ARIES ingress for new beginnings

                                                                     

                                                                

                                                            ARIES the RAM

2^1st March to 19th April

Spectrum: diamond stones. Red colour.

 

ARIES  The sign of the Ram who heralds the start of a New Solar Year following the Vernal Equinox, a point where the circles of the Ecliptic and the Equator intersect and there is equal amounts of day and night. The two luminaries of Sun and Moon hold equal power, which will be emphasised at the time of the Full Moon in the sign of Libra on the 3^rd of April. Now we start our journey around the zodiac to mark out the important points of the Solar Cycle in relation to life on Earth, whether mineral, vegetable, animal or human.

Aries is called a ‘Cardinal’ sign and in cosmic terms has the qualities of the positive and active polarity of universal energy. ‘Cardinal’ refers to a first impulse of energy at each of the four quarters of the year marked by the Solstice and Equinox points and the change of seasons. ‘Cardinal’ energy is outgoing, moving ahead and providing leadership to the two zodiac signs that follow it. The Fire Element of the sign Aries adds the heat of activity to the driven Cardinal quality, the result is endless energy to charge ahead in unstoppable enthusiasm for self-expression. This is the sign of the adrenalin rush, symbolized also by the planet Mars who rules the zodiac signs of Aries and Scorpio. Mars is the symbol of the metal iron. The Fire quality of Aries is shared with the signs Leo and Sagittarius, but expressed in different ways according to the quality of these signs.

Aries influence allows one to forge our way forward with courage, daring, initiative and enterprise; in the mode of a pioneer. Assertive and passionate, there needs to be the cultivation of calm and reflection to make these energies mean something of use as we begin the solar year on an out rush of new energy. There are plenty of new ideas floating around but will there be the ability and sustained effort to make them grow and work in the practical world? We must not give way to impatience and bad temper under the impetus of all the new found energy and enthusiasm of this time of the year, especially if we encounter an opposition to our ideas. At the same time, we must allow ourselves a break from the deadening routine of the previous cycle and let the windows of opportunity and new possibilities to air themselves. In our hurry and enthusiasm we must not forget or neglect those who are going a little slower due to circumstances.

All natural energy moves to a rhythm of mathematical proportions and so we start our journey around the cosmic wheel to explore these qualities and principles. Whatever side of the planet you are on, it is time to ‘Spring’ clean, your house and your soul, for the start of a new journey of discovery.

    Sculpture by Philip Jackson

Hercules, the hero of our Solar Journey of 365 solar days, is born of the ‘House of Perseus’. His role in life is to follow the Sun in its 360 degree journey around the zodiac circle of signs in 13 months or moon periods; with modernisation this has been recalculated to 12 months in order to accommodate the two ancient but separate calendars of Father Sun and Mother Moon. The ancient Egyptians solved this discrepancy of circle and solar cycle by giving the five extra days to their five great gods who existed outside of time and space.

Starting on a new grand cycle, our hero Hercules takes up a renewed challenge in each month inline with the zodiac sign being traversed and marked by the ritual and magic of his heroic feats. Hercules’ FIRST LABOUR or challenge in the new astrological year is marked by the sign of Aries, the challenger of life moving forward with great energy and enthusiasm on a new turn of the spiral. We too set out to conquer our wildest of thinking and buzzing head activity, as indicated and ruled by the sign Aries. Are we too proud and hurried in effort to get there before everyone else, in such speed that we forgot to check on our struggling friend? Are we very brave, but unfortunately also just a little selfish or put another way, only thinking of our self in this rush to begin our ‘Labours’ or ‘Challenges’ or ‘Race’ to some unseen goal or quest? This is the lesson and the promise of Aries energy, the awakening to the new possibilities, wants and desires, without forgetting what already exists around us. The urge to create and perform pushes us forward in such haste that we can get into great trouble without awareness of what we are doing. But really we have time, for the coming months will continue the opportunity to fulfil what we conceive of now. All beginnings are in the head, on the mental plane, you think an idea and then act on it. You do not act and then think about it, well hopefully not!

This time of year marks a time of wanting to do things in a better way rather than repeat that of the previous solar year. The ancient god of Egypt called Sobek represented the cyclic repeating of new beginnings, as did Thoth, the master of writing and ideas. In chasing this new beginning we must strive to eradicate all the past negative ways of thinking and doing things or at least attempt to identify them as a first step. Then in a strange way we enter the process of purifying ourselves and our life so that new growth and better performance can move in. Here is a time to realise our power and our strength in controlling the form and expression of the material world with applied spirit and energy. 

To begin the Hero’s journey 

This is a difficult Equinox that follows immediately on a New Moon. This lunation triggers the ongoing conjunction of the planet Saturn and Neptune in the sign Aries, the sign of new beginnings pursued in enthusiasm or anger. A difficult and confusing start to the new solar cycle and cultivating problems getting any new project off the ground. With this in mind it is probably best to relax and wait for the next lunar cycle to get started. Having said that, the choice may not be ours or yours. Keep in mind that the first quarter of the year will be tainted with whatever is started or embarked on just now and we must be prepared for the next 7 years to get over it or work it through. Before that, the latter part of the month of April is probably critical for making the right choices. [review previous blog on ‘Stone & Fire Water’] The potential joy of living may indeed be masked by foolishness.

PISCES

 

PISCES

19^th February to  20^th March

Spectrum: Sardonyx, jade. Blue-green colour.

 

PISCES: is a sign of Mutable quality and of the negative or receptive element of WATER. This is the sign of adaptable water, that is, it is constantly on the move and reflecting all that passes by. Fluid and free flowing liquid can fill any vessel or channel or space of containment. Water is boundless, sometimes tranquil and sometimes a powerful and raging storm.

In particular, the Water Sign of Pisces is true to its symbol of duality in being often pulled in two directions by life; that of the physical needs and that of the spiritual calling. Sacrifice of self and helping other people is a driving force for the Piscean; they know how to do it from a natural drive to ‘be all things to all people’. In their positive state they can follow the rhythmic ebb and flow of life with ease. Instinct, intuition and emotion drive a Piscean expression ‘to be’. 

As with the previous sign of Aquarius, the sign of Pisces has two planetary lords or rulers. this time it is the planets Jupiter and Neptune. Jupiter brings a joyous and optimistic note to our watery brooding Piscean nature and Neptune allows contact with the mystical world of spirit, that undefined energy of the cosmos. The combined planetary influence adds a great note of expansion to everything done and thought, one has to be careful under such an influence, not to let things get out of control in a limitless desire for what is not really possible. 

This Piscean time of year is one of letting go to a certain degree so that we may touch those dreams and inspirations of the soul. In an odd way the previous solar cycle is dissolving now and we must prepare for the coming Aries Equinox, when a new input of cosmic energy can be felt. This is a time for cultivating greater understanding of people close and afar, of their trials and tribulations, and where possible, offer a helping hand. Others must bring their dreams and inspirations down to the Earth plane and communicate their thoughts to those around ,through paintings, poetry, writing, music and scientific solutions found. You too can join the flow by finding some relaxation in dancing and swimming or simply observing our aquatic friends, or even buying a new pair of shoes for our feet according to Piscean rulership. To be impressed is easy, to give those impressions a useful application takes a little more effort and work of practical reality.

Beauty of illusion or nature.

Now our hero Hercules enters upon his 12^th and final labour of the solar cycle. It is a labour of love and summing up all his trials to squeeze from the long year of experience as much conscious growth as possible. This 12^th Labour is to acknowledge and accomplish a dissolution of situations that have bound you, such as bad habits and foolish thoughts. It is a time to become less judgemental and to see yourself as but part of the whole. The result is a new unification of all thought, feeling and action so that as a ‘new’ person you can take a further step forward with the coming new astrological year at the Aries Ingress. Some call this cyclic process of the year, the ‘Alchemical’ process, indicating how we transmute old energies into some bright and new. A temporary obliteration of the personality may occur in this process but can be beneficial if allowed to happen with awareness. How does one allow this to occur in a happy way so that a new light or awareness can be achieved in readiness for the coming new cycle of action and being?. Submerging the personality for a short time allows the spirit to soar unhampered to the spiritual realm or the realm of the inner and true self. Some can do this just by sleeping and dreaming. In this 12^th Labour, Hercules must gather up the Red Cattle of Geryon, as a symbolic summary of his year long journey, before returning home himself. Help to accomplish this chore comes in the form of a magical golden chalice that fell from the sky. And so our hero gathers up the wayward energies, symbolised by the Red Cattle, into the golden goblet and delivers them back to the sacred city as an offering to Athene the Goddess of Wisdom.

Greek Goddess Athena

Stantini Wall Art

The Lady in the Sky during this part of the year is known as the constellation Andromeda. She is a goddess in disguise because her wisdom was abused. She waits, chained to a rock, as the monster Cetus draws nigh, for she is to be sacrificed as compensation of another’s bad behaviour. But in the nick of time a gallant hero, like Hercules, but in the form of Perseus, comes to the rescue. It is forever the struggle to bring together in harmony the two sides of our nature and of the natural world, the positive and negative, the mind and body, the soul and spirit, the male element and the female element, the beautiful and ugly, in order that life may function more truly along the lines that it should be. Cetus, the same sea-sky monster who threatened Andromeda, also swallowed Biblical Jonah. Jonah spent three days in the whales belly. In such quiet isolation, he was able to discover more about himself and his inner motivations, before being regurgitated back into the world. Such self-sacrifice of the physical wants and sense satisfaction is to be an underlying theme in preparation for the new solar journey approaching. Such themes will underpin such festivals as the Christian Easter time. The Hindu god Vishnu, taking the form of the white horse Kalki, will also celebrate this coming festival of the Aries Equinox or time of Equal Day and Night. Essence and Life cannot be seen but they are contained in the Light of Heaven which is symbolised by the Golden Flower of Buddhist philosophy. This Light must be allowed to circulate unimpeded, as the breath flows.

Dolphins circulating

Stone and Fire-Water

 

Everyone one seems to be getting a tad itsy about Saturn meeting Neptune in the sky. It happens approximately every thirty-six years but this time the pair of planets are moving together into a new zodiac sign, ARIES, the sign of new beginnings and new cycles. Aries is the beginning of the zodiac circle. This is causing all a bit of a stir, especially as AI is taking over quite a lot in all sorts of areas of life and business, perhaps redefining the space-time parameters within which we live. Externally we see this chaotic shift happening through the experience of the horrific wars going on around the planet, both national and personal. The intensity of this combination of planetary energies is about to ramp up as the conjunction of Saturn and Neptune becomes exact over the period 15^th to 21^st February 2026. But we don’t necessarily expect an immediate happening, although it can occur, more likely it will wait for a more precise trigger to set the big planets in motion but we will feel the growing energy of important changes. To prepare for a positive response to these coming changes look back 30 years or 300 years, to get a flavour of our present time and so that we can avoid previous mistakes and the potential sorrow of reflection on things not done.

Saturn bringing new foundations

The sign of ARIES is all about a new beginnings, beginnings in life and in cosmic cycles. These beginnings, in true Arian fashion, are not thought about but chased after with great unthinking enthusiasm – please don’t stand in my way cause I know what I’m doing and where I’m going and can be very forceful and careless in doing so. That is unless there is a degree of maturity and wisdom at play as well!!!!!! – to give guidance and the necessary direction to enthusiasms.

The planet Neptune hasn’t been in the sign of Aries for approximately 161 years, that is way back in the 19^th century when Queen Victorian of England immersed itself in engineering innovation driven by under-paid workers, or human robots, and there was pseudo spiritual awakening to amuse the wealthy hiding a more productive movement of human spiritual growth. Are we too on the verge of robotic slave labour and a tsunami of spiritual confusion? We are sure that readers can delve into more areas of mess-up!! Look out for new waves of colonisation during the power-shifts, as all the outer planets join Saturn and Neptune in moving into new signs of new influence.

Leonardo portraying wisdom

As we progress through the year, look out for those suffering, avoid the anxiety of irrational fears and anxieties growing due to too much self-centred navel gazing. Drop the ego and aim for humility, be extra diplomatic before making that heated opinion. Avoid drugs like the plague. Work hard and be self-reliant so that your ideals, imagination and intuition can find constructive and healthy outlets that contribute to progress however small or big. This could be a time of great creativity and successful business ventures or a time of losing control and spinning out in the chaos of confusion, scandal and defamation. Watch the sky as it goes through a kaleidoscope of change over the next two years or so. 

As the recent young Australian surfer demonstrated, may the heroic acts of personal sacrifice of time and energy made for the greater good of humanity, out run the self focused destruction of non-action and woolly thinking. May charity replace lack of awareness and consideration of the rights of ALL. May creative endeavour replace warped thinking. 

If the global weather patterns of wind, rain and tide settle down, then we will know that we are on the right road to recovery. If not, it comes to mind that the alternative might be a revisit to Noah’s Ark or that of Hindu Vaivasvata or Chaldean Nuah. 

The painter Hieronymous Bosch said it all way back in history:- 'Death & the Miser'

      

Astrological perspectives of this combination of planetary energies, seen in the past, are also indicated in what we are seeing and experiencing today. These are problems of finding a new combination of exclusive traditional form and inclusive universal principles. A new level of being and living needs to be found, one that balances clear focus and definition of goals with a broad idealistic perspective. Such may be accompanied by vast political changes that arise out of the objections to old institutions and established regimes living beyond their use by date. And yet let us not forget a balanced approach to solutions rather than swing too far in the opposite direction. Intellect must combine with spirit, the individual with the community needs, understanding with the demands of ‘rights’, then a new beginning can be positive. Many are trying to move in this direction and the impetus must be sustained. Can the young show us the way without too much arrogance.                                  

                   

AQUARIAN WAVES

 

AQUARIUS

20^sth January to 19^th  February

Spectrum: Stone amethyst, lapis lazuli. Electric Blue colour

AQUARIUS: is a fixed sign of the positive or active element of AIR. The element of Air has an abstract quality to it that suits the idea of intangible things like thinking and wave formations. Air is hard to grasp or contain but is almost a magical medium for carrying subtle things and influences, thus allowing them to circulate freely. Air is refined and communicatory, so it is associated with intelligent activity and human cooperation and interaction. In particular the Air sign of Aquarius loves the freedom of such activities, the more involved the merrier. However, Aquarius can be a little awkward in wanting to stay independent and not get too emotionally involved with the group. This is the sign of independent people yet also of the stubborn. Perhaps this has something to do with the double rulership of the sign Aquarius. This time of the year has the continuing influence of the planet Saturn. We met Saturn in the previous sign of Capricorn and noticed his demand for care and organisation and getting things done. Now Saturn is joined by the planet Uranus as co-ruler and who wants to do everything differently, to break away from those previous formalities and set rules, in order to discover the new and exciting. Chaotic confusion comes to mind! 

The Aquarian time of year is a time to get the ‘little grey cells’ active, to break out of the rut of winter [or the too hot summers of the southern hemisphere]. Leave behind conventions for the time being and seek out what is different but try not to rebel too much if you wish to keep life relatively on track. This is the time of year to utilise that little flash of genius that we can all experience and which can keep life interesting. Is there a new way of doing the same old same old? Is there a new Uranian discovery to which you can give Saturnian boundaries in a practical application of the airy idea? Be warned though, that once a path has been chosen the Aquarian force doesn’t give up easily and may push you beyond what you can comfortably handle. A time of year to enjoy your friends and group associations or the freedom of the club down the road.

‘The Wing’. Ken Kelleher

Aquarius is the month of the 11^th Labour for the Solar Hero Hercules. As the Hero of the Solar Trail, Hercules must now clean out the Augean cattle stables where the muck of centuries has been allowed to accumulate. The King of Augea had never met anyone willing to serve without recompense and so suspected Hercules to be after his throne in offering to complete such an unpleasant task. To protect his possession, the king bargained with Hercules. He said that if Hercules could clean the stables in just a day he would win 1/10 of the royal cattle; if he could not do this then Hercules was to forfeit his life. Hercules went on to accomplish his task by diverting the rivers Alpheus and Peneus through the stables and thus flushed them out in one swift action. Of course the king was not happy to lose his cattle and turned face to refuse the gift to Hercules. It was the rivers and not Hercules who accomplished the task, said the king, and banished Hercules from his kingdom.

The cosmic ‘Age of Aquarius’, an astrological period of approximately 2000 years, is symbolised by the constellation of Aquarius, which has a resonance with the zodiac sign of the same name. This new age of evolution is now upon us and according to one author actually began its influence around the year 1750; that was just before the French Revolution as people craved for Liberty, Freedom and Equality, and were prepared to die for it. These are themes very much dear to the heart of the true Aquarius nature, whether individuals or of a social era of history. As the new great age of 2000 years gets underway, more and more people will become awakened or aware of greater possibilities in life for this freedom of intellect that Aquarian influences can bring to Earth. The symbol of this sign and constellation is that of the cleansing and purifying power of water; at an individual level and a cosmic level. Light is said to travel through the heavens in a wave form and may be termed the ‘waters of heaven’. Today we use these light waves to carry communications at great speed around the world. Are we utilising these waters to cleanse and purify or to pollute our minds and the planet Earth. As ever it is the choice presented to the human will. This time of year, we should meditate upon these possibilities.

The Hindu god Vishnu first manifested to man as a great fish who came in the nick of time to tow man’s life raft and save some human’s from the world ‘Deluge’ that came as a purifying force to humanity. A similar god, by the name of Oannes is recorded in the mythology of the ancient Babylonians. More recently, Jesus or Joshua was called NUN the son of the fish god but you won’t hear of this beyond the fish shaped mitre helmet of the church priest.

At night in the cool, under the influence of the moon, the air becomes impregnated with moisture. This moisture, known as honey-dew, collects the essence of the early morning light and allows us to breath in the cosmic essence or energy for our benefit. Get up early and hail the new morning Light, Life and Love; then share your new energies with others as you trundle through your day.  Look beyond the wants of self and willing share what you know and have so that the group you belong to can benefit, whether family, interest group or company. Silently and quietly aid in the cleansing of the world of its grief and pollution. The standing lake is a limited force, the power is in allowing the waters to follow their natural path says the I Ching. 

Sound -Light waves of breathing & thinking.

The planet Pluto is finally settled again in the sign Aquarius after 249 years, a previous time of major Revolutions. This planet of Pluto represents deep changes of transformation and will be activated strongly by three planets and the Sun and Moon over January. We have seen plenty of such unsettling and dramatic forces play out over this month of January and this influence will carry on to the end of the month, probably with the clean up going on through February. We must all be prepared to change in one way or another whilst holding on to what has prove valuable in the past. All is beginning anew.

CAPRICORN

 

CAPRICORN

23^rd December to 20^th January

Spectrum: Stones Onyx, Jet. Brown-black colours.

CAPRICORN is a Cardinal sign of the negative or receptive element of EARTH. Earth quality gives the ability to deal with life in a practical way so that we may attend to the necessities of functional living. Earth also likes to withdraw from the rush of life at times and wait for the right time to act. In particular, this Earth sign of Capricorn is known for its ambition in the material world, its dedication to duty and ability to make sacrifices in order to achieve these ends. Sometimes the Capricorn influence of industry derived from the Cardinal quality, can turn to a stern and unyielding quality, if the Light of understanding diminishes too far. The planet SATURN is very much associated with this Zodiac Sign and with this time of the year. Saturn, representing the labourer, the administrator, as well as the disciple, is associated with the colour black and the alchemical metal of lead; that lead of too much negativity that needs to be turned into the gold of virtue and tolerance.

Capricorn lives a serious and quiet life as a rule. Such an approach, and qualities of living, influence this time of the year and our place in the cycle of the solar wheel journey. It is time to be organised and attend to routine work whilst seeking the Light of Understanding, which sometimes means taking a philosophical approach to the concept of necessity and karma. This time of year should be one of thoughtful spaces that pay heed to the workings of our governing bodies, to their honesty and conscientiousness. It is also a time for pursuing those external rituals that assist life to run smoothly. Now is a time to feel safe yet to look ahead and prepare for what is to come so that all may be fertile in the future. Meanwhile enjoy quiet times of reflection, reading, music and practical hobbies alongside the more demanding practical employment of your time. What can you build or produce that is useful. Take time to pause though and reflect about past and future like the god Janus who looks both ways, to the year past and the year to come. Preparing for a new calendar year, we are pre-empted by the Solstice of 21^st-22^nd December to regard the coming changes prompted by the Capricorn Solstice, when the Sun appears to ‘standstill’ before moving in the opposite direction, either elevating or descending in altitude according to our hemispheric location. Daylight and warmth will then either gradually increase or start to decrease as we move towards the Aries Equinox.

Woodcut 1878

Capricorn, month of the TENTH LABOUR sees our solar hero Hercules climbing the mountain of the goat as disciple searching for the Light of his inner self. Hercules will now slay Cerberus, guardian of Hades or the inner consciousness. He will free Prometheus, the fire giver, and bring the gift of Light to consciousness. As an extension of this act, fire takes a material form for humanity’s use on Earth, for warmth, cooking and protection. However, such dangerous stuff as fire must be used with wisdom if it is not to get out of control and burn the land and us. Some can find it difficult to deal with the Light of self-discovery. Hercules entrance into the underworld of Hades is guided by the wisdom of the goddess Athene and god Hermes. When Hercules over-comes the 3 headed Cerberus who guards the gate, he transforms sensation, desire and intention into a more refined expression. So Prometheus’ ‘Fire Light’ once again illuminates the darkness of ignorance and brings the comforts of light and warmth to human beings in their daily tasks and living.

Hercules defeats Cerberus

By Rubens 1636

At the foot of the Capricorn mountain, the materialist goat seeks nourishment in arid places, demonstrating its ability to survive on little. Climbing the mountain is the intermediate scapegoat eating the flowers of desire along with the thorns of satiety and disillusionment, as it climbs ever upward to take the burden of humanity. At the top of the mountain the sacred goat achieves the greater vision of the wider vistas and becomes an initiate into another way of living beyond the ordinary. Thus our journey through Capricorn is the gate to the greater cosmic spirit. It is the sign of the disciple dedicated to the development of the individual soul to give greater freedom and wider breadth of consciousness. At this time of the year we can work on freeing ourselves of uncalled for irritability and selfishness. Allow your experiences to bring about a greater understanding of life and your reactions to it and the people around you. What can you do for someone else to make their living kinder, at this turning point of the year. Ponder on the value of the Rose and the Lotus, how beautiful they are and the thought of them brings Light to those in winter and love to those in summer. The Chhandogya Upanishad says: ‘That which is subtle essence in all that exists has its self. My Self within the heart is smaller than a mustard seed and greater than the sky……the city of Brahman is the body whose temple is the heart within which is a small ether…….this either is Heaven and Earth, Fire and Air, the Sun and Moon……..’

The symbols of this time of year are the donkey and the Ox or Bull to remind us of the work ahead through the coming solar year in order to keep the seed of spirit alive and growing. The 3 wise men bring gifts to support this journey with Love, Prayer and Good Intention.

SAGITTARIUS

 

SAGITTARIUS

22 November to 22 December

Spectrum: Stone Topaz. Colour Purple.

SAGITTARIUS is a mutable sign and of the positive or active element of FIRE shared with the signs of Aries and Leo. The element of Fire gives the qualities of enthusiasm and vitality and the ability to forge ones’ way through life with spirit and enthusiasm. There is an intensity to fire living that precipitates a full, rich and generous nature. Sagittarian influence puts a great deal of self into life but sadly sometimes there is too much zeal and not enough caution and reflection, as when the fire jumps out of the confining grate to spread dangerously through the room. This is the sign of eager and pulsating life that needs careful monitoring and direction in order to be successful and productive, for its mutable quality means that it can just dash hither and thither using up the fire energy and enthusiasm without producing anything worthwhile. The zodiac signs of Gemini, Virgo and Pisces share this mutable quality that constantly wants to adjust to a new situation. The ruling planet of Sagittarius is the purple giant Jupiter who adds his weight to the efforts of becoming expansive and freedom loving at this time of year. We can enjoy the jovial influence as we prepare for the coming festive season of the Solstice Point of Capricorn, heralding the turning of the season and for some the calendar year. Now is a good time of year for us all to be a little more fiery and enthusiastic whether pursuing sport or some other physical activity or just running around preparing for the gift giving of the holiday season.  We can join the heavy time of Scorpio to the serious matters of Capricorn during this change-over time. What we must consider in all the dash and hast is whether we are over stepping the mark, going too far, intruding on the space of those more quieter souls. It is a time of year to cultivate calmness, patience and awareness so that we have a better chance to share with others our joy and enthusiasm for life, to cultivate optimism and a broader picture of what can be.

Sagittarius is the natural philosopher, the traveller, teacher, lawyer and sport-person. As the Centaur shoots his arrow, so the Sagittarian influence of this time of year turns our minds to distant fields of interest and expectation, with a desire to discover new territory, whether travelling or searching for gifts or inspiration. Whatever the preference or pressure of circumstance and expectation, make it a time of some out-door activity, or an interest that increases a sense of personal freedom and room to move and be. Roam wild and free if you can or seek a book or visual in which to escape and nurture your dreams. But in the push and search for greater freedom, be careful of spreading your mind and energies in too many directions, thus ending up just muddled and exhausted.

Horse of the Sea

We are rising up out of our internal darkness of Scorpio into the Light of Sagittarius. It is here that Hercules will pursue his NINTH LABOUR that of hunting the Stymphalian birds who live in the salty marsh. Hercules is attacked by 3 of these birds and fights them off. However, there is a great number of these birds hidden the light of the Sun, when they fly up into the sky after being disturbed. At twilight, Hercules clashes a pair of cymbals given to him by Athene, goddess of Wisdom, to drive the birds out of the marshes. Hercules rids for good with his arrows these annoying birds of emotion; emotion that clouds the light of reason. So we must guard our thought and speech that might be driven by such clouds of unruly birds blocking our reason; guard against cruel gossip, self-centred chatter or giving out information where it is of no use. We are working our way through a preparation month towards the Light of Capricorn Solstice festivities. Can we clear our vision to get a greater appreciation of our goal. Here is a lesson of just ‘Being’, the quiet that allows the waters of soul to settle and clarify. Restrain the speech, control the thoughts, allow for moments of silence – a strange liberation from the wild world outside. Break the chains of influences for a moment, feel the freedom. Stillness always comes before a rebuilding and renewal. There are many truths besides the ones that we harbour so close to ourselves. Shoot down blinding emotions with your arrows of perception.

Greek Marble Centaur & Eros 

2^nd Century Roman copy.

The Constellation of Sagittarius, lying behind the Tropical sign of Sagittarius is depicted by a Centaur. This Centaur should not be confused with the greater Centaur called Chiron, the healer who harbours the ‘Southern Cross’ star formation within his form. The Saggi Centaur has been known as both the ‘Strong One’ and the ‘Illuminator of the Great City’. He has also been called a ‘Minotaur’. Further back in history this constellation was associated with the Sumerian god of waters and called Enki of the city of Eridu. Another god coming from the celestial waters is the ‘Bistea Neptunis’, totem of the long haired magicians known as the Merovingians. There is some connection here with the sea god Pallas of the Grail legends. Pallas’ daughter Elaine has been nominated as the ‘Grail Bearer’ from whom descended the families of the ‘Knights of the Round Table’. Perceval is another hero of history who went on journeys of discovery, like the Knights Templar. Perceval, the good knight, is searching for the Grail, that cup that contains the mana or soma of heaven and which pours out to give us a boost of good health and wisdom. Maybe it is the wisdom held in the stars that circle over our heads continuously night after night, year after year, twinkling their magical influence down to us on Earth. What messages of the past and future do they carry? Bit like Comet 3IAtlas!!

The Eye of Planet Jupiter

AAL’S LABYRINTH HISTORY An Alternative Viewpoint…..contd. #71

FOURTH CENTURY BC (399-300)

4C BCE       The Chinese produce the earliest known atlas of comets, called the ‘Book of Silk’, it is a silk ribbon about 5 feet long illustrating 29 forms of comets and listing various types of catastrophes that they herald. The work will be discovered in a Chinese tomb in 1973 CE. (81)

The Mawangdui silk, a 'textbook' of Comets

from early Chinese observation

                    Babylonian horoscopic techniques are introduced into Greece early in this century following Alexander the Great’s victory over Babylon. (46)

Babylonian sky observation

390 BCE          CELTIC tribes of Europe attack and sack the Italian city of Rome.

 

c380              EUDOXUS OF CNIDUS (c408-c355 BCE) as a Greek geometer and astronomer  gives an explanation of the motion of Sun and planets around the Earth. His work is equal in accuracy to the work of Nicolas Copernicus of nearly 2000 years in the future. In geometry, Eudoxus establishes the principles that laid the foundations for the work of Euclid (330 BCE) and he introduced an ingenious system of 27 nested spheres in an attempt to explain planetary motion. Eudoxus was born and died at Cnidus, Asia Minor. (12) Eudoxos’ calendars indicate a Greek zodiac and in his work ‘Phainomena’ on spherical geometry, he divides the Ecliptic into twelve signs. [323]

Eudoxos studies the heavens

                  CAMBRA tribal queen of the Sicambrians provides the heritage which is to become the female line of the Merovingian dynasty of the future (417 CE). The Sicambrian peoples came originally from Scythia, north of the Black Sea and were referred to as the 'Newmage'. They will eventually combine with the tribes of the Frankish peoples to produce the Merovingian line of descent. (131)

 

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