The Yin and Yang of Darkness and Light

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – Martian Luther King Jr.

In a tarot drawing recently, a friend and I pulled two Major Arcana cards: The Sun and the Moon. If you’re not familiar with these cards, some quick key words:

Sun: It radiates with optimism and positivity. A large, bright sun shines in the sky, representing the source of all life on Earth.

Moon: It is a symbol of intuition, dreams, and the unconscious. Its light is dim compared to the sun, and only slightly illuminates the path to higher consciousness winding between the two towers.

When they appear in the same drawing, it can be regarded in a few ways. A balance of power. Yin and yang. It can also mean that there will be a rapid shift in power. What is power?

If you thought this blog was about a tarot reading, you're both right and wrong. There's a balance in even that. Reread the words of Dr. King.

We’re seeing quite a struggle for power right now in parts of the world. There is a desire for a shift. The obvious power struggle to date is the elections in the United States, and the racial tension between black and white. It's all about power.

If you look back in history, even recent history, there has often been a struggle between powers. It has never been pretty. It has never been eloquent. I am not advocating violence. There has been too much of that. Entirely too much of that, and I clearly condemn all violence.

But white people cannot blame people of color for all acts of violence, as some seem to do flippantly. What about the conception of the United States? What about when white patriot sons that became founding fathers for the United States disguised themselves as Indians and dumped tea into the Boston Harbor? This was one of the many violent acts that led directly to the American Revolution. This certainly wasn’t a pleasant, calm tea party. Let’s shed some light on our own history and quit pointing fingers and accusing people of color of being the only revolutionaries. Let’s take responsibility. You might not see a comparison between the Boston Tea Party and current events. Regardless, the seeds these events are the same: frustration with current circumstances and a desire for a change. While there is looting and bad things happening, there is equally people who wish for change and are trying to make their voice heard. They are equally right to those men who dumped tea. Think about it. Google it. Read about it. Learn your facts.

Those who founded the United States practiced targeted acts of violence to bring about attention to the need for change. You might insist, “That’s not the same?” Have you asked yourself, “Are you sure about that?” Did you Google it? I could cite other examples, but I’m trying to keep this message simple.

Recently I heard a man speak on Black Lives Matter. Basically he said, white people complain, “Don’t all lives matter?” Of course they do, he said. The movement Black Lives Matter doesn’t mean “only” Black lives matter. What it means is: A house is on fire. One house. The firetruck is called to put the fire out in that house. The firetruck does not spray water on all the houses in the neighborhood. It takes care of the house that is on fire. All the houses matter, but at that moment, one house needs immediate help.

This week we have seen major players like the NBA and the NHL stand in solidarity with Black Lives. That’s because right now their house is on fire. All lives matter, but right now, we need to stop the injustices against Black lives.

Can we as a people, can Americans as a people, can citizens of this planet recognize that there is more that makes us the same than makes us different? Can we unite in love and deal with a systemic issue of racism and unfairness against people of color? Can we shift the power to equality? This issue began before our births, but should it continue even after we are gone? Can we unite? Can we begin talks to end this violence? The American Revolution ended much bloodshed. It was for a purpose. It is time to find our purpose in this and bring this hatred and violence to an end. Our diversity should make us stronger. We have so much we could learn from each other if we could stop killing each other senselessly.

All lives matter, but right now, Black Lives Matter.