It’s about uniting and creating positive environments where everyone flourishes

There is a little buzzword that has crept into mainstream vocabulary in the last few years which is 'communitarianism'. Many, understandably, see this as a new way of promoting communism. In truth, it’s difficult to see the difference. For my part, the idea of community has always filled me with dread due to its association with communism. Being of a strongly individual character, I value independence and distrust group rule. My work as a therapist focuses on helping individuals by strengthening their sense of individuality!

I am also an astrologer. This ancient system of wisdom and divination holds within it, many archetypes of human experience. Some archetypes are easy for me to resonate with, others have been more challenging. This is how it is for everyone. It is the reason why some signs rub along together beautifully while others clash.

For me, Aquarius was the big challenge. Aquarius embodies themes of togetherness, oneness, and definitely community. It is about humanity as a whole and can be extremely idealistic. Visions of utopia float from the Aquarius mind. As I always tell my students, one person's utopia is another person’s hell. This is the problem.

Any system which fails to honour the individuals that make up the group, is bound to end in totalitarianism. On the flipside, focusing exclusively on individualism, leads to feelings of alienation. It also means people are easier to manipulate. It is no accident that when cults recruit new members, they look for people who are already feeling alone. They then proceed to further separate them from family and friends, ensuring that manipulation is even easier.

The last few years has made me think very carefully about this delicate balance between individualism and community. Astrology points to collective trends or energies that prevail at any given time. This year has seen Pluto begin its entry into the sign of Aquarius. This is why this theme has been so prevalent in my mind in the last few years. This sign is associated with Revolutions and, as previously mentioned, humanitarian ideals. It is also about community. Pluto is about extremes, power, control and transformation. Pluto’s pending entry into Aquarius had me worried. Did it mean extreme control through technology for the sake of communitarian ideals?

Some deep thinking led to different conclusions. Teaching and writing about Astrology means that I’m often thinking about the future. Three years ago, I began to write about these themes. My conclusion was that Aquarian Revolutions are always a reaction to extreme top down control. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius saw the American and French Revolutions. Each was a reaction to extreme control and abuses of power. The American Declaration of Independence was very Aquarian in its ideals. The French declaration of “Equality, Fraternity and Liberty” was also very Aquarian in intention.

Aquarius follows Capricorn, a sign of governance, institutions, social structures. Pluto in Capricorn always sees periods in which governments exercise extreme control leading to Aquarian revolts. This time, I reasoned, the revolution would have a real grass roots flavour. It would not involve violence as most of humanity has had enough of that and in any case we would easily overpowered and destroyed by the weapons held by those in control. Instead, I saw groups of people coming together and quietly resisting tyranny. I began to understand the ideal of Aquarius. A choir is made up of individual voices singing together in harmony. Each voice is unique and vital to the choir.

This year as Pluto entered Aquarius in the Spring, I suddenly became aware of a number of different groups dedicated to creating a new way of living. Some focused on farming, others on health or food security. I became excited. Then I found the Community Assembly of the British Isles known as CABI.

Here I found the Aquarian ideals at their best. New communities, Natural Law, decentralised power. The idea of collaboration is essential. In fact as a mental health practitioner, I am very aware that being part of a community is vital for individuals. Part of the healing process is about helping my clients find groups they can connect with - be it family, friends or clubs. We are social animals. We might need time on our own but we also need to be a part of a family, a team, a community.

This then, is why I joined CABI.

We need a simple structure that empowers individuals. In order to achieve this, we need to work together, creating communities that work with a common aim. It’s not about denying individuality. It’s not about the needs of the many overriding the needs of the few.

It’s about uniting and creating positive environments where everyone flourishes; communities at their best! United we stand, divided we fall.

Ana Isabel

In The Light - Growing Your Soul

For Community Assembly of the British Isles

More from Ana

Ana is a qualified Hypnotherapist and Astrologer with her own channel on YouTube, In The Light - Growing Your Own Soul where you can enjoy a wide selection of insightful interviews with spiritual and mental health practitioners and community members.

YouTube Channel: In The Light - Growing Your Soul

Hypnotherapy Website - Life Hypnosis

Astrology Website - Life Astrologer

Further Reading

Lights, Camera, Action - Gayla Olson

The Team In TEAMWORK - Nick Kitchen

The Future Is Us!- Nick Kitchen

The Time to Make Difference is Now! - Nick Kitchen

The Healing Power of Listening - Warren Cavanagh

Lights, Camera, Action - Gayla Olson