Another sign of the recession: Ira Glass recently reported on This American Life that there’s a surprising increase of people going to the dentist with broken teeth these days. Apparently there’s plenty of grinding, gnashing and serious worry going on–another indication of Saturn-ruled Capricorn’s influence on Pluto. Saturn rules teeth and worry, bones and fear. My teeth would probably suffer too if I had just lost my job with the mortgage due. The church billboard down the street says “Why worry when you can pray?” I remember seeing the following on a coffee mug belonging to a hospital billing clerk: “Name one problem worrying ever solved.” It’s true–I could not name one. The Neo-Platonist Marcel Ficino believed that the best antidote to Saturn’s worry and depression is Venus. Evoking the spirit of Venus can be a kind of prayer. If you find yourself worrying now, you could try this. Find the prettiest thing in the room and stare it for a good long while. Eat some chocolate. Spray the room with the scent of lavender and roses. Make sure you’re surrounded by beauty, especially before you go to sleep and when you wake up. It just might save a trip to the dentist.
Thanks Dana for your insight – once again. I love your intelligent intuits. And thx for the bit on Marcel Ficino – always like the historical links as it seems to “authenticate” our divine science. I’m preparing to try your Venus ritual – just so many pretty things to choose from!
If you’re grinding your teeth, you should get a night guard. Saturn in Virgo brought me a ton of dental problems, many related to bruxism, and I’m so glad I finally cowgirled up and had a night guard made. I wish I’d done it years ago. It’s made a big difference – my gums are better, my tooth and neck pain is gone, and I’m not afraid to go to sleep for fear I’ll gnash my teeth into oblivion!
And thanks for the Venus ritual – lovely!