“You say you want a revolution. Well, you know.
We all want to change the world.”
When John Lennon wrote these lyrics for the 1968 Beatles song, “Revolution,” it reflected the highly revolutionary times we were living in back then.
The years from 1964 to 1969 have interesting parallels to today that are written in the heavens. Back in the mid-60s, Uranus (planet of revolution, rebellion and sudden change) was in conjunction with Pluto (planet of transformation, rebirth and breaking with tradition). This ignited an inescapable, time-released charge of radical transformation in both culture and individuals.
Known as the “hippie era,” this period birthed both a lifestyle and a value system that were considered revolutionary and counterculture to the times.
The Sixties – A Time of Revolution
The Sixties from PBS, shares this insight on revolutions:
“During the ’60s, many individual Americans rose to prominence as activist leaders-figureheads for the rising tide of thousands upon thousands of voices calling for peace, justice, freedom and equality. The government responded with tactics aimed at isolating, controlling, and neutralizing the leaders of rebellion.” Sound familiar in our current social and political climate?
“Every activist conflict of the ’60s can be distilled in a single image of opposing forces at a barricade: on one side, the people attempt to exercise their rights; on the other side, the government asserts its right to protect the nation. During the ’60s, these two simple objectives were not viewed as compatible concepts.” Are they today?
The ’60s Mirrored Today
As astrology predicted, what happened during the conjunction of Uranus and Pluto in the ’60s, would manifest globally when these two planets reached their first square. If you haven’t heard, we just came out of a three-year period (2012 to 2015) where we experienced seven exact squares of Uranus and Pluto! The effects of this are still having an impact on us now.
We’re currently living in supercharged times of revolutionary and sudden changes at the core level of both individuals and institutions. You don’t have to look too far to see where this is manifesting on the planet now. Where have you felt this in your life?
Be The Change You Want to See in the World
There are cries for change and revolution resounding loudly everywhere today. Most noticeably on the political stage, both in Europe, with the BREXIT vote, and now in the heated and polar platforms in the U.S. presidential race.
Watching the Democratic National Convention and listening to both Bernie Sanders and Reverend William Barber II speak, touched me deeply and profoundly. Their words got me thinking about how some people live their message as change makers, while others look for someone else to be the change maker for them.
Both of these men shine a spotlight on the need for revolutionary racial, social and economic justice changes. It isn’t just words they’re speaking. They embody their words and “walk their talk.”
We All Want to Change the World
As an Aquarian (a fixed air sign), the idea of change fascinates me, yet I’m somewhat resistant to it when it’s imposed on me. To change is defined as “to become different. To make (someone or something) different. Or to become something else.”
We talk about and long for change in our lives, yet often we resist it, staying in our comfort zone while expressing our discontent and desire for the very change we fight against.
So often we look for that change to come from the world outside of ourselves. This beautiful quote from the Sufi mystic poet Rumi says it well. “Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Take a Look at Yourself and Then Make A Change
There’s nothing new about the idea that change happens from within. Throughout history, we’ve heard this echoed in the words of philosophers, scientists, musicians, writers, religious leaders and politicians. The question remains. What does it take for someone to take that step from wanting to change, to finally taking an action to change?
Do small changes in our daily lives, really make a difference? Here are a few thoughts on three areas that are close to my heart.
Animals Have Rights
As a vocal animal lover-activist, I realized it’s not enough to just say I care about animals. I have to continue to do things that really show I care. Other than donating to many animal rights causes and signing oodles of online animal rights petitions, I wanted to do more. It became important to make sure that all the cosmetics I use weren’t tested on animals. Especially as the thought of animal testing greatly upsets me.
Although the make up brand I use doesn’t condone animal testing, it surprised me to find that their products are sold in China, and China has a law that requires all cosmetics are tested on animals. Troubling news to me.
It isn’t hard to find a wide range of companies who are totally animal cruelty-free, so I changed brands immediately. Here’s a good list of companies that are certified not to test on animals.
A Simple Way to Love the Environment
As someone who cares deeply about the environment, carrying cloth bags with me when I go shopping is the norm. Yet, I’m constantly amazed at how many people still have their purchases loaded into plastic bags, even though the planet is literally drowning in plastic. It keeps me wondering if people are oblivious to how each of our daily actions has an impact on the world as a whole.
It was exciting to read that plastic bag consumption has dropped by 85% in the U.K. since last October when a five-pence (seven cents U.S.) charge was imposed on plastic bags! With such staggeringly positive results, I’m curious how long it will take for this idea to be implemented here in North America. Or how long it will take for more people to abandon plastic bags and use readily available eco-friendly alternatives.
Health is Our Birthright
This is an arena I have years of personal experience with, having been faced with serious health issues in my life. Often we say we want to be healthier and yet taking the steps to actually be healthier, means we have to change…something. Old habits die hard. Much of my health journey is chronicled in my book Confessions of a Middle-Aged Hippie, as my experiences confirm that it’s only possible to change, if we want to.
Through years of searching for ways to transform my personal health, and now as a health and vitality consultant supporting others, I discovered that real change can only happen from the inside out. Yes, it’s important to have support from the outside world, but ultimately health comes down to making a conscious choice to change. Like everything in life, it’s personal and requires a commitment to ourselves.
We All Can Make a Difference
Little question that we are living in revolutionary times. There are many ways we can use our voice to vote for change. We vote every day with our dollars when we choose the products we buy. With almost every action we take in our daily lives. We all can make a difference when we vote by using our voice and through our actions.
One of my favourite songs about change, is the Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard penned Michael Jackson song, “Man in the Mirror”. This says it all. “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.” What are you willing to change?
Note: This piece was originally published on the Huffington Post in August, 2016…
Indeed! Change starts from within. It is much more easier to control as it is within your backyard. interesting post..~
Thanks to share!!
Thanks so much for your insight, Dhaval! It is amazing how once we ‘get’ that change comes from within, it makes it much easier to gain new perspective on the world.
Yes, we are going through so much change and feeling it globally. There should be no controversies when it comes to the environment, people and animal rights. This change needs to happen and I applaud you for signing petitions for pushing issues for positive change. I’m miffed at the enormous amount of people who are sneaky and cross the line to greed.
I am 100% with you when it comes to human, environmental and animals rights, Gilly! The sad fact is a lot of people do not care at all…and their own motives are often at the root of that. I love that we all can support causes that are important to us by signing petitions and sharing info that might impact other people’s beliefs. Thanks for being someone who cares and for being willing to stand up for it too!
I think the US election woke a lot of people up to the possibilities of losing all the environmental gains we have made since the 60’s The revolution that started then is still going and we have to keep raising consciousness until everyone gets it.
I agree with you Joyce! Although I live in Canada, I am also very concerned about losing all the human and environmental gains that the last 50 years have seen. We are smack dab in the middle of a new kind of revolution and my hope is that people start to see how working together, will be much more effective than continuing the separation and division we are currently seeing.
Indeed! Change starts from within. It is much more easier to control as it is within your backyard. This also reminds me of Gandhi. He modeled change and without violence!
Thanks for the reminder about Gandhi and how he was able to rally people for change without violence, Lorii. That is such an important point when we talk about ‘revolution’. Ultimately it does all begin with us, what we stand for in our lives and also how we can connect with like-minded groups of people who stand for the same things.
True, change needs to come from ourselves, we each need to contribute with something, and that often takes courage. Many are not courageous enough to take a step forward, they prefer to remain behind someone else, or to accept that things cannot change. For US today, I think that it is more important than ever, I do not believe it has anything to do with astrology, but rather about down to earth action and common sense. This is a complex discussion, however, I think we all are worried and feel for you.
I agree with you Katarina. We must be the change we want to see in the world and then we can align with others who have the same visions. It requires commitment and courage and to take a stand for what is important to us. The US really needs a coming together, as there are so many divisive forces at play now. What will it take is a lot of people standing up and being a voice for the change they want to see. It is a very complex discussion and unfortunately too many people only want their side to be heard. Co-operation is needed more than everywhere in the world.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS … speak it Bev… with all of the hatred going around after the election, people just need to stop complaining and being hateful about their friends and those whom they liked as people, stop the name calling, grouping all Trump supporters in one group and naming them racist and haters all because of whom they voted for when the true hatred comes from within THEMSELVES… you can ONLY change yourself… so get up off your arses, pull up your big girl panties and BE the change you want in the world… it’s not going away… they will have to deal with it for at least 4 years like some of us whom had to suffer through 8 years of absolute mess while we were being our change and wearing our big girl panties.
Kristen Wilson recently posted…Show Appreciation For Those Who Help You Succeed
Thanks for your enthusiasm and passion, Kristen! You’ve got it right. It isn’t about dismissing other people or belittling them, it is about reaching out and attempting to understand them and see their perspective. If we continue this hateful behaviour, we won’t change anything. I appreciate you sharing your perspective and I agree, we are responsible for ourselves and the changes we want to see, have to start with us first!
Hi Beverley!
Making a change really does start with ourselves, doesn’t it? Just deciding on what it is that we want and just going for it….because at the end of the day it is all about what we can do to ensure we see change, no matter how big or how small 🙂
Great post and share!! Thank you!
Thanks so much for your thoughts on change, Joan! Yes, it does begin within and unless we are willing, we can’t really expect others around us to change. Love your enthusiasm too, as if more people like you took responsibility for making necessary changes, maybe we really could change the world! Glad you enjoyed this post too. 🙂
I hope the results of our last presidential election will get people thinking — and acting. For the first time in my life, I’ve joined the American Civil Liberties Union. Sadly, I think we’re really going to need it.
I am with you in your hope Jackie! Yes, it is time for us all to stand up for what we believe in and to take action. I really love that you joined the American Civil Liberties Union, as I think that will be a powerful force for positive change in these uncertain times.
Fascinating post! As a parent of two boys in their twenties, I have often thought how their generation is as different as the 60s kids were. Perhaps the Uranus Pluto alignment is part of the enigma. Would love to dig deeper into this.
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Thanks for your thoughts, Robin. I see how each generation brings something unique to the world. My daughter is in her thirties and even that generation is very different than the kids in their twenties now. We are living in the mid-point of the Uranus-Pluto cycle. Fifty years ago in the 60’s, the seeds were planted. Unfortunately what we are seeing now is a backlash to all the advances we’ve made since the 60’s. Uranus wants change, often sudden change, and Pluto is the planet of institutions, so we are seeing the collapse of so many of the institutions we have come to believe were forever. And then you have all those who do not want anything to change and are holding on for dear life to go back to what was. I don’t see how that is possible, hence the results of all the recent world events.
What am I willing to change? Well, I do believe change happens within first. I am an evolutionary woman in the midst of a inner and outer revolution. I am not sure when it will end but I’m in it for the ride and enjoy the process.
About the Rumi quote – love it. Maybe we think opting to change ourselves instead of the world would be ‘easier’ but it can be quite an undertaking but surely the most rewarding and it has the most benefit in the world. 🙂
I have a personal passion about eliminating the plastic- yes, the supermarket ones have gotta go here in the US. Kudos for the UK.
Thanks so much for taking the time to reflect on this post, Teresa! Yes, change does happen within and all of us who want to stand for women’s rights, need to be evolutionary and being willing to commit to both inner and outer change. Love how you said, enjoy the process. Exactly!
I really love this Rumi quote as well and fell it speaks volumes to what is needed most now for us all. Definitely the most rewarding too.
So happy you are with me in reducing and eliminating plastic too! I do hope the U.S. and Canada takes the U.K.’s lead and helps to eliminate the threat it poses our planet.
Beverley,
A Great Article that you wrote here that is priceless. Thanks for all the great writing and Happy Holidays to You!
Lori English
Thanks so much Lori! Glad you enjoyed this piece and hope you celebrated a wonderful holiday too!
Absolutely! Change starts with you first and then others. People would save a lot of time if they discovered this. I’ve found after looking at myself and making changes, other things changed on their own.
Agree with you Sonya! It’s amazing how many people look outside themselves to others for the changes they want to see. I also find when I change, other things and other people around me change too!
Lovely post, Beverley! And I truly love the images you have used along with it!
Thanks so much Mindy! I appreciate hearing you liked the post and the graphics!
Love this one Beverley. It’s amazing the difference we can make, in really simple ways like avoiding plastic bags. “We vote every day with our dollars” – so true, Earlier this year the major supermarkets in Australia were ripping off the farmers who provide milk. They undercut the big brands with their ‘home’ milk products and paid for it by cheating the farmers of a fair price for the milk. When this came to light, people boycotted the ‘home’ brands and happily paid extra for the main brand milk. The supermarkets soon changed their tactics.
We have more power to make change than many of us realise but the most important thing to remember is that it starts from within.
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Thanks so much Tami! I really appreciate hearing about the power of the people when it came to boycotting ‘home’ brands and how that ignited a change. I truly believe that when we join together and use our voice for change, it can happen. It does require a willingness to stand up for what we believe in and to remember that the saying “power to the people” has great gravitas! Yes, it does bein within.
Yes, there certainly are many revolutionary changes happening in the world right now. People can become fearful or hopeful, depending on their mindset. I’m certainly seeing changes in my own world, with the publication of my husband’s book and a possible new direction for my business. I find these things hopeful.
Carol Rundle recently posted…5 Questions to Transform Gratitude
I appreciate hearing you have a positive way to looking at the changes that are happening in your world now, Carol. They sounds very exciting and I hope your ‘hopefulness’ proves to be very enriching and fulfilling. The times we are living in are very revolutionary and for each of us, how we embrace and face them, is truly the difference between seeing them as something we can learn and grow from. All the best…
Hi beverley,
Great post! I am curious to know more about your astrological approach of the current events, how can i find out more about this subject? You are definitely right saying that we have to change things at our own scale rather than waiting (forever sometimes) change at a bigger scale and Rumi expressed it very poetically and clearly.
Thanks
Koumba
Hi Koumba. Happy to hear you enjoyed this post. There are many places to look for current astrological information. A key one now is that Saturn is in Capricorn for 8 more years and Capricorn is about institutions (education, political, economic), which I believe is what we are seeing reflected in the world around us. Saturn is about endings and letting go of things that don’t work anymore. We are also seeing that.
Yes, we are all being asked to make the changes at a personal level, as so often the changes we make, ignite changes in the world around us. I love this Rumi quote too and happy to hear it resonated with you!
It all starts with us, doesn’t it, Beverley. My personal change is to not take recent events sitting down. My blog has taken a different focus, as I want to do what I can do.
Thanks for this reminder!
Susan Mary Malone recently posted…Thanksgiving in the USA
Love that you are really taking a stand for what is important in your life Susan! I feel I am doing the same and want to contribute to the ongoing conversations about how each of us can use our voice for positive change. We are definitely walking the same path…