Transformation Sparks Hope

As I submit my final writings on the archetypal significance of Michael Jackson’s legacy, I want to thank those who took the time to comment on the previous posts. The diverse commentary is a good example of the duality, judgment and mixed emotions his life provoked. Whether a fan or not, I hope you will read these final reflections on Michael Jackson as a means to explore an interpretation of human complexity observed through the lens of Tarot, archetype and Astrology.

The Suns sign in our astrological horoscope illustrates basic personality drives and reveals the way an individual asserts their Will. On a spiritual level, the Sun represents the central light that ignites the battery of the ego or the generator of Self Awareness. When the Sun is conjunct an outer planet such as Pluto, Neptune, or Uranus, there is an earnest willingness within an individual’s destiny to unite with a collective paradigm larger than Self.  In this case the Sun sheds light upon the values, challenges, and characteristics of the outer planet it is conjoining.

In Michael Jackson’s chart the natal Sun, at 6 degrees Virgo, is conjunct Pluto at 2 degrees Virgo.  Pluto rules Trump 20, The Judgment Card, in the Major Arcana, representing resurrection, regeneration, and the residue of past karma. In its highest manifestation Pluto and the Judgment Card invoke forgiveness and the potential to heal and transform the shadowy elements of guilt, shame, and blame in one’s current lifetime.  In Michael Jackson’s chart this alignment created a propensity toward obsessive perfectionism, (plastic surgery), power abuse and criticism, (abusive father), deep awareness into unseen worlds, (otherworldly associations), and charismatic/manipulative tendencies, (contradictions of love and power).

He was highly sensitive to criticisms due to the Virgo influence of the Sun/Pluto alignment, however, he would most likely see beyond the limitations of society’s judgments. His genius was influenced by this powerful conjunction and would affect his music, life story, and odd personification.  Perhaps he was the manifestation of an Urban Shaman or Medicine Man serving as a mythical master of unseen realities. I quote this definition of Shaman found on a Google search.

“Shamanism isn’t an intellectual exercise: it’s a game involving body, mind, and heart. We base our world on what we have experienced; it isn’t created by logic. Many shamans play a game of developing power and insight through conflict and control of personified things (the so-called way of the warrior). Other shamans act as if power and insight can best be achieved through love and cooperation. These shamans de-personify things and work with the effects of things and conditions (what I call the way of harmony).” This definition describes Michael Jackson very well.

Michael Jackson had a Chiron/Venus opposition in his chart indicating a deep transcendent understanding of love. There is no doubt in my mind Michael longed for beauty and wished to experience love as he had in a past life; a life that undoubtedly held the essence of pure bliss , artistry and compassion. A prominent past life would have imprinted within his soul an experience with Love that few would understand. This was why he felt alienated and alone. I have worked with this aspect in several of my client’s charts, and when explained to them, conjures tears of reconciliation for their suffering. Indeed, their greatest gift is Love and, ironically, their greatest pain is Love. With maturation they will come to realize that the jewel and treasure of Love will not to be found outside of themselves, but must be given as the gift of their greatest virtue from within.  I think this aspect was one of the core realities that shaped the inner life of Michael Jackson.

I will conclude my writings on Michael Jackson with my own musings. Whether he was a saint or a mortal trickster, Michael Jackson’s legacy intrigued me. I don’t know why, but I did find myself defending him when others teased and pointed fingers, I hoped he could be found innocent from the charges pressed upon him, and I truly hoped that he might find a way to resurrect from the ashes of despair that smothered his light.

I am not a media hound, and like many, I will not watch the hype and continued drama that surrounds his death. I am done, and I have found my own way to honor a life I feel was worthy and well intentioned yet marred with the complication of being human and extraordinarily unique. While his journey continues, I choose to avoid judgment as to whether he did or did not fulfill his mission while embodied on earth.

Thank you again for your comments and perspectives on this segment.  I enjoyed hearing from everyone.

Love Heals ALL

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 at 12:47 am and is filed under Tarot. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.