SCORPIO-EAGLE
23rd October to 22nd November
Spectrum: Stone Opal, colours magenta, maroon.
SCORPIO: the sign of strength and sensitivity, the result of being of fixed quality like Taurus, Leo and Aquarius, combined however with water like Pisces and Cancer. This fixed-water combination produces a deep and complex personality, and a strong, often difficult life situation; the reason being that this sign is in contact with the very essence of the life force and the cosmic energies that drive our world and our being; the mysteries of life and the universe. However, not all so influenced are aware of their potential in either personality or in this time of year, when these energies are more emphasised. Some understanding of the complications to be dealt with may be arrived at from a study of the three symbols associated with Scorpio, that of the Scorpion with the sting of self-protection, that of the Serpent capable of shedding its old skin for renewal, and that of the Eagle, majestic and noble bird soaring towards the light of heaven to create distance and perspective on the lesser things of life in favour for the higher achievements that can now be perceived.
There is something rather settled at this time of the solar cycle, a feeling that changes are imminent but not yet ready to be brought into the light, so we are restless whilst being stuck. Now the still waters can run deep, turbulence below the calm surface, if indeed we have not already turned to frozen ice emotionally because we can’t get our own way. Let us not forget that this is a Mars ruled sign with the great Pluto running a close second in planetary rulership – strong forces that need a conducive outlet. Rather than being at war with either ourselves or the other person, let’s look for constructive things to pour our energies into. Physical and emotional energy flows better directed into sporting interests, creative emotional expression like art and dance, or into healing those with pain, as a professional or just as a kindly listener. Other channels are through research into the mysteries of life, by either the scientific or occult road, or through innovative industry. The answers found are then ready to share with others as guidance to better living. Or perhaps some detective work, looking for where a problem lies so that it can be exposed and a solution found. So many areas of useful expression of such powerful forces that should not be allowed to go to waste. During this time of year look for something deep and meaningful to do or research, something that contributes to the wellbeing of all, as well as our own development and transformation into a better expression of our own self. Turn things around by eliminating all that is no longer of use or relevance to good living; avoid possession and extremes.
Proud Eagle
The Sun’s journey through the deep darkness of the zodiac sign of Scorpio has the purpose of introducing us to our own deep, dark inner self, that part of us that needs to be contacted in order to really know who we are and thus perhaps understand a little more of the our world and the next. We are now with our hero Hercules as he enters upon his EIGHTH LABOUR. This is the Labour of slaying the Hydra of Passions. The wisdom advice is to ‘kneel in humility and to conquer by surrender’; a not easy to achieve piece of advice. This Hydra has many heads symbolising all the hungers and passions that drive us through life and which need to be conquered or in alchemical terms, ‘sublimated’. The main head is immortal, a source of Light, and the hardest to tame or subdue. Exposure of the many headed monster to the sun and wind will weaken its resolve and power and thus assist in over-coming it. Under the sign of Scorpio we must look at the polarities of life a little more closely, expose them to our awareness and thus integrate the light and dark aspects of life within us in such a way that they are rendered less damaging to ourselves and those around us. Some say that there is a polarity of 7 vices and 7 virtues; others say that the monster has 9 heads of destruction or health. Our labour will require the utmost of patience over a long period of time, in humility and discrimination, in effort and observation, but the battle must go on in order to eventually find the healing Light of Wisdom and Joy. True magic is the expression of pure soul through the medium of Earthly matter which we must work with during this incarnation whilst avoiding the scourge of greed and selfishness. The Scorpion/Serpent/Eagle are the three stages we must work through in order to pass our tests of life and desire successfully and earn our right to true knowledge.
Hercules battling the Hydra
Artist Pollaiuolo c1475 CE
In our ongoing quest to avoid the ‘Serpent of Illusion’ held in the hands of the constellation Ophiuchus, we learn that we do have the ability of squeezing it into non-existence, the way baby Hercules did. Hercules has the same reputation and was once called Izdubar and at another time Saltator the Leaper. However, it is Ophiuchus the healer and serpent holder that attracts our attention now and who was nominated by the Greeks as Aesculapius the god of healing herbs. His Serpent has been turned into the caduceus rod used even today for the symbol of turning pain and discomfort into well-being. Some say that Ophiuchus was trained by the great Centaur Chiron. It is pretty certain that Aesculapius was the ship’s surgeon aboard the Argo on a voyage to discover the ‘Golden Fleece’.
Persephone also called Ishtar is the maiden or goddess who was charged with the ordeal of taking a trip to the ‘underworld’. In modern language, this is a trip into the mind to uncover the dark recesses of our thinking and emotions, so appropriate to this time of year and perhaps leading to a new awakening when we travel through the coming sign of Sagittarius. Some of us can take the trip with Persephone and find the pomegranate seeds of wisdom, some of us might accompany Ishtar in her pain of losing her partner and having to sacrifice much in order to find him. Either way we have some great lessons of discovery and learning to be found. Eve also woke up to view certain ways of the world when she ate the apple hiding the five star symbol at its core.
Ouroboros of Tutankhamon
Egyptian Pharaoh 14th century BCE
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