis, golden leaves and crisp air. Look out for next month's community email if you want some Santa Fe energy and recommendations.
I have been welcoming and feeling the Autumn season. Autumn begins with the equinox in late September and I find this time of equal light and dark to be a powerful time for reflection. The equinox asks me:
Can I value the light and the dark with equal measure?
Can I find gratitude and curiosity in my heart for life's challenges?
Can I take the cue from nature to slow down and let go of what I do not need?
What am I harvesting and taking into the winter season?
We are moving again towards longer nights. As the leaves fall to the ground perhaps we too can rest and find the ground within. This poem reminds me it is OK to let go, to slow down and to rest.
Autumn
The leaves fall, fall as from far,
Like distant gardens withered in the heavens;
They fall with slow and lingering descent.
And in the nights the heavy Earth, too, falls
From out the stars into the Solitude.
Thus all doth fall. This hand of mine must fall
And lo! the other one:—it is the law.
But there is One who holds this falling
Infinitely softly in His hands.Rainer Maria Rilke 1875-1926
During the majority of October the sun is in Libra. Libra is associated with the Justice card in the Tarot.
The Justice archetype is about creating balance on the individual and collective level. Below are some favorite images of the Justice archetype and some questions to help you connect with the guidance and support this archetype offers.
Clockwise: Modern Witches Tarot Deck, Ostara Tarot Deck, Sorcerers Tarot Deck, Wild Unknown Tarot Deck.
Questions for Reflection and Working With the Justice Archetype
What self care behaviors create balance in my life?
What reparations or changes can I make to foster balance in the collective?
What lightens my heart?
What boundaries and limits create balance, equity, peace and mutuality within and around me?
What is the point? (Justice's sword helps us "get to the point") Existentially, what is the point? How can this Autumn to be a time of reevaluation and recalibration towards what is most important and meaningful to you?
Currently enjoying, reading, watching and exploring:
JUDY CHICAGO RETROSPECTIVE AT THE DE YOUNG - Deep explorations on birth, death, gender, the divine and more. A moving, inspiring and visceral feminist art immersion. Listen to a long interview about the retrospective with Judy here.
BETWEEN THE WORLDS PODCAST - this is a repeat suggestion. For anyone who wants to explore the Tarot archetypes this is a must. When I was in Arizona last month I got into the habit of drawing a card in the morning and listening to that card's episode in the pool! Good times.
JUNG: A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION - Reading Jung's actual writing is challenging and dreamlike. Books like the above that summarize his model and define the basic topography of Jungian psychology are invaluable. I am reading this one with my husband and a friend. We meet once a week on zoom to discuss. Reading groups are a wonderful and classic way to explore Jungian psychology. Also, for anyone interested in learning more there is a wonderful program at the SF Jung institute (all online currently) called JUNGIAN PSYCHOLOGY FOR EVERYDAY LIFE that begins October 3.
MAKING REELS ON INSTAGRAM - some of you know I love collaging...I love making these little video collages and adding music and effects. Such a fun way to explore a theme or mood.
I recently rewatched the film MARGARET which is now streaming on the criterion channel. This coming of age story stars Anna Paquin in I think her most dynamic and powerful performance. The film explores the impact of trauma and is a very moving and psychological film. It was written and directed in 2011 by Kenneth Lonergan who also wrote and directed Manchester By the Sea which more people are familiar with.
PF CANDLE CO'S Teakwood and Tobacco scented candle. So perfect for Fall.
FAVORITE SPOOKY OCTOBER SHOWS:
BRAND NEW CHERRY FLAVOR ON NETFLIX - Its scary, its disturbing, its brilliant and delicious. Kathrine Keener playing a witch is an Autumn treat like no other.
MIDNIGHT MASS - A deep exploration of addiction, religion, racism, spirituality, death and relationships. Truly moving and intense. A perfect example of why I often love the horror genre - it is a place where shadow material is explored. Vampires, 12 steps, recovery, mystery, suspense, spiritual awakenings all in one place! Read an article about the writer/director and his personal connection to the material here.
Some great organizations to support:
Therapy For Black Girls,
The Geena Davis Institute for Gender in the Media,
The Global Fund for Women,
The Yunakin Land Tax for the Ramaytush Ohlone Association.
Song for Autumn Mary Oliver
In the deep fall
don’t you imagine the leaves think how
comfortable it will be to touch
the earth instead of the
nothingness of air and the endless
freshets of wind? And don’t you think
the trees themselves, especially those with mossy,
warm caves, begin to think
of the birds that will come — six, a dozen — to sleep
inside their bodies? And don’t you hear
the goldenrod whispering goodbye,
the everlasting being crowned with the first
tuffets of snow? The pond
vanishes, and the white field over which
the fox runs so quickly brings out
its blue shadows. And the wind pumps its
bellows. And at evening especially,
the piled firewood shifts a little,
longing to be on its way.
