Imagine sitting down opposite someone who’s vowed to hate everyone who shares your skin color and ethnicity. This is the position that filmmaker Deeyah Khan placed herself in when she met face-to-face with those who frighten her most – neo-Nazis and white supremacists – to see if they could find common ground. A Muslim woman and human rights activist, Khan is all too familiar with being a target for loathing and prejudice. But she was willing to set her fears aside to see if the haters could hate her in person – and the result is an Emmy Award-winning film, White Right: Meeting the Enemy, on Netflix. I highly recommend this uncomfortable but eye-opening documentary (spoiler alert: a couple of these guys actually came to call Khan a friend!).
The need to set aside differences and connect at a deeper level has never been as vital as it is now, just after the divisive mid-term elections, when many of us in the U.S. are about to sit down to a Thanksgiving meal with family members who hold opposing views. This Thanksgiving coincides with an over-the-top Gemini Full Moon (Nov. 22, 9:39 p.m. PST), during which everyone will feel compelled to share their opinions – especially if alcohol is involved, and no doubt it will be, with Mars in Pisces squaring the lunation.
This exuberant Full Moon pits the talkative Gemini Moon against the high-and-mighty Sagittarius Sun – magnified by its close proximity to Jupiter. And, the addition of Mars in dreamy Pisces forges a mutable, unpredictable T-square. Think long-winded, exaggerated tales of former glory (the Gemini Moon, disposited by retrograde Mercury, loves to reference the past). Stimulating, enlightening discussions and reminiscing will be had, but try to stay focused on what you have in common rather than what separates you. My astute astrologer pal April Elliott Kent observes in a recent essay that “while Sagittarius is an adaptable, freedom-loving sign, it’s also pretty opinionated. When Jupiter is in Sagittarius, folks get enthusiastic about promoting belief systems and policies that they’re passionate about – including the belief that their way of looking at things is the only true way.”
If you’re facing a holiday with opinionated relatives or friends, you might find this short article helpful. Even if you’re not celebrating Thanksgiving, create a list of who and what you’re thankful for. Gratitude keeps us connected to our hearts, but it can be hard to stay focused on it. Around the Full Moon, light a blue candle in your Knowledge gua – to the left of your front door as you enter – and affirm a clear mind and an open heart. Read your gratitude list, and let it sink in. Then watch for insights from out of the blue, and stay as grounded as possible all week. This Full Moon falls on the eve of Black Friday, increasing the potential for crazy behavior and intense interactions the next day. Best to avoid the stores on Friday! And if you’re tempted to make a snide remark to Aunt Nellie the bigot on Thanksgiving Day, just bite your tongue and think of Deeyah Khan.