While the World is Burning, It’s Also Blooming
While the World is Burning, It’s Also Blooming
Saturn in Pisces and noticing the simple joys in a world that feels unkind.
The town I live in is on fire. The world we live in is on fire.
For a few months during this time of the year—every year, fiery snakes slither up the mountains. The fiery snakes, the burning fields, and the smoke from burning trash bellows into the air.
We’re winning in a competition I don’t want to be competing in.
Most days, this region is number one on the world’s Air Quality Index1 scale—not the most glamorous award.
When I crave a quick break from my computer screen, I walk up and down my driveway. I do it a lot less this time of year since I try to stay inside with my air purifier on blast, but I still make it a point to go outside if I need some natural stimulation—even if the stimulation is the view of a fire or the smell of smoke.
Yesterday evening when I was doing my walk, up and down the driveway with my dog following behind, nipping my fingers to catch my attention, as if to say “play with me, please,” I caught a whiff of the most beautiful scent.
It wasn’t the usual campfire smell that I’m probably immune to by this point.
It was the most fragrant, sweet, scent of a blooming flower.
The scent stopped me in my tracks; my dog looking up at me in confusion, as tears flooded my bottom eyelids.
It was at that moment I realised—even though the world is on fire, it’s simultaneously blooming with new life.
I thought of the mango trees in my yard that have been blooming, walked over and saw the tiniest little green mangoes starting to form.
I looked up at the date palm trees that are flowering, and I was quickly reminded of the sweetness that exists in the world. The sweetness of the dates are protected by the sharp fronds of the tree; not everyone can be so lucky to have their sweetness protected like this.
I was also reminded of the significance of dates at this time of year for Muslims around the world who observe Ramadan2. I’m especially reflecting on those in Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and many other places around the world who have lost their lives or live in fear everyday as we watch from the sidelines; those who have been denied of food, shelter, and the right to practice religion in ways that no human should ever have to experience.
A powerful piece from
has been in my heart since reading it for the first time last week:
Saturn entered Pisces in early 2023 and will be there into 2026, after a brief visit in Aries before moving back to Pisces and to Aries again in February 2026.
While Saturn is in Pisces, we are learning the mastery of boundaries and compassion—where is the line?
Saturn is all about structure and boundaries and Pisces is boundless and loves unconditionally. It can be a confusing road to finding balance and mastery here.
Can we hold compassion for those who believe what we do not believe?
Can we live side-by-side in peace without needing to impose those beliefs on another?
Where are our boundaries, and when will we say “enough is enough?”
What is real and what is fake? Can we tap into our intuition and trust that it will show us the truth?
The last time Saturn was in Pisces was between 1993 and 1996. I won’t go into detail here, but we’re seeing some similar themes today. It may also be helpful to look back on your own life between those times (if you were here at that time)!
Venus just moved into Pisces as well, where it will stay until early April. Our values are more fluid and compassionate here. It can also feel overwhelming as the planet of love embodies the essence of ever loving Pisces.
Pisces knows no bounds, and when Venus is visiting we may feel extra open to offering our heart and compassion.
We’re more focused on our dreams for our individual worlds, and the world as a whole—we may find ourselves living in delusion-land, and that’s where all good ideas are born.
Permission to get lost in your dreams and the beauty of the world.
With Saturn here, now is the time to build from the heart—not from the ego. Doing the right thing will get us further than stepping on the heads of our neighbours to get to the top.
With all of this energy in Pisces, we need to be careful not to get lost in the muck. Lean into your spiritual practices, lean into your heart, and lean into your dreams. If you feel yourself slipping away, come back to centre. At the low road, Pisces can feel everything and want to escape from the pain—notice if you’re slipping away and reach out for support if needed.
Aries (and eclipse) season is right around the corner, so in the meantime, focus on your dream and when the time is right, you will know what to do with it.
And remember, while the world is burning, it’s also blooming.
As one tree burns, another tree sprouts new life.
As one life ends, another life begins.
As one heart breaks, another heart falls in love.
As one home falls, another home is built.
As one person takes, another person gives.
The more we are able to connect to our truest nature, the better the world will be. If we can tap into our own sweetness within, like the mango and date trees, we can make the world a brighter place. As we nurture our inner creative spirit, we spread our sweet creations that will move others in ways we may not be able to imagine.
Even if it feels as if your art, love, and sweetness aren’t making a difference—they are, and we need it now more than ever.
As we stand up for what we believe in, even when it seems all hope has been lost, we can create a brighter future by sharing our sweetness.
So while the world burns, I will be the bloom and nurture my spirit in hopes of creating a brighter future by pollenating the blooms of those around me, and I wish you the strength to do the same.
The AQI scale measures air pollution. The hazardous level is from 300-500, and we’re often above 500 into the 900s here in the town where I live.
I’m not Muslim, so my knowledge is limited here.
Kaitlyn, I really loved looking at the baby mangoes! And I appreciate your reflection about there always being hope, even when it doesn't feel that way. You've reminded me of a teaching of Prophet Muhammad where he said, "if the end of the world comes, and you have a date palm seed in your hand, plant it." Really reminds you that no matter how hopeless it looks you should still do your part.
“now is the time to build from the heart—not from the ego” - yes!!!
Anything that has gone well on Substack has been when I did it from the heart. 💕