13 Capricorn

CAPRICORN 13: This refers to the 13th degree of Capricorn, an earth sign associated with ambition, discipline, structure, and the drive for mastery or achievement. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, emphasizes responsibility, authority, and the construction of enduring forms.
(Severity): This keyword suggests strictness, discipline, or a serious approach. It aligns with Capricorn’s Saturnian energy, which often involves rigor, boundaries, or facing harsh realities.

Imagery:A fire worshiper: Evokes intense devotion, passion, or reverence for transformation and energy. Fire symbolizes vitality, purification, or spiritual aspiration, contrasting with Capricorn’s earthy, grounded nature.
An eastern town (Constantinople): Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) suggests a historical, cultural, or spiritual crossroads, blending East and West. It may symbolize a place of tradition, complexity, or transition.
A tripod with flames of fire issuing from a brazier: A tripod with a brazier is a ritualistic or sacred image, suggesting controlled fire (transformation or passion) within a structured vessel. The tripod implies stability and balance, while the flames suggest dynamic energy.

Core Themes:Let me enrich! Offer of definition or detail to the notself’s desire: Suggests a drive to provide structure, meaning, or value to external desires or influences (the “notself”). This could imply a tendency to shape or refine others’ aspirations, but with a risk of losing oneself in the process.
Becomes a repertory essay in self-distorting self-precipitation: Indicates that efforts to define or enrich the external world may lead to self-distortion or a loss of authenticity. “Self-precipitation” suggests a rapid, almost reckless crystallization of identity, potentially at odds with one’s true essence.
By a wistful deference to form-change: Implies a reluctant or nostalgic acceptance of transformation within structured forms. The “wistful” tone suggests an awareness of the tension between stability and change.
The self’s crystallization is a proposal of connected serial variations upon the self as theme: Suggests that identity (the “self”) solidifies through a series of transformations, each building on the last. The self is expressed as a “theme” with variations, like a musical composition.
A use of disguise as a repository of its essential character: Indicates that the self may adopt external roles or personas (“disguise”) to express or protect its core essence. This aligns with Capricorn’s tendency to navigate social structures through disciplined roles.
Individuation becomes in notion a “solid change” or other vesture: Suggests that personal growth (individuation) involves a paradoxical blend of stability (“solid”) and transformation (“change”). “Vesture” implies a new form or outward appearance that embodies this process.
The organization of “heightening concretes” attempting both to adapt and embody and to substantiate the movement seen in the notself: Refers to creating tangible, structured outcomes (“heightening concretes”) that both adapt to external influences (the “notself”) and give form to inner aspirations. This reflects a dynamic interplay between internal and external realities.
Ornament: the combination in idea of rigidity and change, of fact and transcendence: Highlights the blending of structure (rigidity, fact) with transformation (change, transcendence). “Ornament” suggests a decorative or refined quality, where form becomes a vehicle for deeper meaning.

Analysis and InterpretationThe Capricorn 13 interpretation explores the tension between structure and transformation, discipline and passion, and self-definition versus external influence. It reflects Capricorn’s core drive to build enduring forms while navigating the challenges of change and authenticity. Let’s unpack the key themes:Structure and Transformation:The imagery of fire (a fire worshiper, flames in a brazier) within structured contexts (a tripod, an eastern town) symbolizes the challenge of balancing Capricorn’s disciplined, earthy nature with fiery, transformative energy. The “tripod” suggests stability, but the flames indicate dynamic, uncontrollable forces.
The concept of “solid change” and “heightening concretes” captures this paradox: the individual seeks to create lasting, tangible outcomes while embracing transformation. This aligns with Capricorn’s ambition to build something enduring while adapting to life’s impermanence.

Self-Definition and the “Notself”:The phrase “offer of definition or detail to the notself’s desire” suggests a tendency to shape or respond to external expectations, potentially at the cost of personal authenticity (“self-distorting self-precipitation”). This reflects a Capricornian struggle to balance duty to others with inner truth.
The use of “disguise as a repository of its essential character” indicates that the individual may adopt roles, titles, or personas to navigate external systems while preserving their core identity. This could manifest as professional roles, social masks, or disciplined self-presentation.

Individuation Through Variation:The idea of the self as a “theme” with “connected serial variations” suggests that personal growth involves a series of transformations, each building on the last. This process of individuation is both disciplined (Capricorn’s influence) and creative, like a composer refining a melody.
The “wistful deference to form-change” implies an awareness of the need to evolve within structured boundaries, perhaps with a sense of longing for stability or simpler times.

Ornament and Transcendence:The concept of “ornament” as a blend of “rigidity and change, fact and transcendence” suggests that the individual’s creations or self-expression are both practical and aspirational. Capricorn 13 seeks to elevate the mundane (fact) into something meaningful or transcendent, often through disciplined effort or refined presentation.
This could manifest as a knack for creating beauty or meaning within structured forms, such as architecture, leadership, or artistic endeavors that combine utility and inspiration.

Severity and Discipline:The keyword “severity” underscores Capricorn’s Saturnian influence, emphasizing discipline, responsibility, and the need to face reality. The fire worshiper’s intensity and the broken oak (from Leo 10) both suggest that this degree involves confronting challenges or limitations with rigor and focus.

Practical ImplicationsFor someone with a planet or significant point (e.g., Sun, Moon, Ascendant) at Capricorn 13 in their natal chart, or for someone encountering this degree in a transit or progression, the following themes may be relevant:Balancing Passion and Discipline: You have a strong drive to create or achieve, but success depends on channeling fiery passion into structured, disciplined forms. Like the fire in the brazier, your energy thrives when contained and directed.
Authenticity vs. Duty: Be mindful of the tendency to define yourself through external expectations or roles. While these “disguises” can be useful, ensure they reflect your core essence to avoid self-distortion.
Evolving Through Structure: Your personal growth involves refining your identity through a series of disciplined transformations. Embrace change as a way to strengthen, not undermine, your sense of self.
Creating Meaningful Forms: You may excel at building tangible outcomes—whether in career, art, or relationships—that blend practicality with inspiration. Focus on “ornamenting” your work with purpose and beauty.
Navigating Crossroads: The reference to Constantinople suggests you may find yourself at cultural, personal, or spiritual crossroads. Use your discipline and vision to navigate these transitions with clarity.

Broader Context in AstrologyThe imagery aligns with the Sabian Symbol for Capricorn 13, which is often given as “A fire worshiper” (per Marc Edmund Jones), emphasizing spiritual or passionate devotion within a disciplined framework. The additional imagery (Constantinople, the tripod with flames) may come from an expanded or esoteric interpretive system, adding layers of cultural and ritualistic meaning.Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, is about building lasting structures, whether physical, social, or personal. At the 13th degree, the focus shifts to the interplay between disciplined effort and transformative energy, with an emphasis on creating meaningful forms while staying true to one’s essence. The degree reflects a mature expression of Capricorn’s qualities, tempered by an awareness of change and transcendence.ConclusionThe Capricorn 13 interpretation describes a dynamic process of self-definition and achievement through disciplined transformation. The imagery—a fire worshiper, an eastern town, a tripod with flames—evokes a blend of passion, structure, and cultural crossroads. The individual is challenged to balance their inner fire with external realities, creating lasting forms while navigating the tension between authenticity and duty. Practically, this degree encourages channeling passion into structured outcomes, using roles or “disguises” strategically, and elevating the mundane into the transcendent through disciplined effort.



Astrological ContextBoth interpretations reflect Capricorn’s core themes:Saturnian Discipline: My analysis’s “severity” and focus on structured transformation align with Capricorn’s Saturn-ruled nature, emphasizing responsibility and effort. The Chandra Symbol’s softening sack suggests a more mature, evolved Capricorn, where discipline leads to wisdom and flexibility.
Ambition and Legacy: My analysis’s “heightening concretes” and “ornament” point to creating lasting, meaningful forms, while the Chandra Symbol’s hidden treasures suggest a legacy of inner value revealed over time.
Transformation Within Form: Both interpretations grapple with Capricorn’s challenge of balancing structure with change, whether through controlling fire (my analysis) or uncovering hidden riches (Chandra Symbol).

The Chandra Symbol’s reference to other degree systems (Pleiadian, Omega, Azoth) and its narrative style add a mystical, personal layer, while my analysis’s metaphysical language focuses on universal principles. Together, they offer a holistic view of Capricorn 13 as a degree of disciplined transformation, hidden potential, and the interplay between outer form and inner essence.Practical ImplicationsFor someone with a planet or point at Capricorn 13:My Analysis: Focus on channeling passion into structured forms, using roles strategically, and creating meaningful outcomes through disciplined effort. Be mindful of external pressures that may distort your authenticity.
Chandra Symbol: Embrace your inner depths, allowing hidden talents or insights to emerge naturally. Trust that your unassuming exterior can conceal profound value, and let your inner “flame” shine through service or creativity.
Combined: Balance deliberate action with openness to surprises. Use discipline to create or refine forms (e.g., career, art, relationships), but stay connected to your inner essence, allowing it to evolve and soften over time. Recognize that your greatest contributions may come from blending structure with spontaneity.

Conclusion

The two interpretations for Capricorn 13 offer complementary perspectives on the degree’s energy. My analysis emphasizes disciplined transformation, the interplay between self and external realities, and the creation of structured, transcendent forms. The Chandra Symbol focuses on hidden potential, the softening of form through use, and the revelation of inner riches within a humble exterior. Together, they portray Capricorn 13 as a degree of balancing structure and transformation, outer roles and inner truth, and disciplined effort with organic discovery. The imagery of fire (explicit or implicit) ties both interpretations together, highlighting the transformative power within Capricorn’s earthy framework.



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Capricorn 13 (Aries degree): Merges Capricorn’s structure with bold initiative, resonating with your fire worshiper’s passion and the Chandra Symbol’s hidden potential.


Key associated keywords for 13 Capricorn (degree 13 = Aries energy at Capricorn sign):
Leadership with a strong drive for success
Ambitious pioneer; dynamic approach to responsibilities
Energetic focus on long-term goals
Challenges and growth through assertive action in mature or structured environments
Physical activity, courage, warrior spirit tempered by Capricorn discipline
Additional Context on Critical Degrees for Capricorn:
Critical degrees 0°, 13°, 26° in Capricorn pinpoint points of potency in a chart for issues around authority, career progress, delays, obstacles, and karmic responsibility.
The 13th degree magnifies these themes with Aries qualities of initiating conflict, energy bursts, and directness.

GongGong examples

Asteroid Gonggong:Mythology: Gonggong is a Chinese water dragon deity associated with chaos, floods, and cosmic disruption, often linked to rebellion against order and unintended consequences. His actions in myth (e.g., tilting the earth’s axis) symbolize powerful, transformative shifts.
Astrological Significance: Gonggong represents chaos, emotional upheaval, collective transformation, and the release of suppressed energies, often tied to water-related or emotional themes. It can indicate sudden, disruptive changes that reshape personal or societal dynamics.
Five-Word Description: "Chaos, transformation, collective shifts, emotional" captures Gonggong’s disruptive, transformative, and emotionally charged energy, often affecting groups or generations.

Moon:Astrological Significance: The Moon governs emotions, instincts, nurturing, security, and the subconscious. It reflects how we process feelings, connect with others, and respond to our environment. In a chart, the Moon indicates emotional needs and patterns.
Role in Conjunction: When conjunct another body, the Moon amplifies its emotional expression, blending its nurturing and intuitive qualities with the other’s energy.

Conjunction:A conjunction occurs when two bodies are at the same zodiacal degree (typically within a 5–8° orb), merging their energies. Gonggong conjunct the Moon fuses Gonggong’s chaotic, transformative energy with the Moon’s emotional and instinctual nature, creating a potent emotional catalyst.

Day Chart:Definition: A day chart is one where the Sun is above the horizon (in houses 7–12), indicating daytime birth or event. In a day chart, the Sun is stronger, and benefic planets like Jupiter and Venus are more favorable, while malefic planets like Mars and Saturn may be tempered. The Moon’s influence is still significant but may be less dominant compared to a night chart.
Impact: The Moon’s emotional role in a day chart is colored by the Sun’s conscious, outward focus, suggesting that Gonggong’s chaotic energy may manifest through emotional reactions that seek public or conscious expression.

Context from Previous Questions:Your inquiries about Pisces 30 ("A dense forest of organ pipes," "An object of great beauty unearthed," "A man travels through a dreary land under a louring sky"), Gemini 9 ("preparation, practice, power"), and the Vesta/South Node and Vertex/Pholus midpoints at the Aries Point suggest an interest in transformative, fated, and initiatory energies. Gonggong’s chaotic and emotional nature aligns with these themes, particularly the transition from Pisces’ culmination to Aries’ new beginnings.

Interpretation of Gonggong Conjunct the Moon in a Day ChartAstrological Description:
Gonggong conjunct the Moon in a day chart intensifies emotional sensitivity, catalyzes transformative upheaval, and connects personal feelings to collective shifts, expressed consciously in a public or outward context.Detailed Analysis:Emotional Chaos and Transformation:The Moon governs emotions and instincts, while Gonggong introduces chaos and sudden change. Their conjunction creates a highly charged emotional state, where feelings may erupt unpredictably, leading to profound transformation. The individual may experience intense emotional waves, subconscious upheavals, or a need to release suppressed feelings, often tied to collective or ancestral issues.
Example: The person might feel overwhelmed by sudden emotional insights or crises (e.g., family secrets surfacing, societal upheavals resonating personally), pushing them toward transformation.

Day Chart Context:In a day chart, the Sun’s prominence emphasizes conscious awareness and outward expression. The Moon-Gonggong conjunction suggests that emotional chaos or transformative experiences are not just internal but are expressed publicly or integrated into the individual’s conscious identity. The day chart’s clarity may help the individual process Gonggong’s disruptive energy through rational or social outlets, rather than being overwhelmed by subconscious forces.
Example: A public emotional outburst or a transformative personal revelation might gain attention, aligning with the Aries Point’s public visibility from your earlier queries.

Collective and Generational Impact:Gonggong’s association with collective shifts suggests that the Moon’s emotional energy is tied to broader societal or generational changes. The individual may feel personally affected by collective crises (e.g., environmental issues, social upheavals) or act as a catalyst for group transformation through their emotional expression.
Example: They might channel emotional intensity into activism or creative expression that resonates with societal needs, reflecting the Aries Point’s collective connection.

Connection to Pisces 30 and Aries Point:Pisces 30: The symbols for Pisces 30 (e.g., "A man travels through a dreary land under a louring sky") evoke a challenging journey toward spiritual culmination. Gonggong conjunct the Moon mirrors this by amplifying emotional struggles or chaotic feelings as part of the transition to a new cycle. The "dreary land" could reflect the emotional upheaval of this conjunction, with the potential to unearth "an object of great beauty" (transformation or insight).
Aries Point Midpoints:Vesta/South Node: This midpoint involves karmic devotion. Gonggong-Moon may intensify emotional attachment to past patterns, requiring conscious effort (day chart) to release them and initiate new beginnings.
Vertex/Pholus: This midpoint involves fated, catalytic events. Gonggong-Moon could manifest as an emotionally charged, destined moment that triggers sudden change, amplified by the Aries Point’s public stage.

The conjunction aligns with the transition from Pisces’ emotional depth to Aries’ bold action, suggesting that chaotic feelings (Gonggong-Moon) fuel initiatory breakthroughs.

Connection to Gemini 9:Gemini 9’s formula ("preparation, practice, power") emphasizes mental readiness and asserting rights. Gonggong conjunct the Moon may challenge the individual to prepare emotionally for chaotic or transformative experiences, using mental clarity (Gemini) to navigate upheaval and claim their power in a day chart’s conscious context.
Example: The individual might need to discipline their emotional responses (Gemini 9’s practice) to harness Gonggong’s chaotic energy for constructive, public action (Aries Point).

Practical Implications:Natal Chart: An individual with Gonggong conjunct the Moon in a day chart may have a life marked by intense emotional experiences that catalyze personal and collective transformation. They may be highly sensitive to societal changes or family dynamics, expressing these feelings publicly or creatively. The day chart suggests they can channel this chaos consciously, but must avoid being overwhelmed by emotional upheaval.
Transit: If transiting Gonggong conjuncts the natal Moon at 0° Aries (or vice versa), it could mark a period of emotional crisis or transformation with public impact. The day chart emphasizes conscious processing, perhaps through communication or creative outlets, to navigate the upheaval.
Challenges: The chaotic, flood-like energy of Gonggong may lead to emotional overwhelm or impulsive reactions, especially if the Moon is in a fire or water sign. The individual must balance instinct with conscious awareness.
Opportunities: This conjunction offers a chance to transform emotional chaos into powerful, creative, or societal contributions, aligning personal feelings with collective needs.

Example ScenarioSuppose an individual has the Moon at 0° Aries and Gonggong at 0° Aries in a day chart (Sun in the 7th house). This conjunction at the Aries Point suggests:Intense emotional reactions tied to public or collective events, such as leading a movement or responding to a societal crisis.
A fated emotional upheaval (e.g., a family revelation) that sparks a new beginning, amplified by the Aries Point’s visibility.
The day chart’s conscious focus encourages them to channel this chaos into creative or leadership roles, using Gemini 9’s preparation to navigate challenges.

Conclusion
Gonggong conjunct the Moon in a day chart blends emotional sensitivity with chaotic, transformative energy, expressed consciously in a public or societal context. It suggests intense feelings tied to collective shifts, requiring resilience to navigate upheaval and uncover transformative potential. In relation to Pisces 30’s journey through adversity, Gemini 9’s preparation, and the Aries Point’s initiatory energy, this conjunction amplifies emotional catalysts that bridge personal and collective transformation, pushing the individual toward bold, conscious action. The day chart emphasizes integrating these energies with awareness and clarity.If you have a specific chart (e.g., natal or transit), degree (e.g., 0° Aries), or context (e.g., house placement), or if you’d like to explore further connections to Pisces 30 or the midpoints, please provide details, and I can refine the interpretation!

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Lewis Carrol rowing boat 'story of Alice' - MO conj GG

25 Sagittarius

Connections Among the InterpretationsThe three interpretations of Sagittarius 25 share core themes that reflect Sagittarius’s qualities—exploration, expansion, pursuit of meaning, and the quest for higher truth—while emphasizing the 25th degree’s focus on transition, potential, and surrender to a larger process.Exploration and Openness to the Unknown:Burgess: The "chubby boy on a hobbyhorse" suggests a playful, exploratory pursuit of potential, akin to adolescence as a halfway point toward mastery. The hobbyhorse represents a tool for imaginative exploration, hinting at venturing into new realms through effort and practice.
Omega/Chandra: The "old book" and "small boat" symbolize untapped knowledge and unguided journeys, encouraging exploration of the unknown. The boat drifting to sea and the unread book suggest possibilities waiting to be discovered by embracing uncertainty.
Alternative: The "small boat" drifting out to sea emphasizes a dreamlike exploration guided by spiritual or ancestral forces, where surrendering control opens new paths.
Connection: All three interpretations highlight exploration, whether through imaginative play (Burgess), intellectual or spiritual discovery (Omega/Chandra), or soulful drifting (Alternative). This aligns with Sagittarius’s drive to seek new horizons and meaning.

Surrender and Letting Go:Burgess: While more action-oriented, the theme of overcoming past failures to achieve success implies letting go of setbacks and embracing growth, reflecting Sagittarius’s optimistic forward momentum.
Omega/Chandra: The "small boat" drifting without control and the "old book" unread suggest surrendering to the natural flow or intuitive assimilation, trusting the process over forcing outcomes.
Alternative: The boat’s drift explicitly emphasizes releasing ego and responsibility, allowing collective or ancestral currents to guide the soul’s journey.
Connection: Surrender is central, whether it’s releasing past failures (Burgess), trusting the flow of exploration (Omega/Chandra), or relinquishing ego for spiritual guidance (Alternative). This reflects Sagittarius 25’s role as a late-degree point of transition toward culmination.

Potential and Transformation:Burgess: The hobbyhorse and adolescence symbolize potential halfway to realization, with talent and perseverance leading to success. The “victory in the palm of your hand” suggests latent power waiting to be harnessed.
Omega/Chandra: The unread book and drifting boat represent untapped potential and transformative possibilities, where engaging with the unknown can lead to profound insights or adventures.
Alternative: The boat’s drift suggests the potential for spiritual revelation, with the soul guided to new places if ego is released, transforming the self through surrender.
Connection: All interpretations point to latent potential—whether through skill development (Burgess), discovery of hidden knowledge or experiences (Omega/Chandra), or spiritual evolution (Alternative)—aligned with Sagittarius’s quest for growth.

Dreamlike or Imaginative Quality:Burgess: The hobbyhorse evokes playful imagination, with the adolescent energy and “pretending” suggesting a creative, dreamlike approach to potential.
Omega/Chandra: The “small boat” and “sleeping child on a bed floating down a moonlit river” (Pleiadian Symbol) evoke a dreamlike, intuitive state, where exploration occurs without rigid control.
Alternative: The boat drifting in a “dreamlike” state explicitly emphasizes a surreal, soul-guided journey, where imagination and spiritual currents dominate.
Connection: The dreamlike quality ties the interpretations together, reflecting Sagittarius’s visionary nature and the 25th degree’s focus on intuitive or imaginative exploration.

Differences Among the InterpretationsWhile the interpretations share Sagittarian themes, they differ in tone, focus, and approach, reflecting distinct perspectives on the 25th degree:Tone and Imagery:Burgess: The tone is playful yet suggestive, with the “chubby boy on a hobbyhorse” carrying a provocative undertone of masculine sexuality and adolescence. The imagery is grounded and active, focusing on personal effort and tangible success.
Omega/Chandra: The tone is mystical and open-ended, with the “old book” and “small boat” evoking introspective and spiritual exploration. The imagery is more abstract, emphasizing potential and surrender over action.
Alternative: The tone is deeply spiritual and passive, with the “small boat” symbolizing a dreamlike, ego-less journey guided by cosmic forces. The imagery is ethereal, focusing on soulful surrender rather than personal agency.
Difference: Burgess’s interpretation is more earthy and action-oriented, while Omega/Chandra and the Alternative lean toward mystical, passive, or spiritual themes. The Burgess version emphasizes individual effort, while the others focus on surrender to larger forces.

Focus on Agency vs. Surrender:Burgess: Emphasizes active agency—preparation, perseverance, and “getting a handle” on challenges to achieve success. The hobbyhorse suggests effort and practice toward mastery.
Omega/Chandra: Balances agency (choosing to explore the book or retrieve the boat) with surrender (letting the boat drift, intuitively assimilating knowledge). It encourages openness to possibilities without forcing outcomes.
Alternative: Prioritizes complete surrender, with the boat’s drift symbolizing a lack of responsibility and ego, guided entirely by spiritual or ancestral currents.
Difference: Burgess focuses on active effort, Omega/Chandra blends action and surrender, and the Alternative fully embraces passive surrender, reflecting different approaches to Sagittarian exploration.

Symbolism of Potential:Burgess: Potential is tied to personal talent and success, with adolescence as a halfway point toward mastery. The sexual undertone suggests creative or vital energy channeled through effort.

Omega/Chandra: Potential lies in hidden knowledge (book) or uncharted experiences (boat), accessible through intuitive or adventurous exploration.
Alternative: Potential is spiritual, realized through letting go of ego and aligning with collective or cosmic currents, leading to soulful growth.
Difference: Burgess’s potential is practical and personal, Omega/Chandra’s is intellectual and experiential, and the Alternative’s is spiritual and collective, reflecting varied expressions of Sagittarian growth.

Emotional and Psychological Nuances:Burgess: References “sexual frenzy, mental illness, mania, Van Gogh mood changes,” suggesting intense, volatile energy or creative passion, possibly tied to the adolescent or sexual imagery.
Omega/Chandra: Lacks explicit emotional volatility, focusing on calm exploration and spiritual openness, though the “drifting boat” could imply emotional surrender.
Alternative: Emphasizes a dreamlike, detached state, with no mention of mania or frenzy, focusing on spiritual serenity over emotional intensity.
Difference: Burgess highlights intense, potentially disruptive emotional or psychological states, while Omega/Chandra and the Alternative are calmer, emphasizing surrender and spiritual flow over mania.






By emulating an achiever we can focus our desire more effectively

The least of us has an irrepressible and powerful motivation to make our stamp on the world, chubby boys included.

We tend to do this by a process of learning skills and finding a place to employ them. Training very often takes the form of play – as the hobbyhorse suggests.

Things of lesser consequence can be raised up with the correct attitude of mind. Our corpulent young hero may well be at the earliest stages in a long career that is capped by his attaining the position of Field Marshall, and winning a battle for his country.

However, the optimisation of life achievement is more about the extent of our improvement rather than the end result. The perfection of our best accomplishment may not be recognised by society at all – what really matters is that we fulfil our desires.

To do this, and realise complete fullness of life, we need to hold our attention in a particularly focused way upon the objects of our desire.

This invariably requires that we learn how to emulate a previous high achiever. Even if we have no role model for this, we can imagine one – as no doubt the tubby boy is doing when he rides into battle on his imaginary warhorse.

The wisdom is about the advantages of using the power of imagination to overcome imperfections in confidence – fake it til you make it – and not about making false claims; this must be avoided because it leads to resistance and the powerlessness of inauthenticity.