Saturday 17 August

Moon into Capricorn

So anyways, I’ve been in Taipei for the last week.

If I were to sum up this city in one word, it would be respectful…and yes, I’m aware of just how strange that sounds.

Taipei has a vibrant food and shopping scene and the first word that comes to my mind is respectful? The signs are everywhere- both physically and metaphorically. Allow me to explain.

I’ve been riding the MRT, or train system a lot. Changing, queuing, following the crowd from one escalator to another to change platforms and train lines.

There are rules posted everywhere- signs on the walls, queuing lines marked on the floors, loudspeaker reminders.

When I first arrived here I’d impatiently look at my watch, attempt to barge in, play candy crush to fill waiting time. Over the days, I’ve grown to accept the queuing, and recognise the comfort and security that exists in the boundaries, and the order in the rules. Besides, when a train comes along every 2 minutes, where’s the problem?

At the end of the day, the rules are essentially in place to remind patrons of respect.

No eating, drinking, chewing gum or betel nuts on the MRT? The result is a clean ride for everyone. Respect.

Signs and loudspeaker reminders about cell phone and personal music system etiquette? Respect.

Step by step diagrams explaining how one is to assist someone who is visually or physically impaired? Respect.

Priority seats near the doors- complete with instructions as to who the seats should be given up for? Respect.

It seems that the two extremes of the respect stream are reserved for elders and monks, and pregnant women or mothers with babies. Essentially, those who have worked long and hard for the country, or who have devoted their lives to austerity and learning; and those who are nurturing and will be responsible for providing the next generation.

Can you see where I’m heading with this? Yep…Capricorn and Cancer- the 10^th and 4^th house axis….allowing me to clumsily segue into the Moon in Capricorn- where it will be later today.

Capricorn’s achievements are hard won through experience, respect for those who have gone before and a recognition that rules, structures and boundaries are not just necessary, but provide emotional security.

When the Moon is in Capricorn, it doesn’t pay to rock the boat. Instead there is the belief that if you stick to practicalities, manage upwards and put one foot in front of the other, head down, bum up, do the hard yards etc etc and wait your turn, sooner or later you too will get the priority seat.

That’s all good in principle.

The thing is, the Moon will be re-activating the cardinal t square over the next few days- you know, that one between Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter that we’ve been bleating about. So, not only do you need to balance out work/life/career/family/past/ambition, you’ll also need to remember to take a glance behind you on the ladder at what’s coming up…ie youth, ideas, change and invention. Ignore this at your own peril. Sure, you might have experience on your side, but that doesn’t hold a lot of weight when what’s needed to grow is acceptance and inclusion of the best of the new.