January 5, 2009
See the Big Picture
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

You could feel the need to pay attention to details today, since being meticulous in your responsibilities might make it seem as if you have more control over your life. You might also feel as if your attention helps you get more done. Perhaps you can make time to focus on how your work fits into the whole of your life today. If you find that you are getting too caught up on the minutiae of your work, for example, you could take a break and think about what you have to learn from all of your responsibilities. You may consider asking yourself why you work, what you have to gain from it, and whether or not it is something that nourishes your spirit. By doing so, you could discover that the less significant aspects of your work can lead you to uncover its deeper meaning for your life.

Being able to see the big picture in our tasks allows us to realize the value of our responsibilities. Getting caught up in the details of our work and obligations can often make it difficult to see where we are heading, and we can lose sight of the reasons for our actions as a result. When we make the effort to reflect on the larger purpose of our lives, however, we begin to see that even the most detail-oriented tasks are meaningful for us. As you recognize how the pieces of your life fit together today, you will have a greater understanding of the greater purpose of your responsibilities.

I love these insights. The first insight about paying attention to the details giving the sense of having control over life speaks directly to me. I think often I get caught up in the details just to give myself a sense of control over life. In a way, I see it all like water. A glass of water is very controllable. I control where it goes, if it swirls, if it stays in the glass. But, in truth, it’s not in my control at all. Its temperature will change regardless of my desire, condensation may appear regardless of any efforts I take to prevent it. It just seems to be in my control. And I like that.

The ocean, however, gives me no such sense. I acknowledge I have no control over the tide, the rip current, waves, temperature, or where it is. There is no illusion of power for me when I look at the ocean. No one can assume to be so great as to have that kind of power…well, no one lacking the need for a good mood stabilizer.

When I look at the details of my day to day life, the little tasks that make me feel like I’ve accomplished something, they are actually quite trivial. But that’s only because I allow the illusion of control to prevail rather than the truth that I am insignificant in our great world and yield no great power over anything but trivialities. I think sometimes we have to allow that illusion, though. Sure, it’s important to assess the other things that the horoscope above addresses. It’s important to see the forest on occasion. I mean a tree can be beautiful but a forest can be astounding. And it does keep us on the path or at least remind us of the path we’ve chosen or the paths that have chosen us.

I think it’s important to do these assessments both for the future and the past. To see where we’re going and what we’re becoming as well as what we’ve survived and what we’ve become thus far.

I like to think I have some control over my life. That thought gives me a sense of security. But after what I’ve experienced in my life, I recognize the ocean I drift in. Truth be told, no matter which direction I paddle or how hard, ultimately the ocean will take me where I’m supposed to be. Some find that comforting. At moments, I make myself find solace in it. But in all honesty,…

…I’m terrified of water.