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Day 13,
A chapter of Charles Dickens' Christmas Stories opens with
the following, which I found to be meaningful:
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"I have always noticed a prevalent want of courage,
even among persons of superior intelligence and culture, as
to imparting their own psychological experiences when those
have been of a strange sort. Almost all men are afraid that
what they could relate in such wise would find no parallel
or response in a listener's internal life, and might be
suspected or laughed at. A truthful traveller who should
have seen some extraordinary creature in the likeness of a
sea-serpent, would have no fear of mentioning it; but the
same traveller having had some singular presentiment,
impulse, vagary of thought, vision (so-called), dream, or
other remarkable mental impression, would hesitate
considerably before he would own to it. To this reticence I
attribute much of the obscurity in which such subjects are
involved. We do not habitually communicate our experiences
of these subjective things, as we do our experiences of
objective creation. The consequence is, that the general
stock of experience in this regard appears exceptional, and
really is so, in respect of being miserably imperfect."
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 I
think this is less true now; the topic of "mental health" has
crept in over the past decade. Back when I was at school (which
doesn't feel all that long ago, we never heard of such a phrase,
or talked of such things as "depression" or "anxiety". I also
don't think it's a case of reframing things experienced under such
guises. Sure, some people might be feeling down, but this was
generally just an occasional thing, or due to some particular
upset, not a persistent state of mind. Or maybe I was just
oblivious to such things. Yet Dickens above, from over 100 years
ago, hits on the topic of "mental health". Likewise, I learned
some years ago that the term "boredom" was apparently coined by
Dickens, and this also is a state of mind.Further on is this
chapter by Dickens he writes:
"I am a bachelor, and my valet and his wife constitute my
whole establishment. My occupation is in a certain Branch Bank,
and I wish that my duties as head of a Department were as light
as they are popularly supposed to be. They kept me in town that
autumn, when I stood in need of a change. I was not ill, but I
was not well. My reader is to make the most that can be
reasonably made of my feeling jaded, having a depressing
sense upon me of a monotonous life, and being 'slightly
dyspeptic'. I am assured by my renowned doctor that my real
state of health at that time justifies no stronger description,
and I quote his own from his written answer to my request for
it."
Dyspeptic - displaying a morose or irritable disposition, i.e.
being a moody old fart, as my old school friend once called a
teacher... without realising they were within earshot! Back then I
don't think we realised that people could be dealing with things
that would set them on edge.
Anyway, I was having a stressful few days due to work; I've
become increasingly unhappy with my line of work, which I have
been doing for almost 20 years. I've been thinking about ways to
bring about change in 2024, and a way forward.
It maybe be relevant that on this morning the Moon joined the
Sun in the constellation of Ophiuchus. You maybe not have realised
that if you're a Sagittarian, you may more accurately be an
Ophiuchun as the sun actually passes through this constellation at
this time of year, rather than only Sagittarius. I think the
character traits as similar though.
ChatGPT provides the following insight:
A new Moon in Sagittarius; A new moon represents
new beginnings, a fresh start, and a time for setting intentions
for the upcoming lunar cycle.
Venus in Sagittarius; Venus represents love, beauty, harmony,
and values in astrology. Sagittarius is associated with
qualities like adventure, exploration, optimism, and a love for
freedom.
Combining these elements:
Adventurous New Beginnings in Love and Values: The new moon
signifies a fresh start, and with Venus in Sagittarius, there
may be a desire for new and exciting experiences in matters of
love and values. This combination suggests a period where you
might feel inclined to explore, both in relationships and in
your aesthetic preferences.
Optimistic and Open-Minded Approach: Sagittarius is known for
its open-minded and optimistic nature. During this time, you
might approach relationships and matters of the heart with a
sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace new perspectives
and experiences.
Setting Intentions for Growth: The new moon is a potent time for
setting intentions. With Venus in Sagittarius, your intentions
may revolve around expanding your understanding of love, seeking
growth in relationships, or exploring new avenues for
self-expression and appreciation of beauty.
Freedom in Relationships: Sagittarius values freedom and
independence. In your relationships, you may prioritize mutual
respect for individuality and encourage exploration and growth
for both yourself and your partner.
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