by Robert Wilkinson
In a recent post I noted there is a difference between types of karma. This article was originally written to offer ways of navigating the regular karmic storms that blow through our lives, whether those generated by our actions, the actions of another, or seeming "divine events" and "acts of God." There are many kinds of karma, though they all fall into one of two main groups. Knowing these can help explain why things happen as they do.
I have observed there are two types of karma which I call "big K" karma and "little k" karma. These two types of karma are distinct and derive from different causes, and are vastly different in how they work and what lessons we are to learn from these types of experiences. In this article we will explore the two types of "little k" karmic storm zones, as well as one type of the "big K" karmic activity, so that we can sort out how to deal with what life puts on our plate.
Briefly, "little k" karma is what we create through human acts of omission or commission, and we resolve the consequences of those actions and non-actions however we can. "Big K" karmas are usually termed "acts of God," or some such thing. These are events that are seemingly beyond our ability to control. We may not have any idea why these are happening when they are, and we're forced to do the best we can without a complete understanding of the larger forces at work creating these Karmic events.
In astrology, and therefore in life, there are three types of "storms" that affect us personally - there are storms that we created, or must confront resulting from our evolutionary process; there are storms that have been created by others, which we may or may not have an ability to influence; then there are the karmic storms that are pandemic, affecting everyone in diverse ways.
The first type of karmic storms are associated with transits of the planets in our birth chart. The second type of karmic storms are related to the birth charts of others, while the third type of karmic storm can be seen by the aspects planets make with each other in the real-time here and now. Often karmic storm zones are usually indicated by the square or opposition aspects, as these challenge "right action" involving the signs these aspects trigger, which show what forces are at work.
In the first type of "karmic storms," we are put in the position of learning and doing what we must to resolve old karma as well as prevent the continuance of unnecessary karmas into our future. Our response to these challenging periods can help us to fulfill and complete old cause-and-effect cycles. However, if we ignore the lessons, we perpetuate these old patterns through unfortunate or inconsiderate ways of responding.
Basically, we either resolve the energetics, or perpetuate them into future cycles. Regardless of appearances or "fault," we cannot indulge in blaming circumstances on others, since it's a transit or progression to our chart that brought the circumstance into our field of perception. When we learn the lesson, we won't have to go through such things again, though eventually we may be put in a position to help another to deal with a similar situation or lesson. This brings us to the second type of karmic storm.
In the second kind of karmic storm, involving difficulties that others are going through, we are put in the position of either being able to help them, or at least be a witness to what's going on. Then we have the lesson of learning or demonstrating discrimination and detachment so that we don't accept another person's challenges, difficulties, lessons, or limitations as our own. It may also involve our need to learn how not to be so attached to "helping" that we take on that which is essentially someone else's baggage.
If we have gone through something that seems similar, then we can suggest options. Either they accept our suggestions or not. In these karmic storm zones, often the best way for us to serve the crisis is through being intensely positive and supportive of their higher intention. Even if they don't see it or comprehend it, we can affect the situation as positively as possible through this approach in another's moment of crisis.
The third type of karmic storm usually affects us in profound ways, since when we look to others, we see that they are having as hard a time as we are. Often there is confusion, no one seems to have solid answers to what's going on, and life seems more difficult that usual. In these periods both personal and collective subconsciousness seems muddled or unclear.
During these karmic storm zones if we can open to the appropriate point of view and take none of it personally we can become a strength and laser-light beam to others who are lost in the storm. I believe that if we open to being in harmony with whatever is needed in the moment, we become the embodiment of "the corrective force in nature."
There is no karmic storm that confronts us, individually or collectively, that we cannot transcend, rising above the suffering while staying connected to the heart of compassion. There is no seeming impossibility where we cannot find a lovingly wise way to deal with. There are no circumstances that can force us to yield to despair, discouragement, or the illusion of powerlessness. This is our true power, where we learn "response-ability."
Regardless of what confronts us, if we find a productive way to approach a problematic collective atmosphere, we can help others to find a way out of the confusion of wondering why this has come upon them or all of us. There may or may not be a "reason," but every circumstance allows us to act, feel, think, speak and become our Higher Self rather than yield to impotence or helplessness.
In 2005-2006-2007 we had a profusion of Fixed oppositions and squares that led us all to new ways of life. Regardless of where or what, we all had opportunities to learn how to keep steady on our course of self-realization while giving up that which was stuck or immobile. We had many opportunities to find security in a view that regardless of the upheaval, we have the power to endure, to respond thoughtfully, moving through the uncertainty into strength of character using patience, calm confidence, and clarity.
These skills will help all of us move into the polarizing fragmentation accompanying the coming Mutable T-squares and oppositions in 2008-2009 which precede the dynamic initiatives of the Cardinal squares and oppositions of 2009-2013, indicating a time in history that will change our world and lives forever. Since squares and oppositions often work out through people as well as larger circumstances, keep what I've written in mind as you chew up old karmas and learn to put forth newer, more productive skills and attitudes when others are losing their cool.
We do not have to participate in the generic suffering. All we need do is keep our heads when others are losing theirs. And remember to laugh, dancing with the divine play, not taking any of it all that seriously.
(Rewritten from an article originally published December 2006)
© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson
Dear Robert,
Thank you for your thought-provoking article on how best to deal with various levels of karma...it made me think about the current transiting Pluto square to my own and my contempories' natal Pluto's and Jeff Wolf Green's work on Pluto and karma as well...What are your thoughts or observations on the current generational impact that Pluto is having? My understanding of squares being 'crisis in action' and having transiting Pluto aspecting natal Pluto dynamically, I have observed a lot of unsettling energy and heavy-duty transformative work around me and within myself, many things shifting from the deep recesses of my unconscious...of course, it seems to be widespread regardless of generational difference presently, but I'm interested to hear your views on any discernable difference you've observed about this with regards to those with their natal Pluto's being exactly squared by transiting Pluto in late Sagittarius/early Capricorn...If I have missed an earlier article on this topic, please could you point me to it?
Many thanks and Aum to All...
Posted by: Patricia | March 25, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Hi Robert, thanks for this inspiring article as always synchronistically here for me while dealing with all that you mentioned....my sister almost suicided recently and i was there at the right moment to help...this post has helped me cut through some of the intense thoughts and experiences of late....thanks Robert...om mani padme om...and much light and love for you Birthday soon.
Posted by: giverny | March 27, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Hi Patricia - I suppose I should address your question re: outer planet generational karmas in an article, so thanks for the suggestion. I will say that usually outer planet aspects indicate broad range global activities and shifts, so if they have a personal influence, it's usually because we're caught within whatever larger tide is occurring.
Hi giverny - Sorry your sibling chose a very unhelpful and useless gesture in self-transformation. Very glad you were there in a timely way! Suicides usually are unaware of, or forget that, doing away with the body is useless in dealing with pain and suffering, since the astral and mental bodies do NOT die with the body if it's a suicide. They persist until the pre-set moment to check out according to "Divine Time," but without the ability to work with the physical self to do whatever it takes to get over the pain. Again, glad you could be an angel of Divine Mother's mercy for your sibling. Thanks for your birthday wishes.
Posted by: Robert | March 28, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Hi Robert, thanks for the response its a very perplexing subject for me as i have lost other friends in this way...so am pleased i have developed more compassionate understanding of where these people must be at...so i will always try to help in any way possible...but... not become too attached to helping and take on others baggage...my life lesson it seems!
Posted by: giverny | April 13, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Hi giverny - I've also lost a lot of people over the years to various kinds of suicide. I used to take it very hard, until I learned how the "check in-check out" process works in a life and across lives. I still don't have much tolerance for such a short sighted waste of potential, as I know suicides create a miserable karma for themselves in future lifetimes. Sometimes the only way I've been allowed to help is by reminding them they probably should not do anything destructive they'll regret one second after they die and have to watch the movie. "Now just what WERE you thinking of when you did that?" Of course, if we could learn to evaluate our behaviors before we do them, we would antidote 10,000 problems in our lives before they happened. Reflective consciousness is like that, and certainly cultivates detachment and objectivity.
Posted by: Robert | April 15, 2008 at 09:44 AM