The human species as a whole is a pack animal - we like to know that we can share our passions with like-minded individuals in a non-threatening environment and find acceptance within these circles. But if things go awry within the group, it can spill over into less than desirable situations. So what do the ancients have to say about it?

I was reading a book called The Purpose Driven Life, as I had an issue with my dogmatically religious driven family. My point I wanted to get over to them was the fact that all walks of life use the Ten Commandments to live a good and spiritual life. I applied the 40-day guide to all situations as well as spiritual groups in an attempt to point out that just because other people don't have the same belief as them, we are not lost souls dammed to an unspeakable life after death.

Whilst reading the book I could understand how it could make a Christian feel insecure unless they were 'living by the book', so to speak. Initially I felt anger at the control and power the book could have over believers. As I read I shook my head in despair and realized, as far as my family was concerned, the only solution was to reconcile myself to the fact that resolution was not going to happen and we need to agree to go our own way and respect the choices we have made.

Be that as it may, one chapter, after initially irritating me, made me think out of the box. As I read I saw the wisdom in the writing and applied it to what means a lot to me, Astrology and the Astrologers that share my passion. So as of now I am writing this article about my Society ASSA. I truly believe that if we work together in the ways we are able to and with love and light, then we stand to go from strength to strength.

Protecting our Society

You are joined together with peace
Through the Spirit, so make every effort
To continue together in this way.
Ephesians 4.3

Most of all, let love guide your life,
For then the whole [society] will
Stay together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3.14

These are very wise and basic quotes. It is our job to protect the unity of our society, we won't go to hell if we don't; we would just miss out on the fellowship of other like-minded Astrologers and all they have to share. Unity is the soul of fellowship, and when this unity is destroyed due to petty gossip and criticism or even lack of support, so the soul dies and the light goes out.

Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. We need to remember that God gave us different personalities and soul paths to achieve in this lifetime - this is a good thing. We can bring different ideas and energies to our society and the end of the day we have a common goal and that is to have a body that can support us when we need it, it can educate us, introduce us to new friends, give us a platform to express our interests and bring us interesting people to learn from, as well as connecting us with other Astrology Societies in the world.

When there is conflict, it is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues. When we concentrate on personalities, preferences, interpretations, personal styles and methods, division can happen. But if we concentrate on the society and fulfilling the purpose of the society as a united body, then harmony results.

Be realistic in our expectations. Members need to understand the role and benefits their society can bring to them in a realistic manner. Try discouraging the gap between real and ideal. Longing for the ideal whilst criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity. On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency. Maturity is living with the tension. As members we are going to disappoint each other and let each other down - it's ok, it happens - it is no excuse to stop meeting and joining in with the rest of the society. It is your society and rather than being hurt, shocked or surprised by each other, realize that it is not always done intentionally. Realize that personalities will clash at times; remember sometimes it is better to agree to disagree instead of running away. One can always find strength and understanding in another area of the society. I love the idea of a sign saying "ASSA - no perfect people need apply. This is a society for those who admit they don't know it all and want to grow."

When I did boxing as a sport I went to a boxing gym, and painted above the door in big red letters was this quote "LEAVE YOUR EGO OUTSIDE."

Choose to encourage rather than criticize. It is always easier to stand on the sidelines and take shots at those who are serving the society than it is to get involved and make a contribution. We seem to enjoy criticizing over and over again - yes; I too am guilty of this destructive little practice. We also seem to enjoy standing in judgment of what others have done in good faith and in contribution to the society. Not nice, in fact it's rude! As I understand it, our society encourages members from all stages of learning, from pupils to teachers as well as experts form South Africa and the world, to share their knowledge and understanding of our field. We all feel we have something to contribute and the fact that we make the effort deserves respect. Let's try not to criticize our member's actions, try not to make them look small. Rather encourage them and help them on their way. We are too quick to judge according to our personal standards. Remember, four things can happen when we judge other members:

1. We can weaken our society
2. We can harm others
3. We expose our own pride and insecurity
4. We set ourselves up to be judged

Hmm ... not nice! Better to use our energy in getting along with each other, helping with encouraging words rather than dragging people down by finding fault.

Refuse to listen to gossip. Gossip is listening to information when you are neither part of the problem nor part of the solution. Spreading it is wrong and so is listening to it. People who gossip to you, will gossip about you. "Troublemakers listen to troublemakers; these are the ones who split up societies and friendships, thinking only of themselves." Remember fire goes out for lack of fuel and tensions disappear when gossip stops.

Practice wise methods for conflict resolution. If a member hurts you, go and tell him - it's a lot more effective than telling other members. Work it out between the two of you, if he/she listens then you may have made a friend for life. If not, then take it to the committee so that one or more people can witness the conflict and help with a resolution.

Support your committee and leaders. They are not perfect, for goodness sake, they are members just like you and me; only difference is they are doing more for the society than we presently are. We have voted for them to be given the responsibility of maintaining ASSA and all it stands for. They have to make all of us happy. It's a thankless job. "Honor those leaders who work so hard for us, who have taken on the responsibility of serving ASSA, overwhelm them with appreciation and love."

I love the fact that we are welcoming new members at our meetings these days - it's a good thing to do. I was asked by Harry, a committee member, what it is that I would like to do for my society, ASSA. I love belonging to ASSA and enjoy reading the articles other members write. Some I tear out and keep in my flip-folder to refer to when I do readings for clients. Many of these articles are written by students and many by teachers and I've found all of use to me in some small or large way. So what can I do ... I am happy to make an effort and write some articles, it's a wonderful way to learn. I too will be happy to put together the odd talk and workshop if needed. But I will definitely commit to attending the talks when I am able, promoting my society and inviting new members to join. I will support other members where I can, get my books from Angela, refer clients to astrologers in areas nearer to them. Learn from members with knowledge I have not yet learnt and pass on knowledge I have.

If we all just did a bit and put together a universal positive energy as far as ASSA our society is concerned we can be so much stronger for it. I feel ASSA is growing and even though I don't know many members by name I know your faces and over time with a friendly smile and love I will hopefully get to know you in a more personal way.

Wow!!! Let me end with this quote from Romans 14.19, "Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together".

These medieval people sure had good advice...

This impulsive article is thanks to Rick Warren, a pastor for Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. He wrote the book The Purpose Driven Life, which is a book that will help guide you on a 40-day spiritual journey. I thank him for chapter 21 and the quotes, some of which I have used in my article. I will donate the book to the library at ASSA, so if you would like to enrich your spiritual life I recommend this book.