***** THIS IS COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO MY ARTICLE, BUT I HAVE TO TAKE THIS OPPOTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING ON REACHING THEIR 3RD STRAIGHT STANLEY CUP FINAL! COLORADO DOESN’T HAVE A CHANCE. LORD STANLEY ENJOYS THE FUN & SUN OF TAMPA BAY, SO HE ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE. GO BOLTS!!! *****
I recently learned something about my astrological profile that lends itself to the concept of balance. I was born on July 23rd, 1986 (shout out to the 80s babies out there) at 12:25pm in St. Petersburg, FL. July 23rd is the first day of the astrological sign Leo. Leo is represented by the lion, and these spirited fire signs are the kings and queens of the celestial jungle. They’re delighted to embrace their royal status: Vivacious, theatrical, and passionate. Leos love to bask in the spotlight and celebrate themselves. For my entire life, I have always claimed that I’m a Leo.
Since I have started researching astrology more, I have found that I’m not JUST a Leo. I learned that I’m actually “on the cusp.” This term refers to the nature of a person whose birthday falls on the cusp (a point of transition between two states) 2-3 days before and after the change between two zodiac signs. This means you might possess traits drawn from the energies of each zodiac sign your birthday rests between. Upon even further research into the topic, I learned that there are specific names for each of the 12 cusps. The Cancer-Leo cusp that I ascribe to is known as the “Cusp of Oscillation.”
Those born between July 19th & July 25th are born on the “Cusp of Oscillation.” To oscillate means to swing back and forth at a regular speed. For those of you who don’t know, each zodiac sign is "ruled" by a specific planet in our solar system, the moon, or the sun. Cancers are ruled by the moon, and Leos are ruled by the Sun. Thus, the two signs are essentially opposites. If you’re born between the 19th and 25th of July, you’re prone to oscillate between Cancer and Leo personality traits. While this makes you special, it comes with its share of challenges. The opposite orientations can result in masculine traits in women and feminine sensibilities in men. This may result in a well-balanced personality. For example, most Cancer-Leo people are ambiverts (CLICK HERE TO READ WHAT AN AMBIVERT IS), which is agreed to be the healthiest balance1.
There’s that word: balance. These days, that word may be thrown around to the point of being cliché. However, the concept of yin and yang has been around for thousands of years. Yin and yang (or yin-yang) is a complex relational concept in Chinese culture that has developed over thousands of years. Briefly put, the meaning of yin and yang is that the universe is governed by a cosmic duality, sets of two opposing and complementing principles or cosmic energies that can be observed in nature2. The concept of yin and yang can be found in Western religion and even film. In Christianity, you have God & the Devil. In Star Wars, you have the Jedi & the Sith. Two opposing, yet complementary figures. You can’t have one without the other. For the Star Wars fans out there: the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ is FFFIIIRRREEE!!!
The philosophy of yin and yang is at least 3,500 years old, discussed in the ninth-century BCE text known as I Ching or Book of Changes, and influences the philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism. Yin and yang elements come in pairs—such as the moon (Cancer) and the sun (Leo), female and male, dark and bright, cold and hot, passive and active, and so on—but note that yin and yang are not static or mutually exclusive terms. While the world is composed of many different, sometimes opposing, forces, these can coexist and even complement each other. Sometimes, forces opposite in nature even rely on one another to exist. The nature of yin-yang lies in the interchange and interplay of the two components. The alternation of day and night is just such an example: there cannot be a shadow without light3.
Cosmically speaking, balance is something that I have been internally striving for my entire life. Staying in the middle of the spectrum as opposed to being too heavy on one side. Cancer-Leo cuspians have a unique way of viewing life—the Cancer in them is known to be a romanticist whereas the Leo in them is often realistic. These traits tend to shape them into humble achievers—they accept defeat and regard them as lessons for improvement, and success for them do not cause them to settle, instead they use it as motivation to achieve more4. Say what you will about astrology, but it has given me more insight into myself than organized religion ever did (I was baptized and raised Catholic). I can say the same for the philosophy that Laozi (the man who uttered the quote at the top of this article) originated: Taoism. The central belief of Taoism, present in Tao De Ching (the scripture of Taoism), is to achieve balance in life5.
If you are on a journey of self-discovery, I suggest looking into astrology. Not only can it be revealing, but it’s fun to discuss! At the very least, astuteness in astrology has the potential to make you a more interesting person. This is something the US is in short supply of. I would know. I’m in the dating game and I scroll social media. You think the baby formula shortage is bad? It has NOTHING on the lack of interesting, authentic, genuine people. The country needs more of them so that it can achieve balance!
P.S. - I am on a very cool astrology app called “Co-Star.” If you’re interested, download the app on iOS or Android and find me on there. My handle is @oscillator1986. As always, have a healthy & productive day and keep it Bay Flavor!!!
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