Divine Definitions: (1) Possessing unlimited power; almighty; (2) Containing all actuals and potentials; (3) Having infinite authority and influence; (4) Maintaining total control; invincible; invulnerable; irrepressible; (5) Able and competent to act with perfect correctness; (6) Vigorous; lively
Comment: God’s power was the first great quality man understood – and feared. With the addition of wonder this fear was later replaced by awe. It was then advanced into reverence by the addition of respect for His power. Now that we also have a greater appreciation of His good and merciful nature, we are motivated to regard Him with affection and worship.
POWERFUL
Human Definitions: (1) having great physical prowess; strong; able to exert intense force; mighty; (2) being a brilliant moral influence; (3) able to persuade or convince the minds of others; (4) possessing great energy; producing enormous effects
Balancing Qualities: An overabundance of the desire for safety and security leads people to focus on the qualities of power and strength. These, if not balanced with the qualities of compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and gentleness, lead to violence.
Too Far: The positive qualities of desire and power taken too far end in greed.
Motto: Cedant arma togae (Latin): “Let arms yield to the toga” [Let military power give way to civil power]. — Wyoming state motto
Quotes:
• It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, it is the cleaving to life and wealth and power. — Siddhartha Gautama [The Buddha] (c. 563-483 BC) Nepali-Indian guru
• Non-violence is more powerful than all the armaments in the world. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer & peacemaker
Consideration: If a person who is immature, insecure, and fear-ridden is given power, the power will have to live within that person’s emotional limits, and will be subject to the constraints of their developing personality. Decisions made reflect the character of the decision maker.
Observations:
• Every action can be, and is, justified by pointing to positive qualities.
• Power can be impersonal – like the power of the ocean – or it can be personal. If personal, it can be negative or positive.
Comments:
• The powerful are often intent on retaining their own power. And to that end, all else becomes subordinate.
• We are still in the age of “might is right,” and will be for hundreds of years. The question is how, in the face of power, to do what you know is right. Sometimes it takes great courage.
• The temptation to enhance those qualities serving only our personal needs is great, and the rewards for doing so are seductive. If we choose our needs (unfairly) over the needs of others, the results will also be unfair.
• If the consciousness of the governed outgrows the consciousness of those in power, there is a rupture of some sort. This turmoil results in one of two possibilities: a crackdown to hold the old way in place – for a time – or the birth of a new system.
Colors: golden orange, orange
Symbols: 1) gold; 2) a crown; 3) a hammer; 4) the crocodile; 5) the Emperor (tarot); 6) the whip (Egyptian)