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Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires. Lao-Tzu

There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favorite book. Marcel Proust

A man’s action is only a picture book of his creed. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only gift is a portion of thyself. . . the poet brings his poem; the shepherd his lamb. Ralph Waldo Emerson

So much perfection argues rottenness somewhere. Beatrice Webb

Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow; And everywhere that Mary went The lamb was sure to go. Nursery rhyme

Mary had a little lamb. The doctor was surprised. Urban joke

A loving heart is the truest wisdom. Charles Dickens

The total lunar eclipse in Virgo occurs on March 14 on 23.56 Virgo = Virgo 24. This feels like a very powerful eclipse as it has the push me/pull you, push you/pull me type of feeling. (Heck, some people could just want to shove or push others over entirely). This is quite a Saturnian eclipse as Saturn is closely conjunct the Sun and, therefore, is closely opposing the Moon. A full Moon (lunar eclipses are always full Moons) always indicates the fullest expression of distance between the Moon and the Sun, and, having Saturn so up in the story could indicate an even bigger divide. A ‘divide’ can be a good  thing where each person’s individuality and divinity is acknowledged and respected. Certainly, though, some relationships could be under strain and inspection. There could be the feeling of wanting to separate from someone (or, many people perhaps), as time and space and restrictions could be demanding a change. Of course, material issues can have some staying in situations that they would be better off leaving (escaping in some cases).

The Sabian Symbol for the total lunar eclipse is Virgo 24. (Remembering that you always round up one degree from the degree of the zodiac).

I wondered what Dane Rudhyar wrote about Virgo 24 and found this from his 1973 book An Astrological Mandala –

 The need to keep a vibrant and pure simplicity at the core of one’s being as one meets the many tests of existence.

Keyword is innocence.

On top of Saturn being closely involved in this eclipse, Uranus (the planet of freedom, sudden shocks, awakenings, electricity, revolution, etc.) is almost exactly  trine this full Moon. In other words, it may be apparent, or becoming more and more apparent, that one needs to get in touch with their individual spirit and to let go of those things that limit, restrict and too narrowly define who you are or what you are capable of.  For some, naturally, boundaries may need to be drawn if there’s been any breaches of care or encroachment into one’s personal space or ones tolerance has been exhausted. Perhaps it’s time to concentrate on your own objectives? 

With Saturn and Uranus so bound up in this eclipse, one of the major themes could be the ‘runner/chaser’ dynamic. One wants space, the other wants closeness. One might be freaking out (at least somewhat) that the bonds are not strong enough while the other might be running for the hills. It seems certain that this lunar eclipse can bring us a good opportunity to see where we’re sabotaging ourselves and holding ourselves back. Of course, as usual, it is of very little use blaming the other – Uranus and Saturn  both can see to us having some wake-up calls around relationships and exactly what is being demanded or expected.

As I’m writing this, Mercury is slowing down and stationing and about to turn retrograde. It goes retrograde on Aries 10: A TEACHER GIVES NEW SYMBOLIC FORMS TO TRADITIONAL IMAGES. We don’t have to be a teacher per se, we are all teachers in our own rights, the question here is what do you know, what can you share, what can you REWRITE? For instance, I have this degree on my I.C. (4th house cusp), and, one of my quests has been to reinterpret the Sabian Symbols for these times. What is wanting to emerge from you? If you’ve been wanting to get going with some idea, some project, some outcome, etc., and, you have felt stymied, it seems clear that the time is coming (or the time is now) for you to get cracking on that code under your own terms, in your own way, with your own interpretation. Adding to this impulse is that fact that Venus recently went retrograde on Aries 11: THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, OR THE RULER OF ONE’S COUNTRY, and, Mercury got to about half a degree before this Symbol and went retrograde. 

As I’ve mentioned before, Venus goes direct on Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD. This Symbol has been coming up again and again, and, the Sun moves onto this degree within an hour of the eclipse. One doesn’t need to be a ‘priest’ in order for this to work – this can relate to any situation where people get found out for what they’ve been doing and they can be ‘fired’ or thrown out in some way. Those that we may have thought we could trust could be proving to be untrustworthy. Others may have always shown their true colours but have been protected by society in some manner.

In other words, we are being challenged (pushed) to be our own ‘president’ or ‘ruler of one’s country’, to call our own shots, to listen to advice and insight, yes, but, to be the one that calls the shots on our existence and how you want that to play out.

Mary and her white lamb can bring up issues around co-dependence and somehow being tied at the hip. As always but particularly at this lunar eclipse, we can examine how we might be co-dependent and whether that is working for us (and, of course, the other).

It’s interesting to note that The Telepathy Tapes are again being spoken about on social media. Jupiter is on Gemini 14: TWO PEOPLE, AT WIDELY DIFFERENT POINTS, ARE IN CONVERSATION WITH EACH OTHER BY MEANS OF TELEPATHY. With Jupiter on this degree, it is very likely that you will be picking up even more than usual what others are thinking or emoting.

The following is my full interpretation of this degree Symbol from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees of Wisdom.  Virgo 24: MARY AND HER WHITE LAMB

Commentary: ‘Mary and Her White Lamb’ is a Symbol reflecting innocence and purity. It is derived from an old nursery rhyme; ‘Mary’s White Lamb’ followed ‘Mary’ wherever she might go. They had a very strong bond between them. The ‘Lamb’ seemed to be very taken by ‘Mary’ as was ‘Mary’ by the Lamb. There is a strong sense, a need to be watchful for dependent or codependent behavior with others. This story shows a strong sense of attachment and dependence.

Oracle: Is someone following someone else around, or acting like a doe-eyed lamb? Maybe they are constantly checking on the other, wanting to know their every move. Are they trying to monopolize someone, whilst excluding others? If one were to leave the scene, how would the other react? Sometimes, what seems to be “codependent” behavior is someone merely looking out for your best interests, so don’t assume the worst right away. Look at their motives, or your own, for that matter, for any clingy behavior and assess why they are behaving the way they are. Having a belief in the integrity of people and the purity of their motives can bring joy and a sense of belonging. There is usually a strong feeling of kindness and softness with this Symbol. Keeping a sense of innocence, purity and honesty in the situation will lift you up and out of any problems. Being kind and yet firm, loving and yet a separate individual and sharing without losing your boundaries can lead to a wonderful, pure experience of love and friendship. There’s a need for imagination mixed with simplicity. However, there can be a feeling of being “lost” in the wilderness when there’s no support or reassurance from others. In terms of relationships, there can be an imbalance where one person looks up to the other. Be watchful to see if anyone is giving away their power in this situation.

Keywords: Simple childlike innocence or pure escapism. Naivety. The Mary and Jesus story. Dependence. Kindness. Friendship. Bonds between pets and owners. Believing in the essential goodness of others. Hanging out with people. Looking out for someone. Cuteness. The urge to prove something. Dislike of dirt or grime. Being ‘addicted’ to someone or something.

The Caution: Naiveté. Avoiding real issues. Stalking. Overprotection. Doubting motives. Paranoia that someone is following you. Feeling lost without the other. Doe-eyed attraction. Clinging to people. Arousing jealousy through favoritism. Not leaving people alone. Checking people’s whereabouts. Not growing up. Being the black sheep.

The Karmic Condition of this total lunar eclipse is Virgo 23: A LION-TAMER RUSHES FEARLESSLY INTO THE CIRCUS ARENA.

It is not that you need to extinguish powerful emotions and energies, but by skillfully manipulating the situation, these very wild emotions and energies will perform in a way that makes you the victor. Self-discipline and mastery are needed, along with being well rehearsed for what you are doing. There’s a need to put fear behind you and to go for it. The question is: How prepared are you for the consequences?

Keywords: Having faith and courage in your abilities. Sublimating animal instincts. Control. Fearlessness. Professionalism. Extremism. Adrenaline rushes. Dangerous spectacles. Training and conditioned responses. Restrained passion. Coordination and skill. Superheroes. Holding the whip.

The Caution: Needing to be in control. Believing that things are dependent on your direction. Showing off and boasting. Plunging into situations, physically or emotionally, that are inherently dangerous without regard for the consequences. Overplaying one’s abilities. Dominant attitudes. Taking on anything and anyone.

The Quest Degree of this total lunar eclipse is Virgo 25: A FLAG AT HALF MAST IN FRONT OF A PUBLIC BUILDING. 

This pictures a situation of carrying a task through to completion. It is a time for recognition of what’s been accomplished. A life may have been lost, or it may be about a project that is finished. This can produce a feeling like something has passed from your life. Grieving may be a necessary part of the process, but it is also a time for assimilating what it took to get you where you are, and for moving forward into the future.

Keywords: Public tribute and recognition. Political affairs. The desire to leave a legacy to society. Having the power to sway the masses or authorities. Signs for all to see. Destinies fulfilled. Coming together as a community or nation to share loss. Judgment on one’s life. Appraisal of deeds and character. Public holidays. Obituaries. Taking the time to grieve. Black armbands. Institutions that are closed. Mourning the loss of somebody greatly admired.

The Caution: Feeling an obligation to carry on without taking time to sort out issues from the past or mourn any loss. Devastation and mourning. The burning desire to leave behind something no matter what the cost. Things coming to a standstill. Crocodile tears for what’s passed away. Hypocritical mourning for the chosen few.

The Sabian Symbol of the Sun is Pisces 24: THE TINY ISLAND SEEMS LOST IN THE BROAD OCEAN, BUT ITS HAPPY INHABITANTS HAVE CREATED A GREAT WORLD ALL THEIR OWN. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to live with others, to share the same space, to create a happy life. The people pictured in this Symbol all live together and have “Created a Great World All Their Own”. No matter how well people get along, people still have to compromise and give and take in order to sustain good community relations. Drawn together by similar hopes and ambitions it is ironic that sometimes compromise is the only way to successful coexistence. Making the most of what is available, even though it is restrictive, will help to dispel any feelings of being cutoff and isolated. Who are you comfortable sharing your space with? Who would you have sharing your desert island?

Keywords: Adaptability and cohabitation. People jammed in. Seeking others of like mind. Knowing a lot of people. Always considering others. Noise and light pollution. Feeling like new blood is needed in order to grow and flourish. Coexistence. Apartments. Living together. People moving in.

The Caution: Cutting off from those around. Not having enough privacy—or space. Things being kept too “all in the family”. No chance to be alone. Pollution and garbage. Crowding out people. Loneliness even amongst many. Being deserted and lost.

Just an hour after this eclipse, the Sun moves on to Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD. This Symbol has been highlighted several times over the last four or so years.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to see through those who hold important positions yet abuse trust or those who make great claims but don’t live up to them. At regular times in your life, you’re likely to find yourself leaving others behind, kicking them out, or experiencing falls from grace. Periodically, there is a need to examine moral and spiritual sincerity. It is easy to allow those who don’t really belong to stay because of familiarity or habit. We can lose sight of the ideal through our rationalizing intellect, ego and emotive passion. There is a need to cleanse and purify your life, leading to better spiritual values. What side of the “Purging” are you on? Are you the one with the ‘right motives’? Who’s in charge?

Keywords: Revealing the truth of people for who and what they truly are. Cutting people off. Throwing out things that don’t measure up. Forced retirement and redundancies. Payouts at the end of employment. Dismissals. Opting out for moral reasons. Being fired. Holes left where someone took up a lot of space.

The Caution: Stressful battle over who’s in charge. Blackmail. The threat of being thrown out. Something being revealed. Evicting people because they deceive, lie or mislead or just because they’re not liked. Bringing somebody down. Scapegoating others. Corruption and scandal that threaten collapse. Wanting to appear to be doing the right thing. Coverups. The burning of books. Perversion.

Mercury, the ruler of this total lunar eclipse in Virgo is on Aries 10: A TEACHER GIVES NEW SYMBOLIC FORMS TO TRADITIONAL IMAGES. This Sabian Symbol is being highlighted again and again, and, the next new Moon is on this degree. What do you (and others) need to reform? To rewrite? Mercury is going retrograde on this Symbol.

This Symbol implies that you have ideas or a message to spread, but you may be holding back because you think it has been done before – however, things done by you are best done your own way. Bring out something fresh and new and it will revitalize those around you. Looking at things in a different light, you’ll revision old thought forms with new ones. Try to find new solutions to old ideas – you could revolutionize something.

Keywords: New dimensions breaking old thought forms or behavior. Quantum science. Innovation and re-creation. Working with educational tools. Finding new inspiration. Being “ahead of one’s time”. New-age consciousness. Ideas out of the past for the future. Sticking one’s neck out. Rewriting the book.

The Caution: Rejecting old ideas because they are old instead of reforming them. Throwing things of worth out, without examining them. Having little respect for things that are really worthwhile or traditional. Sticking with the tried and true, no matter what. Thinking that no one will be interested in your ideas. Heresy. Dogma.

Venus is retrograde on Aries 8: A WOMAN’S HAT WITH STREAMERS BLOWN BY THE EAST WIND. 

Allow traditional wisdom to lead you to new and different solutions, but be wary of acting superficially. In deeper, spiritual messages you are afforded protection from the more disturbing elements of situations. You may need to adjust continually to outside forces, but you have the ability to be adaptable, so hang onto your center and what anchors you and try not to get blown off-course.

Keywords: Attuning oneself through Eastern philosophies. Protective guidance. Balloons and hot-air ballooning. Compasses. Weather vanes and wind chimes. East meets west. Being adaptable to the moment. The winds of time and change. Shifts in the ‘Wind’ bringing shifts in attitude or direction. Hats, scarves, streamers.

The Caution: Only accepting solutions that satisfy selfish or social needs. Insincere and easily blown around. Fickleness. Being tossed around by momentary patterns in the “weather”. Conflicting ideals. Forgetting things in a moment. Being easily distracted. Changing course midstream. Being blown off the path, thereby losing ones center or way. Breezes that disturb ones equilibrium. Losing yourself in other’s opinions.

Mars is on Cancer 19: A PRIEST PERFORMING A MARRIAGE CEREMONY.

This Symbol speaks of the ability, or the necessity, of bringing people together so they may enjoy, grow and learn from each other. It turns out that the simplest expressions of the heart and mind often need to be acknowledged in a ritualistic performance so that we feel we are indulging in the customs and traditions of our society. There is a need for a sense of blessing from a higher power. Whether this is about an actual ‘Marriage Ceremony’, a hand-fasting ceremony, or some other kind of bonding ritual, there’s a need for people to come together to make commitments and vows to each other.

Keywords: Wedding ceremonies. Sanctified unity. Expressions of loyalty and allegiance. Making sacred vows. Commitment to a person or project. New ventures involving a lowering of accepted standards. Breaking social norms. Integration of heart and mind. Bridging generation gaps. Marriage guidance. Contracts signed and honored. Hand clasping. Hatch, match and dispatch ceremonies. Celebrants.

The Caution: Rigidly following established rules at the expense of new ways that may have greater personal relevance. Forcing people to come together. Bondage to social expectations. Arranged marriages. Taking risks with partners. Conforming to the expectations of the others.

Jupiter is on Gemini 14: TWO PEOPLE, AT WIDELY DIFFERENT POINTS, ARE IN CONVERSATION WITH EACH OTHER BY MEANS OF TELEPATHY.

This Symbol speaks of psychic and clairvoyant communication with others and the ability to be able to pick up on what others are thinking. You can communicate with someone and it is not always necessary to be physically face-to-face, or on the phone or emailing them or the like. You can have bonds with others that are unaffected by distance or the frequency of actually be in touch with each other. Let your heart tell you that you are always in their company and there is no need to feel alone. Keeping others in your mind and heart will communicate something to them, and probably they back to you.

Keywords: Conquering space and time limitations. Psychic and mental communication. Sharing and thinking the same ideas. Knowing what is felt or thought by others. Feeling connected regardless of physical contact. Being on the same frequency. Mediumship. Telepathic communication. Conversation. Direct lines of communication. Mind reading.

The Caution: Blocking out sensitive awareness for the sake of social needs or expectations. Mind and thought control. Manipulating by subtle means. Losing contact. Not getting the message. Not seeing eye-to-eye. Barging into other people’s space.

Saturn is on Pisces 23: A ‘MATERIALIZING MEDIUM’ GIVING A SÉANCE. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to pick up subtle energies and psychic clues in the environment. The “Materializing Medium” can receive radiations, frequencies or vibrations that cannot easily be sensed by most people. At times in your life, you will experience a surprising sensitivity and awareness to spiritual forces and energies. This can cause confusion, other times enlightenment. Sit with any new impressions you receive until you understand their authenticity or depth. Sometimes there is a need to free up ‘stuck’ or earthbound entities. This degree can also show someone who can “Materialize” things; they can make things happen just by thinking about or concentrating on them.

Keywords: Spiritual channeling. A need to free up “stuck” or earthbound entities. Efforts to materialize things. Coming straight out with things. Giving voice to spirit. Tarot readings, clairvoyance and clairsentience. Things seen ahead of their time. Bringing messages from the other side. Contacting the dead.

The Caution: Putting on a false front. Merely doing a performance for others. Making things up. Using mind control over others to get a desired outcome. Using sensational methods to induce others to give up control over their own lives. Exorcisms performed by the inexperienced. Inviting weird energies or people.

Uranus is on Taurus 25: A LARGE WELL-KEPT PUBLIC PARK.

This Symbol shows that there’s lots of room to move situation and many things are in their rightful place. You are part of something important, but you are only a small part or something much larger. As everyone works together, you will be able to create a useful and lasting result that will eventually benefit the whole community. The question is: are you in a balanced state of work and play? Although there is probably a lot of work that needs to be done, fun needs to be given its priorities as much as work and duty.

Keywords: Paying attention to appearances. People living in peace. Space for everyone. People taking to the streets. Park benches, swings, slippery dips and sandpits. Charities and their work. Maintaining order. Gardens and gardening. Town planning. Work of the few for the pleasure of the many. Appearances kept immaculate. Golf and other sports. Picnics. Eating alfresco. Meeting others out in the open. Large plots of land. Acreage. Subdividing and development. Suburbia.

The Caution: Difficulty in finding privacy. People continually coming by. Having so much to look after without much help. Public possessions being sold off for the benefit of a few. Mugging and robberies. Littering and graffiti.

Neptune is on Pisces 30: A MAJESTIC ROCK FORMATION RESEMBLING A FACE IS IDEALIZED BY A BOY WHO TAKES IT AS HIS IDEAL OF GREATNESS, AND AS HE GROWS UP, BEGINS TO LOOK LIKE IT. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to envision or decide what you want to be and as you grow and develop, becoming that vision. The “Boy” of this Symbol lived in childhood under a hill figure of a president and when he grew up he became a president himself. At times in your life, you may find that you are growing into the image that you have imagined and it gives you a sense of pride – assuming you have chosen a positive image. What or who do you “Idealize”? What is it that you’d like to become? What image would you like to project? Meditating on a goal or the projection of an ideal can lead to actuality. Just be clear about what you really desire in the situation – you just might get it.

Keywords: Concrete manifestation of one’s ideals. Enduring truths. Culmination of efforts. Projections of ideal images. Wanting to be “big” and successful. Tutankhamen’s mask. Wanting a sense of immortality. Defining one’s fate through conscious manifestation. Morphing reality to suit an objective. Ambition. The ability to see life in inanimate objects.

The Caution: Not being at all clear about whom one is or what one can be. Becoming a screen for the projection of other’s ideals. Stony faces that show the hardships of life. Hardening of one’s personality. Stony faces. Idealizing others therefore losing one’s own identity.

Pluto is on Aquarius 4: A HINDU HEALER GLOWS WITH A MYSTIC HEALING POWER. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to both give and receive “Healing”, to tune into a sense of radiant health and show the path for others to follow in life. The “Hindu Healer” has a “Mystic Healing Power”; they are often someone who practices alternative forms of healing, although a medical doctor can also have this healing ability. Often, you’ll find that solving problems logically and rationally doesn’t work as well as employing more creative or spiritual solutions. The message is often to look to your spiritual center for healing power. This requires focus, practice and determination. Using the traditional spiritual methods of healing can lead to profound results.

Keywords: Divine healing potency. Natural healing methods. Going on faith. Humility in the face of greatness. Yogis and fakirs. Finding one’s center. Healers of all kinds. Glowing health. Radiating love, spirit and calm. Tapping vast reservoirs of healing forces. Reverence for simple methods. Auras that radiate. Urine therapy. Pranic healing and energy. Yogis. Reiki healing.

The Caution: False claims of powers. Charlatans. Claims of healing that are just manipulation. Snake-oil salesmen. Tricks with smoke and mirrors. What to trust, what to believe? Orthodox healing methods failing to cure. Feeling invincible.

Chiron is on Aries 22: THE GATE OPENS TO THE GARDEN OF ALL FULFILLED DESIRES.

This Symbol brings up fabulous opportunities, such as being in beautiful places with your desires met. There can be the promise of happiness, stability and feeling like you’ve arrived where you want. At times, though, you may be right at the point of what you want, but need to make the deliberate action of opening the gate, admitting even to your self what you want. Perhaps you need to knock, showing your intention of wanting in. Maybe you have everything you need – look around.

Keywords: Craving happiness. Gardens and their treasures. Trellises and flowing plants. Pathways to bliss. Gates and doors. Unlocking and opening gates and doors. Analyzing your heart’s desires. The grass being greener on the other side. Rewards and treasures waiting. The allure of somewhere else. Initiations. Passages to a better life. Acquiring property. Sexual fulfillment. Opening up to life’s possibilities and rewards.

The Caution: Feeling or being shut out. Denying yourself the right to just rewards. Wild ‘goose-chases’. Being afraid of losing everything. Having everything, but wanting more. Things not being as real as you imagined. Feeling unhinged. Not having the materials to make dreams come true. Issues of possession that separate. Your cup being half-empty or half-full.

The Moon’s north node is on Pisces 28: A FERTILE GARDEN UNDER THE FULL MOON.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to enjoy nature and to enjoy the fruits of your life, your country, your culture. There’s often a sense that one has all that’s needed, and emotions running high. The “Fertile Garden” signifies that you have things that you need at your disposal. This Symbol has a strong clairvoyant sense to it, with the ability to pick up on subtle energies and life forms in the environment. You’ll get a lot of opportunities to be able to enjoy the moment, but keep a sense of equilibrium, as soon the energy will be on the wane and you’ll have to get back to more practical, everyday tasks.

Keywords: Fullness and fertility. Peak of energy and experiences. Brilliantly active unconscious life. Cycles. Waiting for the right time to approach or handle a situation. The effect of the moon. Astrology and predictive practices. The time for harvesting the rewards of hard work. Nature sprites. Vegetables, herbs and nature’s bounty.

The Caution: Jealous protection of possessions. Not being able to make one’s mind up because of the number of possibilities. Missed opportunities. Difficulty shutting down the mind. Emotions that get out of hand.

The Moon’s south node is on Virgo 28: A BALDHEADED MAN WHO HAS SEIZED POWER. 

This pictures a time to seize power and push forward with decisions that need to be grounded now. It is by force of will that the solution will be found, but one must be careful to temper the situation as displays of masculine will can get out of hand very quickly. Somebody may be pushing their agenda a little too hard, taking over and showing control issues. There are times when someone has to take charge—the question is in this situation; are they doing it wisely and kindly? Is love guiding their decisions or are they just being pushy and forceful? If someone is being over the top and bossy, this may be because of feelings of inferiority that they are trying to mask or cover up, especially if they feel that life has passed them by. Reigning in the many facets of one’s personality into a single focus of action can work wonders now.

Keywords: Dominating other’s mental space. Male hormones running rampant. Issues to do with hair. Ponytails. The story of Samson and his hair. Taking positions of power. Uniforms. Demanding others follow one’s lead. Strutting one’s stuff. “Wearing the pants in the family”. The ability to direct and organize many people. Letting others express their opinions or have a say. Domination. The Government. The Military. Decisions based on logic. Taking action or control.

The Caution: Pushing too hard or fast. Ramming one’s convictions. Being unkind and bossy. Putting on a show because one’s in uniform. Power tripping. Being cruel and domineering. Lording it over others. Being opportunistic. Corruption. Misuse of power. Bullying. Big business calling the shots. Domestic violence. Taking charge because one can. Strict rules to live your life by. Taking over. Not listening to what others have to say.