Mercury on Libra 18: Two Men Under Arrest

Mercury is on Libra 18: TWO MEN PLACED UNDER ARREST GIVE AN ACCOUNTING FOR THEIR ACTS BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL OF SOCIETY

This, and the following degree in Libra, is a rather difficult degree – it can be one of feeling like you’ve got to explain yourself, or, that others have to. It can be where people square off against each other – ‘testifying’ that the other, or others, are ‘wrong’. It often marks a time where we have to let some time pass in order to feel ‘freed-up’ and able to move on with our lives.

Two Men’ are ‘Placed Under Arrest’. They have to ‘Give an Accounting For Their Acts Before the Tribunal of Society’. They are standing before some representative or authority and speaking about how they have acted against the rules and codes of ‘Society’. The fact that they are ‘Placed Under Arrest’ doesn’t have to mean that they are literally taken away by the police. This can show that they are held back by circumstances, people or experiences and they feel stuck, unable to move or stripped of their freedom. This can be rather compromising to one’s integrity, ideals and strength of character.

With this Symbol, people’s ideas or actions may be under criticism or examination, to the point of feeling that someone has offended social responsibility and acceptability. Some may have to justify or explain themselves, and relationships can be held in limbo until all the facts come to light. There may be a need to be thoughtful about the situation, because it may be nothing but a suspicion at this point. The “case” could well be dismissed, with people forgiven or let off the hook, but with suspicion in the air, what permanent damage has already been done? Often a sense of trust and a belief in the goodness of people and things is necessary. An attitude of forgiveness may be really important to move through this situation with one’s sense of pride intact. Being charged with an offense can drive people apart, with each trying to save their own neck. How long can someone be “handcuffed”, either to themselves or to another? Imagining the removal of “the cuffs” could lead to a turn around in the situation. People in positions of power, physical or emotional, should show mercy so others can also forgive and forget and get on with their lives. Ultimately, the goal must lead to freedom.

Keywords: Having to plead one’s case. The need for “legal help”. Unacceptable principles. Blowing the whistle. Pointing at others to get off charges. People unable to relate. The “Romeo and Juliet” story. Feeling caught out. Restrictions. Saturn. Karma to be worked out. Being framed. Circumstances out of control. People in handcuffs. Identification parades. Police. The law. Lawyers. Judges. Juries. Tribunals.

The Caution: Refusing to conform to society’s mores. The sabotage of relationship values. Feeling stuck, unable to move. Staying in relationships when one should move on. Deadening emotions. Shutting off to cope with others. Not having one’s point of view heard. Losing one’s authority. Being bound karmically. Being tied
up and limited