The Concept of Self and Other in Language and Astrology

As a child, I encountered a challenging linguistic dilemma, which resurfaced during my time at Chinese school.

My Chinese textbook, designed for English speakers transitioning to Chinese, introduced basic phrases like “你好” (Hello) and “我很好” (I’m good). Learning pronouns like “you” and “me” early on is a common practice in language acquisition.

Surprisingly, mastering these simple words proved to be a struggle for me. Despite being proficient in communication, the concepts of “you” and “me” eluded me for a long time.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that Chinese language usage often omits explicit pronouns like “you” and “me.” This linguistic nuance made grasping the self/other dichotomy particularly challenging.

In Chinese, phrases like “吃了吗” (Eaten yet?) are more common than “你吃了吗” (Have you eaten?). The use of the pronoun “俺” can also replace “我” (I) in certain contexts, blurring the lines between singular and plural identities.

Considering this linguistic complexity, it’s clear that the self/other distinction may not be as foundational in Chinese as in other languages.

Similarly, English grapples with the ambiguity of pronouns like “you,” which can refer to both individuals and collective entities.

Exploring this theme further, astrological houses like the first and seventh symbolize the self and other, respectively. Yet, these houses are interconnected and cannot be interpreted in isolation.

The fifth and ninth houses, associated with personal expression and knowledge, reflect the “I” within the “you.” Conversely, the third and eleventh houses, linked to relationships and community, represent the “we” within the “I.”

This intricate interplay between self and other underscores the importance of seeking unity amidst diversity.

Ultimately, navigating the complexities of language and astrology reveals the fluidity of identity and the interconnectedness of all beings.