Personality Analysis with Psychological Astrology for Julia Roberts

2007-03-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

Personality Analysis with Psychological Astrology for Julia Roberts

Born on Saturday, October 28, 1967 at 00:16 in Atlanta /GA

Text Copyright (c) 2005 by Anita Cortesi

Anita Cortesi, Im Morgen 10, CH-8547 Gachnang
Tel. 0041 (0) 52 / 375 10 41, E-mail: anita@cortesi.ch

GENERAL EXPLANATIONS ABOUT
ASTROLOGICAL INTERPRETATION

Astrology can enlighten our behavior and clarify correlations in life. However, it can't and
shouldn't pin a person down. An astrological birth picture consists of symbols that have
been translated into words and concrete examples in the following text. For the sake of
clarity, some examples have been exaggerated.

What astrology has to say can be explained by using examples. You have different aspects
of your personality like your will, feelings, rational mind, etc. Imagine these to be actors
who are staging the play of "life" together. Astrology describes the actors, their qualities
and weaknesses, and their relationships with each other. But astrology has little to say
about theplay that is being acted. You decide this with your free will.

Experienced actors to whom you can constantly give new stage directions are necessary
for a good play. The more you know the needs of your actors, the more you can bring them
together into a harmonious and unified "play" and let them express themselves on your
life's stage. Thefollowing pages will be a guidefor doing this.

When reading them, you will discover contradictions. For example: one section describes
the needfor a calm and stable relationship, and another section says that you need stimu-
lation and variety within a relationship. Such a contradiction contains the demanding
challenge to express both opposites.

Thefollowing text is not a "fortune-telling horoscope" because you alone are the architect
of your own destiny. The horoscope describes the "raw material" that you have available.

APPEARANCE

The Ascendent symbolizes the "display window" or the "mask" of your personality, which
means the qualities that you primarily exhibit to the outside world and other people in-
itially perceive in you. It indicates an area with which you are familiar on the one hand,
but challenges you throughout your lifetime to intensively develop your personality on the
other hand.

Ascendent in Cancer

A Soft Shell

With the Ascendent in Cancer, you radiate a childlike spontaneity and warmth. You feel
good within a family atmosphere. You value a certain degree of considerateness and loo-
king after someone who also takes care of you. Through your motherly and caring beha-
vior, you also entice others to show this aspect of their personalities. People react with re-
lative openness toward you and tell you about their joys and worries. Life challenges you
time and again to not only show caring, sensitivity, and emotional warmth as a "mask" to
the outside world but also let these attributes become your inner qualities. By more or less
playing the role of the person who is sensitive and impressionable, you will form your cha-
racter in this direction and find a deeper access to your own feelings.

The Ascendent is like a pair of glasses through which you can perceive the surrounding
world with a special hue. You see your environment from the perspective of a mother-child
relationship; a sense of security and trust are primary criteria for you. You have a "soft
shell" and are very sensitive. If you feel yourself to be under attack, you will spontaneously
retreat. You may possibly sulk or inwardly collect "penalty points" that you pay the other
person back at the appropriate opportunity.

When you consider yourself from a neutral standpoint, you probably must admit that you
sometimes would like to be a small child again and permitted to cuddle with and lean on
someone else. When examined more closely, you may use questionable means as an adult
use to get the loving strokes for which you yearn. These means tend to bring you or others
into a childlike dependency and include showing yourself to be weak and thereby cause
other people to lend you support. It isn't easy for you to face the rough wind of life. And
yet, you must repeatedly step out of your familiar security, like a wanderer who leaves his
shelter every morning and moves on.

ESSENTIAL NATURE AND WILL

Just as the Sun is the central star of the solar system in astronomical terms, it also symbo-
lizes the essential nature of a human being in astrology. Its position in the birth picture
tells us something about our ego-consciousness, about our will and the way in which we
shape our lives.

Sun in Scorpio

Probing the Depths of Life

Your innermost self is deep, passionate, and mysterious. You want to probe what lies be-
neath the surface. Intensity is important to you, and you therefore enter a situation com-
pletely and identify with it; it could be said that you burrow through it into its very depths.
In doing so, you are critical and uncompromising and also accept that something could get
broken.

Life means intensity and depth for you. A calm existence with a regular daily routine could
easily become too superficial and boring. This may mean that you only blossom and show
much tenacity and endurance in difficult situations. Perhaps you tend to brood and get too
stuck in a problem that - seen objectively from a distance - could be solved more easily.
Fanaticism may sometimes be close at hand. You react vehemently and want to probe
people and things, and perhaps also dominate them. You also don't share everything with
your neighbors but carefully guard your secrets.

You have a tough will and carry out what you have set your mind to do without letting
anyone else have much influence on you. You also possess an extraordinary amount of
energy and endurance. Perhaps you sometimes cling too much to your concept. Once a
project has been planned, you implement it with iron persistence, even if the external con-
ditions for it have changed. The one side of the coin is an above-average amount of energy
and endurance. On the other side of the same coin are inflexible concepts and a passion
that almost bears masochistic traits.

Sun in the Fourth House

A Family-Like Environment

You would like to show the qualities described above in an intimate, family-like circle of
people and express them in a caring "parental function." Taking care of yourself and others
and creating an atmosphere in which you and other people feel well is presumably very
important to you. Your nature practically blossoms in an area related to the family, traditi-
ons, the home, a sense of security, or feelings. You find the path to yourself not in the hec-
tic outside world, but in an intimate environment. This is a matter of often asking yourself
what you need emotionally in order to feel well and accepted, in addition to finding the
source within yourself that gives your life meaning and direction. At the same time, your
own family or a family-like environment can also support you and impart to you the neces-
sary sense of security and safeness you need.

Sun/Mars in a Harmonious Aspect

Convincing Initiative

The core of your being and your will have a direct connection to the part of your persona-
lity that takes action. This means that you also have the ability to actually do what you
want to do. Will and actions are harmonious with each other. When you do something, you
do it with your body and soul. Your goals are therefore more than castles in the air since
you also have the best prerequisites for turning them into reality. Your initiative and di-
rectness has a convincing effect upon others. When you want to, you can achieve a great
deal in both your profession and your private life.

Sun/Jupiter in a Harmonious Aspect

Approaches to Idealism

You possess initiative and optimism. Your open and tolerant attitude makes many things in
life easier for you. In a generous and uncomplicated way, you always do the right thing.
You have a holistic perspective of a situation and virtually see the direction in which things
are heading. Apart from your tendency of overestimating your abilities, your decisions will
probably be right most of the time. You want to identify with something larger than your-
self. The company, the nation, or an ideology are some examples of what your idealistic
concepts may be related to.

Your need for a pleasant and generous lifestyle can let you become a master of the art of
living who keeps restrictive working conditions at arm's length. If another aspect of your
being tends toward discipline and responsibility, the need for a generous lifestyle may also
cause you to create the foundation for material affluence through work.

FEELINGS AND TEMPERAMENT

The Moon symbolizes the emotional, childlike/passive, and receptive principle. It stands
for the needy part of us that would like to live according to its feelings and spontaneously
reacts according to desire or reluctance. In this part of our personality, we are sensitive
and impressionable, perceive moods, and need a sense of security and warmth. We can
imagine this part to be like a small child within us. If it gets what it needs, we feel good
and lively. However, we often have to go through periods of stagnation and discontentment
before we recognize and satisfy its needs.

The Moon embodies the feminine principle and also stands for the aspect within us that,
full of caring willingness, would like to be a "mother" in the broadest sense of the word. It
wants to look after others and create a sense of security.

Moon in Leo

With a Natural Warmth and Flair for Dramatic Gestures

You have a generous, optimistic nature and a great deal of enthusiasm. You want to spon-
taneously express your feelings, are direct and sincere, and straightforward in saying what
you think. At the same time, you may step on other people's toes with your spontaneity.

Your powers of imagination are quite lively. You see every external situation as part of a
greater context and react accordingly with dramatic gestures. With your natural warmth,
you can be very winning. Since you value attention, you tend to sometimes place yourself
too much at the center of attention. You like to be on the sunny side of life and want to
miss out on as little of it as possible. You don't like to be reminded of old age, illness, and
suffering. It may be that you are a master at covering up your true feelings in certain situa-
tions so that your fellow human beings - and perhaps even yourself - don't notice anything
of your sadness.

Your unconditional "yes" to life and to yourself gives you a sense of self-assurance. On the
other hand, this may also let you be too uncritical toward yourself. Can you accept a well-
meant reprimand without feeling this to be a personal insult? If you can learn to also accept
yourself as a human being with faults, you will be able to dispense with many of the
theatrical gestures that used to be important to you. Your natural sincerity and warmth can
then develop without restraint and give you a great deal of joy in life and peace of mind.

Moon in the Second House

Material Security Is Important

In order to feel well, you need a home, a place that offers stability and gives you a sense of
security. You want to have a good time in peace and comfort. With your down-to-earth
sensuality, you probably are also interested in enjoying a tasty meal, as well as physical
contact and eroticism. You find security through both inner and outer values, such as in a
stable sense of self-worth, in your own house, or in a certain luxury. You identify quite
strongly with your assets, whether they are material or spiritual. Formulated in rather ex-
treme terms, the way you handle money is dependent on your respective mood. Your free
spending may alternate with a tendency to save money. However, a certain material afflu-
ence is a prerequisite for your well-being.

Moon/Jupiter in Conjunction

Trust in the Good

You encounter life full of cheerful expectations and optimism, together with a lively fan-
tasy and power of imagination when it comes to what could be. Like the girl from the
fairytale of the "Star Talers" who catches the treasure from the sky with an open apron, you
receive the good in life with open arms. This positive approach makes many things easier
for you, but it can also let you disregard reality if you wait too much for good fortune to
fall into your lap without doing anything for it.

Your personal charm is remarkable. You are generous and tolerant. However, as a result
you may also tend to be immoderate in things like eating or shopping. You want to be va-
lued and respected by your fellow human beings. In order to feel good, you need recogniti-
on. You like having a good time. "Live and let live!" could be your motto. You have a na-
tural talent for reacting correctly at the proper moment and saying and doing the right
thing. To the extent that you realistically assess your situation, this can open many doors
for you.

Moon/Neptune in Tension

Your Own Needs or Helping Your Neighbor

You have an immense potential for devotion and can experience a sense of complete soli-
darity with other people or nature. This soft and sensitive side has the effect that you shy
away from sober external reality and prefer to withdraw into an inner world of fantasy and
wishes. Music may be a medium for appeasing this need. Since addictive drugs also satisfy
this need, at least for a short while, you may have the tendency of reaching too quickly for
alcohol, medications, or drugs when the misery of this world overcomes you.

Perhaps during childhood you often experienced that other people determined what you
needed. The others were there for you, and you were there for the others, so you had little
opportunity to learn to clearly recognize your own needs. As an adult, you possibly have a
difficult time in expressing personal wishes since you don't want to appear egotistical. If you are egotistical for once, you may then be vehemently plagued by guilt feelings and
ruin all your enjoyment as a result. It's therefore important to learn to draw the line for
yourself, at least at times.

COMMUNICATION AND THOUGHT

Mercury symbolizes the area of our personality related to thinking, information, and com-
munication. The position of Mercury in a birth picture throws light on a person's way of
thinking, preferred interests, and learning methods, as well as language and rhetorical
abilities.

Mercury in Scorpio

A Probing and Questioning Mind

You possess a penetrating mind and the ability of easily recognizing concealed or hidden
motives. With your sharp and clear eye, you hardly overlook other people's weak points.
It's conceivable that this triggers reserve or even fear in your fellow human beings. It may
also often be the case that you are too obvious in putting your finger on other people's sore
spots, hurting them in this manner. You are also probably familiar with a certain touch of
irony. In conversations, you may be very tenacious. You probably can easily entice the de-
sired information out of the other person in the conversation while tending to reveal little
about yourself.

In your profession, your probing and scrutinizing mind can prove to be useful since you
don't cling to the surface of things. You are an attentive and critical observer and interested
in backgrounds and motivations. Your way of questioning the reason for things can be very
obstinate and shows a brooding aspect of your nature. With your penetrating mind, over
and over again you risk challenging and difficult tasks in which you can practically get
stuck.

Mercury in the Fourth House

Interest in the Realm of the Family

Above all, you apply communication, thought, and knowledge in a family-like and dome-
stic area. It's easier for you to talk to others in a familiar atmosphere than among strangers.
If the surroundings appeal to you, then you can really "thaw out," start telling stories, and
establish a very warm and hearty contact with other people.

This type of information exchange within a circle of friends and acquaintances will pro-
bably give you more knowledge than studying books. In order to optimally deal with what
you have learned, you need a family-like climate. You mentally grapple with emotional
concerns like the family, the home, a sense of security, and your origins. Psychology,
educational issues, or housing construction may possibly interest you.

RELATIONSHIPS AND ESTHETICS

When Venus sparkles in the sky as the morning or evening star, it is an expression of har-
mony and beauty in terms of reality and as an astrological symbol. It stands for the need to
be balanced and have things in common, for the striving to build bridges. It is a distinctly
feminine and erotic principle and corresponds to the aspect within us that longs for a par t-
ner, seeks and creates relationships, and can be open for and enjoy all the beauty in life.
The Venus in us chooses what is appropriate and agreeable for us from the diversity of
people and things.

Venus in Virgo

Beauty Can Also Be Useful

You need solid ground beneath your feet in a relationship. You tend to express love and af-
fection in a rather inconspicuous manner. Falling in love head over heels doesn't corre-
spond to your taste; you prefer a methodical and sensible approach. Before you enter into a
new partnership, you wait for a while, think about the situation, and carefully consider the
pros and cons. In addition to reliability, faithfulness, physical closeness, and sensuality, the
practical and sensible aspect is important to you. There should be a harmonious balance
between giving and taking. Otherwise, you easily feel taken advantage of and can then re-
act to your partner with criticism and pettiness.

Beauty is closely associated with practical considerations for you. Beautiful things that are
only there to please the eye easily cause you to question whether they are worth spending
the money on them. Beautiful things should also fulfill a purpose. On the other hand, you
have certain esthetic standards for the articles of daily use, creating both a practical and be-
autiful environment for yourself as a result.

Venus in the Third House

Encounters within the Cultural Framework

You need a great many people around you with whom you can have conversations and
discuss a thousand things. With your partner, you would like to talk about mutual interests,
cultural occasions, and current events. Intensity in a relationship is probably less important
to you than a good comradely conversation. You also like a cultural or intellectual envi-
ronment and appreciate the beauty of the language. Or, if this doesn't apply, a hidden streak
within you longs for this.

The joy of flirting can also be a reason for you to start a relationship. The better you train
your own taste, get a bit of culture here and do something there for the sake of it, the more
enjoyable life will become. For you, harmony includes something light and bright with a

great deal of variety. This applies to relationships, as well as everything else that makes
life beautiful and pleasant.

Venus/Pluto in Conjunction

How Much Intensity Can a Relationship Tolerate?

Superficial relationships don't appeal to you; you seek intensity and passion. At the same
time, power games can easily sneak in - there is a struggle to decide who is stronger emo-
tionally. You are unaccustomed to a balance of powers with mutual trust and find it diffi-
cult to achieve.

It may be that the proximity of another person is sometimes almost too much for you. Your
fears of being abandoned cause you to keep a certain distance from others. Or you may at-
tempt to make your partner dependent on you by offering him money or social position.
Both reactions have the opposite effect. Put in somewhat exaggerated terms, by using con-
trol or distance you practically challenge your partner to manipulate you or let you down.

You actually would like to have a relationship with a great deal of depth. To achieve this,
you must reduce your reserve and need to be in control and totally surrender yourself to the
other person. This is probably difficult for you to do. Such inner barriers can only be dis-
solved step by step in a process that takes years. At the same time, the experience of an in-
creasing depth of emotion can enrich your partnership in many ways.

ACTIONS AND ASSERTION

Mars symbolizes masculinity and physical strength, as well as the capacity to take action
and be assertive. It represents the part of our personality that is active in the outer world
and wants to cause things to happen, that makes decisions and simply does things without
asking, and that doesn't shy away from conflicts or confrontations. If something doesn't
suit us, this is the part within us that defends itself and, if necessary, reacts with aggression
and anger.

Mars in Capricorn

Purposeful Actions

You act in a matter-of-fact and purposeful manner. Your activities are reminiscent of the
prudent and guiding authority of a father. You are aware of the responsibility for your acti-
ons and prefer time-tested and conventional methods. If something contradicts social rules,
you don't particularly want to do it. Whenever possible, you set yourself a clear goal that
you can translate step by step into action with endurance and determination. In the process,
you can mobilize ambition and vigor to achieve whatever you have planned to do. Even if
the outer circumstances change, you don't like to deviate from your line. In extreme cases,
you imperturbably follow your path according to the motto: the end justifies the means.
You also tend to be rather serious and strict with yourself and don't have much time for fun
and games.

You see hierarchies and structures as necessary preconditions for the functioning of a so-
ciety. You recognize people with authority and strive for such a position yourself. This
means you are in demand for working situations where reliability, impartiality, and endu-
rance are required.

Mars in the Sixth House

The Need to Take Action Related To Reality and Everyday Life

You are vigorous and have a capacity to act that proves itself primarily in everyday life.
When it comes to everyday problems, you want to take action in a consistent and methodi-
cal manner. If something gets in your way, you can become quite annoyed. According to
the motto of "little strokes fell big oaks," you can not only master everyday life in untiring
detail work but also achieve bigger goals.

You generally take action for the sake of the matter at hand and not as much for recogniti-
on. The joy of success and in mastering concrete difficulties is presumably greater than
your striving for recognition and praise. The question as to the benefit of an activity also

stands in the foreground for you. If it serves mastering everyday life and existence in the
broadest sense, you are willing to intensely commit yourself.

With great probability, the type of man who fascinates you personifies many of these qua-
lities. This means that you like practical, realistic, and sensible men with whom you can
master everyday life and accomplish a job. A love relationship that also enables you to
work as a team should particularly appeal to you.

Mars/Jupiter in a Harmonious Aspect

An Optimistic Attitude Guarantees a Successful Outcome

Your actions are coupled with your inner optimism. You are convinced that what you are
doing also leads to success. This healthy self-confidence is the best precondition for a suc-
cessful outcome. On the other hand, it may also lead you to no longer seeing your own li-
mitations. Then you can become quite excessive in your activities.

Your way of taking action has an enthusiastic aspect to it. It's important to you that your
activities have a meaning and take place within a larger context. You are capable of doing
something with total enthusiasm, and you also can and want to inspire others with it. Once
you get going, you can hardly be stopped. You have something like the vitality of a cow-
boy who freely rides through life, says what he wants to say, and is completely himself.
You do the right thing at the proper moment. With your healthy ego, you push through
what you feel to be meaningful.

Mars/Saturn in Tension

In the Field of Tension Between Action and Responsibility

When you do something, you want to do it correctly. You expect the same from others as
well. You are thorough, purposeful, tenacious, and capable of hard work; as a result, you
can achieve a great deal in terms of your profession. Perhaps you are afraid of failing in
these qualities in particular. The expectations that you place on what you do are enor-
mously high. Yet, you shouldn't be too strict with yourself; allow yourself errors and don't
curb your initiative just because the result isn't totally perfect.

You probably have quite a clear idea of what society expects from you, what people
"should" do, and you work hard - possibly too hard - for it. Despite great effort, you expe-
rience time and again that people slow you down. For example, your professional advan-
cement is hindered or you are held accountable for traffic offenses. Here as well, it's im-
portant to achieve an inner reconciliation between "full speed ahead" and "putting on the
breaks" so that you act with a sense of responsibility and can express your will. Then you
will be capable of extraordinary achievements.

The combination of taking action and assuming responsibility is also reflected in your
choice of a partner. You are attracted to men who behave with authority, are willing to put
an enormous effort into their work and achievements, and are anchored in reality with both
feet firmly on the ground.

THE SEARCH FOR MEANING AND GROWTH

Jupiter symbolizes the optimist in us, the part that wants meaning and expansion and so-
metimes gets out of control. It lets us look out for something higher and rise above the ba-
nalities of everyday life. It symbolizes the part in us that creates a relationship between
things. It fills sober reality with a meaning by apportioning significance to each thing and
imparting symbolic content to situations, words, and deeds.

Jupiter in the Second House

The Meaning of Personal Values

Since your parents have supported you in a relaxed approach to values of both a material
and a non-material nature since early childhood, you have been able to develop an optimi-
stic attitude in this respect. By confidently trusting that money will fly in your window,
this hope almost becomes a fact. In any case, you aren't used to long hauls or at least don't
see them as a reason to worry. You deal with property and wealth in a rather generous
manner. That you will always have enough to live on appears obvious to you, and you see
it as your due. Perhaps you have had the experience at some time of not knowing how you
could pay the next rent. Yet, you were probably still able to get a good night's sleep becau-
se you are able to trust in a solution with complete confidence and optimism.

Since you presumably value a good meal and tend toward opulence, the force within you
striving for strength may also express itself on the physical level. You gain weight. Or do
you tend toward extravagance and live beyond your means? Just as you are an optimist in
material and financial areas, you are also an optimist in terms of your inner values. You
possess a healthy sense of self-worth. Instead of underestimating your talents, you will
tend to overestimate them.

THE SEARCH FOR STRUCTURE AND ORDER

Saturn symbolizes the raised index finger within us, the inner authority with which we set
ourselves boundaries and demand structure and responsibility from ourselves. The Saturn
aspect within us is often very rigid, and then we block ourselves. However, if we have le-
arned during the course of the years to reduce our fears and our standards of perfection,
we will primarily experience Saturn as inner stability and security. In both the concrete
and figurative sense, it symbolizes our backbone.

Saturn in the Ninth House

The Demands of the Absolute Truth

You seek security in the meaning of life, among other things. The thought of having not-
hing to believe in and taking the wrong path awakens a sense of uneasiness within you.
You do a great deal in order to find a secure and founded truth. You question what your
parents and the Church have conveyed to you and search a long time for the ideal philoso-
phy of life. When you believe you have found it, there is no more room for something else.
Then you can easily turn into a dogmatist.

Sooner or later, you will run up against your boundaries; the truth, which had previously
been crystal clear, now develops cracks and finally gives way to a crisis of meaning. In this
way, you are challenged to develop your own truth. A readymade opinion that you have
taken over from someone else doesn't suit your nature. As soon as differences evolve, you
must either close your eyes to them - then you will become rigid and dogmatic - or change
the concept. If you do the latter, with time you can develop a feeling for what is right, ge-
nuine, and true for you. Together with the intellectual foundation for it, the truth that has
grown within you provides support and security. Then you can also accept other people's
opinions and truths without having to immediately defend yourself.

THE NEED FOR CHANGE

Uranus symbolizes the "wind spirit" within us that strives for psychological growth
through constant change. It stirs up an inner unrest that drives us to set out time and
again, that lets us seek variety and new experiences, and that keeps us from psychological
and physical stagnation. It represents the wanderer within us who does not settle down for
long anywhere. When something has barely become a habit, he tears down his tents and
surprises us with new ideas. His originality knows no limits, and the same applies to his
noncommittal nature.

Uranus in the Third House

Mentally Wide-Awake

Your interests are diverse and unconventional. You are constantly open for future pro-
spects and new things. You never lack ideas. To the contrary - it's quite possible that you
can hardly keep up with processing and actualizing everything that goes through your
mind. You can absorb a great deal of information. However, you tend to allow more im-
pulses to come in than is good for you. This can lead to an inner irritability and unrest so
that you cannot organize what you have absorbed - let alone make meaningful use of it -
because you are so busy collecting information.

In your relations with others, you present yourself in an original and quick-witted way.
Perhaps you sometimes attempt too much to draw others out of their shell. You are men-
tally active and love a change of pace. A large, unconventional circle of acquaintances can
offer you the desired stimulation. This also applies to working in a technical field, in elec-
tronics, or with computers.

Uranus/Pluto in Conjunction

The Energy of a Volcano

Your strength and energy could be compared to a volcano. It is unpredictable and difficult
to channel. It is likely that this trigger a sense of discomfort in you. Then you often hesitate
to go completely into life and prefer to create an image of how the world could and should
be. When things are seething in your surroundings and the dark sides of life become appa-
rent, it becomes easier for you to find access to your inner strength. One could almost say
that you are then in your element. Your gift of reacting quickly and energetically in a crisis
situation and mastering it becomes evident. Yet, you basically have a very high level of
energy that, if it expresses itself in a raw form, can break some of porcelain. If you learn
how to handle it, you can use this power in a more selective way.

THE LONGING FOR LIBERATION AND DEVOTION

Neptune symbolizes our mystical side that continually dissolves the boundaries between
our ego-consciousness and the outside world, reminding us that we are part of a greater
whole. This part lets us feel the longing for another world. It can equally be the motivation
for reconnecting with something divine, for total devotion and a readiness to help, or for
retreating from life and losing ourselves, which ultimately results in self-pity and chaos.

Neptune in the Fourth House

A Strong Family Ideal

The boundaries between illusion and reality are unclear in the realm of family and private
life. You tend to idealize your family, background, and feelings of security and belonging
together. You may feel strongly connected to your family. A willingness to help each other
is an important principle in your private life. At the same time, the boundaries between you
and the family are blurred. A readiness to help can easily become dependency and a martyr
role in which you are in danger of losing yourself.

Your great ability to be devoted to your home and family can bring you much fulfillment;
however, an excessive amount of it prevents you from being yourself because too much
solicitude creates dependence. The same applies to your loved ones. Your behavior hints at
the attitude that you are available at all times for everyone. So that you are not taken
advantage of, you must also be able to discriminate when your support is needed and when
you should and must set boundaries in addition to your capacity for empathy

Neptune/Pluto in a Harmonious Aspect

Confrontation with the Void

The question about the extent to which a belief in the greater whole is just an artificial
creation and protection against the absolute void may arise within you time and again. If,
for example, religious devotion is self-evident for you, then this is a matter of ultimately
letting go of this support and penetrating to the true heart of what it means to be human,
especially by dissolving every type of form.

THE "DARK" SIDE

Pluto symbolizes the most radical, energized, and passionate aspect of our personality
that, especially because it is so bent on "all or nothing," also triggers fear. So we often feel
this side of ourselves to be "dark" and inwardly turn away from it. Then we suppress this
intensive part with somewhat the same effect as pressing a lid onto a pot with boiling wa-
ter: We burn our fingers. We can only find an access to its power and liveliness when we
accept this uncompromising and intensive part of ourselves and learn to deal with it. Then
this aspect in particular can develop an enormous energy potential and lead us through
and beyond profound crises.

Pluto in the Third House

The Challenge to Call a Spade a Spade

The idea that knowledge means power should be a very fundamental fact for you. You
don't even have to think twice about it. Dealing with information, knowledge, communica-
tion, and trade may fascinate you in a strange way. Perhaps you are almost passionate
about acquiring knowledge, researching, experiencing, or using the power of language in-
tensively, whether through advertising, communication, or quite simply a manipulation of
language in little everyday situations. Words are excellent weapons and means of power.
You can presumably use them in a light and skillful way. Since you know more about pre-
cisely hitting the other person's sore spot in the conversation and have overwhelming stra-
tegies in the process, dealing with knowledge and communication becomes a considerable
challenge. It is important not to use your advantages for egotistical purposes but to serve
the good of all. Or do you suffer from some type of difficulties in speaking? The tightrope
walk close to the abuse of power can be so frightening that you have unconsciously deci-
ded not to use the full possibilities of language and intellect so that you don't virtually burn
your fingers. However, it is important to stand up for the "power of knowledge and lan-
guage," using them in a conscious way.

* * * * * * * * *

These pages aren't meant to say: "This is how you are! You do this and that, and this is
how you think," even if the formulation sometimes may give this impression. These pages
contain an overview of the symbolism of the planets, as they stood in the heavens at the ti-
me and place of your birth. According to experience and statistics, there are parallels bet-
ween the planetary constellations and character traits. We can use these as guides through
the countless aspects of our own personality, more consciously recognizing our motiva-
tions and behavior patterns with their help.

These pages are meant to give you more clarity and some sudden insights about yourself,
as well as accompany you on a portion of your path in life.

Astrology: The Big Picture

2007-03-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Victoria Powell
June 2006
Australia

In Partial Fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Science in Esotericism
With emphasis in Esoteric Psychology,
University of the Seven Rays, NJ, USA

ADELAIDE

ASTROLOGY:
THE BIG PICTURE

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments …………………………………………………………......
Introduction …………………………………………………………………….
Foreword ……………………………………………………………………….
Part 1: WHAT IS LIFE REALLY ABOUT?
Chapter 1: ‘Man’ in the relationship to life…………………………………….
Chapter 2: The esoteric relationship to life…………………………………….
Chapter 3: What has consciousness to do with esoteric development? ……….
Chapter 4: How does astrology fit into the Big Picture of life? ……………….
Chapter 5: A basic esoteric principle presented in this work ………………….
Chapter 6: Conclusion ………………………………………………………....
Chapter 7: Summary …………………………………………………………...

Part 2: KEY THEMES PRESENTED ON THE WEBSITE
Chapter 1: The development of the http://www.astrologybigpicture.net/ website …...
Chapter 2: Key themes presented on the website………………………………
Home Page …………………………… ……………………………………
Astrology Background ………………………………………………….......
Background of Exoteric Astrology …………………...…………………….
Background of Esoteric Astrology …………………..……………………..
To understand more about the Science of Esoteric Astrology ……………..
Comparing the Two Astrologies …………………………………………....
Sun Signs ……………………………………………………………………
Moon Signs …………………………………………….……………………
Ascendant Signs…………………………………………………….……….
Sign Polarities……………………………………………………………….
The Zodiac Story of Esoteric Astrology ……………………………………. Chapter 3: The main premise of the big picture of Astrology ………………...
Chapter 4: The future development of this website ……………………………
Chapter 5: Summary……………………………………………………………
Appendix…………………………………………………………...…………...

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This thesis is based primarily upon the Trans Himalayan Wisdom Teachings of the Tibetan Master, Djwhal Khul. His teachings have been presented in a series of texts by Alice A Bailey (A.A.B.), and they concern the esoteric principles of Earth-life. A number of writings of American, Alan Oken, the author of Soul Centered Astrology, who also draws upon the A.A.B. texts, have guided my understanding of the science of Esoteric Astrology
At more personal level I have also received valuable teaching from Eila Laurikainen, a local Adelaidian and well-known teacher of esoteric astrology and the esoteric sciences. There are two very special people, Gill Perchard, Natalie Webster, with whom I have shared much of my spiritual journey with for some time, who, along with Graham Furnell, a more recent associate through astrology, became the obvious people to help me with the final editing of this thesis. A very special thank you to you all. At the basic level of my development there has been a group of people with whom I have had very a close emotional attachment to in the living of my Earth-bound life, my ‘birth’ family. To them, along with the many others who have joined with me on this path that I have walked, both in the exoteric and esoteric sense, I thank you also.

May knowledge and the opportunity to use it come to you
in the most miraculous ways

Victoria Powell
South Australia
2006

INTRODUCTION

Following nearly two decades of investigating and studying human behaviour, and nearly double that time in my work with horses, I have reached a point in my understanding about life where I appreciate the need for a more spiritual approach to be implemented in the workings of humanity. Having been drawn upon a path of investigation of the workings of mind, of horses first, and then of humans, this investigation has enabled me to have a greater understanding of how the use of my mind has influenced my involvement in the world of human life. With astrology having become a major stimulating interest in my life since 1985, it seems appropriate that a spiritual focus, which began to develop during the 1990s, should now involve this age-old art.
By 1998, having deferred the study of A.A.B.’s esoteric work for nine years, it became clear to me that it was time for this study to become part of my investigation of ‘human thinking’. Studying esoteric astrology in 1997 closed gaps that I had sensed were there when I had studied the Western form of astrology. This esoteric study highlighted contemporary Western astrology’s lack of depth and truth in its understanding of the human condition. It explained to me why I had not found ‘traditional’ astrology easy to work with. I then chose to study the esoteric philosophy behind A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology [1], and one result of four years of study of the esoteric sciences has been this thesis. A.A.B.’s ‘bigger picture’ view of astrology has become the basis of it.
Having followed my desire to investigate this particular esoteric study of the human condition has also enabled me to make several major changes in my personal and professional life. An increase in confidence about my inner drives, which had been developing within me during the earlier fifteen years of my ‘human investigation’, enabled me to practically connect with various ideas that had been within me for some time. One had been helping people to develop more beneficial ideas about the life in which they are partaking. Putting together ideas about the human relationship to life based upon A.A.B.’s Esoteric Psychology I (1936), Esoteric Psychology II (1942), and Esoteric Astrology (1951) and presenting them world-wide on an internet website (http://www.astrologybigpicture.net/) has been part of a major life direction change for me at the same time.
http://www.astrologybigpicture.net/, working with the heading of Astrology The Big Picture, was developed with the aim to present a bigger astrological picture of a human’s life development based upon A.A.B.’s esoteric insights. With this thesis discussing the development and use of esoteric astrology, Part 1 discusses the development of a human’s life and the importance of astrology in informing individuals about their life’s development, and Part 2 informs how the information on this website was structured to show differences between working with traditional, or exoteric, and esoteric astrology.
This thesis argues that the value of A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology lies in its ability, based upon the symbolic message presented in A.A.B.’s work on esoteric psychology, to assist humans to understand their human journey. My study of A.A.B.’s work showed me one main premise, which linked with my own life experience. I was able to recognised the difference between a life that is totally human focused (the exoteric manner of living life in which life-interest involves only the basic ‘earthly’ matters) and a life in which an esoteric manner of living life has been stimulated, which leads to a human becoming influenced towards undertaking ‘bigger picture’ life tasks.
A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology helped to describe my own personal journey as presented in my horoscope. Her large study of life’s spiritual psychological component has worked to increase my own sense of truth about life. I hope that readers of this thesis and/or my website will also be able to gain valuable insights about their own lives, and that these works will help to stimulate peoples’ interest towards contemplating similar matters and undertaking further research which will help to greatly increase human understanding about the esoteric principles of life.

FOREWORD

We have just emerged from a century where humanity has experienced a period of accelerated and massive change which has enabled the accessing and ‘knowing’ of information on a much larger scale. Via the innate ability of humans to invent material creations, the connection between the populations of humans worldwide over the past two to three hundred years has increased. Inventions of items such as the telephone, television, and the computer have enabled long distance communication and a mass sharing of information between individuals and their societies.
Along with this escalation of material connection and Earth-bound knowledge-sharing devices, awareness about the components of life, which exist at a much deeper level within all Earth-bound forms, has also increased. With the connection between countries and thus, cultures, increasing, the sharing of information about the spiritual component of life has also increased. During the twentieth century, more and more information became available for people who wanted to investigate the human’s spiritual connection to life.
As a result of personal desire, I have become one of many people who have been stimulated to study forms of spiritual practice that have come from the East. In this thesis I describe discourse which relates to the connection between human spiritual development and the science of astrology. The information offered in this thesis in relation to the tool of Astrology is part of the theory involved in this discourse. The tool of Astrology offers us relevant information which defines two types of behaviour that have become associated with the development of exoteric and esoteric activity in the lives of humans.
Part 1 of this thesis discusses concepts connected with the spiritual development of humans. This thesis argues how esoteric astrology has become a relevant tool for people who wish to investigate the spiritual factor of Soul Purpose in their life. Part 2 discusses astrological information in relation to the exoteric and esoteric development of individuals that is presented on the website http://www.astrologybigpicture.net/. The information presented on the internet via this website deals with these two types of astrology.
In this thesis, the word exoteric is used to refer to the typical or ‘average’ human Earth-bound state of living, with the word esoteric used to refer to a more spiritual, or transcended, state of human life, which is also lived on Earth. In this thesis I argue that an esoteric life is one in which a person lives their life less attached to material reality. Such humans have developed the freedom to live a life that revolves around helping other people to increase their personal qualities which can then be employed to increase the potential for people to live harmoniously with each other. This thesis is as a simple introduction to a field of human psychological understanding that has tapped into the tool of astrology to link the mundane and spiritual facets of human nature together.

PART 1

Astrology: The Big Picture

WHAT IS LIFE REALLY ABOUT?

1

‘MAN’ IN THE RELATIONSHIP TO LIFE

The word ‘man’ in the title above has been used in the same context as the word ‘man’ is used in many other areas of life description when referring to either the human in the collective form of ‘mankind’ or the individual ‘human’. In the following information the word ‘human’ is used to describe the singular individual as well as humans as a group as I likewise attempt to use other words that state the ‘truth’ of things.
When a human is born, a relationship forms between them and the environment and the many ‘objects’ within the environment. While many factors are involved in what surrounds and encompasses any human, initially there needs to be a protective type of environment at work to keep the human infant nurtured and safe. Most of us would know this to be our family ‘home’. In an ‘ideal’ situation a child grows and develops physically and mentally as they expand past their early environmental boundaries. Then one day we have an adult. One who is usually capable of thought and action based upon their own personal choosing.
While most humans look for answers concerning their Earth-bound existence in order to survive in their environment, many humans are drawn to exploring the metaphysical aspect of life, that is, ideas that are less Earth-bound. Whether or not this happens when a human’s rational function of mind has developed sufficiently to rationally question ‘life’ and its purpose, questions about ‘life’ and its purpose do get asked. The ability to sense some particular personal quest in life may have developed, with some humans choosing to undertake certain tasks and gather information that results in them having a greater awareness of the human’s earthly existence. Ideas are formulated, and thinking develops, about action that needs to be taken towards fulfilling an identified life quest. Questions could be about some current role in life, which is founded upon ‘normal’ Earth-based existence, or about a role in life that is founded upon some ‘not so normal’ vision. These humans become open to attuning to Soul Consciousness or Soul Purpose. As A.A.B. states:
“In man, the microcosm, the objective of the evolutionary purpose for the fourth kingdom in nature is to enable man to manifest as a soul in time and space and to tune in on the soul purpose and the plan of the Creator.” [2]
Digressing here, I pose the question: have I developed this ability? I have been a human who had never, for the first forty-five years of my life, consciously set any major goal for my life’s development. However, as a child of about eight years old, I had become magnetized towards, and inspired by, a horse and its rider as I watch a performance of a display of movement in a film about the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. A ‘sense of knowing’ had come over me about what this horse and rider were ‘sensing’ between each other in this display of what I now know be dressage. This experience seemed to have some particular significance for me at the time. I felt inspired on a deep inner level, and this was a part of me that I had never been aware of before: this part felt so adult and ‘knowing’. But it was a hidden and secret sense, which, at this young age, I was not able to share with anyone. But the vision remained, as did the motivation, which had been stimulated, to achieve similar. This is a ‘sense’ that I have been able to tap into many times since when working with my own horses.
A ‘childhood dream’ of owning a horse has already developed by this time, and this was a dream that came true for me by the time I turned twelve years old. It had not been an easy dream for me to desire, as apart from my father’s interest in gambling on racehorses, my birth-family had never been involved with horses. The idea of a horse in the family had not been easily entertained by my parents. However, it did come true, and at fourteen, as I gave one of my first horse-riding lessons, as this was something that I yearned to be doing, I became aware of a voice telling me that I had to learn all that I could about riding horses in order to help riders ride horses in happier ways. By this time I had witnessed some rather abusive horse handling and riding processes going on around me: tactics that I did not feel comfortable about, and having heard this, I had felt inspired and very ‘right’ about this idea. This had seemed a very strange ‘thing’ to have happened to me at the time, but I felt very comfortable about this message I had received. Then at fifteen, I visioned myself working with horses on my own property (my family had always lived in an urban situation, and my horse has been agisted at others people’s properties). The vision began to come to fruition after I was offered the opportunity to lease a 240 acre horse agistment business by the time I reached twenty-four year of age. This then led to the purchase of a small acreage of land close to the outer suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, where my own full-time horse and rider training centre was established by the time I was thirty years of age. The serious development of my ‘better riding’ vision had started by the time I was twenty-five, and as a full-time professional equestrian coach at thirty-one years of age, I was then able to fully focus on the development of ‘better’ horse-work and fulfil the notion that had come to me at fourteen.
These actions seemed to be the outcome of being ‘drawn’ towards ‘something’ rather than being part of a conscious ‘goal’ that I had set out to achieve. The wanting of a horse had been a major conscious desire from a very young age, and I had focused strongly upon this childhood dream during my whole childhood. As the years passed, the ‘learning and teaching’ aspect had became a serious, adult ‘desire’. I had always been open to undertaking action that involved working with horses in a learning way, but the level to which this horse-interest developed was much greater than I had ever dared to imagine as I grew older. Opportunities to pursue this interest literally ‘came into my grasp’, and with dedicated hard work, success followed success as I worked with horses and riders. Curiously, on looking back, everything seemed very ‘known’ to me. I had never doubted my ‘desire’ to be strongly involved in the horse-work, or in my ability to achieve the quest that it became. It was as if I had no choice. I seemed to ‘know’ that I could do it, therefore there was never any question of me straying from this ‘path’ of action or thought.
Currently, are things any different? I know the current goal that I am working towards was consciously set in 1998. As particular events unfolded in my life at this time, I ‘sensed’ that it was the time for me to ‘move on’ in my life to fulfil a vision which connected with another idea that had come to me in 1983. This was a vision of me working with people and horses on a different property. A deep inner part of me seemed to be saying that this was now that time. There was no fear. This also seemed to be the time for me to take more seriously another idea that had also been stimulated within me some years earlier. The idea of human-help-work had become a motivational force within me since 1985. At this time, a desire to learn about human behaviour and its development had been stimulated, connecting to another ‘mind’ idea of me helping people live happier lives that I had received in 1974. All this linked with my desire to pursue spiritual knowledge about life, which had been stimulated in me by the late 1980’s. By 1998, events seemed to herald that it was time for me to move on to ‘new’ activities in life that I had been preparing myself for over these years.
Reflecting over this decision for change, it appears that I was being ‘forced’ from a situation that connected with my ‘childhood' dream of owning a horse, not allowing me to now so easily ignore the human-interest calling which had been occurring in me for some time. It seemed the time had come to let go of the ‘need’ to stay where I was: it was now as if more important things were needing to happen. I had developed the horse-work knowledge, and this would still be available for me to work with when teaching and training horses and riders. I had felt the need to ‘move on’ and share my time between detailing the horse-knowledge into written form, i.e. books (which I have also been drawn towards doing since the early 1980’s), while pursuing a more serious role in an area of human development.
I moved on, with serious goals in mind. One goal aligns with the idea that came to me when I was twenty-five (in 1974), and before the full extent of my horse-work had developed. This particular message had been about a concept that was totally foreign to me, but this message had again, literally, come into my ‘head’, causing me to wonder, at the time, what it meant, and why I had ‘thought’ it. In reality, I had ‘heard’ it, but it was not me talking to me. It seemed to exist as input from another source, and with this experience resonating with A.A.B.’s teachings, the importance of this experience seems very clear to me now. This ‘human development’ idea has now developed to become my ‘adult dream’. One that I have very little idea of what the outcome will be.
Consequently, my current stage of life would not be considered a ‘normal’ human one: it would be considered to be ‘humanly’ illogical, that is, one not based on ‘normal’ survival needs. I perceive my current stage of life to be about my offering of ideas to others, which will allow them an increase in their understanding of ‘life’, rather being one in which any major personal need of my own is fulfilled. This is a period seems to me to be more about ‘service’ to others than any real personal ‘desire’ for life achievement or the fulfilment of a childhood want. It is this current ‘state of being’ which enables me to share with you my following realizations and understandings.
I see my current ‘state of being’ to be one that connects with philosophical discourse about human esoteric development described in this thesis and that resonates with the esoteric way of living life. This is life development that leaves behind human behaviour which is connected with the exoteric existence of the human.

… …
In relation to the use of the terms exoteric and esoteric, one reference for esoteric states “intelligible only to those with special knowledge”[3]. The word esoteric is frequently used to describe information that is not generally understood and/or is not based on provable Earth-bound facts/data or material ‘truths’. Basically this word refers to the ‘hidden’ meaning in something, and it is a word that is often used to refer to ideas or events that do not seem to align with the ‘normal’ understanding of life: situations that seem to disconnected from material or Earth-bound living or mysterious and out-of-reach of normal (or average) human comprehension. The subject of esoteric or special, ‘hidden’ knowledge, how it relates to life on Earth and its part in the human condition, can become an area of great interest for some humans.
Humans relate to various forms of matter, which they can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Contemporary humans are usually educated in practices which develop their ability to use their thought processes to work in, what could be considered by many people, intelligent and useful ways. We can consider that two main components of the human condition are the body/physical and the mind/mental, and that these components are commonly recognized, that is, un-‘hidden’ to humans. However, underlying all that exists in the human and other types of matter on Earth is a component that can be considered ‘hidden’: a component called energy. I prefer to call this energy component, a much less recognized element of life which pervades all forms of life on Earth, spirit, and by co-joining this component with the earlier ones of body and mind, the idea of body, mind, and spirit forms. However, this is not to be confused with the concept of ‘body, mind, and soul’, a ‘new age’ term that is often used in contemporary Western culture. As modern humans, we can accept that we have a body to work with, a mind to work with, and that an energy component, which is fundamental to humans being alive, exists, but it is the understanding of the energy component of Soul upon which this thesis has been developed. Soul, in this thesis, is an additional factor involved in the human condition and human development that is not yet readily understood by many people.
The great religions of the world already give similar hints in various ways. In the Christian religion, the trinity of ‘the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost’ is referred to: a different wording of the same principle as discussed above. Taking into consideration how the origin and meaning of an English word may be debated, ‘holy’ to 'belonging to God, sacred, divine' [4] and ‘ghost’ refers to 'spirit, soul, shadow, image' [5]. The word ‘holy’ also sounds similar to ‘whole’, which relates to how a connection to Soul is proposed to enable human development to become a more balanced physical, mental/emotional physical function in our Earth-life. Humans become ‘whole’ for their Soul Purpose fulfilment in life as the Soul, the connecting agent, works towards the attainment of many humanitarianly purposeful lives. Many varied tasks become stimulated as individuals become stimulated to develop some major activity of their own over many years of life or some minimal task over shorter periods of time.
… …
To examine this concept more, spirit is the
· underlying energy component within everything. Even though humans cannot see it, it has been recognised within matter, and we know that it affects the material plane of life. It is something that exists in all that happens around us, such as, in the air we breathe, in the rays of the Sun, and within material matter. All matter on Earth incorporates energy, or spirit, within.
· basic energy, or life-force factor that is easily recognised as ‘aliveness’. The spirit at work within, which grows and moves matter.
All that exists within the human’s world has a relationship to this energy factor in some way.
Thus I propose that spirit and life-force are both the same, working as the basic energy that is required for things to be able to manifest. Looking at the bigger picture of energy expression, the planet Earth is only part of a Universe that is composed of the same energy, leading to the concept of Universal Spirit/ creative Universal Energy, or Universal Divine force.
… …
We have the human body:
· which is a form of matter that has an energy component within it. Scientists consider matter to be energy in its densest form: the physical Earth plane is typical of the dense type of matter which exists universally.
And we have the human mind:
· which is a medium of energy use. But mind is non-physical and intangible. Humans understand that there are ‘mental processes’ that allow humans to think and rationalize data and that this ability is connected with the ‘use of the mind’ of humans. This process is also driven by the same underlying energy force, or spirit, that is within all else. However, this is where the Ageless Wisdom understanding acknowledges that there is something more happening in the human mind than the ability to think about or rationalize information. The premise is proposed of a ‘mysterious’ use of the human mind which works, using the same life-force energy, or spirit, to influence the human mind towards enacting out a distinctive role in the workings of humanity.
Then there is Soul:
· This is a word which has been used by humans for many years to describe something within the human that is considered to be of an untouchable and very personal nature. In this thesis, I support A.A.B.’s teachings, which recognizes a use of energy within the human, known as Soul, that works as a linking agent or mediator between the original energy source and development in human life. This energy of Soul, linking into the Earth-realm through the human’s mind ability to register ideas, influences human thinking towards decision-making which supports particular outcomes. Outcomes which are required to achieve humanitarian development that improve the quality of life for all on Earth. As this linking occurs, humans gain a sense of their role in life: their Soul Purpose.
… …
Twentieth century development involved a huge increase in the study and research of human behaviour. During the first part of the twentieth century, Western clinical psychologists reported on their clinical experiences[6]. Amounts of information offered by Westerners who referenced Eastern philosophy teaching increased greatly by the end of the twentieth century. Roberto Assagioli was an early twentieth century medical practitioner who proposed the concept of ‘psychosynthesis’[7], which related to the development of the human’s ‘superconscious’. He proposed the concept of the spiritual self, and the gaining of an awareness that consisted of ‘higher than average’ values as part of this development[8]. These descriptions are pertinent to the exoteric and esoteric ways of living life as proposed in this thesis. The following diagram is an image he formulated to describe human consciousness.
Figure 1[9].

This supports this thesis’s proposition that once a human’s mind links with the area of ‘superconscious’, a mediating energy connects with mind to enable a particular stimuli to be recognized by the human mind. Potentially each human has access to relevant ideas and information from the area of the superconscious once their mind increases its ability to connect with this part of their energy system. Via a connection to the superconscious, the human psyche accesses a stimulus from a Universal source, which then enables the development of their Soul Purpose activity. In A.A.B.’s teachings, the mediating energy, which facilitates this connection, is called Soul.
A human has a physical body and a mind, which allows a connection to the Soul-mind. As the energy form of Soul, the energetic connection to the Universal source, connects humans through their minds to thoughts and actions connected with their Soul Purpose. Soul thus serves the purpose of relaying the required information to the human mind when the time is ‘right’, and it becomes a matter of humans recognizing the thoughts and actions that are associated with ‘Soul transmitted ideas’ when this occurs.
Thus the underlying esoteric principle presented in this thesis deals with the three human elements of body, mind and Soul. This thesis draws attention to how these three components of the human system can work together in someone’s life to enable them to develop a particular Earth-life existence that facilitates the fulfilment of some personal requirement, or quest, which was the reason for the creation of their human form. Soul, as the mediating energy between the Creative mind and the human mind, is a direct link which allows a human mind to register the appropriate ideas for their Soul Purpose. As A.A.B. describes
“You, the personal self, and the Angel, the divine Self, are one essential Reality, manifesting through three aspects. You are, therefore, a reflection of the Trinity of Deity.”[10]
… …
Although I am not sure what determines when individuals are likely to become attuned to the mediating energy of the Soul (which has nothing to do with the human concept of emotion) for the achievement of their quest, but when people are functioning with an obvious impact of Soul influence in their life, this can be recognised by the direction in which their personal interest in life is being influenced. An awareness of the needs of humanity develops, as does an interest in developing knowledge and understandings that will support improvement in society[11]. Soul, by directly linking with the human mind, transmits the spiritual ideals from the Creative Mind to those who are ready to undertake some overt or obvious action in a world-wide manner. An individual then makes use of their physical form capabilities to manifest a required material result. As yet it appears that not all humans are stimulated to achieve such obvious outcomes.
“All that concerns humanity at this time is the necessity for a steadily unfolding conscious response to the evolutionary revelation and gradual apprehension of the Plan which will enable man to
a. Work consciously and intelligently,
b. Realise the relation of form and quality to life,
c. Produce that inner transmutation which will bring into manifestation the fifth kingdom in nature, the Kingdom of Souls.” [12]

Following from the idea that Soul is the mediator between humanity’s original source and the human mind, I propose a comparison between the humans’ ‘ability to think’ and ‘an idea that comes to mind’. As humans, we can reason, a mind ability by which conclusions are drawn from premises. This compares with animals, who can also reason in relation to physical happenings that they personally experience as they work with a memory of past experience. We do not know whether they area able to have ‘abstract’ ideas or thoughts, but I propose they do not have them, and that humans are the only Earth species that are needed to work with such a level of mind.
Comparing the above discussion with the use of the word exoteric in this thesis, the word exoteric is used to describe behaviours and thinking that connect with the actions and ideas of an Earth-bound human. Having aHamind or mental capabilities that are different to humans, animals live at this exoteric level of life. Humans, having a use of mind which is utilized for connecting to Soul input, connect to ideas that only the human is capable of utilizing. Animals do not need this mind ability. They also lack the physical capabilities for utilizing the inventive facets of physical life, and without the mind-use that humans have, humans have been able to become the outright physical controllers of this planet. At the Animal Kingdom level, mind-use belongs to the instinctual level of life on Earth. It is when the energy of mind is used in an instinctual way that the term exoteric applies. It is a level of mind-use which stimulates the sense of survival in both animals and humans.
Another main difference between the human species and the Animal Kingdom is that the human is capable of self-awareness or a consciousness of the personal physical self. Humans are able to recognise their individual separateness from their surrounding environment. Humans can also mentally formulate rational and unemotional ideas, whereas animals are limited to instinctual and/or emotional ways of reacting to situations that threaten their survival. The human mind is capable of abstract thought, an ability to formulate result from their imagination, and the ability to choose what to think or not think about. I argue that animals are not able to think this way.
However, based upon knowledge that I have developed through my work with horses, the Animal Kingdom can be somewhat divorced from their natural instincts by the intervention of human influence upon them. I argue that this is that same with the human, leading to the question of ‘what then intervenes upon us, the human race, causing some individuals to see beyond similar instinctual reactions needed for the survival of human life?’ I propose that it is this energy of Soul this thesis is discussing that is responsible for this.
A.A.B. text proposes that Earth represents the ‘heart’ of our developing Universe: that Earth is where ‘heart’ development is undertaken in the form of the human race. In relation to this A.A.B. argues that
“It is the balance of head and heart that is required, and the intellect must find its complement and expression in and through love. This needs a most careful re-proclaiming. Love and sentiment and devotion are often confused with each other. Pure love is an attribute of the soul and is all-inclusive, and it is in pure love that our relation to God and to each other consists.” [13]
This is the development of an expression of human love which takes the form of Universal Love to encompass a greater depth than the self. The human race has to propagate and meet the instinctual and natural requirements of its basic need in order to survive as a race on Earth. But beyond this is a more powerful driving connective element which is highly significant to the human race alone: the concept of intelligent ‘love’.
Human emotion, commonly associated with the word love, is a powerful driving element within most humans. This emotional form of love appears in varying forms: love for family members, love for partners, love for a hobby, love for friends, love for material things, even love of the Divine. But, in its highest form, the intelligent ‘love’ principle connects with the concept of Universal Love, or ‘love’ of humanity. While the Animal Kingdom is driven by similar attachment drives, with attachments and attractions working as a driving force and influence upon animal-type behaviours, it is only because of the instinct for survival. Intelligent ‘love’, this thesis proposes, is a specific ‘human’ aspect of experience on Earth, which has at some point in human evolution become consciously known to human thinking, still yet to evolve to its highest peak of experience on a collective scale.
“ the truth of the existence of a basic Intelligence to Whom we vaguely give the name of God; the truth that behind all outer seeming, the motivating power of the universe is Love; the truth that a great Individuality came to earth, called by Christians, the Christ, and embodied that love so that we could understand; the truth that both love and intelligence are effects of what is called the Will of God; and finally the self-evident truth that only through humanity itself can the Divine Plan work out.”[14]

So what does all this mean?
Starting with the new-born baby, human comes into material existence on Earth, as a separate individual who is subjected to learning about how to exist at the basic human level of existence as it grows. At the ‘baby’ stage of life, the only mechanism for survival is a series of instinctual actions which include sucking, and crying when it feels discomfort because of feelings of thirst, hunger, or fear, which is to an instinctual response to some threat to survival that all humans and animals have. All young have various types of survival behaviour that comes from having instinctual survival needs met. These ‘actions’ are not due to ‘thoughts’ in the mind, but due to another process that stimulates some appropriate action for their species. The newborn human is driven by this unconscious urge to survive, and use of mind at this stage is not easily recognized. What takes precedent is the inherent human instinct which works to cause children to re-act to situations, drawing attention to their needs.
This is the exoteric situation we are all born into. A situation in which a growing child, from the birth moment onwards, is continually under the influenced by its surrounding environment as it grows, and in this Earth-bound life, it needs to learn how to be able to ‘survive’. While children grow to physical maturity, they are primed and conditioned by the many facets of human life which surround them in their environment. Most of them manage to develop some level of ‘rationally intelligent’ use of mind. However, while an underlying need for survival needs to remain a valid component of human nature for the human race to survive, many physically matured humans remain under the influenced of an instinctual need, and when this need becomes coupled with drives and habits associated with childhood development, this serves to lead to the type of unrest and unhappiness which can be seen in various forms in our current world situation.
With this ‘instinctual’ re-action to life having worked to ensure the survival of humanity, it has been an obvious foundation of much of human development until now. I do not know if it is always going to be this way, and if not, when it will be able to change, but it is this instinctual way of living life that determines the difference between the exoteric and esoteric living of life. Working with the argument that within human nature there is an ability to rise above this instinctual response to life, if the Universal plan is to learn about love, it is only a matter of time until maturing humans will be ‘letting go’ of this instinctual drive to allow a more ‘loving’, ‘holy’, and complete relationship to life to develop for humanity.

2

THE ‘ESOTERIC’ RELATIONSHIP TO LIFE

The twentieth century has passed. With the new twenty-first century comes recognition by astronomers of the Earth’s astronomical re-alignment with the zodiac constellation of Aquarius[15]. During the 1960’s, Hair, the musical stage show, heralded public awareness of this phenomenon in many Western societies. This re-alignment of the Earth is part of a natural phenomenon known as the ‘Precession of the Ages’. This is a cycle of twelve periods of approximately 2,200 years each, known as Great Years, which involve the Earth aligning with the twelve zodiac constellations of the ecliptic. To astrologers, the coming of each ‘new age’ indicates a shift in human consciousness. During the passing Great Year, as the Earth aligned with the constellation of Pisces, a new paradigm in human consciousness had developed based upon the story of a human called Jesus who had been heralded as the Son of God. This story signified the emergence of a new esoteric phenomenon: Christ awareness and its direct connection to the human form.
The departing ‘age’ of Pisces signified human awareness moving away from acknowledging a creative energy in the form of mythological gods. Humans moved towards acknowledging a creative energy in the human form of the human, Jesus. Human form became portrayed as having a direct connection to the creative source called God. In Western society, Jesus, a human, became known as the Son of God who taught the message of love among humans and between all humans. The word Christ, a synonym for ‘creative/God energy’, became attached to his name. While the image of Jesus grew to represent the human’s direct relationship to God, the creator, has the lesson of love for fellow humans been learnt? What does this next ‘new age’ have in store for us?
For astrologers, the zodiac sign of Aquarius is associated with the concept of ‘gathering of knowledge/data’[16]; of knowledge coming into the minds of men’[17]. This current incoming Age of Aquarius follows an era during which a more sensitive and emotional response in life, which is associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces, had been promoted by the humanitarian teachings of Jesus, and in many ways already, the spiritual and material sciences of modern day humanity are demonstrating a greater understanding of Universal energies within Earth’s material forms. As this thesis later argues, with an intellectual awareness of the God within on the increase, is an old paradigm dissolving and making way for a new one?
Looking at what could be Earth-bound indicators of such a shift in human awareness, last century saw a ‘quickening’ of life processes both materially and intellectually. Huge developments concerning expansion in the human physical realm have occurred. Electricity, motorcars, aeroplanes, telephone, television, space travel and the internet have become major material commodities in Western influence societies. Increases in knowledge-getting involve higher levels, and more varied ways, of education, with many ways of accessing information, for example, books, television, computers, long distance travel, cultures mixing and sharing information. At the same time, an easier access to the many world religions has allowed Eastern and Western philosophies to become combined, with psychologists increasingly undertaking to study the human psyche in relation to human inner drives.
In relation to Astrology, astrological data notes that there have always been five planets easily observable from Earth by the naked eye since the beginning of time: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. ‘Suddenly’, that is, during the last 250 years, three ‘new’ planets have been ‘discovered’. The planets of Uranus (1781), Neptune (1846) and Pluto (1930) became ‘seen’ by the human eye during a time of global expansion and as structures in society were changing. Astrologers argue that the discovery of these planets correlate with the significance of Earth’s current times: the great increase in global development that has occurred over recent centuries.
These new planetary sightings had resulted from the invention of more powerful telescopes that assisted human eyes to see further into the ‘outer’ depths of the material universe. Humans have since been able to explore areas that were once unavailable to human sight. Humans have also been drawn to explore areas closer the Earth’s physical surface through microscopes in order to understand more about life on Earth. Increases of knowledge have occurred in practical, material ways - from the further reaches of the skies to deeper within matter on Earth. Scientific investigation about how life on Earth functions have looked at the energy systems of gravity, radiation and magnetism that impact upon Earth, and as various material Earth-bound human limitations were overcome, human ‘sight’ towards the outer reaches of our solar system has grown. There has also been an increase in interest in the study of human and social development in Western society. Consequently, astrologer have heralded as “ambassadors of the Galaxy” [18].
Previously being ‘hidden’ to un-aided human sight, unable to be ‘seen’ by human eye alone, these newly discovered planets could be argued to herald new human ‘sight’ into the esoteric phenomena of life. Astrologers researching Earth trends in relation to when these planets were discovered saw them to be associated with human development on a mass scale. Uranus is seen to represent group revolution, the breaking down of boundaries, changes or upheavals that relate to major shifts in thinking, and people being open to new ideas. Neptune is acknowledged to represent an ability to move through boundaries in a less obvious way than that of Uranus, an increase of sensitivity to the workings of the material world, and the ability to connect with a more sensitive level of existence. Pluto is associated with an ability to see more deeply into what drives action in life, what brings ‘hidden’ issues into conscious awareness, and with recognising where transformations need to happen to improve human life. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are symbols that have astrologically become connected to the future development of humanity. As Earth aligns more strongly with the constellation of Aquarius, can we expect more humans to be breaking free from structures that have previously limited their action in life.
“Through the “influence” of these transcendent forces, a human being experiences great changes in his thought patterns, level of consciousness, lifestyle, and capacity for self-expression”[19]
With these planets being considered as indicators of transcendent qualities that do not relate to the ordinary, or average, human functions of feelings, thought or action, they herald the development of new and unusual ideas, a more idealistic and encompassing sensitivity in the material world, and the ability to develop a deeper understanding of the human behaviour. Astrologers are seeing them as having a relationship to the needed stimulation in individual human consciousness that facilitates increased personal awareness of both inner and outer life functions.
“It is theorized that, as the Age of Aquarius advances, more and more souls will be
influenced by the trans-Saturnians; and these planets will have the effect of starting the soul on a ‘higher spiral’ of development.’[20]*
Pluto’s discovery in 1930 coincided with increasing scientific research into the workings of the human mind. The social science of psychology, which studies the workings of the mind, developed as part of the huge advances of the twentieth century, and human understanding of the use of the mind has increased on a massive scale in the Western world. While Pluto is the furthest planet away from Earth, and relatively small by comparison to other planets, it is considered to represent the workings of the most powerful force within us, the patterning of our psyche. Here I bring attention to a definition of ‘psyche’ as “1. the soul; the spirit. 2. the mind”[21], and relate it to the three elements of Universal Spirit:mind:soul and to the image of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost of Christian religions.
Astrologically Pluto has come to signify the powerful transformation of deep unseen content ‘within’ that leads to betterment of the human. However, at the same time of this deeper ‘plutonic’ human investigation of the psyche, humans learnt how to harness and use ‘atomic’ power, and at no time before in Earth’s documented history has the human race been faced with the prospect of working with such energy. And just as the uncontrolled use of this power, or energy, in human hands has become recognised as having the potential to cause Earth-life transformation in a destructive form, humans have also become aware of how the misuse of human ‘internal’ or subconscious drives can also lead to human destruction[22].
The twentieth century also saw astrological development that has led to astrology becoming increasingly acknowledged as valuable in the areas of human psychological counselling. This supports one of my argument about human life evolution that, as human development proceeds, ‘tools’ are presented to humanity for the people who are ready to work with them. Western astrologers increasingly tapped into new astrological information, using it to understand more about the development of human mind use. A.A.B. was one, and Carl Jung, a mainstream professional psychologist, was another[23].
Astrologically, Pluto represents the need for humans to reach into the inner depths of their psyche, or subconscious, in order to facilitate a transformation of their thinking process. The ‘death’ of some outdated thought pattern, which has prevented growth in life or the birth of a new idea, is symbolised. The Bible story of Jesus, which developed during the Age of Pisces, connects with what Pluto has come to represent in astrology as the Age of Pisces ends: a need for transformation. Moreover, with earlier ‘myths’ having also developed to parallel this concept, this suggests that some fundamental truth is meant to apply to human life on Earth. Along with Dionysus of Greek Mythology and Buddha of Eastern philosophy another, their ‘stories’ relate to the need for a ‘death’, or transformation, of some part of us which then allows something greater to be acknowledged.
The Dionysus myth calls for a connection to natural law in order to allow one to reside alongside the supreme God, his father[24]; and Buddha’s messages was a call for humans to disconnect their mind from Earth-bound thoughts, which stimulate emotionally based destructive behaviour, and develop intelligent-mind thoughts and action in life instead. The story of Jesus reflects the need for some sacrifice: a ‘letting go’, or death, of something so that the human race can ‘be saved’, promoting the ultimate showing of love from one human to another. Why have these stories developed?
For any species to survive, it needs to be able to work with the natural principles that support its existence. Many principles have been received into the minds of humans and presented by various records, for example, the Christian bible. The stories of Dionysus (Bacchus), Buddha, and Jesus are some examples of how humanity, as it develops, receives ideas about how human life is meant to be working. Although Christianity, a religion that developed based upon the teachings of Jesus, has had a strong influence on modern Western cultures, as the Age of Pisces ends, modern Westerners have increasingly become stimulated towards recognizing other ways of acknowledging the human’s spiritual connection to the Universe.
Information about self-power, or the God within, have comes from authors within contemporary Western societies[25] as individual Westerner’s ideas aligned more with the spiritual beliefs of older cultures. These authors signify how many Western individuals are giving greater recognition to a direct link between the human’s Earth-based physical body and spiritual or divine[26] power. Many individuals have promoted the development of a human’s personal connection to a source of power within, signifying a move away from the more impersonal ‘structured and external’ forms of divine worship that have influenced Western societies for centuries.
The concept of birth, followed by development that involves transformation, or death, and then resurrection (the process of revival after decay or misuse) is a powerful message that I argue signifies humanity’s alignment with a creative plan. Basic messages that are associated with the earlier discussed myths are:
· Dionysus - the need to work with Natural Laws
· Buddha - the need to develop the use of an Intelligent Mind
· Jesus - the need to show Universal Love for Fellow Human.
Concepts that connect with the Physical:Mental:Emotional realms of Earthly life.

So where is this all leading us?
Various human groups of interest undertake to investigate and obtain better understandings of the deeper realms of life that deal with human development. They include:
· Professional psychology - current psychological study is about understanding the workings of the human mind, and what mental processes drive human behaviour.
· Esoteric science - just prior to the sighting of Pluto, A.A.B. lectured and produced text[27]on the subject of the unseen energies of life. The Ageless Wisdom Teachings formed the basis of her 24 Blue Books on this subject.
· Astrologically - Pluto’s discovery has been acknowledged as heralding a time of transformation in humanity of deeper, subconscious issues.
· Eastern philosophy - the rituals of meditation, yoga, and tai chi have drawn many Westerner’s attention to the development of mind and emotion control.
· Personal growth - Westerners have become increasingly stimulated to investigate information that increases their understanding of life and sense of personal power.

By the end of the twentieth century, a variety of ‘new age’ gurus had appeared from Western society, verbalizing many forms of connection to self-power and creativity, or the ‘God within’. Much text on the subject has been written and discussed. As the twentieth century drew to a close, the Eastern philosophy of personal connection with Earth’s life ‘force’ had penetrated more easily into Western communities, lessening the attraction of people to religions that talked of an external and separated form of God. With the Age of Aquarius astrologically describing new knowledge coming into human society, following a Great Year of Earth’s alignment with the constellation of Pisces in which a shift in awareness about human connection to God occurred, what is this new knowledge?
Bible myth offers that about 2000 years ago wise men followed a star that was said to portend the birth of a King (baby Jesus). From the story of Jesus, a new understanding of Christ energy developed to become the basis of mainstream Western religion following that time until now. The story of Jesus signifies the human’s close connection to creator energy and this story could be argued to represent that human’s collective recognition of the God within has become one step closer to the idea that the will and mind of God are directly connected with the human race.
As humanity has evolved, paradigms have needed to refocus to incorporate such evolution. As part of this evolution, there have been humans who have been able to receive and pass on new information to influence developments within the human realm. I consider that this is a necessary part of humanity’s ever-increasing evolution of consciousness.
Currently, as new age text of Western authors shows us that components of Eastern spiritual beliefs and practices have filtered into the beliefs of Western culture, at the same time intellectual understandings of human psychology have occurred. There have been many personal growth theories developed, each stemming from an increasing awareness about how the human mind, and therefore life, works. Even local daily newspapers report on yoga and meditation practices now being undertaken by workers during their lunch breaks in order to increase workers’ ability to stay healthy and functional.
Jesus had taught the message of ‘love’ among humans. Jesus became the symbol for unconditional and universal heart love and compassion needed for humans to live together lovingly. Closely preceding Jesus and the Western worship of God in human form, Buddha taught that the rational use of mind would lead people to ‘light’, illumination and wisdom in their daily life undertakings. Both these beliefs systems work to suggest the danger inherent in human action based upon instinctual beliefs or emotions, such as fear, and the need to survive, and these two humans have offered prominent symbolism that is now at work in Western psychology and spiritual philosophy.
As we enter into the twenty-first century, there is a mass of information available to the inquiring mind. This reflects the coming Age of Aquarius as this occurrence aligns with Aquarius astrologically considered to represent knowledge [available] for the thirsty minds of men as a strong influence from the ‘keeper of the records’ comes into place. This Great Year symbolises a potential offering for humanity from ‘the giver of new life’. Astrologically, the planet Uranus, the exoteric planetary ruler of Aquarius, is associated with new and unusual ideas and ‘flashes of insight’ coming into the minds of the human. The increasing and modern worldwide use of computers via the internet connection between humans serves to align with these astrological ideas on a practical Earth-bound level. People who are able to use the internet will be able to take advantage of the areas of knowledge and communication offered by this worldwide networking system. This current development of material sharing of new knowledge is now moving at an extremely increased rate, duly associated with everything that the Aquarian Age can be astrologically understood to represent on the exoteric level.

Literally, ‘life’ awaits our inquiry into the new incoming information.
With the current stimulation for ‘connection’ or 'knowing’ happening, the following examples of change can be seen:
· Local media report upon young adults who are looking for spiritual meaning in areas other than traditional churches in the Western world. This raises questions about the validity of beliefs and practices of current religions of the Western world.
· Media report about the worldwide incidence of drug use being at an all time high. Drugs offer humans a way to ‘leave/move beyond’ the ‘normal’ boundaries of their Earth-bound life.
· Increasingly promoted is the use of relaxation tapes that give listeners an increased sense of freedom from Earth-bound stresses.
· Schools are employing forms of meditation to encourage children to quieten their minds and relate more inwardly in order to enable more self-awareness.

Increasingly, and in different ways, the present day Westerner is being offered more knowledge about practices and experiences, such as meditation and reiki, to allow a connection with a part of self that is ‘hidden’ to be developed. It is when an inner awareness is stimulated that the esoteric life principles can come into play.
Many people (and I am one of these) have undertaken to study principles and practices associated with the development of a spiritual ‘knowing’ or ‘connection’ to something that is not the ‘norm’ for most Westerners at this stage of human development. Such study, based upon principles associated with life’s ‘mysteries’, or the esoteric realm, that is not under the banner of formal structured religions, can help more ‘knowing’ conscious choices in life to be made, having become more in consciously in touch with the ‘inner’ principle within the human. However, a point in one’s life development can also be reached without having intellectual knowledge of any spiritual process or theory. Many individuals choose to undertake a different approach to the ‘normal’ way of living life, recognizing what would be considered valid life principles, without formal study.
Names or concepts that can easily be identified with the stimulation of drives that can are associated with the esoteric realm of development are those that become public or work on a collective scale, for example, the Dali Lama, Mother Teresa, and the United Nations. This is where personal service or a sense of purpose on a humanitarian level is easily recognized. However, many individuals, or concepts that are not so obviously public or humanitarian focused, can still be recognized as doing collective humanitarian work in less obvious or un-spiritual ways[28].
As the Age of Pisces passes, the idea of the son who leaves the Father’s house in order to save (I leave the Father's home and turning back, I save[29], a Pisces mantrum) has been played out by the Jesus myth. Now the Aquarian idea of the coming of new waters, or knowledge, for the minds of the human (Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty men[30], the Aquarian Mantrum.) can be expected to be played out in some form. The Piscean age has represented a time when God energy was acknowledged as being on Earth in human form, represented in the form of Jesus, as the human ‘Son of God’.
To Christians, Jesus became the accepted symbol of a human’s direct connection to God. Another basic symbol used in the Christianity teaching is the triangle principle of the Trinity, that is, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost supports this idea. The third element of this trinity, the Holy Ghost, has been acknowledged as the potent and powerful connection between Father and Son, or between the Universal energy source and matter, which includes our human form. My understanding of Soul fits with this third element's, or Holy Ghost's, purpose: an invisible connection, as a form of energy, which comes into the human mind.
The new astrology[31] coming into human awareness now takes up this idea. It is a form of human analysis that looks at the stages of human development based upon the mind-connection of Soul to the individual human. Astrologically, a new paradigm based upon The Ageless Wisdom Teachings has developed which provides an understanding of the unfolding of a human’s evolution in relation to Soul connection. It connects to a principle of think with heart and love with mind[32], and brings into balance philosophies that have been acknowledged as having been presented to the human race by Buddha and Jesus. The hints are there. It is only a matter of taking notice of them.
Consequently, working with the argument that the incoming flavour of the Age of Aquarius will colour human life in a new way, what is indicated is that this great year will be an era when mind intelligence will be able to work with the emotional sensitivity and empathy called for by Jesus towards others in Western society. This has been the Piscean flavour at work over the past 2000 years. It is now becoming a time where humans are offered knowledge, which will enable them to be more conscious about the use of their minds, along with people being able to be more open to the implementation of ‘right’ action on a collective scale.
I argue that a human’s connection to Soul influence will stimulates the required motivation within them that cause them to undertake a lifestyle based upon esoteric principles. However, first, in order to humbly and courageously live such a life, an individual has to be able to let go of the basic instinctual re-actions they were born with. The human has to be able to understand what these re-actions to life are and then allow a change in some aspect of their life. If the adult stage of life is reached and an individual continues to ‘play’ life’s ‘game’ from the level of an infant’s instinctual and needy life perspective, it is such ‘binding’ Earth-bound stimulations that interfere with a personal connection to Soul, or Soul awareness, and their ability to live with full spiritual stimulus.

The ‘esoterically’ focused human
Many humans are drawn to experiencing a personal connection to the Divinity principle, seeking it for the object of personal fulfilment. This could be considered the goal of a ‘mystic’. The discussion presented in this thesis aligns with the development and goals of an 'esotericist’. The differences between these two types of people can be described as:
an esotericist works with spiritual principles of human growth, being willing to undertake a life that lives out the requirements of these principles in an outward and world focused manner.
a mystic aims to ‘connect to God’ for their own personal development and use, choosing to remain focused upon their personal life improvement without any humanitarian activity flowing from this.

An esotericist is an individual who undertakes work that entails action in some form of group service. Service, which is focused towards producing worldwide distribution of thought or action, which will serve to assist in the betterment of humanity as a whole on some level of collective consciousness. Certain human behaviours, which could prevent a person from being able to work in such a way, have been let go of, and personal happiness, a ‘typically’ human emotion, is not the aim anymore. In fact, the feeling of happiness is not needed anymore. Instead, it is the joy that comes from action once the heart and mind are working harmoniously together, which replaces the emotional highs and lows generally experienced by the ‘average’ human. Such people undertake work that supports others in the quest of gaining their own sense of personal power in life. As an ultimate aim of human development, individuals connecting with their own personal and internal power will enable humanity to live their life without people feeling the need to encroach upon each other or engage in battle to meet any perceived emotional needs, which tend to be based upon fear.
Following A.A.B.’s psychological teachings on the human connection with Soul stimulus, which she describes in her Blue Books, A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology assists people to recognize whether the prevailing conditions of their life are based upon their instinctual and emotional needs. This astrology guides people towards learning about new and less emotional ways of thinking and behaving as it helps them to re-orientate a mental focus of ideas and emotions towards a more wholistically productive way of thinking, thus, living of life. Such development supports any increase of Soul stimulus within a person, and their soul purpose quest in life. Esoteric astrology helps people to re-orientate their thinking and feelings about living life in such a way that future humanity will be able to function in the most healthy way for all people on Earth.

3

WHAT HAS CONSCIOUSNESS TO DO WITH
ESOTERIC DEVELOPMENT?

The term enlightenment relates to the concept of knowing something. It is a term that is commonly associated with the development of spiritual growth in humans. Thus, spiritual enlightenment could be argued to relate to the concept of connecting consciously to the spiritual factor of life: of becoming open to a spiritual consciousness that is in all of us, of becoming spiritually enabled. A dictionary[33] offers various words and ideas for this term, such as educated, aware, raised consciousness, with enlighten, as ‘gives spiritual insight to (a person)’. Seeing the ‘light’ of something suggests having full awareness of something; of having correct knowledge; of seeing the truth of a matter. It would be interesting to know when this word was connected with the development of spiritual awareness in the human.
Many followers of spiritual ideals and practices do hope to find, or gain, enlightenment. But what does it really mean? I argue that behind any spiritual search for enlightenment is a person’s desire to be happy, be released from Earth-pain, and fulfil the need to feel connected to something greater than their individual self. Just as the concept of love has different connotations to different people, so can the concept of enlightenment.
As all humans grow, our individual thinking processes are opened up to new ideas in relation to the functions of our daily life. There are many moments when we can ‘see the light’ about a subject, without the recognition of it having any attachment to a more spiritual purpose at that time. I do not know what determines whether an individual is to live a totally focused exoteric life compared with another who links to the esoteric Path, but I suggest that the more that someone undertakes to tap into ‘truths’ about basic life matters in an area of interest to them, the more chance they have of connecting to the ‘greater’ truths of life as the years pass. Is it a querying mind or a searching mind that allows a person to connect with more ideas about life? In addition, what determines such inner drive to undertake such searches? I have some ideas at this stage of my learning, but am I still really only guessing.
In the life of the ‘average’ human, consciousness focuses very much on daily instinctual, survival issues. Some people will expand their boundaries of life experience towards a particular material study or activity that is not connected with those ‘normal’ daily survival needs. Many people will be drawn towards the realm of a spiritual following. Some will be drawn to a mixture of both.
Consciousness is a process of being aware. Scientists have worked out that the human has various states of consciousness. They include being unconscious; having a sub-conscious; being conscious in the present moment; being elsewhere in consciousness, such as daydreaming or reflecting over the past; being self-conscious, or even being void of self-consciousness. Most spiritual studies encourage the leaving of the ‘consciousness of the moment’ state, to then focus awareness inwardly, either on their personal self or upon a particular idea that may comes to mind during this process. It is when the mind is ‘quiet’, or reflecting inwardly, that mind’s awareness can become attuned to another level of consciousness that has been called the ‘super-consciousness’.
In Psychosynthesis[34], Roberto Assagioli presents ideas that link with the ones I present. His work offers a fairly comprehensive overview of the human’s ability to be influenced both towards developing a more self-conscious state of the ‘mind’ and to experiencing an inner stimulation towards spiritual development, which many people do experience at some time in their life. Presentations of similar ideas that touch on human stimulus from within are also presented in texts like The Five Stages of the Soul[35]. In many esoteric teachings the concept of a higher consciousness (Assagioli refers to this as the superconscious) to which the human energy system is connected (refer Diagram 1, p. 8) is involved. Depending upon the evolution of each individual, having an awareness or consciousness of such development may, or may not, be happening. Whether Soul is considered this Higher or Super Consciousness is an individual choice, but A.A.B. proposes that Soul-work is a function that uses a human’s energy system
As a baby develops and notices its surrounds it becomes increasingly aware or conscious of its surrounding environment. This happens in all species - the growing ‘baby’ develops to ‘see’ the ‘out there’ happenings in their immediate physical surroundings. However, usually, as times passes, most humans develop a consciousness of their personal physical self, their personal relationship to its environment, and their personal actions within this environment. At some point in time, human consciousness is also able to register the perceptions that are not connected with the external material environment, such as internal body sensations, ‘emotional’ feelings, and thoughts of the mind. Beyond these two areas of consciousness, an increased level of awareness allows perceptions to link with intuitive and psychic abilities; states of awareness that are generally considered to belong to a ‘deeper’ area within us. This aspect of a deeper ‘inner’ realm parallels with the idea of the esoteric realm, that is, an area that is ‘hidden’ and difficult to know about. Such a realm within the human is much easier to be recognised and understand once it haves been experienced. We do not know if other animal species experience similar, but it is the human’s ability to register and recognise on this level of inner awareness that allows humans to become aware of a connection with Soul when it happens.
The aim of most spiritual teachings is to give recognition to an energy that is not bound by material structures and various labels have been given to this energy, for example, Divine Essence, the Super-conscious, God, or Universal energy, as well as spirit. While this energy belongs to a source that is beyond the human realm, it is becoming increasingly acknowledged to pervade all in human realm. If the Earth’s material existence is said to be the ‘densest’ form of this energy, this energy, or spirit, in matter means that matter has a direct connection with its creative source via this energy. However, just as man-made electricity can only be available for human use via a system of moderation, which acts as a conditioner so that electrical power can be used safely in our material homes, this thesis supports A.A.B.’s argument that Soul acts as a similar moderating force for the energy that passes into our physical body from our creative source
A.A.B.’s esoteric work presents that, as part of the human condition, the human‘s physical body and its mental processes are receivers of this energy. More Westerners are acknowledging that it is the human’s chakra system that works as the linking medium for energy which ‘works’ the human’s physical body. However, it is the abstract mind component of the human’s mental system that acts as the mechanism for receiving the Creative Mind energy, which is moderated by the Soul energy component of the human. This describes how humans work with their creative energy source to undertake action in the world. Then it is a human’s ‘mental’ openness that allows the human to be receptive to the ‘inner’ development that frees them up from Earth’s material limitations. However, whether or not humans develop personal consciousness of this esoteric process, activity that is required for life on Earth still continues.
The A.A.B. teachings propose that this human connection through the energy called Soul is in charge of specific information that each individual human receives for their own personal and special role of Soul Purpose in life. Thus, with Soul deemed as an element for the moderation and distribution of energy coming to the human mind from the Creative Source, or the Creative Mind, humans become stimulated to follow ideas in their mind that they feel are ‘right’ and/or important. However, while the all human ‘instruments’ are ‘open’ to receiving Soul input, it is only once the human is able to become free from ‘normal’ Earthly limitations that the messages intended for greater Soul Purpose tasks are received. Having ‘opened up’ to receiving such an inflow of information, and having been stimulated to undertake work towards positive human development, the term Soul-infused can then be applied to a person. This term indicates that Divine energy has pervaded an individual’s realm to the point where they using their human form to undertake work that is necessary for further evolution of the human race.
I compare this influence of the Creative Mind to the concept of an ‘ant farm’, where humans place a colony of ants in a container to be then left to ‘do their thing’ for the purpose of some interested human who then watches them. Humans have been ‘placed’ on Earth, developing on Earth as a species that for centuries has been evolving new ways of living life on Earth. Humans, who are not really at the mercy of any other species here on Earth, have been busy working on manipulating and forming physical structures on Earth since ‘cave man’ days. This begs the question of what may be watching humans as they do their work.
Everything in the environment can be put to use by the human in ways not considered ‘natural’, that is, not under the influenced of human activity. Something greater than the human does not physically exist on this planet, and we appear to have ‘power’ and ‘freedom’ to impact our ways upon this planet. Contemporary inventiveness of the human has never been known to be of greater output, with the rate at which it is happening being an incredibly fast by comparison with earlier times. With this escalation in development of both humanity as a whole and individuals at the personal level, the question of why such an increase of information and thus stimulus is now coming from Soul into human consciousness is raised by this thesis’ debate.
This thesis argues that the coming of ideas into human minds is the main focus of Soul function. There have been references in ‘new age’ teachings to the human body being the ‘house of the Soul’, and if Soul-work cannot be done without the human body, then human physical bodies need certain abilities required for Soul-work. If humans are required to play out some part of a Plan for the Creative Source, then humans are no better than ‘puppets on strings’ doing work to ensure humanity’s evolution towards some creative goal.
Giving credibility to these ideas, this thesis presents them because of my personal recognition of the ideology laid down in A.A.B. teachings about life motivations, influences, ideas, driving forces and awareness, having experience similar during my earlier years of growth. These ideas align with my personal experiences, and with the other peoples’ experiences that I have come across during my research on the topic of spiritual development. Information such as this suggests the reality that there is ‘something’ working on humans to cause them to search for understandings about life and/or seek connection to more a more profound element of life.
.

4

HOW DOES ASTROLOGY FIT INTO THE BIG PICTURE OF LIFE?

The study of ‘stars’ originated many centuries ago. As humans developed on Earth, they gained an awareness of how environmental factors affected their daily life needs and actions. A correlation between the movement of day (the Sun) and night (the Moon and planets) symbols and happenings on Earth was recognised. These early observations of the sky’s symbols led to a more in-depth study of the ‘stars’ now known as Astrology. Centuries of astrological observation and practise have led to a contemporary ‘depth’ of use of astrology, which has been found significant for many people on a worldwide scale, including of leaders of nations.
Just as the astronomical study of the stars informs humanity that the ‘new age’ of Aquarius is dawning upon humanity, astrology’s exoteric mantrum for Aquarius, ‘Let desire in form be ruler’[36], informs the human race with a message about inner desire within humans coming more into focus in relation to what rules the human on Earth. Working with esoteric astrology’s mantrum for Aquarius, ‘Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty men’[37], ‘water’ in this mantrum is considered by astrologers to symbolize a flow of universal energy that comes into the human body so that human life can exist. Aquarius is an air sign, which is seen to relate to the mind’s thinking process, and it is also a group sign, which connects with the symbolism of new ideas that come into the human’s realm. The potential for humanity from these clues is that humanity’s future development will involve humans having an increased access to knowledge, with humanity’s internal drives and impulses becoming stimulated at both the mind and the desire level. From an esoteric perspective, these clues work to portend a period for humanity when the human mind will undergo an increased influence of mind stimulus coming from the divine mind via the intermediatory force that this thesis calls Soul.
Symbology associated with the passing Age of Pisces gives clues about an increase in the development of human sensitivity. Human awareness of humans’ personal connection to its creative source was stimulated during this period, as was the idea of humanitarian ‘love’. The image of God in ‘human likeness’ and human ‘love’ for our fellow humans could be argued to be part of humanity’s preparation for an increased connection with its creative energy source that is coming into action during the Age of Aquarius.
The exoteric mantrum of Pisces, ‘Go forth into matter’[38], hints of ‘something’ that is to be expressed in form on Earth. The Piscean era saw the human recognition of God in human form develop. Two humans, Buddha and Jesus Christ, heralded this era. They became human idols for a large percent of humanity. Buddha taught the use of intelligent mind and Jesus taught about love based upon heart-felt connection instead of human emotion. A strong message for the Western came from the story of Jesus: love for fellow humans and the sacrifice of some aspect of the human so that humanity can be saved. This era was the start of humans acknowledging God’s intimate connection to human form. Jesus became know as the son of God. Having been born of a human, Jesus became symbolic of the human’s close connection to God. This age heralded the human’s development of awareness about the individual human’s direct connection to their creative source.
Jesus’ story tells of Gods requirement of a personal human sacrifice on a Cross in order to save humanity. In prior times, the idea of sacrificing flesh to appease the Gods had been acknowledged mainly by the use of animals. The use of animal sacrifice could symbolize that it the ‘animal’ part of the human’s Earthly habitual life that is required to be sacrificed in order to appease God, or serve the plan of creation on Earth. As the ‘new age’ of Aquarius comes into human focus, a sacrifice, or ‘letting go’, of human animal or instinctual need will allow an increase in human Personalities who have become stimulated towards serving mass-scale, or global, humanitarian development in new ways as a new mind stimulus of the human occurs.
While Jesus’ personal story did not continue in any well-known form after his time on the Cross death, his job as a human on Earth had been done. The story of his life has been part of the preparation for humanities next stage of evolution, which was not ready to be known by the mind of humanity at that time. As information is now offered, such as the work of A.A.B., more understanding becomes available to enable humans to learn more about the next part of the human’s journey on Earth.
With the ending of the Age of Pisces, humanity potentially enters into a new stage of development during which the human’s use of mind will result in a greater use of creative personal power that will be available to support the mental and physical activities of human life. During the recently passed centuries, a worldwide expansion of population and an increasing ease of connection between all areas on Earth has greatly increased. Astrologers recognize that the qualities and activities associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius have been stimulated. On the material level, the major examples of the computer, the internet, and an increased mixing of people and their cultures, or groups of people, have had a significant impact on the sharing of new information between humans. The Piscean stimulus of love consciousness within the human becomes a most needed quality as humans become more knowledgeable, both materially and intellectually, about the world around them so that human friendly ‘new ways’ of seeing the life on Earth can evolve.
Prior to the Piscean era, Earth’s alignment was with the constellation of Aries. Aries astrological exoteric mantram is ‘Let form again be sought”[39]. With humanity being prepared by each passing age for the next stage of its development in the plan of creation, Arian symbology describes the incoming of a new energy into the Earth’s system. Pisces’ exoteric mantrum, ‘Go forth into matter’, gives the message that new energy was to come into human form. The Piscean era has giving humanity a religion that recognizes Jesus as a human form directly connected to the creative force called God. This time also saw the development of the trinity symbolism of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, which has become part of religious symbolism in Western society.
Entering into this new era of Aquarius will potentially allow humans an increased awareness of the underlying spiritual quality that is involved in the human realm. Potentially this will work to allow an increasing numbers of humans to undertake creative roles of spiritual purpose. The exoteric mantram of Aquarius, ‘Let desire in form be ruler’[40], suggests that the desire of Soul within us is going to be more easily recognized by the human in the future. Having been already stimulated to investigate more about the creative essence within life, and present their findings, many new age writers have already documented their personal experiences and spiritual ideas. New ideology in Western society is starting to form as a basis for the ongoing years of Soul development in the human race as the ‘age’ of Aquarius unfolds. Once Soul presence within the human, as presented in this thesis, becomes understood and accepted by humanity, humans will accepted the human component of Soul as being a valuable influence upon human life.
Astrology has always aligned with mental and material ‘advances’ which have happened on Earth. As both a science and an ancient art, astrology has been evolving for centuries. Many groups of people in humanity, as well as individual humans, have relatively recently experienced new levels of awareness about their part in life, which, to astrologers, is clearly associated with coming of new age. As a science, astrology is studied and examined so that new methodology and skills can be put into practice, and the development of A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology is an example of how astrology evolves to parallel humanity’s growth.
A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology deals with the human’s development of soul drive. This thesis suggests that once a human gains certain strengths and qualities, the human is ready to ‘connect’ to the esoteric knowledge, or ideas, coming from Soul, so that action that is then esoterically called Soul’s Purpose, can become active in life. I believe we first have to experience the exoteric aspect of life, become grounded in Earth happenings, and become consciously aware of our own personal self and it abilities. This suggests that there is a need for the human Personality to be able to develop certain strengths or qualities that will support an individual’s survival in the ‘human jungle’ of life.
A.A.B. emphasizes the need for an individual to develop their Personality equipment. As a human puts their talents and abilities to work for an esoteric result, this equipment supports them in their daily functioning of life. My personal experience of working with A.A.B.’s astrology has shown that a natal horoscope provides the ideal map for examining the development of a client's Personality equipment when counselling them. A.A.B. texts, Esoteric Psychology I and II, specifically deal with a required understanding of the psychological development of the human so that an individual’s underlying esoteric component can be understood and developed. These texts set out an understanding of the interplay between incoming Soul energy and an already functioning human energy.
Although a human does not need to have conscious recognition of the concept of Soul connection, there has to be a stimulation of a consciousness that activates and guides a person towards undertaking action to become involved in some form of humanitarian work or group service. It appears that it is only the humans who intend to use this information for helping others humans to make clear life choices that need to have a conscious understanding of A.A.B.’s esoteric paradigm. A personal study of this paradigm also assists an individual’s personal development and Soul Purpose understanding.
Not all humans will need this type of help to develop their activity in life to the level of a humanitarian world server. Nor does a human have to consciously know or study esoteric principles to live by them. However, many people who are drawn towards the esoteric type of behaviour in life that this paradigm describes will have in some sense, become attuned to a ‘higher vibration of energy’, or a ‘sense difference’, which has led them away from earlier personal self desires to focus on the needs of a humanitarian larger picture instead. Some of these people will have taken steps to expand their knowledge about life. A.A.B.’s work acknowledges this sense.
For humans to undergo a change in life based upon personal choice, new awareness has to first come to mind. When comparing the development of awareness in human to that of animals, it seems obvious that the human species has developed an ability to connect to new ideas, which have led to greater choices in life than animals currently have. Such ideas, having come into human mind, help guide such change.
When a human is open to experiencing new things, a new ‘sense’ of feeling, or thoughts, or action can occur. If humans reflect back to a previous time in their life and remember what was ‘known’ to them at that a time, remembering how they viewed the world, by comparing it to the present time it is usually obvious that their consciousness, or their awareness of life, had undergone change. This thesis has presented two ‘states’ of consciousness that focus on living life, or relate to a way of being in life (the exoteric and esoteric). These two different states of consciousness or awareness can apply to any human.
While I am not clear about what determines a human’s ability to attune their consciousness to esoteric awareness, I do surmise that worldwide recognition of the Soul component within the human is to become an important part of human development during the coming Age of Aquarius.

5

A BASIC ESOTERIC PRINCIPLE
PRESENTED IN THIS WORK

Humans, like all animal species, are born with natural instinctual survival responses. However, as human development has shown, human mental intelligence and awareness has the potential to develop to a considerably ‘greater’ level than that of other animal species. Consequently, one of this thesis’s premises is that humans are not meant to be living life in the same way that other ‘animals’ do. Similar to other animal species, growing humans are conditioned by ‘species-world’ influences in their environment as they grow into adults, with thinking patterns and talents varying between individuals as they grow into the adult stage of life. Individual members of each species have specific innate behaviour traits that cause them to play out particular roles in their environment for the ‘survival of the species’.
However, humans have the ability develop action in life in more varied ways than other animal species are capable of, and, as current global development indicates, on a much larger scale. This thesis argues that such human activity of is a consequence of the human’s awareness ability of the process of life compared to that of other animal species. Humans are also able to develop a consciousness of mind and action that supports a level thinking necessary for spiritual purpose of life: one that is unemotionally focused and more than being just concerned with the survival of the species.
While the childhood instinctual stage of a human’s development, as with other species, works as a major ‘karmic’[41] influence on the maturity of an individual, for the human it is also an important developmental stage for the future of humanity. With the Soul Purpose of the human being one main premise that underlies this thesis, this thesis argues that individual humans have to learn to work positively with their early conditioning before a level of maturity can be reached that supports the development of an individual’s humanitarian focused Soul Purpose. A.A.B. argues that it is the negative ‘childhood’ habits conditioned by early life development that forms a foundation for future life development, and which acts as a restrictive influence upon a maturing human’s realisation of an humanitarian expression of Soul Purpose. By recognising emotional conditioning and habits, negative influences that come from within can be transformed, which allows humans to reach the potential needed for greater Soul Purpose action in life. However, in some form, early emotional conditioning and habits do form part of the learning upon which the potential of any future Soul Purpose rests.
The stages of development of the human’s emotional and mental abilities are dealt with in more detail in A.A.B.’s Esoteric Psychology I and II. Discussed here are problems commonly associated with the development of the human apparatus for its use for the spiritual goal. Psychological development stages of a human’s Personality are:
1. The stage of Appropriation - Soul consciousness is stimulated to appear, as attention is brought to a process of action.
2. The stage of Aspiration - where the desire of the Soul appears, as a consciousness comes to the mind of an individual.
3. The stage of Approach - where connection to Soul is recognized.
4. The stage of Appearance - where necessary life events of the developing individual are experienced.
5. The stage of Activity - where actions are taken, leading to the development of the Personality.
6. The stage of Ambition - where full emergence of Soul Purpose is experienced[42].

The astrological description of the Three Stages of Human Development described in the second part of this thesis helps to define and explain traits, skills and qualities of behaviour that are involved in these six stages of development. The above stages apply once the required influence from Soul occurs.
This spiritual intervention upon the human species for the purpose of spiritual endeavour is similar to the human’s control of the less evolved animal species. Human endeavour does have a big influence upon determining and influencing the survival of other species as the human undertakes to control them in various ways and at various times. My work with horses requires this animal to take responsibility, to submit to control, consequently gaining new awareness as they learn to connect with a human’s physical messages. The human learns the same qualities and activity when working under the direct influence of Soul. However, while humans communicate with horses via the horse’s physically ability to see and feel, as well as hear, human communication with Soul is not a physical aspect of life, but a subtle influence of Soul energy as ideas come into mind.
A.A.B.’s text incorporates esoteric psychological understanding with astrology as a way of understanding how developed a human’s Personality is at any stage of life. This combination of sciences allows humans to recognize whether or not Soul connection or Soul-infusion is occurring. As a developing Personality needs to integrate the physical, emotional and mental aspects of their character in a way that supports a spiritual life Path, esoteric astrology is able to give clues to recognise and assist this integration. Such assistance helps a developing Personality to work more easily under Soul influence as a human registers this subtle influence.
As the esoteric astrologer examines and discusses a horoscope with a client, information gathered helps determine the level of development that a client is working with in life at that time. Discussion helps determine how much the client is registering with Soul influence. Discussion also gives clear indication to the client about life areas to be worked on to either release negative blocks in their life or developing Personality attributes and talents that are indicated by the horoscope for use in the mature stage of life. The natal horoscope indicates an individual’s specific drives and tasks, which they are required to develop in their life. Esoteric astrology allows humans to recognize that they have choices about the use of their inherent personal human traits and qualities.
Working with an understanding of the esoteric laws or principles presented in A.A.B.’s text gives insight as to whether an individual is becoming ‘attuned’ to the vibration of Soul and working with Spiritual laws:
Certain definite laws govern the life of the disciple. They are the same laws that control all life. The difference consists in the partial realization—on the part of the disciple—of the purpose of those laws, their raison d'etre, and their conscious judicious application to the circumstances met in daily living. By conformance to the law is the personal life transmuted[43].
Of these laws, six give us the key to the entire psychological problem of every human:
1. The Law of Sacrifice
2. The Law of Magnetic Impulse
3. The Law of Service
4. The Law of Repulse
5. The Law of Group Progress
6. The Law of Expansive Response
Seven laws concern the form side of life. These laws work to produce the evolutionary unfoldment of the human. These seven laws are seen as the
“basis of all true psychological understanding and, when their influence is better grasped, man will arrive at real self-knowledge. He will then be ready for the fourth initiation which releases him from all further need for rebirth.”[44]
The exoteric stage of growth has to be experienced first because an individual has to learn to live life on the Earth-stage and develop groundedness in the practical daily living of life, being able to implement the routine of daily activity with relative ease. The child has to grow, with the early exoteric instinctual state having to give way to a growth of awareness that then allows the esoteric principles life to apply. Relevant psychological development occurs to allow Personality tasks to be undertaken as a Soul-infused Personality develops.

6

CONCLUSION

A.A.B.’s text, Esoteric Astrology, offers to us a part of the jigsaw puzzle of life that was not available before this last century. The development of Soul influence upon humanity, as presented by A.A.B., correlates with the developing the Soul element within each of us. In the latter half of the twentieth century, much has been written and presented to the Western world that will potentially opens doors to new understandings about the experience of Soul-realization. Such offerings relate to the call from within, which most humans experience at some time during their life, assisting the humans’ apparent increasing need for information as minds and lives expand toward undertaking greater tasks in the world.
With the opportunity of a new ‘Aquarian’ awareness entering the Western collective mind¸ does this correlate with the often referred to ‘proclamation’ of the ‘second coming of Christ’. The religion of Christianity, based upon the concept of Christ, or God energy, in the human developed following the birth of the human, Jesus. The story of Jesus represent a God energy that was not separate from the human, and the term ‘the first coming of Christ’ applied to the advent of His story. This story represented Divine energy coming in human form, presenting this concept into the human mind during the Age of Pisces. Reportedly born at time when the Age of Pisces had begun, Jesus’ story exampled the human’s direct link to God, or divine intelligence. He symbolised an individual and personal connection to divine power or intelligence. The Pisces era thus worked as a transition period, heralding human consciousness becoming more open to the concept of a direct personal connection to our creative source.
With the incoming Age of Aquarius, the Aquarian symbolism of ‘human groups’ is already being played out in the way of an increased connection between groups of human, which has currently become an important factor in life on Earth. The esoteric mantram of Aquarius, Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty men[45], works to signify, at this time of modern global development, which is heralding a massive increase in human and cultural interconnection, that new knowledge will be available for humans who are open to, or who are actively seeking, change in the way that humans generally see or live life on Earth. The water symbolism works to suggest that some new form of basic and necessary energy in relation to life being offered to humanity during this new age. In astrology, water is associated with emotions and sensitivity to feeling, and for humanity to live harmoniously together it could be argued that the average human’s current way of loving ‘others’ on Earth needs to change.
Following the Piscean era’s development of new human awareness, the Aquarian age’s symbolism of ‘groups of human’ suggests that the increased connection between groups of humans, which has relatively recently occurred, is heralding a massive increase in human interconnection that will allow knowledge to be shared between all humans and be available for humans who are open to new insights that will come from the learning of new information. The water symbolism involved in astrology’s symbolism for Aquarius works to suggest that some form of basic and very necessary knowledge, which relates to life, will be offered to humanity which will serve to support the evolution of humans as a world group.
Thus the ‘modern’ world’s global expansion represents an expansion of the human mind. Human technology has allowed a current increased level of communication between humans on a worldwide scale at the press of a telephone or a computer button, along with humans now able to tap into massive amounts of new information in similar ways, that is, via radio and television. The current influx of Eastern teaching in modern Western cultures, or access to these teachings in other ways, has helped promote humans’ ‘inner’ development and the formation of new views of life. Media reports about new developments that relate to the human’s understanding of Earth/exoteric and spiritual/esoteric matters are many. The sharing of this information between humans helps open up human minds to understand more about the workings of the human in relation to a spiritual consciousness that will support humanity’s future evolution.
This coming era heralds a time when the Christ consciousness that was attributed to Jesus as the ‘one among many’, is able to become the consciousness of all humans. Where:
- Christ energy becomes personally recognized and connected to
- a collective recognition of Divine Intelligence is achieved within us all, which allows a Christ Consciousness to work on a collective scale
- the ability for humans to undergo a needed Personality transformation is facilitated; the same transformation that Jesus’ death on the Cross symbolized
- each human, recognizing a need to overcome his or her personal infantile instinctual Earth-bound reactions to life, can become a similar form of World Saviour that Jesus represented.
It is easy to see, by the volume of personal growth texts in mainstream and New Age bookstores, that last century’s developments have increased the search of many Western individuals towards the God within. As shown by the many minds that have sought such awareness, the human's stimulation towards the awareness of an internal energy has occurred. An importance of mind awareness is highlighted by the new Age of Aquarius’ symbology.
A corresponding transformation of astrological understanding has also been necessary. Astrology has changed from a sole concern about material and emotional outcomes of life to a concern of outcomes in life in relation to Soul. This science has evolved to parallel humankind’s mental understanding of their Universe. Originally linked to external events, then developing to recognize and describing human behaviour, it now provides information available for a human’s development of Soul purpose in life. This gradual and progressive development has parallelled human development on Earth as individual humans offered insights about this science.
Abilities have been given to humanity in order for the divine plan of life, that is, the higher spiritual purpose, to be achieved, whatever that may be. Most humans have the power to question the events that happen around them. This is how the human race has evolved from the once solely ‘instinctual’ animal-type state of life to the current materially ‘progressive’ state of human-type life.
As new eras evolve, new knowledge has become available to human minds. Everything humans ‘know’ has come about because of the receptivity of human mind. This is how Soul, or that ‘special’ inner voice, which has the ability to connect to the mind of the human, is able to filter down relevant messages and information when the time for the human to receive such has come. Then the next step in human evolution is taken.
The Soul’s job is the transmission of relevant information to the minds of humans for the evolution of the Human Race. With the human’s use of mind enabling them to question life, and then be open for answers, this is how the Plan for the human proceeds. Soul, as the direct link between human existence and our creative source, is the energy that connects to human mind, working to guide human existence on Earth when the messages are ready to be ‘heard’. To become joyful in life, individuals need to link with the spiritual energy of Soul, the higher mind element of the human mind, and be ready to join with their own personal purpose of life.
One aim of human life, via the human’s innate ability to question, may be the uncovering of ‘hidden’ truth that lies behind the big picture role of Earth in its galaxy, which itself is within the context of a greater Cosmos (Constellations, Fixed Stars and Solar Systems). The tool of astrology offers a valuable mixture of symbols that help to guide human questioning along the way.

7

SUMMARY

As part of last century’s acceleration of investigation into the human psyche, human mind-use has become more observed and scrutinised. In different areas of human life, psychological counselling is being employed on a much larger scale than ever before to improve human coping skills. Such counselling enables humans to develop a greater level of personal power in life at a time when a huge range of perceived difficulties, which are associated with Earth’s recent worldwide material and collective development, seem to exist. A growth of interest in Western societies in the Art of Meditation, the art of self-observation and awareness, parallels this. Meditation is a process that allows a direct connection to our spiritual source of Higher Self or Soul.
With esoteric astrology providing information about human Personality traits and keys that give hint about the development of an individual’s life, using this astrology as a tool to assist a human’s understanding about their life removes a certain amount of guesswork about appropriate future decision-making. As more research is undertaken to support and validate this new form of astrology, its usefulness will be able to become more mainstream.
Resulting from my past three years work in the field of esoteric astrology and psychology, I developed the website http://www.astrologybigpicture.net/. Part two of this thesis discusses the astrological information that this website offers in relation to the development of a human’s Personality. The information offered on this website serves as a starting point for internet users who seek to learn more about the potential qualities of their personal Soul Purpose task using astrology

PART 1

Astrology: The Big Picture

IDEAS THAT HAVE BEEN PUT TO WORK
ON THE WORLDWIDE NETWORK

1

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
http://www.astrologybigpicture.net/
WEBSITE

Having worked as a consultant for an established internet astrological counselling service, what became obvious to me was that an internet website would be a quick and convenient way to share the following information with people. It helped to fulfil a keenness, which had developed in me by that time, to share ideas about human evolution and astrology’s alignment with it with other people. This website allows me to present astrological ideas based upon A.A.B.’s understanding of esoteric psychology and astrology.
The initial aim of this website was to present a basic outline of some esoteric principles that apply to astrology, which give humans a message about human development. The following information shows how the symbolism of astrology works to explain both the human’s spiritual journey and the human’s three levels, or stages, of consciousness.
With life on Earth coming under the influence of the Age of Aquarius, this signifies a potential for new human development. Heralded is a time when some significant ‘normal’ understanding within humanity will evolve. This website argues that this new understanding relates to the basic life principle of humanity as a group, along with a need for the human as a species to see past their emotional connection to life on Earth and develop a more encompassing attitude towards fellow humans in life. Various astrological ideas presented online relate to the human’s major areas of stimulus and drive in life that drives human life.
This website offers ideas and options about life that will be new for most people. For readers who are already on the esoteric Path, this website will provide them with further information about this path, for other readers it may ‘spark’ the beginning of their own spiritual journey in life.

2

KEY THEMES PRESENTED ON THE WEBSITE

AS THE WEB PAGES UNFOLD (see appendix)

The website’s HOME PAGE titled ASTROLOGY THE BIG PICTURE

This webpage welcomes readers to the website with a very short introduction. Here the reader is introduced to the idea that because astrology has developed as a source of information based upon human investigation, and because human development and information plays a part in the stirring of human consciousness, astrology holds a relevant place in human life.
The aim of this page is to inform readers that this site presents astrological information to people who are curious about, and open to investigating, the human’s varying states of consciousness. Introduced here is the idea that there are two approaches to Astrology that are used to examine and raise human consciousness, the exoteric and esoteric.
A reader’s attention is brought here to the two types of astrology that are presented on this website, and how they relate to the ‘two ways’ or ‘themes’ involved in the living of life. This website’s aim is to help readers recognise these ‘two ways’, which are part of the big picture of life that involves a ‘mixture of levels’ of consciousness in life’s activities and patterns. This idea is referred to here, linking the exoteric and esoteric astrology approaches to an understanding life’s’ picture.
On this webpage, links to the webpages titled Astrology Background Information, The Zodiac Story, Comparing the two Astrologies and Esoteric Development are offered to the reader.

The webpage titled ASTROLOGY BACKGROUND

This webpage aims to bring the reader’s attention to the concept of an ‘inside and ‘outside’ perspective that is relevant to how humans live their life. Reference is made here to a human’s relationship to life’s external happenings that happen to them and their personal inner responses to these happenings.
The current major escalation of human consciousness that can be witnessed in the Western world, which began in the twentieth century, is discussed here. This webpage argues how astrology has also increased in its ‘consciousness’ as astrologers worked with this science at the same time.
This webpage highlights the human ability to be caught up in external ‘issues’ of the environment and lose sight of what is actually happening within them. This is one major underlying message that this website attempts to present to the reader. Humans can be very easily ‘taken in’ by external issues because of their emotional association with them. Esotericists consider that one major spiritual requirement for healthy human life is that humans need to be able to observe their own, as well as other people's, action in life in a more emotionally detached way. Such a way allows the human to see past limiting emotional attachments that do not allow individual humans to acknowledge the ‘bigger picture’ of life.

The webpage titled BACKGROUND OF EXOTERIC ASTROLOGY

This webpage discusses how, because of human observation of circumstances in the human’s environment, a system of reading symbols known as ‘astrology’ has evolved. This webpage argues that astrology is still an evolving science and describes how humanistic astrology had developed during the twentieth century. Information about the advent of the Age of Aquarius, and how it heralds a new alignment of the human to the ever-present Universal energy, is presented here

The webpage titled BACKGROUND OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY

This webpage brings a reader’s attention to the new discoveries of an esoteric nature that occurred during the twentieth century. Noted here is how psychology became recognized as a tool for working with humans to help people to transform various unwanted life behaviours, how, after its ‘discovery’; Pluto was acknowledged by astrologers to symbolize the need for human’s to get in touch with their inner emotional depth so that the inner drives or forces of the human species could be understood, how the potential major transformational effect on Earth of the relatively ‘hidden’ energy factor of the atom became scientifically recognised, and how the Earth’s realignment with the constellation of Aquarius was acknowledge, potentially heralding the coming of a new paradigm into human consciousness on Earth.
The idea that the human’s collective paradigm is currently changing is discussed on this webpage. The reader’s attention is brought to how external signs in the environment have developed to indicate that a new picture of the human’s world is emerging as new information has come into human awareness. This webpage describes how part of this new picture will involve new understandings about the human’s inner psychological and spiritual workings, which will lead to the recognition of the ‘hidden’ energy source that exists within all of Earth’s forms.
Discussion on this webpage aims to prepare the reader for a more profound strain of astrological information, which follows, than is generally available to readers on other astrology websites. ere I attempt to do a ‘Pluto’ on the reader, that is, stimulate the reader’s thinking, which will potentially lead to a transformation of thinking. The reader’s thinking has already been primed about a change in awareness in the human and in the process of growth for humanity, which the Age of Aquarius represents. Discussion here moves into an introduction of the concept of Soul connection: of Soul influence impacting on humanity as the result of a direct penetration of Divine energy into human minds. A direct connection to Soul represents the incoming of a ‘higher’ consciousness into the human. This connection allows an anchoring of consciousness that is needed for increased spiritual influence on Earth to develop. The label of Soul-infused is introduced here.
This webpage offers readers a link to the THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT webpage, which offers the reader information about Soul development in the human from the astrological point of view, which is one of the main principles underpinning this website’s discussion.

The webpage titled TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY
Incorporating the title THE THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

This webpage introduces A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology’s basic premise about human evolution. Human observation about the happenings on Earth in relation to the apparent movements of symbols in the sky (initially, and most obviously, the Sun and the Moon) have eventually led to humans having a greater understanding about the planetary and zodiac constellation connection to patterns and events that are experienced in human life. As the Earth’s solar system realigns with the constellation of Aquarius, and following the ‘sightings’ of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto since the seventeenth century, A.A.B. presents a new understanding of human life on Earth that is associated with the study of astrology. Following the relatively recent discovery of these ‘new’ planets by astronomers, which, as earlier discussed, are considered by astrologers to be symbolic of a new esoteric flavour in human growth, A.A.B. provides new knowledge, which she has become conscious of, for the minds of a greater number of humans.
This webpage’s discussion explains the philosophy that underpins A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology. This astrology describes the development of Soul in the human, which allows specific Soul purpose tasks to be undertaken by the human on Earth. A.A.B. quotes are presented here to the reader to set a particular flavour for discussion that continues from this page. The main purpose of this discussion is to instil in the reader’s mind the idea about a need for change, transformation and growth in the process of a human’s individual life. Transformation that leads the human, both individually and collectively, to the fulfilment of the human's purpose in life on Earth.
Discussion here refers to my understanding of the word Christ in the practice of esoteric astrology, and to how it relates to divine energy and human physical form on Earth. The reader’s attention is brought to the human’s ability to develop awareness of the divine energy of Soul and Soul purpose in life. Discussion about the use of the word cross in esoteric psychology follows.
The relationship of symbolism of the cross to the three stages of human development is presented. A.A.B. argues that human development involves three different levels of life experience, which the human has to work through in order for the human Personality to mature so that human talent can be put to work for some Soul purpose in life. Two of her quotes describe this development:
“He has accomplished this by mounting the three Crosses—the cross of the Personality or the changing form, the Cross of the Disciple or the eternal soul, and the Cross of the Spirit. This really means that he has passed through three momentous crises in his life cycle.”[46]
“It is only when the soul is becoming more alive within the form and the man is aware of his duality that the energies of the Fixed Cross supersede in effectiveness those of the Mutable Cross, just as after the third initiation the energies of the Cardinal Cross begin to control the man and are of more insistent incentive than those of the other two crosses.”[47]
This webpage’s discussion gives the reader an opportunity to understand A.A.B.’s argument of how the levels of human awareness about ‘self’ and life change as humans undergo an increased personal connection to the Soul element of life.
At this point, this webpage’s discussion brings the reader’s attention to how earlier belief systems or myths had also developed to make reference to human developmental stages that brought peace and survival to the human. These earlier beliefs also involved the symbolism of death, or transformation, followed by re-birth. In Western society, the Christian Bible story of Jesus of Nazareth, who became known as Jesus Christ, is the most recent of these stories. With these stories having developed in different times and places on Earth, such similar philosophies indicate that the idea of ‘death and re-birth’ has been a strong factor in the human psyche. These stories point to the relevance of some underlying factor that is involved in the ‘mystery’ of life - that of a birth, a death, then a rebirth, which connects in some way to human form. A.A.B. connects this factor with the role of human development within the span of an individual human’s lifetime. As more humans evolve to a state of mindfulness where they personally and collectively become aware of such a ‘truth’, humanity will be more able to align the human life of humanity with this principle.
The Age of Aquarius has become acknowledged as a time that heralds the coming of new knowledge into collective human consciousness. Humanity will potentially be a step closer to ‘knowing’ the truth behind human existence. Twentieth century development did include the development of Westerners awareness of the ‘individuation’ process, of how individual humans’ needed to develop a sense of personal power and self-esteem to be happier in life, along with increased calls for a human’s spiritual growth, which all work to increase human connection with the true-self. A.A.B.’s thesis on the human’s evolving consciousness stimulates the idea that the next level of personal development for individual humans may very well relate to the late twentieth century calls for individual human’s to connect to their true-self.
In relation to this last point, this thesis argues that there is a similarity between this true-self element of the human and the Soul element of the human’s nature. It is this Soul element that A.A.B. argues humans have to connect with before the Soul consciousness of humanity can develop. It is this connection, via which humanity can evolve as a wisely connected network to allow humanitarian group action on Earth to be implemented in ways that benefit all humans, which this webpage describes to readers from the astrological point of view. The development of this connection between human and Soul, which involves an evolution of human consciousness, is described to show how consciousness stages range from the level of instinctual consciousness and experience to the level of Soul-infused consciousness and experience. This development involves three stages, which A.A.B.’s refers to as crosses. This webpage provides the reader with a basic understanding of these three stages, which may or may not apply in an individual’s lifetime, and allows a human to recognise their own personal level of growth in life from the Soul-evolved perspective.
Having introduced the reader to the ideas of the cross and the three stages of life in which the human can be involved in, this webpage then describes the first stage of human life development, which is known as the Mutable Cross in A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology. This stage is described as one in which an unconscious, non-individualized state of awareness applies. Here the human functions in life primarily through an instinctual awareness passed down by the biological karma or the instinctual memory of the species. This is the initial stage into which all humans all born.
Here the linking of the mutable zodiac signs to this stage of human development is explained. The qualities associated with the mutable signs align with the instinctual stimulation of the human’s ‘basic search for experience’, which helps drive human activity in life. This stage involves an awakening of Earth-bound intelligence and activity, which is required for the stimulation of the basic functioning of human life. This webpage notes the basic qualities associated with the signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces that connect with this stage of development.
However, this does not mean that all humans born under the influence of a mutable zodiac sign will be unable to become fully individualized or conscious humans attuned to Soul. These signs only represent the basic innate drives that stimulate the human experience of life. A human has to undergo the basic experiences described by these signs before consciousness can develop to the next level of awareness.
This webpage notes here that the use of exoteric astrology is linked with this level of human development. As discussion of the zodiac signs on this website shows, exoteric astrology focuses on the human condition and human life experiences that relate to human action in life that do not support humanitarian forms of action or Soul purpose tasks, which esoteric astrology describes.
This webpage’s discussion of the second stage of life development, which is known as the Fixed Cross in A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology, indicates how this stage the human’s transformation from the instinctual and indiscriminate type of activity in life, which is driven by the basic need to survive in life, to behaviour that indicates that the human is beginning to gain a clearer orientation of personal life expression. This stage is signified by behaviour that seeks to work with increased purpose and intention towards the development of the greater good for humanity: a human becomes more conscious and self-creative towards the needs of humanity. This stage involves a human’s awakening to the energy of Soul and to the development and expression of their Personality traits and talents, which are required for some task of Soul Purpose in the area of humanitarian need.
Here the linking of the fixed zodiac signs to this stage of human development is explained. The qualities of the fixed signs align with the human’s drive to develop a ‘consciousness of form’ and the human’s stimulation to relate more consciously to forms of matter in life, which this thesis argues, the human has the ability to do and other species do not. This stage of life development allows a human to develop an awareness of their personal self and their ideal connection to the Human Family and to the life of material form. This webpage notes the basic qualities associated with the signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius that connect with this stage of development.
However, this does not mean that all humans born under the influence of a fixed zodiac sign have developed a conscious or clear impression of Soul and its influence in upon human life. These signs only describe a formation of a consciousness that relates to human life on Earth that allows the seeing of the human’s ‘real’ connection to Earth’s ‘form’ life. This is an understanding that needs to precede the next stage of consciousness development in a human’s life.
As this is the stage of human development in which the understanding of esoteric astrology starts to become relevant, this webpage notes that esoteric astrology’s use is linked with this stage. Just as discussion of the zodiac signs on this website shows, esoteric astrology focuses on the human condition and human life experiences that indicate a transformation in human behaviour has occurred from the first stage of instinctual unevolved consciousness. At this stage, greater human tasks are being undertaken in the world.
In the description of the third stage of life development, which is known as the Carinal Cross in A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology, this webpage bring the reader’s attention to the development of the human’s advanced spiritual way of living life, which allows human focus to turn toward humanitarian issues of social responsibility that have an overall benefit for humanity. At this stage of life, the human has left behind all the emotional and instinctual qualities that were very much part of the early developmental stage of life. Humans at this stage are free of most of the emotional burden that the majority of humans still carry.
Here it the linking of the cardinal zodiac signs to this stage of development is explained. The cardinal qualities align with the human’s drive towards a consciousness of the bigger life picture and the human’s drive to promote and fulfil action in life that supports and organises forms of life, which includes the human. This stage of life development allows a human, having developed awareness of some personal task in life, to undertake activity that is necessary for their Soul Purpose. This webpage notes the basic qualities associated with the signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.
However, this does not mean that all humans under the influence of a cardinal zodiac sign have developed the ability to undertake a level of humanitarian responsibility on a worldwide scale. These signs only describe the drives and traits that are needed for ‘collective organization’, which enables ‘greater’ group tasks to be undertaken. This is the stage where the human is able to achieve some Soul Purpose. The personal self has been brought into the ‘right’ relationship with life so that the purpose of some greater work on Earth can be carried out.
With this stage of human development being most relevant to the understanding of esoteric astrology, this webpage notes that esoteric astrology’s use is linked with this stage. As discussion of the zodiac signs on this website shows, esoteric astrology describes a transformation in human behaviour that leads to greater human tasks that benefit the life of humanity.
A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology allows human to have an understanding of three stages or levels of human development that may apply in a human’s lifetime. Armed with such an information, readers of this website, who are able to relate the levels of growth in life from the Soul-evolved perspective as described by A.A.B., will be more easily able to make choices in their life even when they seem of a ‘different’ type to those already in society at work in society at the time. Choices that will one day be welcomed by humanity.

The webpage titled COMPARING THE TWO ASTROLOGIES

This webpage presents the reader with a comparison between exoteric and esoteric astrology. Here discussion about exoteric astrology’s use describes how this astrology deals with the material existence of a human’s life before some influence of Soul development is experienced. Discussion about esoteric astrology describes how this astrology assists humans to understand about the development of a life that goes beyond an ‘average’ type of materially focused human awareness of life that generally applies to humans on Earth. This webpage gives readers an understanding about the difference between these two types of astrology.
An explanation of the exoteric and esoteric meanings connected with the symbols of the Sun, Moon and Ascendant in a human’s natal horoscope is offered on this webpage. Here it is argued that the Sun’s symbol in a natal horoscope indicates to an astrologer what the qualities of a developing human’s ego are and other information about the ego’s development. Exoterically, the Sun’s symbol provides information about a human’s exoteric experiences in life, which relates to the development of an ego. From the point of view of esoteric astrology, the Sun explains the developing maturity of a human and the talent that they are required to use when undertaking the work of Soul Purpose.
A natal horoscope’s symbolism of the Sun provides the esoteric astrologer with information about the spiritually desired talents and qualities that an entity is required to develop in life. Information about Soul Purpose connects with this symbolism and an astrologer can provide their clients with an understanding about the way that their Soul-work needs to develop. A discussion of the zodiac sign qualities of a natal Sun helps clients to access information about their Soul Purpose talent and other aspects of their life, which help facilitate positive future life direction.
In the natal horoscope, MOON symbolism represents a human’s inborn instinctual patterns and drives. This webpage describes the natal Moon’s significance in relation to a human's childhood development, and the accompanying ‘mothering’ influences of that time of life. Negative influences of childhood, which are shown by a client’s Moon, are argued here to act as potential blocks that prevent a human’s connection to Soul influence. This webpage argues that a human’s talent, which is shown by the natal Sun, has to be able to ‘shine’ in life, and that the positive qualities of the natal Moon are important for supporting the ‘shining’ of an individual’s talents for higher good. Based upon the principles involved in A.A.B.’s esoteric psychology, a client’s natal horoscope’s Moon gives the esoteric astrologer valuable insight about the clients current stage of development at the time of a consultation.
Discussing a natal horoscope’s ASCENDANT, which esoteric astrologers consider to be highly significant for helping clients understand their expression of both the ego self and the spiritual self in life, this webpage argues that this area of the horoscope indicates the way that a human’s exoteric view of how they see the world is coloured. For esoteric astrologers, the natal ascendant signifies the type of life experiences that lead a human to recognize the spiritual component of life as a personal inner influence of Soul works within the human to stimulate the expression of heir Soul Purpose in life. Esoterically, the natal Ascendant’s sign is argued here to indicate the way in which Soul work is required to be undertaken by an individual human.
The Sun, Moon and Ascendant, the three main elements of a natal horoscope, are major guides used by the esoteric astrologer to determine the stage of development that a human life is being lived. A client could be working more with the Moon traits without the Sun sign traits and talents having developed in any socially useful way, and an esoteric expression of Ascendant sign qualities may not be working in any purposeful way in their life.
This webpage’s discussion of the Sun has provided a short description of the exoteric and esoteric meaning of the Sun in a natal horoscope, and this discussion brings a reader’s attention to the importance of developing the Sun aspect of their life. The Moon’s discussion enables readers to contemplate how the lesser and greater uses of their childhood habits and experiences relate to how they are living their life. The discussion of the Ascendant here enables readers to contemplate the quality of the vision that they have of the world, their personal expression into life, and how the influence of Soul may be working to stimulate their projection of self into life. The reader may be stimulated to find out more about their Ascendant sign, which may connect them with what it is that is being stimulated within them to facilitate a connection with their Soul Purpose and how this purpose could be expressed in the world.
This webpage’s information brings a reader’s attention to three main aspects of human nature, which describe a human’s use of their life energy. It is the refining of a human’s life energy that allows the esoteric potential of human life to be more easily attained.

The webpage titled SUN SIGNS

Here the website provides information about a natal horoscope’s Sun meaning in a zodiac sign, which is relevant for guiding a human’s esoteric potential in life, that is, the development of their Soul Purpose. An introductory phrase for each SUN sign, such as, Aries - represents the beginning of a creative process, is offered first for each zodiac sign’s description. A short paragraph follow, which expands further upon this introduction phrase. Highlighted here is a zodiac sign’s esoteric meaning, which relates to some talent that a human is to develop in their life. The essence of the contributions on this webpage aligns with a zodiac sign’s part in the ‘bigger picture’ journey of human development, which this websites THE ZODIAC STORY OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY webpage describes. The exoteric and esoteric keywords[48], relevant exoteric and esoteric mantrams[49], and planetary rulers for the SUN in each zodiac sign are then noted.
Each SUN in a zodiac sign has two major planetary rulers. These rulers help identify a human’s stage of development in life. The exoteric ruler signifies the process of a human’s Personality development and the esoteric ruler signifies achievements of the developing Personality. The esoteric ruler’s information about a human’s development in life applies after the human becomes involved in some bigger world issue that supports the major goal of universal Soul Purpose.
The information for each zodiac sign ends with a paragraph headed by the phrase, The Desired result of, followed by the name of the sign. This information informs readers about the human character traits and qualities that are indicated by a natal SUN’s zodiac sign, which relate to the talent that develops in a human after their mind has been stimulated by Soul and the more evolved humanitarian qualities of the human are starting to be expressed in life. Soul influence impacts upon the unfolding of a human life, and at the same time as a human’s Personality transformation comes into effect, the influence of the SUN’s esoteric ruler becomes helpful for describing new developments that influence an evolving human life. This webpage’s description of each SUN sign ends with a notation about the type of esoterically evolved human behaviour, which is likely to have been stimulated by Soul contact, and a comment about an intention that is likely to have been stimulated within the Soul-infused Personality

The webpage titled MOON SIGNS

This webpage delineates a natal horoscope’s MOON sign symbolism. The MOON’s symbolism relates to a basic emotional nature that is inherent in the human race. This webpage describes the exoteric and esoteric meanings of natal Moons in the zodiac signs. An exoteric MOON description indicates a quality or type of human instinctual drive and a basic emotional need that any humans could be born with. The MOON and its zodiac sign in the natal horoscope describe the flavour of the basic innate qualities that develop during a human’s early years of life. The exoteric astrologer considers that a natal MOON indicates the qualities and traits that relate to both the emotional conditioning of the growing child and to the instinctual skills of a human that work to support a human in their matured phase of life. A matured phase of life in which the greater tasks of human activity, which benefit humanity, can be developed.
If humans are able to understand the part that their instinctual and emotional drives play in life, the gaining of a greater awareness about which part of the human psyche is playing out in the game of life is possible. When a human separates self from the emotional ‘fear’ that is connected with the instinctual need to survive, the human is able to gain a clearer vision of more appropriate life goals, which are constantly being stimulated by an ‘inner’ drive within to be recognized. The ‘inner’ drive of Soul.

The webpage titled ASCENDANT SIGNS

This webpage connects zodiac sign symbolism with a stimulating force, or drive, which connects with a human’s need to project self into the environment. While an innate instinctual ‘sense’ works to stimulate a human child’s behaviour in life so that a child gains the needed nurture from parents and/or others around them in their infant years, which the natal MOON represents, as humans grows, another type of stimulation drives the human projection of self into the environment. The quality of this drive in the human is represented by a natal horoscope’s Ascendant.
Initially the various external forces in the environment work to encourage a growing child’s expression of self into life. However, as a human grows, the stimulus to externalize generally evolves to include a more conscious internal inner voice. With further maturation, a human may develop a willingness to express their ideas onto the ‘bigger picture’ stage of life. It is this later willingness to express self that signifies a connection to Soul has occurred. The human is learning about ways in which to express their Soul Purpose.
The natal horoscope’s ASCENDANT zodiac sign describes the quality of this drive and a human’s expression of self into life, and this webpage offers the exoteric and esoteric descriptions of each zodiac sign when it is posited in this area of a natal horoscope. The potential result of this drive, when it applies to a human who is still living with an unevolved or exoteric focus of life in mind, is described first. The esoteric description denotes the more evolved action that a human is able to undertake once a transformation towards an esoteric life focus has begun.
Esoteric astrology helps define, via its delineation of a natal Ascendant sign, the quality of and manner in which Soul-work is presented into the world. An evolved level of action, as indicated an Ascendant’s zodiac sign, can be worked with once the human starts to function in life with increased connection to the influence of Soul. The final comment for Ascendant sign indicates how a Soul-infused human is able to support the expression of creative ideas and action, which are for the purpose of humanitarian group good.

The webpage titled SIGN POLARITIES
With a sub heading -
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE SIGNS AND THEIR STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT FOR USE BY THE HUMAN INDIVIDUAL

Working with the main principle of the stages of development that A.A.B.’s argues applies to the esoteric development of the human, this webpage describes information that the zodiac sign’s provide to the esoteric astrologer about the three stages of human development.
As in the discussion on THE THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT webpage, this webpage’s emphasises the idea of transformation and change, which a human can expect to experience when undergoing a ‘journey’ of an esoteric nature as based upon A.A.B. text. This webpage also includes a direct reference to Soul and Soul-development in the human as did the THE THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT and THE ZODIAC STORY webpages.
Working with a main principles of A.A.B.’s esoteric astrology, this webpage describes the stages of development that apply to the use of human qualities and traits, which are represented by the zodiac signs, as a human’s Personality develops. This development underpins the equipping of a human for the undertaking of their Soul Purpose. The information offered on this webpage describes how a human’s personal level of consciousness can be determined by their level of use of the human qualities and traits, which are symbolized by the zodiac’s signs.
This webpage brings attention to an important aspect of astrology: the six polarity connections that exist between the signs of the zodiac. The twelve signs of the zodiac form six pairs of signs, which are known as sign polarities. As the zodiac exists in the form of a circle, each zodiac sign sits in ‘opposition’ to another. Discussion on this webpage brings a reader’s attention to a balance, which applies to human qualities and traits that are represented by each polarized pair of zodiac signs. Esoteric astrology argues that such balance needs to exist for the development of human group good on Earth.
The three stages of development for each zodiac sign polarity are described on this webpage. These three stages correlate with the astrological terms of mutable, fixed and cardinal, which astrologers associate with the signs of the zodiac. Astrologers use these terms to describe modes of action that are involved in the living of human life.
Mutable is applied to the first stage of life development. This stage of human life is a very adaptable stage. It is a stage that signifies the human’s need for freedom, which allows the human to explore the environment and learn about life. During this stage of development, the human lacks a focus of attention or action in life. This stage is the human’s ‘child-like quality’ developmental stage.
This webpage’s information for each zodiac sign polarity begins with an introduction of human qualities and traits that are associated with the two polarity sign, showing how these qualities and traits relate to the human’s mutable first stage of development in life. First stage qualities and character traits are the very basic ones that a human needs to develop in their life. This stage is considered by esoteric astrologers to be the stage in which today’s ‘average’ human resides.
Fixed is applied to the second stage of life development. This stage of life is a more ‘controlled’ stage of human development. Following an earlier experience of life, a human senses the need to ‘settle down’ and undertake work that is relevant to some particular task in life. In this stage, the human is determined and focused, which enables a maturing Personality to be more responsible for action taken in life and undertake the development of more evolved expressions of human talent and character. A human has reached this stage of development when their Personality is more able to ‘shine’ into life and display qualities and traits that demonstrate a more evolved aspect of human nature.
This webpage’s introduction for the fixed stage of human development for each zodiac sign polarity acknowledges a change in the application of a sign’s first stage qualities and traits. A human has developed greater awareness about making use of a zodiac sign’s positive qualities, which enables more purposeful and constructive action in life to be undertaken.
Cardinal is applied to the third stage of life development. This stage of life is very powerful stage of human development. After the necessary learning of lessons, which occurs during the second stage of life development, the matured human is ready to move beyond confines that are associated with their earlier life. At this stage, the Personality’s developed qualities and creative talents are required to be put into action for humanitarian purpose. This stage of development culminates with the development of the human’s Soul Purpose in life.
This webpage’s introduction for the third stage of each zodiac sign polarity indicates how the human qualities and character traits associated with a human’s earlier life have developed to allow a human to implement more evolved social and humanitarian action on a larger scale in life. As the human comes from the second stage of human development, in which their awareness about the ‘bigger picture’ of life developed, a greater of use of their personal talent is signified. This evolution of human nature enables the qualities associated with the Will-to-Good, Right Human Relations, Selfless Service and World Serving to exist among members of the Human Race.

The webpage titled THE ZODIAC STORY OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY

This website’s ZODIAC STORY is the final webpage of astrological information offered on this site. This story provides a quick overview of human evolution. Each signs description links to the next to represent the astrological Plan of the human’s development on Earth. This webpage’s information brings a reader’s attention to each zodiac sign’s part in describing the human’s unfolding journey in life. This story describes the coming of an idea into the Universal Mind, which then culminates as action in the human realm.
This webpage describes how zodiac signs describe the manifesting of ideas on Earth. The zodiac’s early signs refer to an idea that forms in the mind, which has to occur before it can manifest in human life. The zodiac signs that follow indicate how an idea develops towards actualization until the goal of the idea is achieved, which is when the purpose of an idea comes into action in human life. The zodiac signs offer this story for humans, both individually and collectively.
The word Soul is used in this webpage’s heading for each zodiac sign information. This webpage’s description for each zodiac sign, which conveys a direct meaning about an intention, or purpose, that is associated with each sign, aims to stimulate a reader’s mind about the zodiac’s part in the Plan of human life on Earth. This webpage is offered last to the reader as it brings together the story that underlies the esoteric component of this website. Along with information on the THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT and SIGN POLARITIES webpages, THE ZODIAC STORY webpage provides pointed and informative descriptions to the reader about the zodiac’s esoteric story. The story offered by the zodiac signs offers a model of spiritual evolvement that humans can apply to the development of a human’s individual life as well as to the life of humanity.

3

THE MAIN PREMISE
OF THE
BIG PICTURE OF ASTROLOGY

TALKING ABOUT THE HUMAN EVOLUTION
THAT HAS TO HAPPEN

This website connects the study of astrology to an aspect of human development that relates to a Path of evolution. In relation to the evolving development of the human, this website’s information raises a reader’s attention to an underlying drive which, when registered in the mind of a human , can initiate a human’s search for the deeper meaning of something in life, if not in life itself.
Both the human activity of ‘new ideas’ registering in the human mind and the experience of life influence a human to question the purpose of life, at either, or both, the personal and the universal level. Readers viewing this website’s information about the human’s esoteric relationship to life, which relates to A.A.B.’s theory about human evolution, will potentially be open to increased mind stimulation, which will allow them to entertain such a philosophy for the purpose of humanitarian good.
As this website is intended for readers who are open to exploring new concepts about the development of their life, information that seems to be relevant for increasing an individual’s consciousness to a new level of understanding about their life is presented. The aim of this website was to bring a reader’s attention to a strong drive that exists within the human race, which leads humans to increase their awareness about the workings of human life.
Specifically dealing with factors associated this drive, www.astrologybigpicture.net presents information that is new to most people, including many astrologers. By presenting A.A.B.’s esoteric approach to astrology and comparing it to an Earth or materially based psychological approach of astrology that gained credibility during the twentieth century, readers are informed of this new information.
The increased study of human psychology in the past one hundred years has seen the concept of ‘individuality’ development recognised. The need for personal growth in areas of society, such as, male and female, young and old, has been recognised, and support systems for the development of personal power at all ages of human growth have increased. The recognition of Soul development is part of this increase, and much investigation has been undertaken in an attempt to improve the understanding of, and access, the inner workings of the human. Humans want to understand the ‘senses’ or drives that resides within each human and to know the roles that the human’s various inner senses play in the unfolding of human behaviour.
More than ever before, individual personal development, which assists the achievement of a human’s personal goal, is acknowledged a valuable undertaking in life. A human’s personal ability becomes a valuable asset for humanity when it develops to be expressed in a positive way. As the new era unfolds, in which individual humans are able to develop more independence than previously known on Earth, a collective call, or goal, has also developed for humans to understand each other better, which will allow humans to work together in more supportive and collective ways.
At the group level, humanity has become more connected through the current spread of information technology worldwide, which allows humans to link more easily to each other’s ideas. Such external ‘world’ development could be argued to represent an increased energy connection, which this thesis argues that the Age of Aquarius heralds to be occurring on the internal level of the human psyche. As the past two to three hundred years of worldwide expansion has shown, the previous boundaries on Earth that previously kept masses of humans separated from information that was available to them, have been penetrated.
Under the current merging of humans and cultures on a mass scale, which is very significantly described by the coming Age of Aquarius, both individually and collectively (the Leo/Aquarius polarity represents this duality) humans are increasing being drawn towards action that represents the group networking associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius. New ideas that come into human consciousness for the improvement of a world society can now be shared with relative ease, just as the website discussed in part two of this thesis indicates.
Potentially, the coming era will allow mass humanity to function with more connectedness than ever before. It is an age that is likely to see greater development in the area of human personal creativity and in the level of self-consciousness in the human of both the human self and the human’s spiritual self (self-consciousness is represented by the zodiac sign of Leo, the polarity sign of Aquarius). Already symbolism surrounding humans in Western society has developed to indicate that it is human awareness pertaining to how an individual human mind can connect to the creative source that is developing at this time. This is a development of self-awareness, or self-consciousness, which relates to the internal and external life-development of the human[50] that is driven by Soul.
Many systems of health and spiritual study, such as, yoga and reiki, have brought the Western world’s attention to the human’s personal energy system in recent decades. Westerners are increasing able to access the many pockets of information available, becoming increasingly stimulated to ‘connect’ to an inner part of self in a way that has not been practised before. Researchers and doctors acknowledge that the human's physical system connects to information that comes from the subjective inner parts of the human: the human’s personal ‘internet’ system, which connects to a personal information source. This has all come about as Earth leaves the era known as the Age of Pisces, which was a time when the human was given the opportunity to recognize a human’s personal connection to the Divine Creator through the symbolic life of Jesus. During this passing era, human awareness of the triangular energy force of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost has been increasingly stimulated in Westerners.
In support of a new emerging paradigm, this website developed to present ideas about an ‘average’ state of human existence, and how this human condition relates to another state of human existence, which is based upon an expression of the human Personality in life as A.A.B.’s esoteric psychology and astrology describes. Esoteric astrology helps humans understand about their Personality’s expression of some useful creativity, which can be put to use on the larger, collective scale of human life on Earth for the benefit of humanity.
Reflecting upon human development and the understandings of stories attached to the zodiac signs about human qualities and behaviour traits, which relate to human life lived on Earth, the ancient art of astrology is an example how humans are able to formulate ideas, which then work together to describe a complete picture. Having developed via the human's typical mind ability, astrology is one example of how human ideas develop to be put to practical use for the purpose of human development.
What has led to this website’s development has been the stimulation of a desire within me to share an aspect of knowledge with other humans, which has been gleaned from the teachings of A.A.B. Readers on the internet can access these new ideas and relate them to what their astrological make-up may signify to them. While in some areas of this website’s presentation, attempts have been made to mellow the esoteric concepts so that they would not seem to the reader to be too ‘off the planet’, or project a ‘saviour’ type flavour, some of A.A.B.’s stronger concepts have been used in an attempt to ‘trigger’ any inner drives and insights that may be ready to be ‘sparked’ in the reader about their own level of development in life.

4

THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS WEBSITE

With serious development of the esoteric component of the science of astrology in its early stage, the development of this website is also in its early stage. While further development of this website does require that additional information about the seven rays, which are also an important part of A.A.B.’s esoteric psychology and astrology, be included, the next major inclusion will be a delineation of the aspects that can form between the points of a natal horoscope. The transit of planets is another area of astrology that will also need to be included.
A delineation of the natal aspect will offer a comparison between a horoscope’s exoteric and esoteric aspects, which will have great significance for a reader who is interested in their esoteric development. The delineation of transits to a natal horoscope will highlight differences that apply to transiting planets depending upon whether they are having an exoteric or an esoteric influence upon a human’s development.

5

SUMMARY

As the human race evolves, insight becomes available to assist human growth. As human awareness expands on an individual level, the ancient art of astrology also grows to parallel humans’ increasing knowledge and understanding of life. Just as the understanding of the human continues to develop to include the different parts of its nature and activity over the span of time, understanding offered on this website will also increase as my personal investigation into esoteric astrology permits.
As more information about this type of personal development is studied, understood, and offered to others who are ‘on the Path’ of truth, the more chance that humanity will develop to recognize issues that will help humans make ‘sense’ of their own lives. As humans, we all have a responsibility to share and care for others. Sharing and caring that is required to be offered much farther than the boundaries of any limited ‘home base’. Currently this website is my small part in this process and, as always, I confidently look forward to the challenges of the future.

APPENDIX

HOME PAGE

Welcome....

Human development, inquiry, and information stir human consciousness and in doing so, indicate that Astrology has a relevant place for all of us.
This website offers a comparison between two key approaches to Astrology, The Exoteric and The Esoteric. These two approaches examine and raise Human consciousness.
This website shows the relevance that these two Astrologies have to each other, and how they work to describe an overall ‘Big Picture’ image of life.
Demonstrated is a mixture of levels of consciousness and how they relate to the development of Human Life.

ASTROLOGY BACKGROUND
ASTROLOGY is known as a "map" of unfoldment that isavailable for use along the Human journey of life
This website offers its readers insight into the Human’s life journey, which relates to both the ‘self’s’ Outside (the external) and Inside (the internal) experiences.
During the latter half of the twentieth century, there has been huge growth in Human philosophical development. As part of this development, the human’s search for information about its inner development has been ‘stirred’ in the consciousness of individuals in Western influenced communities. As a result, astrologers have recognised changes in people’s action from that which is described by Exoteric astrological terms to action described in Esoteric astrological terms. Paralleling this current accelerated escalation of ‘self’ consciousness in Western society has been the development of awareness that is available for the application of Astrology.
Humans born during the early half of the twentieth century have been able to witness huge and dramatic changes that have become part of the Western process of daily living. For example, the use of electricity, the telephone, radio and television, and information technology. Computers now enable their users to link with other users all around the world. While many think this type of development is good, those with alternative views have questioned what this development may represent in terms of Humanity’s development.
This escalation in the external world also parallels the Human’s inner world, where, just as more happens around us, more is happening within. However, both individually and collectively, it is easy for people to be ‘caught up’ in the external events that surround them and lose ‘sight’ of what is happening within them.
The study of Esoteric Astrology presented on this website describes an evolution of Human thinking and behaviour that is likely to be part of the development of Humanity as this current expansion of activity on Earth continues. This development is heralded by the incoming ‘new age’ of Aquarius.

BACKGROUND OF EXOTERIC ASTROLOGY

Astrology is known as a ‘language of consciousness’ that is symbolic of Earth-life activity and Human behaviour.

Centuries ago, as part of Human development on Earth, individual humans began observing ‘lights’ that appeared in the night-sky and the ‘golden’ orange/yellow ball of light that appeared each ‘day’. Humans were able to recognise how these object’s changes of position in relation to each other and the Earth were associated with changes that occurred in the Earth’s physical environment. For example, the day and night cycle’s appearance/disappearance of both the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth’s weather patterns, which changed during the Sun’s ‘yearly’ cycle. Eventually an understanding of ‘seasons’ and ‘time’ has developed in relation to the Sun and Moon placements.
Stimulated by the Human’s innate desire to ‘understand’ more about what happens to humans, and what goes on around them, continued observation has led to the development of a symbolic system of language known as ‘astrology’. This system developed initially to align life’s external mundane events with the ‘stars’ as ‘star-gazers’ literally learnt to read the Earth’s sky. As a practise that continued as knowledge was communicated over centuries, messages’ associated with these ‘lights’ have continued to be connected with the Human experience of life on Earth.
With the Science of Astrology continuing in modern times, current day ‘humanistic’ Western astrology has evolved from earlier interpretations. Along with the Science of Astronomy’s discoveries that are more recent and the more recent observations of Human behaviour by Western astrologers, the Science of Astrology has continued to align with the contemporary increase in Human awareness, which has been on the increase in Western societies. Individually, humans are being increasingly stimulated to understand more about the ‘thinking’ process that is involved in the Human mind.
This increase in Human consciousness is astrologically symbolized by the discovery of Pluto (Pluto ‘appeared’ into human sight at a time when Human investigation was beginning to ‘go deeper’ into the ‘psyche’ of the Human) and by the realignment of the Earth’s solar system with the star constellation of Aquarius. Both these astronomical events work to signify that a new situation of Human development will be occurring under the influence of a new energy vibration coming from the Universe. New developments underway in the Science of Astrology align with this new energy vibration.

BACKGROUND OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY

The development of ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY parallels the Human ‘sighting’ of Pluto and the Earth’s realignment to the star constellation of Aquarius.
The 20th Century heralded the development of the Science of Psychology. Aligning with this development was the sighting of the planet Pluto in 1930, which has become an important astrological symbol. Astrologers have associated Pluto with the need to go to the emotional depths of something to dredge up what needs to be held up to the light in order for the hidden truth of something to be seen. Pluto connects with situations of ‘transformations’ from ‘old and outworn ways’, which leads to the removal of what does not serve a situation anymore. Pluto’s discovery is likely heralding an increase in Humanity’s understanding about what drives the action of both an individual human and Humanity.
At the same time, the power of the atom humans recognised to be the hidden energy within matter. Atomic energy has now become a symbol of extreme ‘power’, which can destroy (transform) life on Earth. Astrologically Pluto symbolizes the human ability to penetrate deeply into matter, both mentally/emotionally and physically, and the potential ‘death-like’ events that lead to major change. Pluto acts as a significator of an act of ‘inner’ transformation, which leads to external change.
Aligning with Pluto’s sighting is increased Human awareness about the Earth’s solar system’s realignment with the constellation of Aquarius after its approximate 2,400 years alignment with the constellation of Pisces. This realignment connects with a ‘dawning’ of new Human awareness that has been on the rise in Western society. Esoteric Astrologers associate this ‘new age’ with the emergence of a new paradigm that deals with the ‘bigger picture’ of the Universe. This paradigm commands the acceptance of a new collective dimension of reality, which revolves around the interpenetration of energy into matter.
With energy in matter having been recognised, the Science of Esoteric Astrology helps the Human to increase its awareness of the interpenetration of Divine energy (or Soul) into Human Form at a personal level. As Human collective consciousness becomes increasingly open to the workings of the Universe, individually humans will become personally aware of this energy interpenetration of Soul. As part of Humanity’s current growth, Esoteric Astrology has developed to help humans understand this new paradigm.
Following an era of ‘psyche’ separation and isolation in humans, the opportunity for people to gain an awareness of Soul energy’s interpenetration into the human minds is increasing. From such awareness comes the possibility for people to recognise the development of a Soul consciousness within them. Ultimately, this has the potential for increasing the numbers of humans to be stimulated towards fulfilling an expression of destiny at the collective level as they work with Soul Purpose. As Soul-Infused Personalities, they become points of ‘anchor’ for collective Soul influence on Earth.

TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE
SCIENCE OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY

THE THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

The Science of Esoteric Astrology assists people to understand the unfoldment of Soul consciousness in the Human realm. Esoteric Astrology focuses upon the development of Soul Purpose in Humans. This Science describes the three stages of evolution involved in Human development. These stages of evolution relate to the connection of Soul and Soul Purpose to Human activity.
In relation to this science, I connect the word Christ with the spiritual energy of Soul. The word Christ can also be connected with the ‘energy’ that is known to reside in all matter on Earth. Via Human connection to this ‘energy’ within, Divine influence is able to work to influence collective Human growth. The Human body has been promoted by various spiritual philosophies as the ‘house’ or home of the Soul, and this ‘energy’ within does not function the same way in the Animal Kingdom. However, on the Earth plane of physical manifestation, the energy of Soul remains ‘hidden’ within Human form until such time as a human is ready to register consciously with Soul energy and purpose.
In Esoteric Astrology, the stages of Human consciousness involved in the Human’s development of Soul and Soul Purpose are a paramount focus of its use. These stages have earned the name of Crosses. The following quotes are taken from Alice A Bailey’s written work, Esoteric Astrology:

“The Cross of the Hidden Christ—The Mutable Cross

The Cross of the Crucified Christ—The Fixed Cross

The Cross of the Risen Christ—The Cardinal Cross”

“1. The Mutable Cross - The Cross of changing and absorbed experience. This is the place of action and of reaction, of karmic control and of response to impacts leading to the awakening of consciousness to the natural goal ahead.
2. The Fixed Cross - The Cross of Transmutation - Desire becomes aspiration, and selfishness is transformed into selflessness.
3. The Cardinal Cross - The Cross of Transcendence. Personality life and form life and planetary life no longer control. The man stands free.”

Myths, beliefs, and religions have also made similar references to Human developmental stages that symbolize the carrying of a ‘burden’, a crucifixion or death, and then a re-birth.

THE THREE STAGES

1st STAGE: Esoterically known as the Mutable Cross.
Here the Human lives in an unconscious, non-individualized state of awareness of ‘life’ in form, producing primary behaviour that is associated with the instinctual awareness of the animal world. This is the STAGE for the use of EXOTERIC ASTROLOGY
The Zodiac’s Mutable signs represent this 1st STAGE. The mutable signs describe the action of the ‘search for experience’, which is a basic quality of the Human. This Mutable phase describes the Human response to ‘life’, which is influenced by consciousness that works from instinctual desire. Here a human is unable to register a difference between conscious choice and the instinctual urge that drives action. When Human action is influenced by this stage of consciousness, a human has very little recognition of Soul energy working within them.

GEMINI - AIR: the experience of relating to, and communicating with, many different people in many different places and ways
VIRGO - EARTH: the experience of connecting with material form
SAGITTARIUS - FIRE: the experience of activity that expands life’s horizons
PISCES - WATER: the experience of emotional stimulation and sensation response

The goal of this stage is an awakening to the knowledge and rational intelligence that underlies life experience.

2nd STAGE: Esoterically known as the Fixed Cross.
This is a transformational stage of life in which humans develops their previously indiscriminate or instinctually reactive behaviour into activity that functions in life with a clearer orientation of expression. This stage heralds a Human undertaking to move away from indiscriminate or instinctual action in ‘life’ to that of action that is more conscious. Here a human starts to work with a sense of purpose that comes from ‘intuition’, and their ‘life’ direction starts to involve the disciplines of diet, exercise, study, with some involvement in service being undertaken, which facilitates the development of a newer expression of the ‘love’ principle in their ‘life’. A link between Soul and the developing Human Personality becomes more consciously known during this stage, as there is a greater degree of awakening to this influence in a human’s ‘life’. Individually a human is working in his or her own particular field of creative expression, wanting to contribute to Humanitarian service or collective Human growth. This stage is one of repeated crises of orientation as it works towards enabling the human to adjust to a Soul influenced life. This is a STAGE for the use of ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY.
The Zodiac’s Fixed signs represent this 2nd STAGE. The fixed signs represent an increase in the development of Human consciousness, which allows more refinement to, and definition of, the Human’s use of energy and Humanity’s collective spiritual development. Consciousness is developing away from instinctual action in ‘life’ towards conscious aspiration as the main motivation of ‘life’ activity. This is a stage of ‘tension’ where an individual becomes increasingly aware of the duality involved in the relationship between Soul and Personality, and involved is a deep desire to unite the two. In this stage, tests and trials are undergone as the Human Personality becomes refined in preparation for the 3rd stage.

TAURUS - EARTH: a consciousness of the relationship of self to matter
LEO - FIRE: a consciousness of an individualised ‘self’
SCORPIO - WATER: a consciousness of the relationship between external focused desires and the desires of the inner ‘self’
AQUARIUS - AIR: a consciousness of group ‘Self’

Here the consciousness and purpose of Soul becomes recognised, which allows an understanding of the true nature of Love to maximize.

3rd STAGE: Esoterically known as the Cardinal Cross.
This is the stage of ‘responsible creation’ crises, which relates to the area in ‘life’ of Service to Humanity. Such crises lead to increased development of the Plan for the overall benefit of Humanity. Here the individual Human is at the most spiritually advanced stage of development in ‘life’, having become motivated to undertake some Humanitarian task that involves the greatest responsibility in some task. This is the stage of Selfless Service, which aims to benefit Humanity. This is a STAGE for the use of ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY
The Zodiac’s Cardinal signs represent this 3rd STAGE. The cardinal signs represent ‘action’ that is necessary when Soul Purpose is able to function in service to Humanity. Now there is complete unity between Soul and the Human: there is no alternating between Human instinctual desire and Soul-driven aspiration. ‘Life’ is motivated by pure Spiritual Will and intent. The tests of transformation have been passed and the Human is now the instrument for Soul in life.

ARIES - FIRE: the promotion of ideas that stimulate new activity
CANCER - WATER: the motivation to nurture and support some new activity
LIBRA - AIR: the promotion of values that guide the development of new activity
CAPRICORN - EARTH: the promotion of responsible structuring and organisation of new activity

Human life has become lovingly more impersonal and Human Form fulfils an advanced role in life.

COMPARING THE TWO ASTROLOGIES

Exoteric Astrology describes the potential of Human life development before an attunement to the spiritual component of Human existence described by Ageless Wisdom principles. This astrology deals with the characteristics and qualities of the developing human while living a ‘life’ that lacks awareness of Soul. This form of astrology describes mundane events that Humans experience. It deals with life events and circumstances that are experienced by the human, dealing with a range of Earth-bound reactions that become stimulated during a human’s ‘life’.
Esoteric Astrology describes Human spiritual development Earth. It deals with Human qualities and activities that develop as individual humans undergo an unfoldment of consciousness, which goes beyond a consciousness of Earth ‘life’s’ material existence. Esoteric Astrology describes the use of Human behaviour that develops as humans individually attune to Soul during their life. While the same symbols are employed in both Exoteric and Esoteric Astrology, Esoteric Astrology works with an additional understanding of the planets and signs, which relates to an inner working, or Soul direction, of the Human. Esoteric Astrology is a science that has been intuitively developing over the past 100 years to produce new understandings. These new understanding help explain shifts in Human consciousness associated with the current ‘dawning’ of the Age of Aquarius.

SUN
Exoterically, the Sun in a natal horoscope refers to a sense of ego that an individual human could develop as they grow into adulthood. The position of a natal Sun signifies an important area of ‘life experience’ for a human. This area of ‘life’ experience is significant in the development of a human’s Personality traits. The Sun’s aspects to other planets in the Horoscope indicate other areas of ‘life’ that influence this development.
Correlating with the needed life-giving energy of the Sun as it rises each day in the east to ‘shine’ upon Earth during the day, a Horoscope’s Sun represents that ‘inner spark’ in a person that is meant to grow and ‘shine’ into life. It represents the ego that exists behind a Natal Horoscope’s Ascendant persona (see Ascendant Signs). It is the Sun part of a human’s birth-map, or Horoscope, that is meant to be developed in ‘life’. The human ego has to increase in glow and strength so that a human ‘life’ can achieve its culmination.
Esoterically, the Sun describes Human talent that is required to be developed and put to use in Soul’s work. However, before this can happen, humans have to grow and develop a maturity that has an appropriate sense of ego that will allow human talent to be put to good use for Soul’s purpose on Earth. As a human matures, there needs to be an individualized sense of Personality developing, which allows the talents described by the Sun to ‘shine’ into the world. These talents can then be employed in ways described by the Ascendant sign of the Horoscope.

MOON

Exoterically, the Moon refers to instinctual patterns and drives connected with the emotional element or nature that Humans are born with. A growing child works with these instinctual traits early in their life. The Moon also describes the maternal influence or nurturance received as a child and the child’s primary emotional needs.
Representing the instinctual component of an individual’s nature, the Moon indicates activity that an individual human is familiar with from their day of birth. This aspect of the ‘self’ provides individual humans with a personal sense of security as their ‘life’ unfolds. The positive traits signified by the Moon in a Natal Horoscope work to support the humans in their personal ‘life’ growth. An individual’s Moon traits need to be employed in positive ways as their ‘life’ develops towards the maturity signified by their Sun.
Similar to the Moon coming into the sky at night, the natal Moon represents a less 'life’-stimulating energy than that of the Sun. The Moon’s shape is always changing as it rises in the night-sky, with its fullness and light decreasing to a point where it is not able to be seen during a day-cycle (as its moves closer to the Sun’s point of travel in the sky during the lunar cycle).
Esoterically it is also not necessary for the Moon’s characteristics to ‘shine’ daily. As the Personality signified by the Sun develops, the Moon qualities are still within the human, but they do not need to be seen or expressed as part of Soul purpose. Instead, it is talent connected with the Sun in a Horoscope that needs to be ‘shining’ in life.
However, the Natal Moon also signifies ‘blocks’, or negatives, that individual humans need to be free from in order to develop their ability to work from the level of intuition or Soul in their ‘life’. While a human remains attached to the material, or Earth-bound’, focussed emotional compulsions and attachments, which are connected the Natal Moon, keeping human individual linked to their ‘past‘, this prevents Sun tasks ‘shining’ for a ‘higher good’ in ‘life’ and a human’s conscious participation in the creation of their ‘life’. The ability to synthesize ‘life’ energies productively cannot occur.
Once a human is able to work productively with the Exoteric and Esoteric energies, as represented in their Horoscope, a refinement of character and Personality traits takes place. The human has been released from their negative instinctual emotional nature, with urges and feelings, which are more in keeping with the Will of Soul replacing them.

THE ASCENDANT or Rising Sign

Exoterically this area of a Horoscope describes a new entity’s first experience of ‘life’ on Earth. Working with astronomical calculations for the time of an entity's birth, the Zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon of the place of birth at that time is known the Ascendant sign of a Horoscope.
Just as the Sun rises on the eastern horizon each day to come into view, the Ascendant area symbolises a human’s ‘coming’ into Human ‘life’. This area of the Natal chart symbolizes a human’s first experience of Earth ‘life’. It helps describe an entity’s manner of entry into the human world and a human's view of their world on Earth. It indicates a person’s expectations from other people around them when they venture into the world, their reaction to distressing challenging ‘life’ situations that they are confronted with, and how they are likely to present themselves to people when away from safe places, such as home. As well as describing the mode of action and persona traits likely to be stimulated from within when venturing into new situations in ‘life’, the Ascendant also represents the first impression that an individual human is likely to make on others when coming into contact with new associations or situations.
Esoterically the Ascendant is a major indicator of the way that an individual human’s awareness of Soul and Soul Purpose develops. The rising Zodiac sign indicates behavioural traits and qualities that are to be stimulated for the expression of Soul Purpose as Soul works to make its influence known in an individual’s life. The rising sign describes the format that an individual is required to develop for the implementation of their Soul task. It helps to describe the way that the collectively aimed work of a ‘Soul-Infused’ individual is to be presented to Humanity.

SUN SIGNS

ARIES represents the beginning of creation
§ the coming of an ‘idea’ into consciousness; the start of the new

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
An initiating force
The idea of a cause is seen
Courage to face the new
Passion driven action
Willingness to ‘fight'

Exoteric Ruler - Mars
Mantram: Let form again be sought

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Will to Be
The Birthplace of ideas
The knower of the purpose
Passion that leads to progress
Arrives at unity through right effort

Esoteric Ruler - Mercury
Mantram: I come forth and from the plane of mind, I rule

The Desired result of Aries: Through the fiery Aries process of initiation an ability to implement ideas into action develops. Then, via the connecting principle symbolized by Mercury, an individual is able to connect with, motivate, and lead others based upon a ‘right’ understanding of what underlies Human activity.

This leads to the development of a power that works to ensure’ right’ action;
of the ‘right use of will’ that allows Humanitarian purpose to proceed

TAURUS represents the material form of creation
the physical form needed for an idea to exist

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
I have, therefore I am
The drive to possess material form
Attachment to matter
Resistant to change

Exoteric Ruler - Venus
Mantram: Let struggle be undismayed

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Desire to Be
The drive to connect with form
Liberation from attachment to matter
The light that reveals and uplifts

Esoteric Ruler - Vulcan
Mantram: I see, and when the eye is opened, all is illumined

The Desired result of Taurus: Through earthy Taurus stability, the needed grounding in physical form takes place. Then, via the imploding principle symbolized by Vulcan, an individual understands how detachment from Earth-bound desire allows the expression of the transcended beauty of Soul to be realized.

This leads to the illumination and uplifting of Human awareness;
of recognizing that determined and steadfast creativity is needed to support productive Humanitarian growth
GEMINI represents the energy connection within creation
the movement between the different points of an idea; the learning of the interplay that enables a fusion of opposites

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
Knowledge gathering
Non-purposeful movement
Relates to see own self-contrast
Changeable

Exoteric Ruler - Mercury
Mantram: Let instability do its work

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
Knowledge sharing
Directed movement
Relates to merge with the ‘other’
Synthesizing

Esoteric Ruler - Venus
Mantram: I recognise my other self, and in the waning of that self, I grow and glow

The Desired result of Gemini: Through the airy Gemini ability to search and blend, the necessary adjustment of contrast can be understood. Then, via the love and joy principles symbolized by Venus, an individual promotes the establishment of harmonious communication processes, and the development of ‘right’ ideas that support peace and goodwill.

This leads to the development of skills that enable harmonious linkage between humans;
of seeing the internal order that exists within the chaos of Human life and understanding
the Human drive for connection

CANCER represents the foundational support of creation
a firm base of support is established; the basics needed for an idea to survive

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The ‘instinctual’ mother
Waters of the womb
Heritage-family
Own personal world
Emotional connection to form

Exoteric Ruler - Moon
Mantram: Let isolation be the rule and yet the crowd exists

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
Universal mother
Waters of the Universe
Collective-family
Identifies with the Whole
Intelligent caring shared with all

Esoteric Ruler - Neptune
Mantram: I build a lighted house and therein dwell

The Desired result of Cancer: Through watery Cancer sensitivity, an instinctual protective need for a secure ‘home’ environment is stimulated. Then, via the all-encompassing principle symbolized by Neptune, a greater awareness that ‘nothing is ever lacking’ develops to allow foundational resources to be utilized and offered to ‘many’.

This leads to the viewing of ‘family’ as the whole of Humanity‘;
of seeing the need for ‘loving inclusively’ to exist as the basic foundation for Humanity

LEO represents the consciousness of creation
creativity and awareness combine; the idea is now recognized

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to be Seen
Instinctual Will
Birth of individuality
Domineering
Reflecting light

Exoteric Ruler - Sun
Mantram: Let other forms exist. I rule

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive for Self-mastery
Right use of Will
Awareness of individuality
Purposeful
Source of light

Esoteric Ruler - Sun
Mantram: I am That and That am I

The Desired result of Leo: Through the fiery Leo process of self-creativity, the personal task of radiating powerful and creative inspiration is activated. Then, via the enlightenment principle symbolized by the Sun, an individual recognises that the principle of life existing within Human physical form is an extension of Universal creativity.

This leads to the concept of ‘humanness’ as the main focus on Earth being overcome;
of recognising the Universal life principle that exists in all, and that there is an associated need for creative Human purpose

VIRGO represents the perfection of creation
the need for an idea and all its parts to be clearly recognised and understood; of wholeness that supports an idea

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to work
Practical builder
Self-serving
Trapped by form
Discriminating
Search for material order

Exoteric Ruler - Mercury
Mantram: Let matter reign

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to serve
Healer of form
Serving others
Co-creator of form
Inclusive
Order out of physical chaos

Esoteric Ruler - Moon
Mantram: I am the mother and the child, I God, I matter am

The Desired result of Virgo: Through earthy Virgo practicality, the process of building a purposeful result is undertaken. Then, via the nurturing principle symbolized by the Moon, an individual supports the need for practical discrimination, effort, and wholeness that ensures the creation of ideal form.

This leads to an understanding of practical truth;
of the needed order and structure that allows wholesome activity to function within Humanity

LIBRA represents the balance within creation
the need for the correct orientation of all the parts if an idea is to succeed; of how the balance of an idea is achieved
EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
Imbalance
Myself Vs Others
Mind
The Drive to Dominate

Exoteric Ruler - Venus
Mantram: Let choice be made

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
Perfected balance
The One Humanity
Love
The Drive to Mediate

Esoteric Ruler - Uranus
Mantram: I choose the way that leads between the two great lines of force

The Desired result of Libra: Through the airy Libra process of harmoniously relating develops an ability to see that differing components need to be considered before any choice of action is undertaken. Then, via the inspiration principle symbolized by Uranus, an individual is able to see how a balanced integration of the old with the new is possible.

This leads to ‘right’ relationship and unity between the parts of a situation;
of knowing that Humanitarian challenges need to work with ‘right’ use of mind
based upon the Will to Good

SCORPIO represents the transformation preceding creation
the need to remove that which holds back an idea’s progress; the growth that allows the new

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
Selfish desire
The Drive to destruct
Degeneration
Enslaves

Exoteric Rulers - Mars / Pluto
Mantram: Let Maya flourish and deception rule

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
Selfless desire
The Drive to transform
Regeneration
Releases
Esoteric Ruler - Mars
Mantram: Warrior am I and from the battle I emerge triumphant

The Desired result of Scorpio: Through the watery Scorpio process of intense, deep penetration develops an ability to connect with the truth of a matter. Then, via courage and determination symbolized by Mars, an individual is able to undertake beneficial action which facilitates the purification of form.

This leads to a greater insight necessary for creative Humanitarian development;
of being able to stimulate the purification of desire that ensures Human growth

SAGITTARIUS represents the direction that guides creation
the need to pave the way for the vision of an idea ; the goal is now clearly seen

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to experiment
The jungle
Self-centred experiences
Desire dominating mind

Exoteric Ruler - Jupiter
Mantram: Let food be sought

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to envision
The Path
The goal of experience
Mind and desire relate

Esoteric Ruler - Earth
Mantram: I see a goal. I reach that goal and see another

The Desired result of Sagittarius: Through the fiery Sagittarian process of expansion, the stimulation towards a quest is experienced. Then, via the grounding principle symbolized by Earth, an individual becomes the ‘path-walker’ who guides the way for ideas to come into action.

This leads to the provision of the knowledge and direction that enables
Humanitarian development to expand;
of the practical implementation of action towards a goal

CAPRICORN represents the materialization of creation
the needed hard work, discipline, and responsibility that ensures an idea’s attainment; the achievement that leads to a result

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to achieve
User of resources
Encased by structure
Earthbound

Exoteric Ruler - Saturn
Mantram: Let ambition rule and the door stand wide

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive towards culmination
Creator of result
Creating structure
Anchoring ideas on Earth

Esoteric Ruler - Saturn
Mantram: Lost am I in light supernal and on that light I turn my back

The Desired result of Capricorn: Through the earthy Capricorn process of responsible utilization of resources, result is achieved. Then, via the authoritative influence symbolized by Saturn, an individual becomes the overseer of a process, having the necessary knowledge for making ‘right’ choice.

This leads to having the wisdom that enables the harnessing of creative potential;
of recognizing the implications upon Humanity if the lessons learnt from experience
are not adhered to

AQUARIUS represents the sharing of creation
the sharing of creativity with others; the ‘idea’ becomes available to all

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive towards egocentricity
Superficial
Dispersed
Indiscriminate

Exoteric Rulers - Saturn / Uranus
Mantram: Let desire in form be ruler

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive towards Humanitarianism
Universal
Cause oriented
Directed

Esoteric Ruler - Jupiter
Mantram: Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty men

The Desired result of Aquarius: Through the airy Aquarian process of detachment to ‘normal’ binds, innovative ideas are experienced. Then, via the expansive influence symbolized by Jupiter, an individual is drawn towards supporting new ideas that have an expansive and beneficial influence upon Humanity.

This leads to the gaining of insight about the wider scope of Human necessity;
of being supportive of collective networking so that new ideas can be implemented
within the Human Race

PISCES represents the realisation of creation
the ‘sacrifice’ of the old to allow the ‘new’; the completion of a re-orientation of consciousness

EXOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to experience unconscious response
Addiction
Bondage
Crucified life

Exoteric Rulers - Jupiter / Neptune
Mantram: Go forth into matter

ESOTERIC KEYWORDS
The Drive to develop directed sensitivity
Detached
Liberation
Resurrected life

Esoteric Ruler - Pluto
Mantram: I leave the Father’s home and turning back I save

The Desired result of Pisces: Through watery Pisces sensitivity, the need to merge with ‘something’ that leads to an experience greater than already known is recognized. Then, via the transformation influence of Pluto, an individual recognizes the truth of greater knowledge and purpose, and the need to implement changes that allow truer benefit for Humanity.

This leads to the development of a deeper devotion to greater ‘truth’;
of implementing knowledge that leads to undertakings that assist Humanitarian re-orientation

MOON SIGNS

MOON IN ARIES - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to activate new undertakings
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by getting ‘things’ started in impulsive and passionate ways.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to motivate activity, the ability to stimulate action can now work to allow the creative expression of other’s action.

MOON IN TAURUS - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to connect with material form
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by being creative and surrounding self with objects that satisfy self-interest.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to create form, the ability to creative can now influence others in their creative development of form.

MOON IN GEMINI - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to connect mentally to material reality
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by being involved with a variety of interests and by mixing with a variety of people.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to understand ideas, and share them with others, the ability to communicate understanding can now benefit the knowledge gathering of others.

MOON IN CANCER - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to protect and support life
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by protecting and nurturing family members or other close relationships.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to nurture and nourish others, the ability to support and share resources with others can now function to assist others in the gaining of security.

MOON IN LEO - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to develop self-consciousness
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by being able to self-creatively attract other people’s attention and be loved and adored by all.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill for tapping into personal talents, the ability to develop creative talent can now work to stimulate the talents of others.

MOON IN VIRGO - Relates to the Human’s instinctual need for ‘perfection’ of form
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by gathering resources and working with them to produce a practical result.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill for recognising the purposeful parts of an idea and bringing them together, the ability to realise wholeness of form can now work to improve ‘wholeness’ the other’s.

MOON IN LIBRA - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to merge with another
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by forming co-operative partnerships with other people.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to co-join people, the ability to activate harmony in relationships can now work to help the better connections of others.

MOON IN SCORPIO - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need for self-empowerment
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by having power over objects of desire.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to gain power over emotionally driven desires, the ability to empower control over irrational desires can now assist the development of healthier life outcomes for others.

MOON IN SAGITTARIUS - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to aspire
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by undertaking activity that supports the aspiration and attainment of personal goals.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to strive and attain goals, the ability to motivate and inspire can now work to guide others in the attaining of goals.

MOON IN CAPRICORN - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need for control over matter
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by controlling surrounding objects and people in order to gain personal benefit.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill to control and develop tasks that assist the practical materialisation of reward, the ability to organise and structure resources can now assist others in the manifestation of their goals.

MOON IN AQUARIUS - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to look for difference and change
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by merging with groups of people who are seen as variant and ‘different’ to others.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill for recognising and supporting difference, the ability to support creative and unusual ideas can now work to attract their greater acceptance.

MOON IN PISCES - Relates to the Human’s basic instinctual need to connect to ‘sensitive’ realities
Exoterically - The fulfilment of emotional desire is served by finding ways to escape from life’s harsh realities.
Esoterically - Having worked with an instinctual skill for avoiding engagement with Earth-bound insensitivities, the ability to recognise structures that prevent loving interplay between people can now help to enable their removal.
ASCENDANT SIGNS

ARIES rising
Exoterically Aries indicates the drive to express ideas into the world. It represents an ‘instinctual’ quality that enables a quick, fiery reaction to be offered to any presented challenge. The individual can be seen as courageous, eager, and sometimes foolhardy, as well as someone who willingly stands up for their own or other people's causes.
Esoterically, the ‘knowing’ of how a new idea needs to be expressed is enabled. The undertaking of ‘right’ action now occurs, allowing ideas to connect to Human consciousness. The individual works with intuitively based response as ideas are penetrated into form.

An individual enables opportunity for the initiation of ideas that support Human collective good

TAURUS rising
Exoterically Taurus indicates the drive to manifest and possess physical objects. It represents the ability to deliberate, which allows the ‘taking of one’s time’ so that an appreciation of the beauty and charm of form can develop. The individual is seen as reliable, being guided by a strong sense of caution, which leads to a reluctance to try new things. An underlying determination, or strong will, drives them to maintain a hold on what they surround themselves with in life.
Esoterically, the ability to see something more ‘real’ in the materialism that surrounds Humans is enabled. The individual is able to recognise the element of Soul within physical form, ‘knowing’ that this ‘light of life’ is greater than any external ‘beauty’.

An individual enables opportunity that frees people from their sub-conscious attachment to the material aspect of Human life

GEMINI rising
Exoterically Gemini indicates the drive to experience versatility and variety through the medium of communicating. It represents the ability to gain and share knowledge by linking with people in many varied ways. The love of movement and change leads the individual to experiencing as much as possible about life. They can be seen as superficial, wasting energy, generally attempting to walk down two different paths at the same time.
Esoterically, the action of creative linking, which allows knowledge and ideas to be communicated in ways that lead to peace and unity between different ideas and purpose, is enabled. The individual has developed an ability to see how a connection between life’s contrasts allows for greater Human creativity.

An individual enables opportunity for the linking of Human minds and ideas, and for recognition of the collective need to be connected.

CANCER rising
Exoterically Cancer indicates the drive of self-preservation. It represents the ability to connect to surrounding support systems that are needed to support and nurture human survival in life. The individual appears to have a very subjective slant on life, seeming to be ‘hidden’ in a realm of personal emotion and fear, which is associated with emotional insecurity. This slant remains until it is replaced with a clear and more objective understanding of life.
Esoterically, the action of establishing foundations, which supports the sharing of resources with others, is enabled. The individual recognizes that it is Universal consciousness or spirit that surrounds and supports life all of the time.

An individual enables opportunity for support systems to be developed as they work to establish tasks that facilitate a more cohesive Human Family.

LEO rising
Exoterically Leo indicates the drive for the ‘self’ to be recognized by all. It represents the ability to take action to ‘shine’ self outwards and be at the centre of an activity, sharing other people’s’ attention with no one else. Along with the need for fun, an individual can appear to possess a childlike craving, which requires a very high approval rate from people around them. The creative development of physical attractiveness is seen as necessary to secure the love that is perceived to be needed from another.
Esoterically, the development of a self-consciousness, which uses love to creatively interact with all coming into contact with, is enabled. The individual feels the need to ‘shine’ love, instead of ‘shining’ to receive love, and works to stimulate the creativity of others. Growth towards an evolved sense of self-love and individuality, which functions within the group, now serves to inspire others.

An individual enables opportunity for love-consciousness to be recognised. This allows people to see past ‘self’ and work towards developing their creativity as an expression of love that works as part of the creative Force of Humanity.

VIRGO rising
Exoterically Virgo indicates the drive to ensure that there is a place for everything and that everything is in its place. It represents the ability to affect ‘perfect’ form. The individual appears to need to work towards producing practical results, having a strong resourcefulness for recognizing solutions for problems. The work ‘ethic’ is a major consideration in their decision-making.
Esoterically, the enabling of ‘perfection’ in the formulation of practical tasks is enabled. Understanding how all facets of a task need to be integrated for the proper functioning of the task, the individual knows that proper synthesis is a required part of some successful collective purpose.

An individual enables opportunity for the ‘perfect’ picture, which Humanity has to work with, to be understood. The practical purpose of some physical form, which is required in the aim of Service to Humanity, is able to be recognized.

LIBRA rising
Exoterically Libra indicates the drive to obtain harmony and peace. It represents the ability to see both sides of a situation and work towards ensuring the co-operation of others. The individual can be seen to compromise their individuality in order to please others. They want to avoid being labelled ‘bad guy’ if other people are not pleased by their choices and find themselves easily caught in the middle of a situation.
Esoterically, the balance that follows the development of harmonious co-operation and fluid interchange is enabled. The individual becomes aware of the importance of relationship on all levels. The need for ‘right’ attitude in relation to a task remaining effective is recognised. The need for right values, good judgement, and ethical laws, so that collective activity can function harmoniously, is understood.

An individual enables opportunity for balanced perspectives to be established in relationships. ‘Right’ human relations are facilitated between all sectors of Humanity.

SCORPIO rising
Exoterically Scorpio indicates the drive to face conflict in order to have personal desire fulfilled. It represents the ability to oppose any undesirable action that stands in the way of an outcome. The individual is seen as able to recognise the strengths and weaknesses that surround them, choosing easily to take advantage of them in order to achieve a personally desire.
Esoterically, an ability to promote the necessary refinement or change for a task to proceed is enabled. The individual works to promote the healing or a rebirth of attitudes that stand in the way of collective progress.

An individual enables opportunity for the development of new understandings and attitudes that empower positive Humanitarian growth.

SAGITTARIUS rising
Exoterically Sagittarius indicates the drive to undertake action that facilitates expansion towards new horizons. It represents the ability to avoid physical and mental limitations. The individual is seen to undertake action that maintains their personal freedom as they pursue personal goal after personal goal.
Esoterically, the development of aspiration, which relates to a more expansive reality that is based upon the ability of conscious direction in life, is enabled. The individual has accumulated knowledge and experience that works to support others in quests of collective purpose.

An individual enables opportunity for the development of one-pointed focus, which incorporates the knowledge-infused steps that work to support the attainment of greater collective goals.

CAPRICORN rising
Exoterically Capricorn indicates the drive to produce controlled, ordered activity. It represents the ability to structure and organise effort consistently. The individual is seen as fearful and serious, not taking life lightly. They have a strong sense of right and wrong, and work with the need to act responsibly, which impacts upon any action they take.
Esoterically, an ease in formulating and structuring effort for an appropriate result is enabled. The individual relates to larger scale responsibilities as forms of loving service instead of heavy burdens and restrictions.

An individual enables opportunity for the development of practical and responsible effort, which works to support beneficial Humanitarian schemes.

AQUARIUS rising
Exoterically Aquarius indicates the drive towards being involved with the ‘new’ and be detached from status quo. It represents an ability to express individuality in unusual ways. The individual is seen to associate with like-minded ‘others’ who are similarly interested in non-mainstream behaviour.
Esoterically, the support for group action in the service of ‘group good’ is enabled. The individual works to establish networks that work to allow the development of new processes for the benefit if collective purpose.

An individual enables opportunity for the development of collective effort, which leads to increasing the level of group unity within Humanity.

PISCES rising
Exoterically Pisces indicates the drive to identify with ‘all’ that exists. It represents an ability to experience extreme sensitivity, which enables a connection to varying levels of awareness. The individual is seen as sensitive, having a need for compassion and love on a daily basis, which leads to ‘internal’ conflict when an environment does not contain this energy.
Esoterically, action based on spiritual strength and an understanding of the power of love and compassion is enabled. The individual sees the overall picture, recognizing what is needed and where changes have to be made so that collective interaction will be able to function in more compassionate and loving ways.

An individual enables opportunity for the alteration of unconscious patterns, which are responsible for holding back the growth of collective Human love and unity.

ZODIAC SIGN POLARITIES

AN OVERVIEW OF ZODIAC SIGN QUALITIES AND THEIR USE IN
THE STAGES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

In Esoteric Psychology, a human’s level of consciousness is what determines how the Human qualities and traits that the Zodiac signs represent are likely to be used for Soul’s work. With each sign sitting in opposition to another in the circle of the Zodiac, six polarity groupings are formed. This polarity relationship represents the direct interplay that exists between each pair of Zodiac signs, and calls for a balance between the characteristics that they represent.
Based upon this association, a description of the Zodiac’s six polarities follows. This description indicates how various Human qualities, which are astrologically associated with the Zodiac signs, are used by humans in the various levels of Human development.

GEMINI-SAGITTARIUS Polarity

1st STAGE development - Experienced here is the urge to gain knowledge and communicate information to others. Self is seen as limitless regarding life’s experiences. Intellectual qualities involve prejudices and exclusivity, and the belief that one’s own personal religious, philosophical, or intellectual beliefs are the ones that everyone should have.

GEMINI - Stimulated here is the wanting to merge with other people in any direction or way. An individual’s urge is for experience with others, and any experience will do. The focus of relating into the world is based upon how everyone or thing relates to the ‘own-self’’, and a sense of shared interchange at the objective level is lacking. Life revolves around personal opinions and the need to communicate them (even dominating other minds with egocentric opinions). There is a search for the opposites contained in ideas.

SAGITTARIUS - Working under the influence of the ‘desire-mind’, an individual’s urge to increase their life experience occurs without having any structure or inner truth to guide such expansion. With mental energy totally under the power and control of emotional desire, the mutable nature of the lower mind constantly creates many desires to be satisfied. If lower mind is used creatively, it is for the formulation of purpose and ideals that justify one’s own personal and limited world. Being neither focused nor directional, an individual finds self chasing after many externalized goals.

2nd STAGE development - Here ereere mmental activity is subjected to an orientation towards the evolution of consciousness. There is now an attraction towards communicating ideas for the direction of educating other people, serving to transform the existing ‘separative’ concepts of people who lack inclusive world views.

GEMINI - The orientation of relationship is acquired here. An individual works to harmonize self with others so that their life’s purpose may emerge through various forms of communication. An individual is on the path of harmonizing opposites for their use in greater forms of Human creative expression. Until able to sustain a greater focus on the esoteric level, a fluctuation in relationships may be experienced as they move between lower-self desire types and Soul energy types.

SAGITTARIUS - Here an individual is in the process of acquiring, and maintaining, a firm stance towards one single goal. The refining of purpose and goal orientation becomes a conscious task. An individual attains the necessary self-discipline that is needed to satisfy the more impersonal aims, and aspires to goals in a more practical manner.

3rd STAGE development - An ability to communicate the Divine Truth of life has developed, while an evolvement to the level of Great Teacher has aspired.

GEMINI - An individual now acts as a conscious vehicle for the creation of harmonious intelligence and communication that links opposing forces in Humanity. Seen is the need for ‘right’ thinking, speaking and movement. Knowledge of ‘both sides’ of the relationship that exists within the Human realm has been gained.

SAGITTARIUS - Increasingly identifying with a Higher Mind, an individual has disassociated self from the pleasures and frustrations of Human duality, allowing intuition to develop to its fullest. Right Knowledge now merges with Earthly experience. Becoming the true visionary and prophet, the sage and teacher inspires Humanity towards adopting a new Universal philosophy for the betterment of Humanity.

VIRGO-PISCES Polarity

1st STAGE development - Experienced here is the urge to recognise and connect with the ‘other’; that mysterious inner ‘something’ within another person, animal, or object - the subjective element within all life. There is a tendency towards diffusion and a lack of discrimination, with life in the practical form not perceived on any useful level.

VIRGO - Stimulated here is the urge to seek practical result coming from gathered information and material form. But even with a sensed need for wholeness of form in order to gain a practical result, a diffusion of skills and practical resources can result. An individual’s strong desire to gather objects and/or information can easily result in a cluttered life. Both the outer physical environment and the inner thoughts consist of many contrasting and conflicting pieces. Sudden and compulsive bouts of acquisition are likely to be experienced, along with trying to have everything in its ‘proper’ place. Alway looked for is a ‘perfected’ result from something, be it in mind or form.

PISCES - An individual’s urge here is to experience a connection with ‘feeling’; a connection with ‘sensitive’ form. This can lead to indiscriminate choice-making involving events of a sensitive nature. Pisces represents the ability of one energy to merge with another; of boundaries overcome. This leads to a strong sense of being everywhere at the same time, a lack of a centre within self, and being subjected to illusionary ideas because practical boundaries are lacking.

2nd STAGE development - Here the nurturing dynamic of both signs has become more developed to support, and bring in, practical life resources. With earlier diffusion inhibited, work can now function to firmly establish a proper synthesis of form. Healthier choices promoted work to incorporate a greater sense of identification with form. Wholeness based upon ‘right’ use of Mind and Love has been stimulated.

VIRGO - Here the process of discernment is at work. Having recognized the need for synthesis in form, an individual works to transform from an instinctual ‘gathering’ to a more focused field of self-orientation. Awareness of the need for the proper functioning of parts as they relate to the whole of any given situation has allowed a more refined state of orderliness to develop. Previously self-serving behaviour based on a fear of ‘lack in self (form)’ is replaced by awareness that there is a ‘Self to serve others’ that needs to be developed.

PISCES - Re-orientation has begun. Gained is a sense of direction within the basic fluidity of life (the fluidity between energy and form). The sensory world still pulls greatly at an individual’s sensitivity but this has transmuted into an artistic expression of form. There is an increasing need for, and capacity to, blend both the real and the ideal, the instinctive and intuitive, into a wholeness. With the practical tools developed to serve and release others from the ‘mind’ of suffering, sensitivity to others takes on a more grounded meaning and application.

3rd STAGE development - The Divine Mother works to nurture greater practical tasks while the World Savoir works to filter recognition of Christ Consciousness into Humanity.

VIRGO - An individual has taken on the task of working towards developing ‘wholeness of being’ at the collective level. The refining and synthesizing of the needed parts to allow the building of ‘right’ Humanitarian form.

PISCES - Here the personification of universal love, wisdom, devotion, and dedication, has developed. An individual has an ability to see where the necessary destruction of separatist thought forms and feelings inhibiting the flow of universal inclusivity is needed.

LEO-AQUARIUS Polarity

1st STAGE development - Experienced here is the urge for conscious recognition of self and of group. Of the ‘self’ who wants to be valued by others, and the ‘self’ who yearns to be part of a ‘like-minded’ group where ‘different’ ideas can be recognised and valued.

LEO - Stimulated here is the urge to seek continual identity acknowledgement and recognition from others. In order for their place in the world to be secure, an individual needs their ‘self’ importance to be recognised by the many people that they look to be surrounded by. They want to be seen and appreciated, based on admiration, even adoration, instead of an attraction based upon the truth of real Love.

AQUARIUS - ere The gaining of ‘self’ identity becomes blurred by the urge to remain ‘one among the many’. While an individual works for the recognition of their ‘self’ importance in society, it is more connected with rebelliousness, being drawn towards groups whose identities ‘stand out’ from mainstream society. This attraction can lead to involvements with an indiscriminate choice of people, groups, or life objectives, where radical ideas and actions are seen as disruptive to mainstream ideals.

2nd STAGE development - Here there an increase in the understanding that it is the recognition of ‘self’ as an independently functioning entity that is one of the most important factors in life. Gained is the sense of personal creativity that is to be worked with and shared with all. Individual creativity now starts to function within the creativity of group.

LEO - An individual becomes increasingly aware of the dynamics behind the use of creative self-expression. There is still a sense of ‘conflict’ between the strongly separative sense of ‘I’ and the attempts to assimilate and integrate a new developing sense of ‘self’’ with the Will of others. Developing is awareness that, by the ‘right use of Will’, a truer sense of the personal ‘self’ is developed by working with the many individuals that surround them.

AQUARIUS - Here self-development and personal ideas are opening up to wider social concepts that focus upon change for the benefit of society. An individual, having developed an ability to communicate new ideas to a larger audience outside their peer group, now leads others to actively network towards goals of positive social transformation. The urge to impress upon society through highly specialized group effort becomes modified by the need to participate in the development of a more inclusive consciousness between groups.

3rd STAGE development - The Enlightened Ruler leads others in the finding of their own creative self-expression, and the World Server works to promote the sharing of new ideas that support collective creativity.

LEO - An individual works towards increasing an awareness of the collective creative mind, functioning to inspire the group within which they serve. Instilling creative awareness in many others, they act as an integrating and power-filled expression of the collective Will-to-Good.

AQUARIUS - Here ideas are planetary in scope and selfless in intent. An individual stands firmly directed towards sharing a new and improved consciousness with Humanity, and works in ever widening circles of inter-group networking and communication.

TAURUS-SCORPIO Polarity

1st STAGE development - Experienced here is the urge to recognize, and connect to, physical form. An urge that underlies the Human’s powerful and destructive ‘desire’ nature, and which leads to conflict over other’s possessions.

TAURUS - Here anere a individual is strongly attracted to creating the means for acquiring material possessions, and an abundance of them. The ‘sense’ of security is increased by the owning of possessions, and by experiencing the various sensory pleasures associated with them.

SCORPIO - Now motivation to act is stimulated by desiring the possessions that others have. An individual is attracted towards entering into situations where some form of conflict over possessions is likely to occur.

2nd STAGE development - The urge is now more towards understanding of the real value of material form. An understanding of the real value of material form overtakes the earlier emotional drive and attachment to form. A more profound and deeper view of life allows the Human desire world of ‘lower ego’ to be left behind, replaced by a move towards increasingly embracing the ‘light of Love’ that works to liberate Humanity.

TAURUS - An individual now understands the need for both the detachment from material trappings and the development of refined self-values. The stimulus to create material form is used to improve the well-being of others, promoting ‘enlightened’ thinking.

SCORPIO - Now moving to support the life transitions of others, an individual moves from the earlier emotional and unconsciously driven desire state of thinking to a freedom of thought that involves an appropriate ‘use of mind’. Conflicts are still entered into, but now for what one consciously believes in, knowing that personality-centred battles are a waste of creative energy.

3rd STAGE development - With the Giver of Light working upon Humanity, the ‘light’ of true understanding allows true healing of Human Form, and the White Magician facilitates the transformation of ‘dark into light’.

TAURUS - Here there is a clear focus of sight, and the ‘Light of Life’ is perceived in all form. Having sensed the ‘truth’ of form, an individual is aware of the importance of the ‘idea’ behind form, and works to uplift Human consciousness.

SCORPIO - An ability to partake in conflict now leads an individual to partake in enlightened Humanitarian development. With Love Consciousness having victory over adversity, ‘right’ Human transformation comes into action.

ARIES-LIBRA Polarity

1st STAGE development - Experienced here is the powerful urge to initiate ventures, bring ideas into action, and obtain a harmonious outcome.

ARIES - Here an individual is driven by emotion and passion to enter into activity that promotes a ‘cause’.W But at this stage it is usually a personal cause. Involved is a ‘me-first’ attitude, and a lack of subjective awareness as to what drives them, and of how their action affects others. They are seen as headstrong but lacking direction, naive and unaware, having a strong sense of territorial domination which leads to conflict with others.

LIBRA - Wanting a Seeking harmonious result in all action undertaken, an individual’s attitude towards ‘others’ is for others to ‘be co-operative and do things my way’, attempting to manipulate them. With decision-making ability that leads to ‘right’ balance, and a sense of ‘right’ co-operation with others lacking, disharmony ensues. Indecisiveness about ideas also causes tension.

2nd STAGE development - Here ideas are able to be formulated to allow others to work towards establishing the ‘right working’ of a cause. An ability to see more clearly the areas that need to come into balance before any action can work in harmony has developed.

ARIES - An individual now leads the fight for the rights and well-being of others. Seen more clearly is a practical plan of action which involves some altruism, along with the relationship of the whole. Action serves as the vehicle for the initiation of other’s ideas, with conflict only entered into to reach a harmonious result.

LIBRA - Now able to clearly see ‘right’ ideas, an individual’s ability to guide balanced decision making is able to assist with the manifestation of ideas. An understanding of how to obtain harmonious synthesis has developed, and an ease for moving back and forth between opposing ideas when dealing with them. Compatibility between people comes into focus.

3rd STAGE development - The Great Leader works with greater mind-intelligence, and the Inspired Peacemaker confidently presents new ideas that inform Collective harmony.

ARIES - Now in touch with intuition, and not distracted by superficial issues, an individual has an ability to perceive the real principles underlying any life situation. Conscious decisions for the ‘right action of Will’ are made, with only the necessary battles for creating a greater peace undertaken. Supporting the harmonious Plan for Humanity, the expression of ideas is based on inclusive love.

LIBRA - As the personification of the Law of Right Human Relations, an individual works as an active agent in furthering peace, unity, and co-operation among people. Concerned with bridging and fusing ideals and attitudes, the Plan for Humanity is advanced. Dealing with a world of opposing duality, an individual is totally in touch with the common thread that joins and unites people.

CANCER-CAPRICORN Polarity

1st STAGE development - Experienced here is the urge for control over basic life resources and structures. The basic instinctual animal urge to ‘mother’ that works to ‘nurture’ and control the young links with the basic Human urge to control and produce material outcome.

CANCER - Here action revolves around physical self-preservation and survival. This can result in an individual attaching self to others, becoming emotionally grasping and possessive. There is no clear knowing of what is coming from an individual’s mind and what is being absorbed from others around them. Lacking is an objective mind to protect a fragile sense of ego.

CAPRICORN - Driven towards achieving status and position outside the home, an individual’s urge is to have control over all activity that they are involved with. The responsibility of pressure can lead to a sense of restriction, with great concern suffered over any gains and losses incurred.

2nd STAGE development - An abundance of resources has been recognised. Now there is opportunity to unselfishly share love and nurture while objectivity developing proper structures and boundaries that serve to allow an expression of ‘right’ authority in life.

CANCER - Here anere HeHrere individual demonstrates the difference between instinctive self-protection and intelligently directed guidance regarding life activity. The perceptive and sensitive nature has combined with a growing sense of orientation and self-determinism, and strong psychic discrimination has emerged. An identity in the external objective world can be built for the creation of foundations which support the growth of others.

CAPRICORN - The ere previous urge towards personal achievement and control has transformed to allow a focus upon a greater responsibility to activity around them. An individual now recognises that any attainment is not meant for personal use, with the ‘having’ giving away to the ‘serving with what one has’. How to work ambitiously without personal ambition has been learnt, with structures and boundaries existing without feeling personally limited by them. Having moved from total attachment to the material realm, to total detachment from, wisdom that allows freedom is shared.

3rd STAGE development - The Holy Mother brings nurturing support to all aspects of Humanity, and the Spiritual Liberator serves to guide ‘right’ structure that supports Humanity.

CANCER - Having ‘built’ a firm sense of individuality, an individual’s inherent Mother Principle of compassion and love becomes totally devoted to the welfare of others. An abundance of nurture and support is directed towards establishing strong foundations that are needed for Humanitarian tasks.

CAPRICORN - Now free from inhibiting emotional impulses, an individual’s mind works towards producing altruistic outcomes using an intelligence that divinely inspires practical wisdom. uman The work undertaken serves to achieve the practical organisation, structure, and responsibility that are needed for the liberation of Humanity.

THE ZODIAC STORY OF ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY

Zodiac symbolism of the Human journey.

The Universal Mind’s idea of Soul in Form

ARIES represents the coming of an idea into consciousness. The initiation of ideas. An idea’s stimulation before it externalizes into form. The ensuring of an idea’s ‘birth’ into consciousness; the direction of mind is revealed.

Human form materializes as the house of Soul

TAURUS represents an idea’s need for physical form. With the form of an idea recognised, it can be created. The strength, determination, and stability that supports the manifestation of an idea.

Intelligence within Human form

GEMINI represents the ‘thinking’ and communication that allow an idea to develop. The ‘knowing’ of the parts of an idea, and their potential unity. The ‘mind-use’ that allows an idea to be known; the ‘knowing’ of the detail of an idea.

Soul manifests into Human Form

CANCER represents the secure foundation needed for an idea to manifest. An environment that supports an idea. The provision of a secure support system; the foundation that an idea can work from.

Soul consciousness manifests

LEO represents the creative consciousness needed for an idea to develop. The creative potential within an idea is recognised. The promoting of an idea’s creativity; an idea’s creativity is shown to others.

Soul and Human are one: the refinement of the Plan proceeds

VIRGO represents the synthesis needed for an idea’s practical function. The practical knowledge that supports an idea’s form. The production of ‘right’ form; the ‘knowing’ of how and where to use what is gathered.

Soul and Human come into balance

LIBRA represents the balance needed for the parts of an idea to unite and harmonise into action. An assessment of the steps that need to be taken to enable ongoing synthesis. The reflection on an idea before it can manifest; the ‘knowing’ of how a balanced result can be achieved.

Transformation allows Soul Purpose to manifest

SCORPIO represents the transformation needed for an idea to manifest. The strength and determination which is needed to secure an idea’s release from limitation. The enforcing of change for an idea to work; the ability to deal with such conflict.

Soul Purpose attainment

SAGITTARIUS represents the ‘knowing’ of the steps that need to be taken in order to attain an idea’s manifestation. With knowledge and aspiration, an idea becomes possible. The forging ahead to a ‘goal’; ‘knowing’ the way that an idea manifests.

Soul Purpose manifestation

CAPRICORN represents the discipline that is needed for an idea to manifest. The direction and control of action that supports the attainment of an idea. The taking of responsibility for manifesting an idea; a result is achieved.

Soul Purpose comes into Collective focus

AQUARIUS represents the collective sharing of an idea. With a break in tradition new ideas can manifest. The uniting with others for the sharing of an idea; the raising of awareness to a new idea.

Soul Purpose is undertaken

PISCES represents the merging of an idea into collective consciousness and action. With a creative ‘idea’ realized, it manifests into service. The connection of an idea into practise; the idea is established.

Bibliography

Arrowsmith, B 1992, The Science of Consciousness, Vantage Press, New York.
Arroyo, S 1978, Astrology, Karma & Transformation, CRCS Publications, Nevada.
Assagioli, R. 1993, Psychosynthesis, 3rd edn, Thorsons, London.
Assagioli, R 1999, The Act of Will, David Platts Publishing, England.
Bailey, A A 1936, Esoteric Psychology, Vol 1, Lucis Publishing, New York.
Bailey, A A 1942, Esoteric Psychology, Vol 2, Lucis Publishing, New York.
Bailey, A A 1951, Esoteric Astrology, Lucis Publishing, New York.
Bailey, A A 1998, The Twenty Four Books of Esoteric Philosophy, CD ROM, Lucis Publishing,
New York.
Blavatsky, H B 1888, The Secret Doctrine, Vols 1 & 2, Theosophical Publishing, London.
Cunningham, D 1978, An Astrological Guide to Self-awareness, CRCS, Nevada.
Dyer, W 1992, Real Magic, Harper Collins Publishers, Sydney.
Graves, R 1985, Greek Myths, BCA, London.
Hallam, E (ed) 1996, Gods and Goddesses, New Holland, Australia.
Hay, L L 1991, The Power is Within You, Specialist Publications, Australia.
Jung, C G (translation) 1971, The Spirit in Man, Art & Literature, Bollingen Paper Back
Printing.
Moody, H R & Carroll, D L 1999, The Five Stages of the Soul, Rider, London.
Oken, A 1988, Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology, Bantam Books, USA.
Oken, A 1990, Soul-Centred Astrology, Crossing Press, USA.
Pascal, E 1992, Jung to Live By, Time Warner Co, USA.
Pinsent, J 1982, Greek Mythology, Newnes Books, London.
Robbins, M D. 1996, Tapestry of the Gods, 3rd edn, Vols 1: 2, University of The Seven Rays
Publishing House, USA.
Rowland, M D. 1994, Absolute Happiness, Self Communications, Australia.
Savill, S; Locke, E; Barker, M & Cook, C 1976, Pears Encyclopaedia of Myths and Legends,
Book Club Associates, England.
Tulloch, S (ed) 1997, The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, Oxford University Press.

[1] I undertook a Master of Science in Esotericism with emphasis in Esoteric Psychology through the University of the Seven Rays.
[2] Bailey, A A 1942, Esoteric Psychology II, p. 6.
[3] 1997, The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus.
[4] 1997, The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus.
[5] 1997, The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus.
[6] The studies of Freud and Jung came into public view; Esoteric Psychology, Vol I was published in 1936. Astrologically, the discovery of Pluto in 1930 symbolises the stimulation of the human drive to get in touch with the hidden subconscious element of personal inner workings.
[7] Assagioli, R 1965, Psychosynthesis.
[8] Assagioli, R 1965, Psychosynthesis, pp. 38-39.
[9] Assagioli, R 1965, Psychosynthesis, p. 17.
[10] Bailey, A A 1944, Discipleship in the New Age, Vol 1, p. 548.
[11] See part 2 of this thesis for more discussion of this phenomenon.
[12] Bailey, A A 1942, Esoteric Psychology II, p. 6.
[13] Bailey, A A 1937, From Bethlehem to Calvary, p. 24.
[14] Bailey, A A 1948, The Reappearance of the Christ, p. 34.
[15] Oken, A 1988, Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology, p. 514.
[16] A Oken, Soul-Centred Astrology, p. 233; A Oken, Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology, p. 158.
[17] Bailey, A A 1951, Esoteric Astrology, p. 654: “Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty men.”
[18] D Rudhyar, Astroview magazine, page/date unknown.
[19] S Arroyo, Astrology Karma & Transformation, p. 35.
[20] S Arroyo, Astrology Karma & Transformation, p. 36.
*With these three planets being outside the orbit of Saturn, which is the furthest planet that the naked human eye can see from Earth, they have received the label of trans-Saturnian planets.
[21] 1997, The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus.
[22] D Cunningham, 1978, An Astrological Guide to Self-Awareness.
[23] Yung, C G 1971 (translation), The Spirit in Man, Art & Literature.
[24] Graves, R 1985, Greek Myths, p. 45; Pinset, J Y 1982, Greek Mythology, p. 52; Hallam, E (ed) 1996, Gods and Goddesses, pp. 92-93; Savill, S; Locke, E; Barker, M & Cook, C 1976, Pears Encyclopaedia of Myth and Legends, p. 117; Pascal, E 1992, Jung to Live By, pp. 177-193.
[25] For example, New Age authors such as Michael Rowland from Australia and Louise Hay from the USA.
[26] A god-like, superhuman power.
[27] Bailey, A A September, 1922, The Consciousness of the Atom.
[28] American television hostess, Ophra Whinfrey, who’s television shows have had a strong focus on human personal development
[29] Bailey, A A 1951, A Treatise on White Magic, p. 441.
[30] Bailey, A A 1951, A Treatise on White Magic, p. 441.
[31] Bailey, A A 1951, Esoteric Astrology.
[32] Bailey, A A 1953, Esoteric Healing, p. 157.
[33] 1997, The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus.
[34] Assagioli, R 1965, Psychosynthesis.
[35] Moody, R & Carroll, D 1999, The Five Stages of Soul.
[36]Bailey, A A Esoteric Astrology, p. 653.
[37]Bailey, A A Esoteric Astrology, p. 654.
[38] Bailey, A A Esoteric Astrology, p. 653.
[39] Bailey, A A Esoteric Astrology, p. 653.
[40] Bailey, A A Esoteric Astrology, p. 653.
[41] A chain of cause and effect: L Green, The Astrology of Fate, pp. 3-4.
[42] Bailey, A A 1942, Esoteric Psychology II, p. 328.
[43] Bailey, A A 1950, Letters on Occult Meditation, p. 204.
[44] Bailey, A A 1942, Esoteric Psychology, Vol 11, p. 152.
[45] Bailey, A A Esoteric Astrology, p. 654.
[46] Bailey, A A 1951, Esoteric Astrology, p. 84.
[47] Bailey, A A 1951, Esoteric Astrology, p. 121.
[48]Oken, A 1988, Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology, p. 514.
[49]Bailey, A A 1951, Esoteric Astrology, pp. 653-654.
[50] Bailey, A A 1927, Light of the Soul.

LIVING WITH SATURN

2007-03-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

by
Maggie Nalbandian & Gregory Nalbandian
Written: April, 1993

Have you ever looked at a circle and wondered where it began and ended. Circles seem to have no apparent beginning or ending, but are continuous. This is a lofty thing for mortals to ponder, for we live in a continuum with exact starts and stops.
Humans live in physical/material space that is based in time, filled with cycles of beginnings and endings, measured in hours, days, months, or years. As individuals, we base our lives from a defined beginning - our birthday, until a never looked at end: death.
As a society, we begin the cycle each January 1. Past cultures began and ended their cycles based on the seasons. From these beginning points we structure our lives, setting up limits to our existence based on the time within the cycle, like sub-cycles. A five year-old can't go to public school but a six year-old must. A 17 year-old cannot vote but an 18 year-old is allowed to and a 65 year-old person is told they should no longer be a part of the working or productive population. By setting up these limits based on time, we give structure to our existence and ourselves. This structure now becomes an identity both personally and socially. Based on where we are in the cycle, we give ourselves a name. One day we are a student and abruptly the next day (graduation) we are a doctor, lawyer or teacher - a new name or new beginning. Let's look at the astrological symbol for limits that define: the planet Saturn.
Saturn is the symbol of structure, form, and therefore limitation and responsibility. It symbolically defines us personally and socially. In medical astrology, Saturn rules the bones and also the skin; both of which give us our very individual physical structure. Saturn is pictured as Father Time, and therefore governs the perimeters of our existence - birth, the beginning of our cycle, and death, the end of our physical cycle. The very existence of structure implies limits such as birth/death, and beginnings/endings. Limits then become inhibitors and once defined (limited), a crystallization can happen based upon fears and inhibitions. Defenses are formed to protect the structure, and therefore Saturn symbolizes our defense system.
The definition or structure of our identity is begun at birth and is molded by our parents, our culture, and all authority figures in our lives. A male child is born and is molded into a masculine stereotype by being limited from or taught to deny all things feminine. The opposite is true for the female child. Culturally, we are formed (limited) by being taught we are Americans, therefore denying all other nationalities or human kinship. Defenses are put into place based on fears or lack of understanding of anything that we are not defined by. The extreme of the crystallization of limits is hatred which, in reality, is fear.
Wherever Saturn is in a chart denotes the individual's greatest fears, his/her inhibitions and the nature of the defense system. It is the perimeters within which the Sun and all other planets function. Shakespeare said all life is but a stage and we are the players. Saturn is the stage in the chart defining the props and the size of the stage. Positively used, we can allow each cycle of our lives, our experience, to become a spiral and ever expand our existence or enlarge the stage. Saturn can be continually defining and redefining us based on experience and choices we make in life instead of crystallizing and remaining a flat circle with only sameness in existence because of fear and inhibitions.
Saturn transits, or travels, through the Zodiac in approximately 28-1/2 years. This cycle is further defined in seven year increments. If you have read the book "Passages" by G. Sheehy, you will see graphically the Saturn transits in a life. The book is not an astrology book but is a book on observable crisis periods in everyone's life. Each of these crisis points coincide perfectly with the Saturn cycle. Any of you who have reached the age of 30 will recognize the major changes you just went through with Saturn conjunct your natal Saturn. The Saturn return can be most stressful when resistance is encountered in letting go of past behavioral patterns. These patterns will no longer work for you in the new cycle of Saturn which will last another 28 years.
This is called "growing up time" even though you thought you were grown up at age 21. It is time to take responsibility for your life and realize you can no longer blame others or circumstances for things that don't go right. This can be a bitter pill to swallow for we like to place blame on anyone but ourselves. Those of you who have reached the age of 35 are now going through your first Saturn square which, again, can be a bit more stressful, especially if you did not complete the Saturn return satisfactorily. Still blaming others or circumstances? If so, this can be harder than the Saturn return. Positively, this can be a time to make adjustments to the new path in life you chose at the Saturn return. Remember, every seven years Saturn makes a crucial stress point (negatively) or it helps us redefine our actions and make adjustments (positively).
Saturn is now transiting the Sign of Aquarius until late January, 1994. Those of you who have planets in the late degrees of fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are having one of those nice Saturn transits. Feeling a bit limited? Are there all sorts of delays or doors slamming in your face? Any new responsibilities you have had to take on? Don't let it get you down as all you need to do is stop and reflect on what you need to redefine. A Saturn transit can be very positive if you take the time to go through this process of redefinition.
There is one other added ingredient for those who are having a Saturn transit at this time: Pluto is squaring this point now and the element of major transformation now is added to the natal planet affected. This is a major turning point in your life and your best bet is to not fight it. As the saying goes, "go with the flow.
Saturn is the process of limitation, but it is through this process that we as manifested souls can seek our special destiny by the utter fact of definition through form. It is a paradox that unlimited souls have to go through a process of limits to grow back to the unlimited, but it is through this evolutionary cycle that distinction of our personal purpose becomes readily addressable.

www.astrologyetal.com

Dancing the Unconscious - The Outer Planets

2007-03-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

by By Maggie Nalbandian & Laura N. Gerking

There are many and varied opinions of what astrology is and what it can do. These opinions range from the most widely accepted view equating astrology with fortune telling, to the idea that astrology is a tool for self understanding and growth. I am sure you realize from reading previous articles, we are of the latter belief system and approach astrology from the self growth viewpoint. We view the chart as an penetrating picture or "x-ray" of a specific individual we are studying, knowing that this is an extremely complex and outrageously creative human being and is creating a most profoundly dramatic life. He/she constructs the scenario of life with great unseen creative genius so that the total gamut of emotions - great joy to gut-wrenching heartbreak - are experienced. No two individuals are alike as no two charts are alike. Each have their own drama to create and their own reason for creating this drama. The horoscope gives us the scenario but does not give us the dialogue within the drama. The person creates the dialogue extemporaneously. They have a myriad of choices and each choice changes the future choices to be made. As stated earlier, we are outrageously creative and have a great flair for the dramatic.
When we look at a horoscope we see it as a symbol of the TOTALITY of the person. The planets symbolize the various psychological functions of the human psyche, the signs and houses as their mode of expression and action, and the aspects (angular distances between the planets) symbolize the various complexes within the psyche. In previous articles we have examined the inner planets (Sun through Saturn) and have defined these planets as symbols of the conscious mind or ego. Each of us are consciously aware of our emotions, feelings, the way our mind (or computer) works, our belief and value systems and our constructed limits and defenses. We may not know why they are this way but at least we recognize that they are within us. These are all needed to maintain a sense of separateness or individuality in order to function in this material plain known as planet Earth. Our individual ego demands that we are different or separate from everything we view outside of ourselves. We say we are not a tree, a flower, a cloud, a bear, a whale or that other human individual we see. As we view our separateness we still yearn for oneness as witnessed by our need for a spiritual belief system. Humanity created religion from the beginning of time in order to fulfill this need and yet, even in our religions, we maintain our separateness by creating a God that is outside of ourselves - separate from us either as a great Father or a great Mother who either rewards us beneficially or punishes us with great wrath. No matter the religion we still stubbornly maintain our separateness and deny our own creativity and our own responsibility. This yearning for something more divine comes from our unconscious. The concept of the unconscious now adds another dimension to the complexity of human nature.
The recognition of the existence of the unconscious is not new and can be traced throughout history and literature. Our great philosophers, scientists and religious leaders have long sought to understand our complex natures. Great minds throughout our history have probed and pondered this great question as to what and why we are and what and why is our world. In relatively recent history we have such great minds a Einstein and his theory of relativity which brought physics back to metaphysics. Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious has added yet a third dimension to the human psyche.
Astrologers also are a part of this great search of understanding. We use a different tool - the solar system - in our search. We too have our great philosophers from Ptolemy, Porphyry to Leo, Bailey, Sepharial - too numerous to count. In our modern day we have Rudhyar, Jones, Robert Hand, Jeff Green, Tadd Mann - again too numerous to list. Each, as in the other fields, have added to our understanding of the human psyche and its complexity. We have added the concept of the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious to our own research and symbology. We have given these attributes to the outer or trans-Saturn planets named Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
We have been observing these planets for a very short period of time. Our first observations were that these planets remain in one sign of the zodiac for long periods of time and, therefore, must only symbolize generational influences rather than personal as millions of people are born with these planets in the same sign. After many years of observation and correlation we are now seeing these planets as symbols of collective and individual transformation. They are evolutionary in action and symbolize our personal and collective unconscious urge to explore and grow toward our greater potential.
From the collective viewpoint, we can trace the major shifts in consciousness - great upheavals in history - to the cycles of these great outer planets. As these planets transit a sign they symbolize a new generation that struggles to imprint their collective values and goals into world history. The dramatic changes in history are due to this generational need to assert themselves and take over the reins of power. Change happens sometimes gradually and other times cataclysmic depending on the amount of resistance to change. We are conditioned by our collective belief systems and values and, therefore, they become a part of our individual psyche.
From the personal or individual viewpoint we can also equate these planets to personal evolution. The inner planets, in their relatively rapid movement, are constantly forming different aspects and cycles with the outer planets. By placing these in a precise chart of an individual we now see them as extremely personal and important in the understanding of the total individual. We are looking beyond the conscious ego to the greater levels of the unconscious or Soul and its desire to evolve. The concept of reincarnation and a soul's need to evolve and grow can now be applied to astrology. For those who have a problem with this concept, you can look at it through genealogy. We are the sum total of past generation growth rather than believing we are our past generations. Either way we can look at that foundation (or karma) and work from that point. By looking at our evolution up to the point of our birth we can understand the setting of our life drama - the perimeters that we work within and the greater challenges we chose in order to continue our evolutionary growth.
Most astrologers today are no longer dismissing these planets as simply generational but as major indicators of life motivation. As science has accepted the importance of the different levels of the unconscious and unconscious motivations so has astrology. We seek to understand the totality of the individual and to cooperate consciously in our evolution. In seeking this understanding we find we are dealing with universal concepts and the possibility of oneness with all. Maybe we are that tree after all.

www.astrologyetal.com

THE GRAND ILLUSION or everywhere I look, Illusion, and yet without Opinion.

2007-03-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

by
Maggie Nalbandian & Gregory N. Nalbandian
Written: January, 1994

It is a beautiful, lazy summer day. The sky is clear pale blue with a few fluffy white clouds slowly changing shape. A young girl slowly swings back and forth on her swing, leaning back mesmerized by the sky and clouds. Her imagination leisurely working, she see the clouds forming fanciful pictures as she dreams fairy tales to accompany the pictures. Gradually the sky comes more into focus and she feels a growing wonder at its vastness. She feels more and more overwhelmed by it as she gazes upward, knowing it goes on to forever. As she continues swinging, she begins feeling weightless, floating in the universe with all its splendor and quiet peacefulness. A sense of anxiety begins to manifest as she compares her self to all that surrounds her. She feels so small, so insignificant in comparison to all that she sees. She feels herself to be a tiny speck of dust - meaningless in the larger context of this vast space, prompting the questions "Who, what am I?", "What can I possibly do compared to all of this?". This is Neptune
A quiet man sits in chair next to his bed piecing together the fragments of images he recalls from this nightly sleep. He has practiced one form of religion or another most of his life, trying to connect with the higher forces. Meditation has taken him close enough to utterly confuse him. He taught himself how to expand his awareness to such a state that one day he expanded his perceptions so far out that he could hear the roar of the universe. But as his perception expand past the known, to a place where every place exists, he was dumbfounded to find that when all is perceived, it appears as completely nothing. A Void. This again is Neptune
Above are many examples of Neptune's symbology - dreaming, meditation, illusion, delusion, timelessness and universal awareness. It is that unconscious part of ourselves that is outside of earth's time and reality, a portal to the undivided Godself through the function we call the collective unconsciousness. From the beginning of recorded history to modern time humans have searched for that connection with the universe. We have looked to the stars and developed spiritual and religious philosophies to fill that void within ourselves that we fear is meaningless. All that we do or seek to accomplish may have no meaning as we all die. Does it die with us and do we simply cease to exist - was it all for nothing? This is a very real fear we seek to prove groundless. We develop religions that give us an afterlife or we seek to continue through our children. We plan and work hard to leave a legacy saying we were here and we made a significant contribution to our world.
Neptune rules the unconscious mind and its connection to the collective unconscious. Through this connection, we are able to push our minds out into that vastness we have discussed earlier. The conscious mind or ego functions in our daily awakened state, while the unconscious takes command in our sleeping or meditative state. However, it is always there beneath our ego or conscious mind prompting us in subtle ways - either positively or negatively. Our dreams are the medium of communication between our two minds. The problem of communication here is they use different languages. Saturn's realm is the Earth and form, where reality is a linear time frame, while Neptune is formless, timeless and archetypal symbology. We try to put Neptune into Earth reality based structure and it does not fit. This can leaves us both confused and angered about the nature of our source. We are only now beginning to study the true significance of dreams as witnessed by the work of Carl Jung and many others.
In all our astrological literature Neptune is given rulership over motion pictures, illusions of all sorts, daydreaming, trances, meditation, escapism in all forms including drugs, alcohol, and insanity. How can we connect this with the universal archetype? Remember that Neptune is formless and outside of our time/space reality thereby seemingly unreal. It is the universe thereby often too overwhelming for us to face, as most who have tried to pier directly into the divine find out, it is safer to buffer the information with the comforts of our self built belief systems, than to go it alone.. The ego function, which is our buffering system, can have such a hard time with any information that doesn't jive with the ego's need for a predictable life, that we try to escape it. When Neptune fills the psyche with symbols and information that could possibly cause you to question yourself and your world, the ego has to get off it's butt and reinvent reality. So, we seek to escape before it confuses us or makes our reality meaningless. Our conscious ego grasps at anything that will either give the illusion significance or try to hide from this fear through escapism (drugs, etc.). Some of us will seek out that universal sereneness through trance or meditation. Positively we allow Neptune to work through our compassion and selfless love of others. We allow ourselves to connect and empathize or mirror others.
Neptune is the higher octave of the planet Venus. Venus symbolizes our personal value systems based on our judgments made through comparison or relating. Neptune then would be our ultimate or universal value systems based on concepts beyond Earth based reality that relies on faith rather than judgment. Venus also symbolizes creativity that is based on conscious feelings. Neptune takes that creativity into the realm of the unconscious or collective unconscious. Many musicians, for example, hear the music inside before they write or play it. They don't really know where it comes from but they hear it or feel it.
Let us return to the young girl on the swing. She has now grown to her later years and is at a contemplative time of her life. She has always been haunted by the early life experience and has spent her life seeking meaning. She spent years searching through and experiencing all types of religions seeking something she could truly believe in. Still haunted by feelings of meaninglessness, she began a period of productive work seeking to leave her mark in the scheme of history. She also raised a family; again telling herself that she would leave behind her genes or legacy - her life had meaning. One day she sat looking at the sky remembering the child she had been. She again let herself feel as a part of the universe like a wave that had crashed on the beach only to return to the ocean and dissolve into it's depths. There was that speck of dust feeling again but this time a sudden realization happened. That one speck of dust became the very integrity of the entire universe. She realized that, if that speck of dust were destroyed or somehow removed, the universe itself would collapse. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle hanging in space, removing one piece would make it collapse. Now this speck of dust took on a whole new meaning - there is continuity because the universe continues. Whether that continuity is a heaven/hell or if there is a soul that continues through many lifetimes, there is more than ego fulfillment. There is love, growth and meaning. There is faith and faith is Neptune.

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The Virgin of Guadalupe

2007-01-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

The Astrology of a National Symbol by Luis Lesur

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the female face of the divine who has the most followers in the Western world. Her shrine in Mexico City receives 20 million visitors per year, many more than Fátima (Portugal) or Lourdes (France). Only St. Peter's Basilica in Rome receives more pilgrims in the Catholic tradition. The Virgin stands in the main altar of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York (on the right-hand side), and in Nôtre Dame in Paris, she is granted her own chapel. In Mexico, where the Virgin of Guadalupe originated, (1) and especially among the millions of Mexicans who live in the United States, she is — even more than the Mexican flag — the most beloved emblem of national identity. This applies even to non-Catholics.
Could astrology help us to understand what lies behind the huge popularity of the Virgin of Guadalupe? Is it possible to get a meaningful horoscope from a legend? In the following discussion, I will sketch out some ideas from my book, The Secret Codes to the Virgin of Guadalupe. (2)
The story tells us that, just a few years after the conquest of Mexico by Spain, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to the Indian, Juan Diego, on the hill of Tepeyac. The first time was before dawn on December 9, 1531, when she told him to go to Bishop Zumárraga and ask him to build a chapel for her there. The priest asked the Indian for proof of the apparition. On December 12, the third time the Virgin spoke with Juan Diego, she told him to cut some roses as a testimony to Zumárraga. When he returned to the bishop, everyone present saw that the cloth in which the flowers were bundled had been transformed miraculously into a portrait of the Virgin. This image, so the Church tells us, is the same one still on display in the Basilica of Guadalupe.
Historians have established that the painting is the work of the native artist Marcos Cipac, who inscribed the date: 1556. On the other hand, the narrative of the miracle was published for the first time nearly one hundred years later, in 1648, and there is no solid evidence that the legend was known before then. Some specialists maintain that the story is contemporary with the painting and that it came originally from the script of a religious drama. Others believe that the story is even more modern, arguing that the language in which it was written (Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs) does not have the syntax that was used in the mid-16th century.
If we accept that behind the Virgin there lie a myth and a historic reality, the search for her horoscope could follow either of these two paths. The first approach would be factual: Try to establish, through historical documents, when the image was painted and when the account was published; then select the more appropriate of the two and deduce, using rectification, the exact time. The second approach would be to take the literary dates and clues given by the narrative as points of departure for the rectification. It seems to me that this offers us a unique opportunity to explore the possibility of a mythological date as an "astrological moment," so I lean toward the second option.
Let's begin our search through the ritual process of rectification, which we astrologers use to determine the legitimacy of a speculative horoscope. The first step is to choose which of the four apparitions is the most appropriate. The two dates of greatest significance seem to be December 9, 1531, the first time (the "birth moment") that Juan Diego spoke with the Virgin; and December 12, 1531, when the image materialized on the cloth holding the roses, also a "first." The biggest difference between these two dates is the position of the Moon. (3) On the 9th, the Moon was in Capricorn; and on the 12th, in Aquarius. We would prefer the first placement, because Capricorn has traditionally been associated with Mexico. It is impossible to find a direct relationship between Aquarius and either the symbolism of the Virgin or that of this country.
On the other hand, at dawn on December 9, the Sun and Moon formed an antiscion. (4) This could be an important clue. Let's see why: The Virgin of Guadalupe belongs to the genre known as Virgins of the Apocalypse, because this iconographic depiction of the Catholic virgin is inspired by the following passage from the Apocalypse of Saint John:
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (5)
The perfect astrological match with this description would have been a New Moon or, even better, a solar eclipse. A nonastrological book about the Virgin of Guadalupe (Eclipse of the Divine Sun, written in Mexico in the 18th century) concurs with this point of view. Although none of the dates indicated in the text correspond to an eclipse or a New Moon, (6) at dawn on December 9, 1531, there is a configuration between the Sun and the Moon, an antiscion, which is interpreted in a similar way to a conjunction. On December 12, however, there is no link at all between the two luminaries.
Having established that the most appropriate day is December 9, 1531, we must now decide on the time. The tale itself shows us that the search shouldn't stretch beyond dawn. The text states specifically "much before dawn," not just "before dawn." This emphasis provides a new clue. A poor peasant in any part of the world — now, as centuries ago — normally begins the day at 3:00 a.m. and has completed several tasks before sunrise. From this point of view, any time after 5:00 a.m. is definitely not very early. If we base our analysis on the rhythms that have ruled life in the countryside for centuries, we can reduce our search to approximately the two hours between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. Using these parameters, the Ascendant must be in either Scorpio or Sagittarius. How do we decide which one? Let's have a look.
The hill of Tepeyac, where the Virgin appeared, was originally a sacred place for the Aztecs. Cihuacoatl, the Serpent Woman, was worshipped here in the form of Tonanzin, Mother Earth. Indeed, some think that the reason that the image was made and displayed in the chapel on the Tepeyac hill was to neutralize the cult of the Aztec Goddess that was still being worshipped there. However, to the dismay of the friars, there was no initial success, and the Indians continued to associate the Virgin of Guadalupe with the pre-Hispanic Goddess for a long time.
Now, among the 12 labors of Hercules, the one associated with the sign of Scorpio is the confrontation with the Hydra, a creature with the body of a dog and nine serpent heads, one of them immortal. Another myth associated with Scorpio is that of snake-haired Medusa. If there is any sign that recalls the goddess Cihuacoatl, the Serpent Woman, it's Scorpio. In this case, even the substitution of a female deity associated with the serpent by another purely protective deity reminds us of Perseus who, to rescue Danae, the "good mother," battles against Medusa, the "bad mother." I think, by now, we have a convincing argument for Scorpio as the sign of the Ascendant, but there's more to come. (7)
One characteristic that distinguishes the image of Guadalupe from nearly all the other representations of the Virgin Mary is its extraordinary similarity to the external parts of the female genitalia. Even the cloak that she wears resembles the labia of the vagina. We are talking about the threshold through which we all must pass to enter the world, as the artist Gustave Courbet reminds us with his polemical painting, "The Origins of the World." As we know, Scorpio rules the genitals. However, it's worth remembering that German astrologer Reinhold Ebertin associated specific parts of (human) anatomy not only with signs of the zodiac, but also with each of the 360 degrees in the zodiac. In accordance with this correlation, the degree that rules the external female genitalia is 12° Scorpio. That degree crossed the Ascendant between 3:12:53 and 3:17:10 in the morning, within the range we have established as possible. If we base our analysis, as we have done so far, on the appearance of the painting, to refine the Ascendant, I believe that we have found the exact degree. But we can be even more precise.
During the four minutes when the 12th degree of Scorpio was on the Ascendant, the planetary hour changed. The hour of the Sun ended and the hour of Venus began, at 3:16 a.m. Erich Neumann, in his classic book, The Great Mother, tells us that the mandorla that represents the female genitals is an emblem of the goddess Aphrodite. It's obvious that the silhouette of the Virgin of Guadalupe forms a perfect mandorla. The planetary hours are attributes of the Ascendant (they change with the primary movement of the heavens, which also determines the Ascendant), so they color the appearance of whatever is made manifest in that moment. As a result, I have no doubt that the Virgin of Guadalupe would have appeared at the hour of Venus: a few seconds after 3:16 a.m. on December 9, 1531, on the outskirts of Mexico City. Moreover, with this rectification we find that the lunar nodes are close to the midpoint between the Ascendant and the Midheaven (MC). It seems appropriate that the nodes should be linked to the angles of this chart, because they are the head and tail of the fire-colored dragon that stands before the Virgin of the Apocalypse in the well-known image by William Blake. This creature also appears in a great many popular illustrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Finally, I would like to mention that at 3:16 a.m. on December 9, 1531, an observer on Tepeyac hill would have seen to the east the last stars of the constellation of Virgo, the virgin, standing perfectly over the horizon. (8)
I am aware that my rectification is somewhat unconventional — based solely on a legend and the appearance of a painting. To carry out a rectification based on events, as is the current fashion, we would need to know exactly what we are drawing a horoscope of. If we are talking about the miraculous appearance of the Virgin, it's difficult to know what we are dealing with, so there's no way of knowing beforehand which are the relevant events.
In this particular case, however, having now established the horoscope, I think that it can give us important clues for understanding, at least in part, the nature of what was born then. Let's begin with the Sun and the Moon. The former is in Sagittarius, which reminds us that this sign has been assigned to Spain (and Portugal), at least since Ptolemaic times. Following this line of thought, it is interesting that, when the original inhabitants of Mexico saw the troops of Hernán Cortés for the first time, they thought the riders and their horses were only one monstrous creature. There is even a famous painting by David Alfaro Siqueiros (with whom Jackson Pollock studied) representing this as a powerful, albeit wounded, half-human, half-horse beast. The painting is titled "The Centaur of the Conquest."
The German-born astrologer, engineer, and printer Henrico Martínez published the first astrological work of the New World in 1606. (9) In this book, he tried, among other things, to establish the astrological sign of Mexico. Since he was unable to follow the criteria that had been used in the past in the Mediterranean basin and Europe, he decided to take as a starting point the horoscope of the Creation of the World. He placed this in Damascus, with Cancer on the Ascendant. Martínez relocated this map to the coordinates of Mexico City and concluded that the sign of Mexico is Capricorn.(10)
A Novo Hispanic theologian without any astrological pretensions wrote at the end of the 17th century that "in the Virgin of Guadalupe the Spanish Sun and the Mexican Moon are united" — precisely what is true of this horoscope: the Sun in the sign of Spain in antiscion with the Moon in the sign of Mexico. The marriage, admittedly forced, between the two radically different cultures produced something new: mestizaje (mixture of races). Of all the signs of the zodiac, there are only two that are represented by the union of creatures of a different nature: the half-human, half-horse Sagittarius and the half-goat, half-fish Capricorn. One of the characteristics that distinguishes the conquest of Mexico from other conquests, even in the Americas, is precisely how generalized the mestizaje is. In Mexico, there are fewer inhabitants with purely European or purely Indian blood than anywhere else in the world. An observant visitor will realize that, even though Mexico has many Western facets, including the language, it is not really the West: It is a mixture, an intersection, a mandorla.
One immediately obvious characteristic of this horoscope is the t-square between the Venus-Sun-Moon conjunction in opposition to Saturn — and all of them square to Neptune, Chiron, and the Moon's South Node in Pisces. The closest contact to this configuration, a square within only 6 minutes of orb, occurs between Saturn and Neptune. The aspect was exact the following day. Because of the surprising appropriateness of the descriptions, I would like to quote what two astrologers have said about the contacts between these two planets (italics added): Liz Greene stated: "Form and formlessness collide, to create either the gift of incarnating vision or the refusal to be psychologically born." (11) Charles Harvey wrote: "Saturn-Neptune is the process of ‘materializing the spiritual and spiritualizing the material' " and "It is the Our Father prayer which impels the aspiring soul to bring Earth into conformity with Heaven." (12) It seems to me that these descriptions capture, in a surprisingly literal way, what happened to Juan Diego, according to myth, at the foot of the Tepeyac hill in December 1531.
But the question remains: What really occurred in December 1531? Let's try to answer this by looking at what was happening at the seed moment, when Saturn and Neptune were together for the last time. The conjunction took place twice in 1523 and once at the beginning of 1524, and during the last pass, Jupiter also joined them. (13) Perhaps the most relevant event to take place in Mexico at that time was the arrival of the first evangelizing priests. Until that moment, the conquest of Mexico, which began a few years earlier, had involved mainly death, destruction, and pillage. The arrival of these monks was the first gesture of an attempt to reconcile Europe and the (by then) mortally wounded New World. Eight years later descends an image for collective inspiration, which attempts to bring the earthly into conformity with the heavens, spiritualizing the material and materializing the spiritual. Thus rose radiant the Guadalupan mandorla, the intersection between two worlds. The only possible reconciliation after the conquest was that victim and victimizer become identical, incarnated in a new lineage: the mestizos. Conforming to the perfect order of the heavens has always been the most powerful way to achieve social or political legitimacy.
Beneath the painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe, holding her up, we have "Cherub-like, a human soul whispers, seeking to manifest," which is the Sabian symbol of the 14th degree of Leo, (14) the Midheaven of this chart. What the soul whispers is gradually taking the form of what he is carrying over his head: the body of a new nation.
This article doesn't claim to provide an in-depth interpretation of this chart, but I can't resist mentioning the following: Any practitioner of psychological astrology who finds the Sun in a t-square with Saturn, Neptune, and Chiron would suspect a difficult and absent father figure. In this case, the astrologer would not be mistaken. In Mexico, a country packed with monuments and heroes, there is not one statue of Cortés. No street bears his name, nor is there anyplace where he is remembered. He's simply not here.
I'd like to end with some transits and progressions to this chart:When the Mexican War of Independence began on September 15, 1810, Uranus was one degree from the Ascendant of this horoscope and Chiron's antiscion was at the same minute. When independence was finally gained, on September 28, 1821, there was a conjunction between Uranus and Neptune at the natal Sun/Moon midpoint, and Pluto was in conjunction with natal Chiron in another of the corners of the "t-square." When the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848 — which made official Mexico's loss of half of its territory to the U.S. — the Descendant and IC by solar arc were a few minutes from natal Saturn and Neptune, respectively. When the 1910 Revolution began on November 20, Pluto activated this same configuration again by transit (a square within one minute of arc to Chiron). During the massacre of hundreds of students in Mexico City on October 2, 1968, Pluto was on the empty leg of the t-square. On September 19, 1985, when nearly 20,000 people died in an earthquake in Mexico City, the transiting Sun (26°34^ Virgo), the progressed Sun (26°05^ Pisces), and the natal Sun (26°39^ Sagittarius) formed an extremely narrow and rare t-square. Also at that time, the MC by solar arc was 10 minutes from the conjunction with the natal Ascendant. On that date, the progressed Ascendant (Naibod in longitude) was 9 minutes of arc from the conjunction with natal Pluto. The difficult situation in this year's presidential election in Mexico has never happened before, and it coincides with Pluto in Sagittarius touching the mutable t-square. From the beginning of 2005 and for several years to come, Pluto will be at the zone of mutable signs that forms the principal configuration of this proposed Guadalupe chart: its t-square. On previous occasions, this has coincided with great changes in the social and political structure of Mexico. It is reasonable to expect something similar on this occasion.
This article has been adapted for an international audience from the book, Las Claves Ocultas de la Virgen de Guadalupe (The Secret Codes to the Virgin of Guadalupe), by Luis Lesur, which was published in Spanish in Mexico in 2005, by Random House Mondadori. This article was translated from the Spanish by Barbara Kastelein; astrologer Lynn Bell also made some comments on the English manuscript.
Chart DataVirgin of Guadalupe, December 9, 1531 OS; 3:16 a.m. LMT; Mexico City, Mexico.
References and Notes1. She takes her name from a Spanish Virgin who, according to tradition, appeared to a shepherd called Gil Cordero in the Villuercas mountains in Extremadura in 1322.2. The Secret Codes to the Virgin of Guadalupe (Las Claves Ocultas de la Virgen de Guadalupe), by Luis Lesur (Random House Mondadori, 2005), is available in the United States, but only in Spanish.3. According to the Julian Calendar, which was used in those days, on December 12, 1531, at 10:40 a.m., the Sun entered Capricorn. However, the moment of entry is too late, if we follow the story word for word. 4. The origin of antiscia (plural of antiscion) seems to lie in Paleolithic times and has to do with the indirect observation of the solstices. The point on the horizon where the Sun will rise on two dates equidistant from the solstices are antiscia. The points in the zodiac that are equidistant from the Cancer-Capricorn axis are in antiscion to each other.5. This quotation from the King James Bible is the motif of the William Blake painting "The Great Red Dragon."6. On September 10, 1531 there was a solar eclipse that squared the Sun on December 9 (within 7 minutes of arc). The previous New Moon was on December 8, around midday.7. The New Spain astrologer Henrico Martínez associated the constellation of Pegasus with Mexico at the beginning of the 17th century. Since then, and especially during colonial times, the story of Perseus, Medusa, and Pegasus has been used politically. For example, Perseus was Spain; Medusa, the Aztecs, with their human sacrifices; and Pegasus, the Vice Regal period that arose from the conquest.8. According to the software program, Starry Night (Complete Space and Astronomy Pack).9. It was called Reportorio de los Tiempos (Report of the Times) and was reprinted by the Mexican Ministry of Public Education in 1958.10. I have consulted with various experts in classical astrology who have told me that the Martínez relocation probably qualifies as the first of its kind.
11. Liz Greene, The Astrological Neptune and the Quest for Redemption, Samuel Weiser, 1996, p. 435.
12. Charles Harvey, Anima Mundi: The astrology of the individual and the collective, CPA Press, 2002, page 166.
13. The conjunctions between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune take place every 179-180 years and are probably related to the birth of new religious ideals. During February 13-24, 1524, six of the visible planets, as well as Neptune, were in Pisces. Martin Luther's ideas were traveling fast, just seven years after his 95 theses were proposed. Based on this conjunction, the astrologers of the time predicted great floods, which didn't happen.
14. From The Astrology of Personality, by Dane Rudhyar, Aurora Press, 1991, p. 286.
BibliographyCampion, Nicholas. The Book of World Horoscopes. Cinnabar Books, 1995.Cornelius, Geoffrey. The Moment of Astrology. Arkana, 1984.Greene, Liz. The Astrology of Fate. Samuel Weiser, 1984.
© 2006 Luis Lesur / Mountain Astrologer / Astrodienst - all rights reserved
Luis Lesur is an astrologer with more than 3,000 clients in ten countries. He is the author of two books published by Random House. His work combines classic techniques with the astrology of the second half of the 20th century. For him, Liz Greene is no less important than Guido Bonatti. He believes there is no one real astrology but, fortunately, there are many. He currently lives in Mexico City with his wife, Barbara, and their children, Sofia and Daniel.

Copernicus and Astrology

2007-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Copernicus too lived in an age when astronomy and astrology were inextricably connected. Astronomy was generally seen as a theoretical underpinning of astrology, problems and events in the one, having serious implications for the other. Both areas, however, seemed to be far from perfect. At Cracow, Copernicus learnt astrology as well as astronomy. He studied the Alfonsine Tables, read the works of Peurbach and Regiomontanus, who, inspired by ancient astronomy, sought to reform theoretical astronomy, fully aware that improvement in astronomy would lead to improvement in its practice, astrology. One of his teachers at Cracow, John of Gogów, wrote on the astrological consequences of a planetary conjunction. The University of Bologna, since 1404, required its professor of mathematics and astrology to issue annual prognostications. Thus Domenico Maria issued prognostications, which gave for the following year the date of Easter, phases of the moon, weather forecasts, times of eclipses (if any), various auspicious and ominous dates, and general predictions for the year. Copernicus thus lived in a time when astronomical events were impregnated with astrological meanings.
He was equally aware of criticisms of astrology, such as the famous attack in Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Disputations against Divinatory Astrology (Disputationes adversus Astrologiam Divinatricem, 1496). In book X, chapter 4, of this work Pico pointed out that ancients and moderns disagreed over the ordering of Mercury and Venus, which suggested that the basis for gauging planetary influences was shaky. Copernicus settled the ordering of planets in the De Revolutionibus (book I, chapter 10). By 1535, Copernicus had an established reputation for his accurate computations, and his almanac prepared for 1536 was circulating as the best one available. Reforms in astronomy implied improvement in astrology, and some contemporaries looked to the De Revolutionibus with that result in mind. So in 1541, Reiner Gemma Frisius (1508-55) wrote how the De Revolutionibus was an eagerly awaited work from a skilled mathematician which would hopefully end the astronomical errors and uncertainties that beset the astrologer. For others, the attraction of the book lay in its tables, which in turn had astrological implications.

Uranus and the History of Science

2007-01-15T05:12:00.002-08:00

Uranus in signs and the Scientific Discoveries

This article highlights the extraordinary importance of Uranus' position in signs and its association with the main scientific discoveries and theoretical advancements of the humankind along the history of science.

Uranus in Aries
Hydrogen discovery - Henry Cavendish - 1766Energy conservation law: first law of thermodynamics - Joule - 1843Measurement of light's speed - Fizeau - 1849First particle accelerator - 1928 - Wideroe

Uranus in Taurus
Static electricity - Gilbert - 1600Chemical elements table - Mendeleev - 1687Published the discoveries on terrestial and celestial mechanics (universal gravitation law) - Isaac Newton - 1687Animal electricity - Galvani - 1771Mass conservation in chemical reactions - Lavoisier - 1772Wavelength of light determines its color - Euler - 1768Steam engine invention, the term ‚horsepower' - James Watt - 1769Pendulum demonstration of the Earth's rotation - Foucault - 1851Earth's mass estimation - Airy - 1851Space curving - Riemann - 1854Nuclear fission - Enrico Fermi - 1934

Uranus in Gemini
Optical telescope - Lippershey - 1608, Galilei - 1609Planetary motions law - Johannes Kepler - 1609Existence of sex in flowering plants - Rudolph Jakob Camerarious - 1694Origin and Progress of Language - James Burnett Monboddo - 1773-1776Probability and statistics - Pierre Simon Laplace - 1774Origin of Species and theory of evolution - Charles Darwin - 1859Germ theory on infections - Louis Pasteur - 1862Manhattan project - teleportation / invisibility - 1941First electronic computer - 1945

Uranus in Cancer
Water synthesised from hydrogen and oxygen - Cavendish - 1781Digestion is not merely chewing but is a chemical process - Spallanzani - 1783Nature of crystals - Hauy - 1783Inheritance laws, basis of genetics - Gregor Mendel - 1866Genetic basis for intelligence - Francis Galton - 1869Celluloid invention, first synthetic plastic - John Hyatt - 1869Nucleic acids discovery - Johann Friedrich Miescher - 1871Helical structure of the DNA, our genetic code - Crick and Watson - 1953DNA discovery - Franklin - 1951

Uranus in Leo
Heliocentric theory: the earth orbits the sun - Copernicus - 1543Comet observation and predictions - Halley - 1705Thermometer construction - Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit - 1709Photosynthesis - Jean Senebier - 1788Heat diffusion - Hunt - 1788Animal electricity - Luigi Galvani - 1791Chemical energy converted into electrical energy - Volta - 1792The oxidation occurs in tissues, not in the blood - Ludwig and Edward Pfünger - 1872Electromagnetism theory - Maxwell - 1873 -

Uranus in Virgo
Physiology: blood circulation - William Harvey - 1628Water thermometer - Ray - 1632Critics and corrections on Newton's work - Bernoulli, Berkeley - 1710Energy conservation theory - Leibnitz - 1714Mercury thermometer - Fahrenheit - 1714Plant hybridisation - Thomas Fairchild - 1715Population increases by a geometric ratio whereas the means of subsistence increase by an arithmetic ratio - Thomas Robert Malthus - 1798More accurate determination of the speed of light - Albert Abraham Michelson - 1879The term biology introduced - Karl Friedrich Burdach - 1800Analysis of cell ionic metabolism - Sydney Ringer - 1880Vectorial algebra - Gibbs - 1881

Uranus in Libra
Sound speed measurement - Mersenne - 1636Existence of infrared and of radiant heat - Herschel - 1800Theory of light and colours - Thomas Young - 1801Ultraviolet rays - Ritter - 1801Temperature - volume - pression equation - Gay-Lussac - 1802Partial pressures law - Dalton - 1804Introduction of the term 'subconscious' - Pierre Janet - 1886First connection between two computers, birth of the internet - Leonard Kleinrock - 1969Photoelectric effect - Hallwachs - 1887

Uranus in Scorpio
Hydrodynamics - Torricelli - 1640Electrical induction - Stephen Gray - 1729Phosphorescence - Charles François de Cisternay Dufay - 1730Chemical atomic theory - Dalton - 1808Molecular theory - Avogadro - 1811Chemistry abbreviations, theories on chemistry - Berzelius - 1811Mechanisms of oxidative damage in living cells - H. J. H. Fenton - 1894X-rays discovery - Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen - 1895First enzyme discovery - Eduard Buchner - 1896Electron discovery - Thompson - 1896Radioactivity discovery - Antoine Henri Becquerel - 1896

Uranus in Sagittarius
Lymphatic system of the body - Thomas Bartholin - 1652Blood pressure measuring - Hales - 1733Principle of natural selection among human populations - W. C. Wells - 1818Ether - Fresnel - 1818Principles for deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics - Jean François Champollion - 1821Chi-square statistical test development - Karl Pearson - 1900Gamma radiation discovery - Rutherford - 1900Conditioned responses theory - Ivan Pavlov - 1902

Uranus in Capricorn
Discovery of Titan, Saturn's largest moon - Christiaan Huygens - 1655Earth development in time - Buffon - 1744First electric engine - Faraday - 1821Isomorphic crystal forms - Eilhard Mitscherlich - 1822Steam-powered freight and passenger service in England - 1825Electric resistance's law - Ohm - 1827Mass-energy formula - Albert Einstein - 1905Senile degeneration description - Alois Alzheimer - 1907Geometric unification of space and time - Minkowski - 1908

Uranus in Aquarius
Observation of blood movement through capillaries - Marcello Malpighi - 1661Ideal gases law - Boyle - 1662Anatomical studies on the brain, primacy to the cerebral cortex - Thomas Willis - 1664Diffraction of light - Francesco Maria Grimaldi - 1665Knowledge comes from the senses theory - Étienne Bonnet de Condillac - 1746Capacitor invention, experiments on electric current - Andreas Cunaeus - 1746Tiny deviations in the Earth's axis caused by the pull of the Moon - Bradley - 1748Magnetic induction - Michell - 1750Description of the Via Lactea, or Milky Way, Multiplicity of Worlds theory - Thomas Wright - 1750Experiments and Observations on Electricity - Benjamin Franklin - 1751Electromagnetic induction - Faraday - 1831Electric telegraph invention - Gauss - 1833Entropy - Clapeyron - 1834Programmable mechanical calculating machine - Charles Babbage - 1834Model of atom, quantum theory - Niels Bohr - 1913 General relativity theory - Albert Einstein -1915Isotopes discovery - Aston - 1919Internet Era - since 1996

Uranus in Pisces
All objects fall with the same speed - Galileo Galilei - 1589Differential calculus - Leibnitz - 1675Classification of plants in terms of genera and species - Carl Linné - 1753Definition of the term infinitesimal - D'Alembert - 1754Analogies between electricity and magnetism - Franz Ulrich Theodosius Aepinus - 1756Latent heat - Black - 1757"The ancient precept, 'Know thyself,' and the modern precept, 'Study nature,' become at last one maxim" - Ralph Waldo Emerson - 1837First photographic process - Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre - 1839Analytic transformations development, the basis of Boolean algebra - George Boole - 1839Doppler effect - Doppler - 1842Hypnotic condition must be learned by the subject - Pierre Janet - 1919Autonomic nervous system - Langley - 1921Unified theory of electromagnetism and gravity - Louis de BrogliePauli exclusion principle - Wolfgang Pauli - 1924Quantum mechanics - Schrodinger and Heisenberg - 1926, 1927Big Bang theory on the beginnings of the Universe - Georges Lemaitre - 1927

Other considerations
There is a strong correlation between Uranus' position in the astrological signs and the hsitory of science, the researchers are more drawn to investigate and publish their discoveries in fields clearly related with the astrological keywords associated with the zodiacal sign of transiting Uranus.
This is a great confirmation of the astrology's influence and it also gives us a better overall understanding of the history of science.
Uranus is back in Pisces now. This means we should expect in the next few years scientific discoveries and advancements that will ultimately lead to a united conception on the natural forces knwon so far and also to a heightened awareness of the influence of the so-called spiritual forces.

The fate of Pluto

2007-01-15T05:12:00.001-08:00

Astrology and religion

There is a good analogical relationship between Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and the Holy Trinity as considered by the traditional Christian church.
Uranus would represent the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the eternal Logos or Word. (Uranus is the superior octave of Mercury, natural ruler of communication and ordinary words).
Neptune would represent the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter", the giver of spiritual gifts, a manifestation of God's Love (Neptune is the superior octave of Venus, natural ruler of the ordinary love).
Pluto would represent God the Father, a supreme authority that is beyond anything, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent (Pluto is the superior octave of Mars, natural ruler of will and action).
This seems like a perfect system to describe the Holy Trinity.
But what happens now that Pluto is no longer considered an actual planet, but only a "dwarf planet"? I feel compelled to inquire - is this a SIGN?
What if something is going to happen to Christianity as we know it?
Many of you are probably aware of Malachy's prophecy: in 1139, Saint Malachy wrote this prophecy about future popes, giving a short description for each one of them. The current Pope, Benedict XVI, is the last one described in the prophecy and after him there's only one whose reign will mark the end of papacy. Read a detailed article about this prophecy here.
Should we be very worried about it? Isn't Pluto the astrological archetype of death and resurrection, of total transformation? Why worry over Pluto having the same fate as its archetype?
If religion as we know it will die, it will surely be resurrected in a new form, much improved. The spirit never dies, so spirituality cannot die either.
Maybe this is just a step towards a better religion, a better life and a better world. God knows we need it and look forward to it.
Let me then say: "Pluto is dead. Long live Pluto!", in the traditional style used in various European countries when a new monarch accesses to the throne.

Astrology History

2007-01-15T05:11:00.000-08:00

Role of Egypt in the history of astrology

Astrology has played a major role in society since the beginning of civilization, and maybe even before that. Its influence can be seen in almost every part of the world. Astrology's history is a long one, and common belief is that its origins lie with the Greeks. However, a closer look shows that the foundations for astrology were laid much earlier than that, and the Egyptians had much to do with this. The Egyptian influence will be discussed shortly; but first, it will be very helpful to describe the history of astrology up to the point that the Egyptians became involved.
The Sumerians, who settled in Mesopotamia around 4000 BC, mark the first example of a people who worshipped the sun, moon, and Venus. They considered these heavenly bodies gods, or the homes of gods. The moon god's name was Nanna, the sun god was called Utu, and the god of Venus was named Inanna. These were not the only gods the Sumerians worshipped; in fact, other gods, especially those of creation, were more important in the Sumerian pantheon. The Akkandians, near Sumer, adopted the sun, moon and Venus gods, changing their names. This was common with the gods in ancient times: the gods were accepted by a society, but their names were changed, depending on who had conquered whom.
The priests of the time who communicated with the gods were the first rulers. Temple systems were created and staffs of as many as several hundred to several thousand people in various roles were "employed" to fulfill various needs of the priests. There were junior priests, counselors, musicians, potters, etc. Later, it became necessary to have military leaders and some of these became kings. These kings usually had in their company a seer, or "baru-priest." This person was an interpreter of the skies -- he would read the sky for warnings, which usually involved eclipses of the moon. It could be said that the "baru-priests" were the first actual astrologers. In order to be able to communicate with the gods, mounds were built which represented shrines. These, over time, grew to larger structures called "ziggurats." (Later, these ziggurats would be used to map the star formations and to watch the sky for omens.)
The Sumerian baru-priests were under quite a bit of pressure to predict correctly. Predictions became more an art than science, since the priests had to be a bit crafty in their work. They did succeed in predicting eclipses with correct mathematics; thus contributing greatly to the later development of the laws of astronomy. (It may be useful at this point for some to make the distinction between astrology and astronomy. Astronomy is the scientific study of the stars and planets and their movements. Astrology is the pseudoscientific study of the influence those heavenly bodies and their movements have on humankind.) Astrology as we, or even the ancient Greeks, would consider it did not exist at this time. The priests were concerned with predicting natural events (weather, eclipses, etc.) in order to maintain their power. Their efforts, however, did contribute to the development of astrology -- they designed a calendar; identified the basic cycles of the sun, moon, planets and stars; and divided their year into twelve months based on the moon's twelve cycles during a year.
The beginnings of actual astrology can be seen during the Old Babylonian period, during the second millennium. The focus of the Babylonians was on the well-being of the kingdom and the king, not of the individual. For this reason, predictions revolved around things that would affect this well-being. The Babylonian priests correctly documented Venus's appearances and disappearances and because of this erratic behavior (due to the fact that Venus revolves about the sun backwards) Venus became associated with love and war. Somewhere around 1300 BC, the precursors of the individual birth horoscopes were formulated. These were merely predictions based on which month a child was born in. By this time the astral bodies have become quite significant at this point.
The Assyrian Era marked a new phase in the development of astrology. This time period lasted from about 1300 to 600 BC The Assyrians conquered Babylon in 729 BC, and the inevitable changing of the gods occurred. At this time, the sun god, called Shamash now, was deemed high god. The state was still considered more important than the individual; thus the omens and predictions were still directed at the events that would affect the state. The Assyrians overcame a long time problem -- they created a consistent and accurate calendar. Star maps were plotted correctly, constellations were formed, and astrolabes, or lists of stars were made. Omens were very important to the Assyrians and the priests-astrologers-astronomers would present their omens to the courts often. Those who could forecast good things were well-respected.
As mentioned above, the Assyrians had developed constellations. In fact, they plotted eighteen all together. Later, by 600 BC, some of these would be combined and some would be deleted to form the twelve constellations of the zodiac. There is a certain amount of controversy over just how these constellations were named. The following is a list of the names: the Latin name first -- the name we are most familiar with, then the Babylonian name. Much of astrology today is based on the relationships these constellations have with the seasons. The constellations should not be confused with the traditional signs of the zodiac, as the latter had not yet been created.
The Assyrians placed as much or even more importance on the five planets they had identified and their movements into these constellations. The reason for this is that they believed the planets were gods or at least the home of gods. The names given to these planets as well as the sun and moon were eventually replaced by the Greek names, then the Roman names, and eventually the English names. In Assyrian times the names were as follows: Sun=Shamash, Moon=Sin, Venus=Ishtar, Mercury=Nebo or Nabu, Mars=Nergal, Saturn=Ninurta, and Jupiter=Marduk. The various personalities and domains of these gods changed with time and change of rulership.
The next phase in the history of astrology is the New Babylonian period (600-300 BC). Some of the prominent astrologers of this period were Kiddinu, Berossus, Antipatrus, Achinopoulus, and Sudines. Up to this point, really the only kind of astrology being practiced was omen astrology, or the foretelling of major events. It was during the New Babylonian period that the signs of the zodiac were invented and horoscope, or birth, astrology had its beginnings. As of 1996, sixteen Babylonian horoscopes have been found and it was not uncommon for these horoscopes to contain little or no prediction. They mostly consist of the position of the skies at the time of conception or birth of the individual.
The Greeks began their immense influence on astrology during the fifth and fourth centuries BC. Alexander the Great managed to spread the Greek way of life, also known as Hellenism, to places such as Alexandria and Antioch. The Hellenistic period spanned from the time of his death in 323 BC to the middle of the second century BC, when the Romans took the eastern Mediterranean. The Greeks were responsible for incorporating mythology into astrology. The names we are familiar with today when we think of mythology came into existence. Up to this point, the same gods existed, just under different names and personalities.
This was the age of such famous forerunners of modern science as Plato, Pythagoras, who asserted that the earth was round and traveled around the sun; Leucippus, whose theory would later be the beginnings of atomic science; and Aristotle. Other scientists involved with the study of astronomy, such as Eudoxus, held the opinion that astrology was ridiculous and no one should believe prediction about his life based on which day he was born. Nevertheless, astrologers such as Critodemus, Apollonius of Myndus, and Epigenes of Byzantium continued to refine horoscopic astrology.
The Romans were not as accepting of astrology. About 250 BC, a large number of the common citizenry became interested in astrology, but the conservatives fought against most any outside religion, including Christianity. They presented quite logical arguments against the use of astrology and horoscopes, saying that people born on the same day at the same time had very different destinies, and that people born on different days at different times sometimes died at the same times. Nevertheless, astrology spread into Rome, despite several attempts to expel all astrologers from the empire. Eventually, astrology gained acceptance, mostly because the Romans had a certain respect for the Greeks' education. If the Romans had not finally allowed astrology into their culture, things might have been very different as far as the Egyptians' contributions to the art.
In 331 BC, Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria. This marks the beginning of the Graeco-Roman period in Egypt's history. Alexandria became one of the most famous of the Hellenistic capitals. Hellenism is the term describing the Greek way of life. The people of Alexandria retained some of their Egyptian culture, but it became mixed with that of the Greeks, Romans, Macedonians, Persians, Syrians, Jewish, and Chaldeans. When the Roman Empire began its decline, Alexandria managed to maintain its prestige as a center for cultural activity. By the time Alexandria began its decline, the scientific revolution was over, and astrology was accepted and believed by almost everyone. It was at this time that Claudius Ptolemy surfaced.
Almost nothing is known about Claudius Ptolemy. It is known that he was not Greek and was not even a Ptolemy (that is, he was not related to the Ptolemaic rulers). He was an Egyptian astronomer, mathematician, and geographer who lived in the vicinity of Alexandria. Bits and pieces of information from his writings and from comments from his contemporaries are the only sources of information about Ptolemy's life. He was born in Upper Egypt, and some say that he was the head librarian at the museum or library at Alexandria.
Ptolemy worked from the data of past astrologers to map over one thousand stars. He compiled a list of 48 constellations, and, for the most part, described the longitude and latitude lines of the earth. He was a believer that the earth was the center of the universe and worked to advance this theory. His effort in this area was in his thirteen volume work called the Almagest. Here, the Ptolemaic system is described, thus explaining why some planets seemed to move backwards for periods of time in their orbit around earth. He theorized that each planet also revolved in a smaller circle as well as a larger one. This was called the "epicycle." This theory would survive for 1400 years, until it was finally accepted that the earth was itself another planet in orbit around the sun.
Ptolemy also dabbled in other areas of study. He wrote the book, Geography, and in it created maps and latitudes and longitudes. He studied the refraction of light in his book, Optics. Also, he studied harmonics and wrote yet another book describing his findings. However, it was his work called Mathematical Treatise in Four Books, also referred to as The Prognostics Addressed to Syrus, that would be the foundation for modern astrology as it is practiced in the West. The name we use for the work today is the Tetrabiblos. Nothing is known about how Ptolemy acquired his data for this work; however, his access to the library at Alexandria would be the best guess.
No original version of the Tetrabiblos still exists. All that remain are translations and copies of it, the oldest of which is Arabic and dates only to AD 900. Eventually, the Latin translations became familiar to the Europeans. The English version was translated from that of the Greeks in 1940. There were four books to this work, and each dealt with a different aspect of astrology:
The first book defined Ptolemy's reasoning for practicing astrology as well as astronomy, for by this time, there were many who opposed astrology. He said that it should not be abandoned merely because there are a few people who abuse it. This book also deals with the various alignments of planets, the moon, and the sun. Ptolemy describes in detail which positions are favorable and which are not. He also explained the signs, when they begin, and why they begin there.
The second book of the Tetrabiblos describes astrology as it relates to countries. Ptolemy makes the point that astrological events of countries and race supersede those of the individual. He details which planets rule over which country, and makes the distinction between human signs and animal signs. He notes that human signs cause things to happen to humans and animal signs affect animals. Finally, Ptolemy explains how the planets affect earth. For example, Saturn was thought to cause cold, floods, poverty, and death. Mars caused war and drought. Comets and shooting stars were thought to also affect the weather.
The third book dealt with the individual. The Tetrabiblos examined conception and birth, saying that it was better to work with the conception date and that this date should be known by observation. Several key factors were involved with this aspect of astrology. The sign that was rising at the time of conception, the moon's phase, and the movements of the planets were all taken into consideration. The father's influence was shown through the sun and Saturn, while the mother's was shown through the moon and Venus.
Finally, the forth book of the Tetrabiblos handled matters of occupation, marriage, children, travel, and "houses" of the zodiac. The particular angles of various planets were used to calculate these things.
The Tetrabiblos compiled almost all of the astrological works up to that point. Only very few modifications have been made since then, and most of what we know as astrology comes from this work. Critics claim that it is "tedious and dry" to read, and that there are some contradictions in Ptolemy's ideas. Furthermore, he did not take into account the precession of the equinoxes. He undoubtedly knew about this phenomenon, an overlapping between signs and constellations that gets larger over time (about 5 degrees per three hundred years), but why he did not examine or explain this is a mystery and one of the biggest flaws of his work.
There were also problems with his correlation between astrology and the seasons. His belief that the conception time was preferable to birth time is a misguided one, as conception time for an individual is actually rather difficult to calculate. There were other errors in his work, mostly dealing with beliefs of the time and misinformation about astronomy; however, for the most part, the Tetrabiblos has proved invaluable to this day.
Ptolemy himself seemed to be quite egotistical. It is thought that he may never have actually practiced astrology, and there has not been a single horoscope found that was created by him. Some say that his writing almost reflects an embarrassment about astrology, and suggest that perhaps he might not have been a scholar of the art, but more a reporter of it.
Probably the most disturbing accusation against Ptolemy is that his figures were intentionally skewed and doctored to fit his hypotheses. A study of Ptolemy's figures was done in 1977, and the findings were that most of his data was fraudulent. For more on this subject, one should refer to the book by R. Newton, The Crime of Claudius Ptolemy. It is hard to hold this against Ptolemy; he was, of course, working in ancient times. However, had he used correct numbers in his work, it might not have taken future scholars 1400 more years to correct wrong ideas concerning the universe.
In his defense, he was living during a time when "politically incorrect" beliefs could be grounds for punishment. It actually may not have been safe for him to expose the truth; instead he may have been forced to make his numbers fit into incorrect theories. He knew enough about the truth...the precession of the equinoxes and the theories that postulated that the earth, in fact, revolved around the sun. Apparently, fear for his own life is the reason why he did not act on his knowledge.
After Ptolemy, many astrologers followed. Some notable Egyptians in the field were Paul of Alexandria, Hephaestion of Thebes, and Palchus, though little other than their names are known about these people. Ptolemy's work was continued and commented on by the Alexandrian mathematician Pappus, the mathematician/astronomer Theon of Alexandria, and the Greek mathematician Proclus, who wrote a paraphrase of Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos.
After about AD 500, astrology died away for a while. It came alive again in the eighth century when Islam began practicing Hellenistic astrology. It was Albumasar, a Muslim intellectual, who was instrumental in bringing astrology as we know it to the Western world.
In conclusion, it can be said that Egypt has played a major role in the development of astrology. Egypt has had the pleasure of experiencing many different cultures in its land, which has enriched Egypt's history and aided its people to become innovators of new ideas that would last for centuries and even on into today.

Byzantine Astrology

2007-01-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

Introduction to Byzantine Astrology

During the 5th and 6th centuries AD, Byzantium (the Eastern Roman Empire) boasted a host of astrologers: Hephaestion, Julian of Laodicea, "Proclus," Rhetorius, and John Lydus. Though their works are singularly unoriginal compilations, they remain the major sources for an understanding of earlier Hellenistic astrology. By the end of the 6th century, however, the general decline of the Byzantine Empire's intellectual life and the strong opposition of the church had combined to virtually obliterate astrology, though some practice of reading celestial omens survived in Byzantium as it did in western Europe. The science was revived only in the late 8th century and the 9th century under the impact of translations from Syriac and Arabic. The period from about 800 to 1200 was the most propitious for Byzantine astrology, though nothing was essentially added to astrological theories or techniques.
For instance, Manuel I Comnenus, emperor of the Byzantine Empire between 1143-1180, utilized astrology in his political and personal life, as well as supporting translations of occult literature in his court. When the Church Patriarch presented Manuel with a letter from a simple monk claiming that the astrological teaching was a sacrilege, Manuel could not allow a charge of heresy to be leveled against him. He composed a defense of astrology, asserting that it was compatible with Christian doctrine. Only as he became ill and eventually died in 1180, on the advice of Theodosius (Patriarch of Constantinople), he renounced to astrology.
Anna Comnena's Comments on Astrology
Source: The Alexiad - by Anna Comnena
Byzantine Princess Anna Comnena (1083-1148) was the daughter of Emperor Alexius Comnenus of the Byzantine Empire (or Eastern Roman Empire). When the first Crusaders reached Constantinople (=ancient Byzantium, todays Istanbul), Anna witnessed their arrival and their alien customs, and would later record her observations for posterity in a 15-volume work: the Alexiad. She is considered the world's first female historian.
The "Alexiad" of Anna Comnena has long been used as a source of information by historians of the Byzantine Empire. Here's an excerpt from the Book VI of the "Alexiad" where Anna Comnena expresses her views on astrology and astrologers of her time, starting from a fulfilled forecast by the philosopher Symeon Seth on the death of Robert Guiscard:
"A certain mathematician named Seth who boasted much of his knowledge of astrology had forecast Robert's fate by an oracle, after his crossing to Illyria, written this forecast on a paper, sealed it and entrusted it to some of the Duke's intimates, bidding them keep it till a certain time. After Robert's death they opened it by the astrologer's order and the prophecy was as follows: "A great enemy from the west shall fall suddenly after having stirred up great confusion."This caused everybody to marvel at the man's knowledge; and in truth he had delved very deeply into this branch of science, and if I may be allowed to make a short break in the course of my history, the following are the facts about astrological prophecies. The discovery is fairly recent, and the science of it was not known to the ancients. For [149] this method of divination did not exist in the time of Eudoxus, the greatest of all astronomers, neither did Plato have any knowledge of it, and even the astrologer, Manetho, had not brought it to perfection. Now these (astrologers) observe the hour of the birth of the persons about whom they intend to prophesy, and fix the cardinal points and carefully note the disposition of all the stars, in short they do everything that the inventor of this science bequeathed to posterity and which those who trouble about such trifles understand. We, also, at one time dabbled a little in this science, not in order to cast horoscopes (God forbid!), but by gaining a more accurate idea of this vain study to be able to pass judgment upon its devotees. I do not mention this for the sake of boasting, but to prove that during my father's reign many of the sciences made great progress, as he honoured both philosophers and philosophy itself, but towards this teaching of astrology he showed some hostility, I believe because it tended to make people of a guileless nature reject their faith in God and gape at the stars. This was the cause of the Emperor's waging war against the teaching of astrology. Yet in spite of this there was no dearth of astrologers at that time, for the Seth I have mentioned flourished then, and there was also a famous Egyptian, Alexandreus, who was a strong exponent of the mysteries of astrology. He was consulted by many and used to give most accurate forecasts in many cases, not even using the astrolabe, but made his prophecies by a certain casting of dice. There was nothing magical about that either, it was an art practised by the Alexandrians (or by Alexandreus). When the Emperor saw how the young people flocked to him and regarded the man as a species of prophet, he himself consulted him twice and each time Alexandreus gave very correct answers. But the Emperor was afraid that harm might come to many from it and that all would be led away to the vain pursuit of astrology, so he banished him from the capital, assigned Raedestus as his dwelling-place and showed great consideration for him, and his means of living were amply supplied from the imperial treasury. Nay more, the great dialectician, Eleutherius, also an Egyptian by birth, cultivated this art too and carried it to such perfection that he yielded the palm to no one. Later again, a man called Catanances from Athens came to the capital, anxious to carry off the first prize among astrologers and when questioned by some about the date of the Emperor's death, he foretold it as he thought, but was proved wrong in his [150] prognostication. It happened, however, that the lion which was kept in the palace died that day, after four days' fever, so the vulgar considered that the prophecy of Catanances had been accomplished. After some considerable time he again foretold the date of the Emperor's death and was mistaken; yet the Emperor's mother, the Empress Anna, died on the very day Catanances had foretold. Because Catanances had made repeated mistakes in his predictions about him, the Emperor did not like to banish him as he was self-convicted, and also it might seem that he banished him in anger. But now let us return to the point in our history where we abandoned it, otherwise we shall be thought to be stargazers, obscuring the main theme of our history with the names of astrologers."
Astrology in the Byzantine Empire as viewed in Niketas Choniates's History
Another important testimony on the situation of Byzantine astrology we get from the historian Niketas Choniates in his work "O City of Byzantium. The Annals of Niketas Choniates."
As Niketas Choniates depicted him, Alexius III was very keen on astrology and its interpretations of the daily circumstances. Although Choniates considers this a common practice of the emperors of the times, he does not fail to thoroughly criticize it and ridicule those who professed it. He accuses them of denying Divine Providence and perversely turning to interpreting the movements, positions and configurations of the stars, misusing expressions like 'it is fated' or 'what is ordained by necessity...cannot be undone' in order to explain the paradoxes of life.
Niketas' objection to astrology is very well depicted in his account of Manuel I. He blames Manuel for believing in the astrologers as if they were uttering the word of God.
In the episode of Manuel's illness and death, Choniates seizes the opportunity to expose and deride astrologers, as well as criticizing the emperor's belief in their assertions.
"But those pestilential astrologers had the audacity to say that the emperor would shortly recover from his illness...they shamelessly predicted the razing of enemy cities to the ground. What was more outrageous, they, being quick-tongued and used to lying, foretold a great commotion of the universe... the transformation of the whole natural order, thus proving themselves ventriloquists rather than stargazers. They... told the weeks in which these things would happen, and notified the emperor accordingly;... as if they had clear knowledge of the things which the Father has kept in His own power, and about which Our Savior reprimanded his disciples for asking. So not only did the emperor seek out caves... and prepare them for habitation..."
Likewise, Niketas denounces Alexius' inclination on astrology which he finds totally incompatible with Christian faith.

Moon's Nodes Astrology

2007-01-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

north node, karma and spiritual evolution

The Moon's Nodes are virtual points that represent the intersection of the Moon's orbit with the Earth's orbit around the Sun (the ecliptic). From a geocentric perspective, the Nodes are the direct result of the motionof the Moon and the Sun around our planet.
The Sun is the Soul, our spiritual part. The Moon is the Body, our material part. Where these two, the Soul and the Body intersect, the Life on this physical level, in this universe, appears. The physical life cannot exist without the body, nor without the soul. The Nodes are from this perspective THE LIFE ITSELF !
We should consider them as waves, in a continuum that comes from our habit patterns (South Node) and moves towards an evolution of qualities we need to be developed (North Node), or as particles, considering them just as two points in space, the past and the future; maybe as a wave-particle duality as stated in modern physics.
Their influence relates to the spiritual dimension of our lives, the one that leads to our spiritual fulfillment, to the Divinity from ourselves.
They are considered as planets in the Vedic astrology, but I don't think that is correct, they are *different* from the planets as they represent the intersection between the ecliptic and the Moon's orbit. Also the Moon's Nodes exaltation is traditionally in Sagittarius and Gemini, and that's again somehow wrong because the nodes are virtual points therefore cannot be assigned a real zodiacal sign.
The maximum vibration axis for the Nodes is 0 Cancer - 0 Capricorn. The point of 0 Cancer is assigned to the South Node, while 0 Capricorn to the North Node. The Sabian Symbol of this degree is "AN INDIAN CHIEF CLAIMS POWER FROM THE ASSEMBLED TRIBE". When we look at the symbol for its antiscion, its counterpart (SAGITTARIUS 30), "THE POPE BLESSING THE FAITHFUL", we get to see the big picture, the real nature of this point. These degrees are in antiscia which acts like a kind of conjunction - so the entire story of this degree would be that "Someone (the Indian chief) claims its power WHILE being blessed by God (the Pope)".
So it means acting according to the Will of God ! That's exactly the meaning of the North Node.
The nodes are about spiritual evolution, evolution in general, they act like an axis of energy and information, of a very complex cosmic, spiritual nature that show us the direction of the Life flow through our natal chart. That's why the North Node's domicile is between Sagittarius (the deep understanding of life and all its manifestations) and Capricorn (the will and the power to enact) while the South Node's domicile is between Gemini (superficial, limited knowledge) and Cancer (traditions and customs).
Plato says that the soul comes into embodiment through Cancer and exits through Capricorn. The physical body of a child enters the world from the mother's perineum (ano-genital area) which is be associated with the South Node and exits this world when the brain's death occur, the head being associated with the North Node.
The 0 Capricorn - 0 Cancer axis is the solstice axis, an axis of symmetry of the Sun's declinations along its yearly cycle. Two points situated on one and the other side of the solstice axis are in considered in antiscia, relationship that acts similar to a conjunction only in a more subtle way. The points in antiscia are points where the Sun in its yearly transit has the same declination. The Sun is the Life giver, our source of light and energy and its declination is a measure of intensity of that light and energy.
There is a strong relationship between this theory on the Moon's Nodes, the declination theory and the traditional concept of antiscia.
When projected by the transiting Sun's declination on the solstice axis, the zodiac will become an axis with two ends in 0 Capricorn and in 0 Cancer, divided in 6 regions where the signs of the zodiac are projected (Capricorn and Sagittarius together, Aquarius and Scorpio together and so on).
It is not clearly established why, but it seems like the number 6 is very important in the life of the universe we live in. There is a Light-giver and 6 traditional planets that receive that light. There are 6 * 2 zodiacal signs.
A similar process as in the solar yearly cycle, would occur in the case of the Moon Nodes' cycle.
The 0 Cancer - 0 Capricorn axis is also the Moon's Nodes' vibration axis with six projection regions on it.
The astrologer may overlook the importance of the nodes, but when it comes to see the big picture, the cosmic implications of our lives, the use of the Nodes becomes irreplaceable. The classic interpretation of their influence is that the South Node (referred to as SN) is the karmic luggage that we carry in this life, while the North Node (referred to as NN) is the life path that fulfills us more than anything else. This is a simple interpretation however.
What misses here is an esoteric and spiritual insight as the one provided by the organized esoteric system of the traditional yogi of India, about the seven chakras, their energetic connections and their functions

LOVE HANDLES: Practical Synastry in Action

2007-01-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

by Steven Forrest

When is the following declaration the saddest, bitterest thing you've ever heard? "I will always be your friend."
Sweet words, most of the time. Real friendship is precious. But most of us have felt that terrible sting--the word "friend" when it comes out of the mouth of someone with whom we are in love in a romantic, mating way. Being downgraded to "friend" means rejection. Something upon which we have staked a big piece of our lives is taken away. We know it and our lover knows it too.
True friendship is a rare and wonderful thing; I don't mean to belittle it. We share interests; we celebrate each other's victories and commiserate in failure and pain. We share values and assumptions. Unspoken understandings abound. Like good jazz players, we even interrupt each other at exactly the right, comfortable moments. You can feel that kind of friendship instantly. You meet someone at a party and there's an instantaneous sense of being on the same page. Everything a friend does is all right.
Compare that kind of easy-going friendship to the turbulence and emotional complexity of a sane, grown-up sexual relationship. They're not opposites, but they certainly feel different. We get to our teens and we know the distinction like we know the difference between kissing grandma and kissing in the back seat.
We don't want erotic contact with everyone we "like;" we usually don't desire our friends-and if those fires get kindled, we sense we're about to muddy the water in a serious way. On the other hand, when our lover says, "I will always be your friend," we know what's really being said: I don't want to sleep with you anymore. I don't want to gaze into your eyes. I want you close but not that close. Goodbye.
So, we are talking about two very different kinds of love: friendship and mating. They sometimes overlap, but knowing the difference helps us keep our lives sorted out. Enter astrology. That happy, easy, schmoozing feeling we get with congenial strangers-what are its astrological correlates? Basically it boils down to easy interaspects: trines, sextiles, certain specific conjunctions. The term "interaspects" originated, as far as I know, with Ken and Joan Negus. Obviously enough, it refers to aspects between two charts-my Venus trines your Sun. It's a useful word and will undoubtedly become part of the basic semantics of astrological practice. Joan is gone now, but her work will live on in that term.
In determining astrological harmony between people, let's add another piece to the puzzle: the Seventh House. If my planets, especially softer ones, fall in your Seventh House, there's usually a friendly connection felt between us. And another: Venus-if there are strong, easy Venus contacts between us, we'll probably like each other on sight.
Naturally most of what we've inherited in the astrological traditions of synastry idealizes harmony between people. The reflexive bottom line is the more easy interaspects, the better. And of course the harder aspects-squares and oppositions-are seen in the opposite way: if you're an Aries you should marry a Sagittarian or a Leo (the trines) and avoid the Capricorns and Cancers (the squares). But those easy interaspects correlate with friendship a lot more than they correlate with passion. Nowadays people often leave relationships because of a lack of that basic heat in the blood. How many of your friends have withdrawn from a sexual bond because "something was missing?" About a zillion, right? And how often do think you might have heard those words in Kansas in 1910? A lot less frequently.
Times change, and astrologers must sometimes get their noses out of their musty books and pay some attention to the changing world. The realities of what I call marriage in this article are morphing rapidly; our skills must keep up if we are to serve our clients well and relate effectively to their realities and to their values. My intention in these pages is to share some of the techniques and attitudes that have proven most fruitful and relevant for me in the modern astrological relationship counselling context-and to warn you away from some planetary lore that has outlived its usefulness.
A moment ago I said "what I will call marriage" because I want to honor a couple of facts: first, God made a lot of gay folks, and I honor their commitments and name them "marriages" in this article. Second, among heterosexuals, not everyone is equally serious about filling out the government paperwork about their relationship status. When I say "marriage" from now on, I just mean a committed, open-ended sexual bond that has lasted for more than a few dozen consecutive weekends, and which both people pray lasts many more.
One of the true paradigm shifts happening in our culture is that marriage is becoming optional. It wasn't always that way. Throughout much of human history, we were agricultural, farm-bound people. If our marriage was a little unsatisfying, the option of getting an apartment across town wasn't nearly as viable as it is today. A man who left his farm would become a bandit or a beggar; the woman who did the same, a beggar or a prostitute. I oversimplify, of course...but not by much. In a nutshell, throughout much of human history, marriage could be equated with survival. An astrologer asked to evaluate a potential marriage would be working within the constraints of that basic assumption: divorce might mean death.
Where marriage could be equated with survival, there was naturally a great premium placed on "harmony"-at whatever cost it might come in terms of magic, passion, and even communication. Anything, including honesty, that might upset the apple cart was feared...and that was a reasonable attitude when separation was potentially life-threatening. All that mattered was that the two people would not press each others' buttons in any ways that could endanger that life-preserving stability. Culturally, we're just coming out from under the thumb of those beliefs.
Harmony has obvious attractions, but let's look as penetratingly as we can at its dark side. Those "good" aspects we're trained to value can get awfully sleepy. When we are in harmony with someone, there may be a lot of unconscious collusion in terms of lies upon which we agree...two drunks deciding whether they're sober enough to make it to the 7-11 for another six- pack before it closes might be in perfect harmony with each other! There are trines and sextiles in action for you! Just as the drunks are about to get into their car and possibly kill themselves or someone else, a friend appears, realizes what's happening, swipes their car keys and tosses them out on the darkened lawn. It's a nasty situation; lots of curses and maledictions-and very possibly lives saved. Welcome to the "bad" aspects...a worthless, misleading term we astrologers really need to dump.
A single person is a perfectly viable creature nowadays. Marriage is difficult. Why bother with it? Even our sexual needs can be met in a variety of other ways, generally without serious recriminations in the modern world. Nowadays, unless we are severely constrained by practical considerations or in severe need of psychotherapy, we tend not to choose to remain in a relationship in which "something is missing."
So what does it take for "something" to be present? In a nutshell, what it takes is a lot of the astrological mechanisms the traditional approaches teach us to fear, loathe, and avoid: "bad" aspects, lots of Pluto action, major Eighth House components.
Go back in your memory banks and think of a relationship that didn't work out. It was passionate, intense, and full of sacred sexuality. You were sure your life would unfold on a loftier level from that first kiss onward; you were destined to be together. And six months later: poof. Any trouble relating to this tale? I didn't think so. Now analyze that relationship from a traditional astrological point of view. Almost guaranteed, you can do an effective post- mortem...."Ah, yes. Look at that. Her nasty, psychotic Pluto was square my poor, innocent Venus," et cetera. A close analysis of the configuration will yield a very precise understanding of what went wrong-but it will lie to you with great authority too! It entirely ignores the higher evolutionary possibilities implied in that configuration. Even more dramatically, that kind of astrological analysis fails miserably in accounting for that feeling of sacred passion, however transitory it might have been.
If your Pluto squares my Venus, you probably have the capacity to see right through any smarmy Venus games I might play. Maybe my sweet manipulations don't work with you; maybe my feather-smoothing diplomacy is as transparent as window glass. Maybe, with you, I just can't hide. Maybe you confront me about that...and of course, as a result, maybe I feel that you are "always on my case," that you've "appointed yourself my psychologist," that your "need for power and control" squelches my sexuality-all the usual interpretations of the configuration. And maybe the truth behind those words sinks our romantic ship, just as the fortuneteller would predict. But maybe, just maybe, I listen to you. You plutonify my Venus, bringing up into my conscious awareness certain slippery, defensive games I play. Maybe I have grace enough in myself, and trust you enough, to let that humble realization happen. Maybe I become a better person for it.
Maybe what I am really saying is that my soul grows because of your impact on me.
"Something is missing." What does that mean? Lots of people would immediately think about sexual passion. They're right. But what sustains sexual passion? Lord knows it's easy enough to turn it on! But lasting passion-there's the Holy Grail. My premise, based on my experience counselling modern people, is that sexual passion is a function of spiritual passion, at least after the first few weeks. What's the half-life of hormones? Not long. And spiritual passion is sustained by shared spiritual growth, which in turn is more a function of the ways we press each other to grow (hard aspects) than it is a function of the ways we quietly collude in denial, sleepiness, and endless television (easy aspects).
I really want to emphasize that what I mean by "shared spiritual growth" has little to do with sharing belief-systems or philosophies, and it has zero to do with any kind of airy "Flight- into-Light." Relationships based on that bank of sand last about a month, and then the two lovers piously declare that "their work together is now finished." What I am talking about is the gutsy, humbling work of revealing-intentionally or otherwise-all our warts and wounds, and slowly unravelling them together...slowly becoming saner and wiser together. Without that shared journey, without that deeper nakedness, spiritual passion does not exist, and sexual passion dissipates no matter how fiery and irresistible it may have been initially. "Something is missing."
Let's keep our feet on the ground, though. If you are in a committed relationship, how many "growth experiences" do you actually want to face in any given week? Common sense: soul-growth is exhausting work, and a little goes a long way. We need some trines and sextiles and happy conjunctions between us, just to be able to deal with everyday reality together.
Now, stretch it out a little: how many growth experiences are appropriate in a given year? A given decade? Do you really want perfect, silent, nothing-happening peace forever with your partner? "Pass the remote control, honey." Remember: that kind of peace comes at the price of sleepiness, collusion, and shared blindness-unless you are already doing excellent work with lepers.
To me, in the realities of the astrological counselling room, there are two immutable premises:
There is no manner of astrological interaction between two people that is so inherently sweet that enough selfishness, confusion about sex, or immaturity cannot turn it sour.
There is no manner of astrological interaction between two people that is so inherently bitter that enough patience, devotion, and humility can not only make it last, but make it something precious to both people.
Underneath those overriding principles, what I like to see when two people are contemplating a commitment is a lot of basic harmony and agreement-especially some significant conjunctions, trines, and sextiles among those three absolute building blocks in the astrological chart: The Sun, the Moon, and the Ascendent. That really helps people "get along." Let me quickly add that I don't mind seeing some significant squares, oppositions, quincunxes or sesquiquadrates among those three either-that's just grist for the evolutionary mill. We need some of both-sleepy peace and lively tension.
One observation that would scare me at this very fundamental stage of analysis would be no major, Ptolemaic aspects among the two sets of Suns, Moons and Ascendents. The old horary dictum "No aspects, no action" applies quite reliably in synastry work, especially there in the "primal triad." Lots of different kinds of relationships work, but I can't think of a deeper challenge than a lack of Ptolemaic interaspects among those three points. That would be a lot like sleeping with somebody from another planet. It represents not so much conflict as a lack of communication, engagement, and energy.
Moving out beyond Sun, Moon and Ascendant and considering all the various planetary aspects, I would say that a good rule of thumb in synastry is the more aspects there are between two people, the more "glue" holds the relationship together, for good or for ill. I am referring here to aspects in general, not just the traditional "good" ones. Even the harder aspects are "glue"-just a more demanding, more passionate kind. My sense is that when we interact socially with people with whom we just don't have much going on aspectually, we tend mostly to make pleasant tribal mouth noises and quickly move on to more interesting fields of energy. If we wind up in bed, or worse, with someone like that, it's the triumph of the illusions created by simple lust or psychological projection over attention to our own hearts, souls, and senses. Mostly, though, those relationships simply don't occur. Ram Dass commented that our sexual centers of perception divide the world into "the desirable," the "competition for those who are desirable," and the "irrelevant." People with whom we don't have much aspectual interaction are basically the "irrelevant," even if they are easy to look at.
Perspective: What I am writing about here, as I have said, is my own experience in the counselling room. I've seen countless astrologically-harmonious couples separate, and I've seen some marriages last lifetimes where a fortuneteller might have been very pessimistic about their prospects. But people self-select for astrological counsel; they are not the general population. I suppose that if I were trying to come up with statistical paradigms for predicting simple stability, and nothing more, in marriage across the human spectrum, I'd go with the old way of thinking: give me tons of trines and sextiles, tons of harmony. Then they can sit peacefully in front of the television together, maybe for decades, and not bother each other very much. But for the kinds of human beings who actually help me pay my bills, that kind of sleepy collusion is not what they're after. These are generally more dynamic, growth-oriented people-or they wouldn't be there in my office! Demonstrably, they'll intervene in their own lives, and they'll often leave relationships that aren't going anywhere. With these kinds of people, I focus a lot of attention on the harder interaspects between them. I try to be realistic; I tell them that there are ways they may never understand each other. I emphasize that this kind of frustration isn't so bad-if they handle it right, it will keep them alert. I only offer to try to help untangle the tangled lines of misunderstanding. I'll try to get Jill to honor the evolutionary reasons behind Jack's need for periodic emotional withdrawl; I'll support Jack in respecting Jill's need to probe into his inner life. I'll try to generate a kind of objective compassion in each toward the other. But I'll never try to get either to compromise their basic natures-that I would frame as a crime against the human spirit.
Even with the easier aspects, I try not to be passive. "Oh this is beautiful" may be an encouraging remark, but it doesn't go very far in terms of specific helpfulness. Say Jill has Jupiter in Sagittarius in her Ninth House. It trines Jack's Fifth House Aries Sun. Everything else being equal, there is a fair degree of adventuresomeness in each of them. They'll sense their energetic harmony ten seconds after they meet; they'll smile-unconsciously anticipating that potential trip to India they'll take together in nine years.
Now, maybe eight years later they come to me for a synastry reading. My job is to remind them to book that trip to India! Maybe in the swamp of daily life, they got bogged down in the short view and forgot about it. They've neglected what feeds them as a couple. They need a little reminder about how journeys and shared adventures nourish the good stuff that's at the heart of their purpose together.
The point is that even the "easy" aspects require care and feeding if they are going to develop into everything they can be-remember: their dark side is sleepiness. The treasure may be in the back yard, but they still have to dig it up.
I've been speaking categorically of "easy" and "hard" aspects. Basically, by "easy" I mean trines and sextiles. By "hard," I mean squares and oppositions. We'll speak of the minor aspects in a moment, but right now we need to reckon with the single most important aspect of all: the conjunction. It follows its own separate set of laws, and it doesn't fit readily into an "easy" or "hard" box the way the others do. Here's a good way to conceptualize it:
Some planets naturally feel "soft:" The Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Neptune.
Some naturally feel "hard:" The Sun, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto.
Mercury, as usual, seems to be its own special case. Sometimes it feels "hard," especially when it's contacting a hard planet. Other times it feels "soft," especially when linked to a softer planet.
Now, with conjunctions, the rule is simple. Conjunctions between a hard and a soft planet are "hard," while conjunctions between two "soft" planets or two "hard" ones are easy. It's pretty intuitive really. The Moon likes Neptune-if your Moon conjuncts my Neptune, that generally feels easy and comfortable...just remember that "easy" doesn't mean "good." We could collude like crazy on our emotional illusions until the romantic card castle fell down. But we could also feel a flowing, natural spiritual rapport, an easy Moon-Neptune feeling of knowing each other psychically and psychologically, even without words. Real or illusory, it feels good.
Parallel interactions happen when your Mars conjuncts my Uranus. That's "hard to hard," and while the fireworks can be spectacular, there's a kind of gritty comrades-in-arms feeling that arises. Mars and Uranus understand each pretty well; their rough edges get along. We "fight well," which is a precious skill in the real world of grown-up intimacy.
If my Moon aligns with your Mars-"soft to hard"-that's a different kettle of fish. My sensitivities and emotional needs (Moon) are exposed to all your jagged edges (Mars.) Now, maybe that does them a world of good! Maybe you press me, wittingly or unwittingly, to be more assertive about what I want and need. You are martializing my Moon. From an evolutionary perspective, it may be a very beautiful thing, and it's the astrologer's task to emphasize and support that possibility. But Mars-Moon interaspects still often don't feel very good. Maybe I project onto you the idea that you are "the heavy," while you project onto me the idea that I am "a wimp." Maybe, according to you, I'm always "overreacting," while, according to me, you are always "arguing" or "teasing."
Mercury blends with anything-best to apply our "easy aspect" logic to any interaspectual conjunctions involving Mercury.
I spoke of you martializing my Moon. Earlier I used an example of you plutonifying my Venus. My wife, Jodie Forrest, and I introduced this language in 1989 in our book Skymates: The Astrology of Love, Sex, and Intimacy. The words sound funny, but we've found them to be useful tools for conceptualizing the actual energy-transactions that occur in a relationship. The key is to realize that any interaspect is a two-way street: you do something to me and I do something back to you. If your Sun makes any aspect to my Moon-a classic and common synastry connection-then you solarize my Moon while I lunarize your Sun. You press my emotional needs into active expression, while I nourish and support your pride, self-image, and confidence. Skymates, by the way, is currently out of print, but between the Bantam edition and the ACS edition, there are a lot of them around. Jodie and I are currently re-writing the book and hope to have a new edition out by the middle of 2001.
These "martializing" or "plutonifying" energetic transactions apply regardless of the specific nature of the interaspect-it doesn't matter if it's a square or a trine; mercurialization is still mercurialization. The only difference is that if it's an easy aspect, then we both like the process, while if it's a hard aspect we feel more stressed by it-and maybe more passionate and alert about each other in the long run.
Always, regardless of the technical interactions between the charts, we must recognize that, from an astrological perspective, any relationship can potentially be made to work. My feeling is that once a couple is committed to trying, the astrologer should be committed to helping them. I feel ill and ashamed for us all when I hear clients tell me something like, "the other astrologer told us our marriage was basically impossible." Still, if I had to pick an "ideal," I'd lean toward a lot of major Ptolemaic aspects, with an emphasis on Sun-Moon-Ascendent contacts. I'd put them in a mix of about two-thirds "easy" interaspectual transactions and one- third "hard" ones. That provides plenty of the basic glue that holds people together, plus, through the easy aspects, a real sense of friendship and comfort-and enough evolutionary rocket fuel to keep a sense of "process" alive. That's the gift of the harder aspects. In the world we seem to be entering, that's the formula that works most often in my experience.
Jodie and I went into a lot more detail about all this in Skymates, but here are some key concepts for the various interaspectual transactions. A couple of caveats: In all these thumbnail sketches, I'm leaving out the specific context of the planets in each person's birthchart, which is the eternal curse of any "cookbook" approach. To save space, I'm also blithely neglecting the darker possibilities, and focussing on the higher intentions of the interaspect.
If I solarize a planet in your chart, then I press it to emerge energetically, vividly, and actively in your life.
If I lunarize a planet in your chart, then I nourish and support it, and render it moodier and more aware of its needs.
If I mercurialize a planet in your chart, then I press it to speak, to stretch, to gather more information, to think about itself, and to articulate its nature.
If I venusify a planet in your chart, then I warm it, seduce it, and induce in it a desire to connect with me and exchange energy with me. I may also "civilize" it, and encourage it to beautify itself.
If I martialize a planet in your chart, then I press it toward courage and assertiveness, also bringing out whatever anger or frustration it may contain.
If I jovialize a planet in your chart, then I encourage and support it, cheerleading it on toward wider horizons, a willingness to take risks, and more faith in itself.
If I saturnize a planet in your chart, then I invite it to mature and to face reality squarely. I ask it to discipline itself, to make hard choices decisively, and to bring its intentions into concrete manifestation.
If I uranize a planet in your chart, then I press it toward individuation, toward rebellion against "tribal" mythology, and toward free-spirited experimentation.
If I neptunify a planet in your chart, then I enchant and mesmerize it, softening it and filling it with inspiration, spiritual renewal, and imaginative imagery.
If I plutonify a planet in your chart, then I trigger the emergence of unconscious or wounded material connected with it, challenging it to grow and to implement the soul's healing intentions.
This language also helps codify our understanding of House Transpositions as well. If, for example, my Neptune falls in your Tenth House, I'll have a neptunifying impact upon your career. That may be a big deal, or a very minor part of the picture, depending on two factors: a) the strength of my natal Neptune, and b) the importance of career to you, as reflected in your birthchart. The interaction would also be strengthened enormously if my Neptune made some serious aspects to your natal planets, especially a conjunction with a Tenth House planet of yours, or a vigorous aspect to the ruler of your Midheaven.
Some people get touchy about the term "minor aspects." I can see why; those aspects can be powerful, especially the quincunx. I concentrate more on the major Ptolemaic aspects in my actual work, though. They carry so much energy. My time with a couple is limited so I want to focus on the most important issues, which are generally indicated not only more by major than by minor aspects, by also by only the closest major aspects. I won't even have time to speak of all the squares and sextiles, so I tend not to bother much in practice with the semi-squares, bi- noviles, and sesquiquadrates. That doesn't mean they're not interesting and useful; they just don't fit very well into the context of a one-shot, two-hour session, which is how I work most of the time. If you are drawn to work with the minors, generally I'd say treat them as "hard" aspects and these guidelines should translate effectively.
Classically, the Seventh House is the "House of Marriage." A very common correlate of relationship is to see one person's planets, especially the Sun, Moon, or Ascendent, falling in the other person's Seventh House. It's important not to be overly caught up in the dying notions of "malefic" or "benefic" planets in this regard-my Saturn falling in your Seventh House doesn't necessarily mean I'll be cold or distant, or that I will abandon you. It might mean I'll offer you a serious, mature, growth-oriented commitment. It really depends upon how consciously I am responding to my own Saturn issues, and you can't ever see that in a birthchart. Similarly, while my Venus falling in your Seventh House can certainly suggest a wonderfully tender and romantic connection, it can also mean that I'll manipulate and seduce you.
Even though the Seventh House is still reflexively associated with relationship by most astrologers, all the other Houses are relevant-we're talking about a connection between two human wholenesses, after all. Still, I'd encourage you to pay particular attention to the Eighth House, especially between people who are moving into the newer styles of intimacy where the richness and spiritual relevance of the connection means more than blind endurance. The Seventh House really refers to partnerships in general and the grease it takes to keep them afloat. The Eighth brings in the Plutonian themes of deep, shared inner work and psychological intensity. It's also more connected with the bonding dimensions of sexuality than any other House-if you have a planet there in your own natal chart it will very reliably describe the kinds of people with whom you are likely to have the deepest and most compellingly instinctual sense that you are "supposed to be together." It's about those elusive sexual terms-chemistry and electricity-which no one can satisfactorily define but which everyone recognizes, usually from across a crowded room.
The Fifth House is often trivialized as the "House of Love Affairs." Planets there in your natal chart actually correlate with people in your life with whom there is a feeling of "business that needs to be finished." It's easiest for me to make sense of that perception in evolutionary, reincarnational terms. If you have Neptune in your natal Fifth House, you may really need to claim something back from a person who is an unreliable visionary romantic (Neptune). You may need to release him or just let her go, and that of course is sometimes easier said than done. It's unfinished business from the karmic past, in my view. With Mercury there in your birthchart, the person with whom you've got the unfinished business may be a very good talker. With Mars, someone whose anger is unresolved. You probably get the idea-just think of the darker, more seductive possibilities connected with each planet, and you'll be on the right track.
Those kinds of transpersonal, karmic themes emerge very clearly in interaspectual contacts involving the Nodes of the Moon as well. Reincarnation and the larger metaphysical, evolutionary background against which the astrological story unfolds is a vast subject, really too big to fit into the framework of this article. The best books I can recommend to get you going in that domain are Jeffrey Wolf Green's classic, Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul Through Relationships, and the new book he and I wrote together, Measuring the Night: Evolutionary Astrology and the Keys to the Soul, Volume One. By the way, Volume Two of that work will be available in a few months. It takes the material even further. While I'm plugging books, I was very impressed with the groundedness, style, and wisdom of Terry Lamb's recent synastry book, Born to be Together, which is published by Hay House.
The Fourth House is one of the most basic-and most neglected-parts of the synastry puzzle. Most of us learn in our first astrology class that it's the "House of the Home." We then use it to speak of our physical dwelling places, our families of origin, and our interior psychological worlds. All that is valid, but let's not leave out the notion that the pot of gold at the end of love's rainbow is a stable, happy bond-a sense of "home," created, proven, maintained, and trusted, with a beloved partner. That's a Fourth House reality. Planets there in your own chart indicate your needs and possibly your baggage in that department. If, for example, you have Venus in the Fourth House, then the kind of home that will work for you is one permeated by a peaceful, aesthetic Venusian spirit. That puts some constraints on how satisfied you'll be living with someone who's got Sun conjunct Uranus in Gemini, square Mars, and five planets jumping for thermonuclear joy in Sagittarius!
If someone transposes a lot of their own planets into your Fourth House, he or she is likely to fill you with deep, comfortable feelings of "family." There's just an inexplicable "familiarity" there. Mutual Fourth House transpositions are common between people who go the distance with each other, and that bedrock astrological fact seems to have disappeared from the more generic synastry textbooks. Probably it's a casualty of our pan-cultural loss of those precious psychological crown jewels-our Fourth House sense of community, kinship, and absolute commitment to each other.
One more comment: of all the relationship Houses, I'd say the Fourth is probably the most "adult." I say that because it relates to the stage of relationship where it would be appropriate to consider bringing new life into the world. In a society where "adult" has come to mean "visible genitals," we've got some collective healing to do in that department. I like to think of astrologers as leading rather than following in that great enterprise.
One final comment: a critical link in the synastry chain is the composite chart. There are a variety of ways of calculating them. The one that works best for me is based on the midpoints of the planets: halfway between my Sun and your Sun is our composite Sun, and so on. I like to use the latitude of the place where the relationship started, rather than the current residence of the couple. I'm also very open to the idea of just taking the midpoints of all the House cusps, which is another popular technique.
Composite charts are a big subject, and probably rate a separate article. Basically you interpret them in exactly the same manner as you would interpret a natal chart, except you remember that you are discussing the care and feeding of the relationship as a whole. Sometimes two introverts come together and begin throwing loud parties; sometimes two extroverts come together and move to a cabin in Alaska. These are not laws of the universe, only possibilities within the universe. The Composite chart gets at all that, helping us understand what kinds of shared experiences help keep the couple vital and alive-and that might be different from what they need as individuals.
For some deeper perspectives on the Composite chart, I'd encourage you to find a copy of Jodie's and my Skymates. To dive into the evolutionary and reincarnational dimensions of the Composite, I'd again steer you toward Volume Two of Jeffrey Wolf Green's Pluto series.
In closing, I'd like to affirm that the astrologer's task as a practitioner of synastry isn't to judge anyone's relationships or to prophesy about their longevity. Our task is to read the symbols honestly, to speak of love's highest possibilities and encourage the couple to realize them, all the while warning them about the darker places that misunderstanding can breed.
After that, we make no disempowering predictions; instead we stand back in a spirit of respectful, compassionate good will and pray for the ancient miracle-lasting, living human love...the engine that drives the evolution of our souls.

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