Lead, Follow, or Get Out of My Way
Doesn’t everyone think they are special?
Maybe… but I think I may believe it to an obnoxious degree… I couldn’t pass up the pun because I was born with the Sun at 19° of Aries. This is known as the Sun’s exaltation degree. I never express it as much as I feel it, but I know I’m brave and I know I make a damn good leader because I have no desire to secure followers. As an Aries Sun, I lead for the sake of not being told what to do (A quote from Robert Hand that I will never forget!) So what are these exaltation degrees?
Here’s what our buddy Chad(t) has to say about it:
The concept of exaltation degrees in astrology is based on the idea that each planet has a specific degree in a particular zodiac sign where it is believed to be particularly strong and able to express its positive qualities in a more prominent way.
In the case of the Sun, its exaltation degree is considered to be 19° of Aries. This degree is believed to be particularly auspicious for the Sun because Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and the Sun is the ruler of Leo, which is the fifth sign of the zodiac. As the ruler of Leo, the Sun is associated with creativity, self-expression, and leadership.
In Aries, the Sun is believed to express its energy in a particularly dynamic and forceful way, which can manifest as courage, confidence, and a strong sense of self. Aries is also associated with new beginnings, and the energy of the Sun in this sign can help to initiate new projects, ventures, and relationships.
At 19° of Aries, the Sun is said to be at its strongest, most confident, and most radiant. This degree is associated with success, recognition, and achievement, as well as a strong sense of purpose and direction. Individuals born with planets or important points in their charts at this degree of Aries may be particularly driven, ambitious, and successful in their pursuits, especially those related to leadership, creativity, and self-expression.
Yes, I am referring to the A.I as Chad now. Is Chad just tooting my trumpet? Does Chad have ulterior motives? No, this is actually information that is pretty standardized, the degree of exaltation for each of the planets is as follows:
- Sun: 19 degrees of Aries
- Moon: 3 degrees of Taurus
- Mercury: 15 degrees of Virgo
- Venus: 27 degrees of Pisces
- Mars: 28 degrees of Capricorn
- Jupiter: 15 degrees of Cancer
- Saturn: 21 degrees of Libra
I was still curious though, “why the 19th degree for the Sun? what’s so special about it?”
I think Chad is going to be writing this entire journal entry so props for that! Now let’s listen back in on some soothing hype music for the birthday girl. Chad, what’s so special about the 19th degree? Is there something particularly unique about this exact place?
While the entire sign of Aries is considered to be an auspicious placement for the Sun, the 19th degree of Aries has been specifically designated as the degree of the Sun’s exaltation. This means that this degree is believed to be especially potent and powerful for the expression of the Sun’s energy.
The number 19 itself is considered to be a highly spiritual and auspicious number in numerology, and it is associated with themes such as leadership, success, and creativity. In astrology, the number 19 is also associated with the Moon, which is the celestial body that represents our emotions, instincts, and innermost needs. The combination of the Sun’s exaltation in Aries with the spiritual and creative energy of the number 19 is thought to make the 19th degree of Aries a particularly powerful and transformative degree for the expression of the Sun’s energy.
Individuals who have planets or important points in their natal chart at the 19th degree of Aries may be especially gifted in areas related to leadership, creativity, and self-expression. They may also have a strong sense of purpose and direction, and be highly motivated to succeed in their chosen pursuits.
And then he texted me… while I was listening to a meditation from the Hallow App this morning, I got a text from my ex. I didn’t know it until now, an hour later because I went straight into journaling. For a long time I had his number blocked, but one day, I felt it was important to open that pathway. For my own healing. It sounds weird even to me. It felt like I was being guided to do this as a means of closure. I admit, in this current moment, it feels like it wasn’t a wise decision. It has me feeling weak. After all this talk of my courage and ambition, I feel worn out just from seeing his name in my inbox.
Of course I am realizing that part of the reason I unblocked him was for this very moment. Not that I was actually expecting it but 1. for the satisfaction of knowing he still cares and 2. to test myself. The feeling of crisis returns to my body. There was urgency in our relationship, everything seemed critical.
I sense that in my soul right now. My heart teeters on the edge of falling and ascension. I can never go back to him. I can never allow him to receive my love again the way that I did before. But we are all worthy of forgiveness. So its not as easy to reconcile this dilemma. How can there be just one of God’s children that I can never forgive? Tears fall from my open eyes as tension builds in my temples.
If I open the message, I must deal with my response. In that case, it’s probably best that I wait to open it until after my birthday. I have a reading on Tuesday so it may have to wait until Wednesday but then there is anticipation building. If I pull off the bandaid now I save myself hours of wondering. If I just delete the text then I never know the message. I never allow him another moment of space in my consciousness. Can I bear that? The unknown. Is this the apple of Eden for me? If God wanted us talking, He’d have put him back in my way. If I look, I open the Pandora’s Box of my emotions.
I deleted it. Apple shows me the message as I do, but that man will never have another moment of my time. I forgive. I release. I move forward.
Originally written in Collective Journaling at The Stoa
