By Candy Hillenbrand
Source: http://www.aplaceinspace.net/Pages/CandyJourneyoftheSoul.html
Esoteric astrology is the astrology of the soul. The delineation of a natal
chart from the soul-centred perspective focuses on the
purpose of the
soul, why we are here, where we have come from, and where we are heading.
Traditional or exoteric astrology is the astrology of the personality. Its
focus is on the problems and potentials of the personality.
The body of knowledge known as
Esoteric Astrology is drawn from the
Theosophical tradition and the teachings of the Tibetan teacher Djwhal Khul,
as dictated to Alice A. Bailey. It is contained in a voluminous set of books
which form a large part of what is referred to as the Ancient or Ageless Wisdom
teachings.
Soul-centred astrology is based on the understanding that there is a spark
of divinity, or 'soul' within each of us. According to this cosmology, reincarnation
and the reality of the soul are accepted as fact. Many sense this divinity.
The moments of deep insight, peace, awe, wonder, grace and love that we have
all experienced at some time are voices from the Soul.
Some call this divinity God/Goddess, the Higher Self, the Core Self, the
Transpersonal Self, the inner voice, the Buddha or Christ. It manifests as
the religious urge in man/woman. Indeed, Carl Jung, in his book
Modern
Man in Search of a Soul, makes the astounding assertion that in thirty
years of treating patients in the second half of life, their illness or neurosis
was invariably the result of a lack of spiritual or religious meaning:
"....there has not been one whose problem in the last resort was not
that of finding a religious outlook on life. It is safe to say that every
one of them fell ill because he had lost that which the living religions of
every age have given to their followers, and none of them has been really
healed who did not regain his religious outlook." [1]
This soul, or divine spark, strives towards unity and perfection, and according
to the Ancient Wisdom teachings, its motivation is selfless and its purpose
is
service to humanity or contribution to the greater whole. It is
essentially a humanitarian philosophy and is therefore highly appropriate
for our incoming Age of Aquarius. According to the Ancient Wisdom teachings,
the structure of man/woman can be symbolically represented as a downward-pointing
triangle (the personality) linked by the Antahkarana or Rainbow Bridge to
an upward-pointing triangle (the soul).
See Figure 1.
FIGURE 1
The highest goal of traditional or personality-centred astrology is the
integration of the personality. This is achieved by recognising and striving
to overcome the limitations and problems of the personality, such as physical
excesses, emotional instability and negative thinking. The goal of personality
integration is to bring the body, emotions and mind into a state of harmony.
The orientation of many of the personal growth techniques and healing modalities
is towards this end. For example, hatha yoga, nutrition and herbal medicine
work on healing the physical body. The Bach Flower Remedies and counselling
work on healing the emotional nature. Positive affirmations, Christian Science
and prayer work on healing the mental nature.
The integration of the personality is an on-going process. Once this has
been achieved to some degree, the goal becomes one of infusing the personality
with the qualities of the soul, or to make the connection with the Higher
Self. There are various techniques which can assist us to connect with the
Soul or Higher Self. These include meditation, some forms of creative visualisation,
dreamwork, psychosynthesis, artistic and musical expression, communing with
nature, compassionate service, study of the Holy Scriptures and Ancient Wisdom
classics, and so on.
The
soul-infused personality is symbolically represented by the
six-pointed
star. See
Figure 2. [3]
FIGURE 2
You will notice that the triangle of the Soul has a threefold nature corresponding
to a higher octave of the personality vehicles. The physical body has its
higher counterpart in Spiritual Will or Purpose. The emotional body has its
higher counterpart in Universal Love, while the mental body or rational mind
has its higher counterpart in Higher Mind.
There are several approaches to esoteric astrology, and it is indeed a complex
body of knowledge. Therefore, I would like to keep it as simple as possible.
One of the fundamental differences between esoteric and exoteric astrology
is that both are based on a completely different set of planetary rulerships.
Some esoteric astrologers, such as Dr Douglas Baker, dismiss traditional
astrology altogether and work only with the esoteric rulerships. Other esoteric
astrologers, such as Alan Oken, recommend the interfacing or juxtaposing of
the personality-centred chart with the soul-centred chart.
Another important point is that esoteric astrology has its foundation in
an understanding of the
Science of the Seven Rays. [4] This is a system
of soul/personality typology and is referred to by Bailey as
Esoteric Psychology.
For the purposes of this article however, I am not going to deal with the
Seven Rays, although their meanings are implicit within each of the astrological
factors.
What I am presenting here is a somewhat eclectic approach which can only
scratch the surface of this vast body of knowledge. There are a few basic
principles which we can begin to work with straight away, and which will help
us to shift the focus from personality problems and potential to spiritual
purpose. I am not recommending that we forget the personality. I feel that
it is still important to delineate the natal chart in the traditional way.
But what we can do is add a soul-centred perspective to our traditional delineations.
The Ascendant
Perhaps you have felt that there is a deeper meaning to the Rising Sign
than a mere description of the physical appearance, the persona or the manner
in which we project ourselves? In esoteric astrology, the Ascendant is the
key indicator of the Soul's Purpose. This does not mean that the empirical
evidence of traditional astrology is invalid. What we can say is that the
soul's purpose is projected through the persona at the Ascendant.
It is a tenet of traditional astrology that the Ascendant is symbolic of
the birth or point of incarnation, of the entry of the soul onto the physical
plane or the cross of matter. Esoteric astrology merely takes this a step
further. If we look to the qualities of the sign on the Ascendant, we can
glean valuable information about the nature of spiritual purpose and service.
The qualities of the Ascendant sign describe the future direction of
the soul, what we are growing towards, or new qualities that we are developing.
In this respect, we can see its meaning as similar in flavour to the North
Node, although I would suggest that the qualities of the houses and signs
of the nodal axis tell us how we can achieve personality integration, or integration
of the yin and yang within the personality. The quest of the hero as symbolised
by the North Node is the quest of the personality.
The
sign on the Ascendant indicates
how we can best
express our personality gifts to extend beyond ourselves to help others, or
to help the planet as a whole. The
house position of the esoteric ruling
planet of the Ascendant indicates
where these gifts and qualities
are best expressed. It points to the field of service of the soul.
The Esoteric Rulerships of the Signs
These rulerships may seem odd at first, but a deeper study will reveal their
significance.
Aries - Mercury
Taurus - Vulcan
Gemini - Venus
Cancer - Neptune
Leo - Sun
Virgo - Moon
Libra - Uranus
Scorpio - Mars
Sagittarius - Earth
Capricorn - Saturn
Aquarius - Jupiter
Pisces - Pluto
Vulcan is an undiscovered or hypothetical planet, and esoteric astrologers
believe that it is located near the Sun. To date, there is no officially accepted
ephemeris to calculate its position, and there are varying opinions as to
Vulcan's actual distance from the Sun. The astrological software package
Solar
Fire, developed by
Esoteric Technologies, offers two options
for the calculation of Vulcan's position: the method of L.H. Weston or that
of Dr Douglas Baker. [5] Note also that the position of the Earth is located
directly opposite the Sun. For example, if the Sun is found at 9 degrees of
Sagittarius, then the Earth will be found at 9 degrees of Gemini.
Some Ideas for Delineation
While there are 'esoteric' meanings for all the signs, planets and houses,
the traditional meanings can still be applied in a simplified approach to
a soul-oriented natal interpretation. We are not looking at 'negative' manifestations
here. That is the realm of the personality-centred delineation. Of course,
any personality problems or dilemmas are relevant in the soul-centred delineation,
because they offer us an idea as to what is hindering or impeding the progress
of the soul. The following are some suggestions for delineating the Ascendant
from a soul-centred perspective:
If the
Ascendant is in Leo, then the soul's purpose is to shine,
to express one's creative gifts and facilitate leadership for the benefit
of others. If the esoteric ruler, the
Sun, is located in the 11th house,
then the field of expression for the creative and leadership qualities is
through group activity.
If the
Ascendant is in Aries and the ruler,
Mercury, is in
the 6th house, then the soul's purpose is to inspire others with ideas, through
one's work, through healing, or through developing techniques for self-improvement.
This person may be an inspiring writer, counsellor, healer or teacher. With
the Aries emphasis, the focus would be towards empowering and enabling others
through their mental and communication gifts.
If the
Ascendant is in Aquarius and the ruler,
Jupiter, is
in the 2nd house, then the soul's purpose of pouring forth the waters of knowledge
for humanity, is expressed through a spiritual approach to gathering and distributing
resources. There is a facility for manifesting on the physical plane, but
the purpose is to gather resources for a higher or collective purpose. For
example, this person could accumulate and distribute resources in order to
fund some sort of group venture.
The esoteric rulerships do not cancel the value of the traditional rulerships.
For the Aries Ascendant, the position of Mars points to personality problems,
tendencies, talents and gifts, while the position of Mercury points to the
area of service of the soul.
Aspects between the Rulers of the Ascendant
It is important to look at any aspect formed between the exoteric and esoteric
rulers of the Ascendant. The ease or stress of this aspect indicates the ease,
or lack of ease, with which the soul's purpose can be expressed. Using the
example of Aries Rising, a natal square between Mars and Mercury suggests
that this person may experience some difficulty in manifesting the soul's
purpose. On a practical level, this may be because s/he has a tendency to
communicate in a sarcastic way, or is bad-tempered. A trine or sextile between
Mars and Mercury suggests that there is a harmony between the personality
expression and the expression of the spiritual purpose. S/he may be an inspiring
and enthusiastic communicator.
The Esoteric Meanings of the Signs and Ruling Planets
The following esoteric meanings are synthesised from the available literature
on the subject. [6] The traditional meanings of the signs, planets and houses
may also be utilised in a soul-centred delineation.
ARIES - to inspire others with ideas
Mercury - mind, communication; the 'Messenger of the Gods'
Keynote - I come forth and from the plane of mind, I rule. [7]
TAURUS - to release personal desires and attachments
Vulcan - growth through change; illumination and enlightenment; the
'Blacksmith of the Gods'
Keynote - I see and when the Eye is opened, all is light.
GEMINI - to teach Right Human Relations, between
self and others, personality and soul, anima and animus, higher mind and lower
mind
Venus - intelligent love; relatedness; resolution of polarity; turning
knowledge into wisdom
Keynote - I recognise my other self and in the waning of that
self, I grow and glow.
CANCER - to build a spiritual home and selflessly
nourish others
Neptune - unconditional love and forgiveness; devotion and self-sacrifice
Keynote - I build a lighted house and therein dwell.
LEO - to express Divine Will through the qualities
of open-heartedness, warmth, creativity, leadership and love
Sun - the self-conscious I; the integrated personality; creative equipment
Keynote - I am That and That am I.
VIRGO - to heal and serve others
Moon - the past (karma); the 'Mother of all Forms'; matter; nurturing
Keynote - I am the Mother and the child. I, God, I, matter am.
LIBRA - to harmonise the opposites and choose
the middle path; Transpersonal relations; perfected love
Uranus - collective
inter-relatedness; intuition; urge to better the human condition
Keynote - I choose the way which leads between the two great
lines of force.
SCORPIO - to transform darkness into light;
the battle between Soul and Personality
Mars - the desire nature; spiritual drive and idealism; the spiritual
warrior
Keynote - Warrior I am and from the battle I emerge triumphant.
SAGITTARIUS - to uplift humanity through the
revelation of Truth and Wisdom; fiery aspiration and one-pointedness
Earth - the physical location of a person's path; dharma; where we
materialise our solar potential
Keynote - I see the goal. I reach that goal and then I see another.
CAPRICORN - to express one's true spiritual
vocation and purpose for the greater good
Saturn - the Lord of Karma; the 'Dweller on the Threshold'; opportunity
through crisis and pain Keynote - Lost am I in light supernal, yet on that
light I turn my back.
AQUARIUS - to serve humanity through the dedication
of personal energies to the collective
Jupiter - intuitive understanding blended with impersonal love; abundance
Keynote - Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty humanity.
PISCES - to sacrifice the self through compassionate
service to others
Pluto - the destruction of negativity and separateness; surrender of
the personality to the soul
Keynote - I leave the Father's home and turning back, I save.
The Esoteric Meanings of the Houses
1st house - emergence of soul purpose, activities of the soul, the
aura.
2nd house - spiritual values, use of life energies.
3rd house - mental energy, relating of higher and lower selves.
4th house - the foundation of the soul.
5th house - expression of spiritual will, actualization of Higher Self.
6th house - personality integration, service through healing and nurturing.
7th house - the path of inner union between the soul and personality.
8th house - the path of the awakening of soul consciousness.
9th house - knowledge of Cosmic Law and Ancient Wisdom.
10th house - spiritual purpose and responsibility.
11th house - spiritual visions, aspirations, spiritual groups.
12th house - unredeemed past karma, bondage to personality, selfless
service to humanity.
Beginning a Soul-Centred Delineation
In esoteric astrology, the
Rising Sign is symbolic of the soul's
purpose and the path of the
future. Look to the qualities of this sign
as an indicator of new qualities that need to be developed in this lifetime.
The house position of the esoteric ruler indicates where these 'new' qualities
are best expressed. Try to also blend the qualities of the sign and house
position of the
North Node with these Ascendant qualities. Together,
they form a picture of the future path of the soul.
The sign and house position of the
Sun is symbolic of the
present,
or the path towards integration of the personality.
The sign and house position of the
Moon is symbolic of the
past
or karmic conditions which have been carried over into this life and need
transcending. Try to blend the qualities of the
South Node with these
Moon qualities to determine the path of least resistance, the negative personality
tendencies which hinder progress in the present, and the gifts developed in
past lives.
The signs, houses and aspects of
Saturn, Pluto and
Chiron,
and planets in the
twelfth house will also give further clues to karmic
factors which are relevant in the current life. Of course, the entire chart
can be viewed from a karmic perspective, but we have to stop somewhere.
The Role of the Esoteric Astrologer
The fundamental qualities required by the esoteric astrologer are the intuition
of Uranus, the sensitivity and compassion of Neptune and the profound understanding
of evolutionary purpose of Pluto.
I do believe there is an urgent need, on the part of astrologers, to move
away from the excessive focus on the
negative expressions of astrological
energy and the over-emphasis on events, effects and manifestations.
The focus of esoteric astrology is on cause and purpose, and the consecration
of the self to the greater whole of which we are a part. Certainly, we must
not ignore the 'negative' tendencies and manifestations of the personality,
for these are guideposts to the past and present suffering of the soul, and
point to ways of healing that suffering.
But the focus, in esoteric astrology, must ultimately be on the
positive
qualities and the
highest potential that the client may express. Too
often, traditional and even psychological astrology, has focussed far too
intently on the greatest depths that the client can reach.
As esoteric astrologers, our role is to act as a trigger or catalyst to
help the client contact their
own inner sense of purpose. And this
purpose can most easily be identified by asking the client what gives them
the most
joy; what is their passion; what do they love doing the most?
Joy is one of the supreme qualities of the soul, and to focus on what gives
us joy is to attune to our soul's purpose.
JOY
- Like a bird on the wing,
I fly towards the sun.
I sing in my soul,
so that all I meet can hear. [7]
NOTES
[1] Jung, C.G.,
Modern Man in Search of a Soul, NY & London:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1933,
p. 229.
[2] Oken, Alan.,
Soul-Centred Astrology, New York: Bantam Books,
1990, p. 33.
[3]
ibid, p. 36.
[4] Bailey, Alice A.,
A Treatise on the Seven Rays, NY &
London: Lucis Publishing Co, Vols 1-5.
[5] Esoteric Technologies,
Solar Fire User Guide, Version 3.
Adelaide, Aust: 1994-95, p. 177.
[6] For a more detailed approach, refer to Alan Oken,
Soul-Centred Astrology
(op. cit); Errol Weiner,
Transpersonal Astrology, Gt.
Britain: Element Books Ltd, 1991; and Kathleen Burt,
Archetypes of the
Zodiac, St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 1988.
[7] The keynotes can be found in Alice Bailey,
Esoteric Astrology,
NY & London, Lucis Publishing Co, 1979, pp. 653-4.
[8] Bailey, Alice A.,
Ponder on This, London & NY: Lucis
Publishing Co, 1983, p. 229.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CANDY
HILLENBRAND is an Australian astrologer, flower essence practitioner and
writer with a special interest in a growth-oriented and purpose-centred approach
to astrology. She is a Social Sciences graduate and holds the Practitioners
Qualification from the Federation of Australian Astrologers, co-winning the
FAA's Allan Johnson Gold Medal in 1997. She is the editor and publisher of
the quarterly international journal, The
Wholistic Astrologer, and her articles appear regularly in a variety of
print and online publications. Candy can be contacted at P.O. Box 1796, Macclesfield,
S.A., 5153, Australia, or e-mail: candy@aplaceinspace.net.
Visit her web sites: "A Place in Space" - http://www.aplaceinspace.net
and http://www.wholisticastrologer.com
