Writing of any kind, but especially its alphabetic form, diminishes feminine values and with them, women’s power.

Leonard Shlain~THE ALPHABET VERSUS THE GODDESS (1998)

Sunday’s Lunar Eclipse is situated in the Libra Constellation. In Latin Libra means “weighing the scales.” It is the only constellation not represented by an inanimate object. Evidence of Romans, Egyptians, and Babylonians aligning the Libra constellation with the scales of justice, truth, divine order, or morality goes back to before 2500 BCE.

The scales are often depicted being held by the Roman Goddess Justita (AKA Themis, Dike, Ma’at, Astraeia, or Eunomia). She brings balance, rights wrongs., and looks out for what is in the best interest for all concerned.  At Delphi people prayed for her to bring fairness to their lives. In Egypt, the scales are carried by Ma’at, along with a feather of truth.

At some point, our goddesses morphed into Lady Justice – and her statues can be found at courthouses worldwide – including 3 outside the U.S. Supreme Court and one inside the courtroom itself. Lady Justice is often portrayed blindfolded with scales in her left hand and a double-edged sword in her right. The scales represent the weighing of evidence, and the double-edged sword is said to represent transparency in rulings and enforcement. Some say the blindfold is meant to represent impartiality, but for others, it has come to stand for a tolerance of abuse within the justice system.

In the pivotal book, The Alphabet vs the Goddess, Shlain correlates the decline of the goddess—and women’s political status—with the adoption of written law and expresses that hope for restoring balance lies in societies scaling alternative forms of communication through song and story, art and activation. Alternative forms of communication can make a difference! While we all need to write our legislators, protest, and vote – here are some additional ideas to help you find some balance, assert your power, and create a ripple effect in the days ahead:

  • Take your Goddess to Work: If you work for a large corporation audit if they are walking the talk of advancing women in the workplace. Are they adjusting health care policies to allow for time, travel, and coverage for out-of-state medical care? Are they helping employees relocate? Are they willing to relocate? Withdrawing support from politicians? Prepared to take a stand?
  • Exert your Inner Gatekeeper: Don’t forget about the power of your wallet. We can collectively cut back on spending time or money with any entity that is financing the opposition and/or unwilling to take a stand.
  • Lend a Helping Hand: It’s estimated that 33.6 million will be affected. You can make it known that you will lend support to individuals within your extended communities, volunteer, and/or provide funding for those disproportionally affected.
  • Meme it to the Masses: Memes are political. They reflect and create social values – the points they make can break through the clutter and enter the subconscious. Sometimes called ‘mind bombs’, images can’t be unseen – while words can be forgotten or misremembered. Plus, memes are arbiters of public opinion. The opposition uses them to their advantage. When you have a chance to share one that speaks your truth – do it.