Have you noticed a big rise in misinformation, disinformation, and hiding of information recently?  This is a big theme in this part of this epic year of 2020.  I’ll talk about where this theme is coming from first, and then I will share with you strategies for moving through this time.

There are several circumstances fueling this theme. First, we are still in the chrysalis.  The pandemic is far from over.  While certain countries and parts of the world seem to have flattened the curve enough to see major reductions in cases, many places are seeing spikes.

Stresses you haven’t even registered

Still, life is not “normal” and won’t ever go back to what we called normal a few months ago.  Our world has changed.  And, even if you felt you came through the past few months relatively easily, there will have been extra stresses, etc., that you may not have even registered.  And many of you have been deeply impacted in various ways.

More than that, this time has stirred up all of your core material – and it means people are crabbier and less resilient.  Do not underestimate the disruption sheltering in place has been to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.  And it’s not just you — that is true for everyone.  With so much misinformation out there, the stresses are far greater than they would otherwise be.  And that brings out our shadow sides in a big way.

Second, there are the ongoing intense astrological energies that I’ve been writing about this year, as well as two big events, one that occurred last month, and one coming up at the end of June. Together with the Pluto/Jupiter/Saturn connections, we are continuing to experience through this year, it’s quite a challenging time.

Communication challenges and “the North Node”

On May 5, the North Node moved into Gemini and will be there for 18 months.

What’s affected:  communication of all kinds.  Our challenge will be discernment – what’s true, what’s false, what’s somewhere in the middle?

You may be thinking, as I was – “what’s the North Node?”  And why is it so important?  Here is what my favourite evolutionary astrologer, Sarah Varcas, has to say: “The North Node always points us in the direction of progress and fulfilment, revealing how to more deeply and fully occupy our humanity. It’s our guide into a bright future, but demands the sacrifice of familiarity for a more satisfying but challenging way.” The North Node is the place of the biggest personal and spiritual growth, as it will move you out of your comfort zone, ask you to develop new skills, and take you into the fulfilment of your life path.

Do you notice a subtheme here?  Life is changing, and will not go back to the way it was. Once again, we are still in the chrysalis.

Some relief in sight

Fortunately, both the shift in the North Node and the upcoming meeting (exact conjunction) of Jupiter and Pluto are going to help out.  Will they take us out of the chrysalis? No.  But they provide some opening and positivity, and movement forward in a year that has been anything but that for so many people.

This shift in the North Node will expose sources of information.  Sarah Varcas also says, “Manipulation of message and content will be revealed for all to see. Pay attention to where information comes from and who gains what from you believing it…Beware mass perspectives, received wisdom and ‘everyone knows…’ claims.”

Historically, the Jupiter and Pluto meeting has also brought to light things that were hidden and truth in places where there was none.  You see, Jupiter, the teacher and spiritual guide, is also all about truth.  To help you navigate this time and to align with these energies,  I am offering an attunement and healing session to help you make the best use of these energies on June 28.  For more information, read here.

Yet we are currently in a situation where we must constantly discern truth from fiction, partial truth from partial fiction, and so on,  with everything that is coming our way.  The temptation can be not to use your critical thinking skills, but to get cynical about truth in general, and to simply decide to go with the point of view you like.  Unfortunately, if you look around, you will notice this attitude everywhere.  Nothing could be more dangerous.

It’s not about choosing the point of view you like or are most comfortable with

So how to go into deep discernment – and question everything – without going into fear or cynicism?

That, of course, is the million-dollar question.

Here is where I go back to the scriptures of so many of the world’s religions.  In each, there is guidance for discernment.  And in each tradition, the guidance is similar.   In the Christian tradition in which I grew up, it is called “discerning the spirits.”

What does that mean? It means that we don’t take anything or everything that any authority says is truth as truth.  We recognize that there is only one Truth – and that Truth is Source or Spirit.

But how do you distinguish between truth and falsehood and determine if it’s coming from Source or Spirit?  Again, all religions/spiritual traditions say similar things.

Look for the fruits

The sacred text of my own tradition says “you will know them by their fruits.” What that means is you will know them by what is coming out of their pronouncements.

The fruits of the Spirit in this tradition are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do you notice that fear is nowhere in this list? Power over is also nowhere in this list.  Neither is cynicism. Shutting down voices with whom you don’t agree is nowhere in this list.  Neither is attacking others, spreading hatred, divisiveness, and so on.

Here is where you can begin to have some deeper discernment.  When you connect to Source, this is also the place where you can trust your inner guidance.   Anything that spreads hatred, contempt, anger, and fear is not to be trusted. If something bears these fruits, then you will know that truth is not there.

Also, beware any claims to authority.  Just because someone claims to have the answer, don’t just blindly follow.  Now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that the only authority is Spirit or Source.  All human authorities (including ourselves) have self-interest, distorted thinking, and so on.

Having a deeply grounded connection to Spirit or Source is key in these times.  From this place, and using the guidelines above, you bring your critical thinking skills to the fore and discern what is true and false by their fruits.  You can also cultivate these fruits in your own life, as these are also qualities to live by.

How to navigate right here and now

Connect deeply with Source or Spirit.  Sharpen your critical thinking skills, and evaluate literally everything you read or are told using the time-honoured and time-tested tools coming from all major spiritual traditions.  Look for whether they come out of and also produce these qualities:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  And finally, cultivate these qualities in yourself and in all your interactions. The world needs you – and all of us to do these things.

With love and gratitude,

Mary

PS:  If these times are really intense, and you’re feeling anything I’ve been writing about above, I have a couple of spots open for clients.  Having support to work through your core material and the stresses you may not have even noticed can be key to moving through these times with more grace and ease.  If you would like support, here is some information about working with me.  Or book a Discovery call so we can talk through how I can serve you.

Please don’t forget the upcoming Attunement and Healing Session on June 28. This is a time to gather with an international group of more than 100 people to come into alignment with these energies so you can use them most effectively.  And it’s paired with a healing session for you and for the collective.