Sun in Aries: New Life on the Tree
If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled The Might of Geburah to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:
The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
Aries on the Tree
As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their elements and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows.
Tiphareth and the Sun
Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree hold correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move out towards the flow of energy represented by the astrological sign of Aries.
Aries and Mars
The Ruling planet of Aries is Mars. On the Tree of Life, the sphere of Geburah holds the pure energy that is the active principle of Mars. The work of Geburah is one of culling and release of what no longer serves. If we think of this in application to Aries and the youthful energy exemplified, we could equate this description with the impetuous nature of youthful energy, and in this state of impetuosity viable matter may be discarded and overlooked as not be relevant. To some degree this speaks to lack of experience about what something of value looks like and some is just simply the by-product of “haste makes waste”. The paradox of this is that often what unintentionally is left behind becomes the base that is used to create something incredibly useful. Sometimes we need to see with the eyes of one whose only directive is to enjoy the process as they go along and be utterly amazed by where it leads.
Geburah is also attributed as having the Vision of Power. Aries, when infused with the boldness and brilliance of the Sun’s energy can become the great catalytic force that runs through the initial quickening of inventive action, mind and heart. The power that is exerted can be directed and focused in a specific way to be used as a tool of inspiration. Think of the captivating power of a newly born baby and the feelings evoked in celebration of this new life. Think of the encouraging power of one who so utterly and faithfully believes in your success that it becomes your self-fulfilling prophecy, carefully and skillfully reinvented with each new achievement.
The 22nd Path of Connection: Aries/Mars and the Sun
The spheres of Geburah (Mars) and Tiphareth (The Sun) are connected by the 22nd Path on the Tree of Life. Each of the connecting paths on the Tree acts as the bridge of synthesis between the spheres of connection and their pure essence. Additionally, each path has a Hebrew Letter designated as expression of its energy. The Hebrew Letter for the 22nd Path is Lamed, which means Ox-Goad. An ox-goad is a tool used to prod the animal towards movement so that the necessary work may be accomplished. This is the action achieved through the balance of rest and work; providing the space for energy to build and the space for that energy to be used productively towards an end goal. This is the path of conduit that draws from each of its sources and sets up the dialogue of beginning between the Mars energy of Aries (Geburah) and the Sun (Tiphareth). The result is expressed something like this:
The ebullient (Cardinal modality) outpouring of Aries’ kick-starter dynamic is tempered, synthesized and reformatted within the energy of the Sun’s strengthening and structure (Tiphareth). And, once having received the application of the Sun’s light returns back into Aries’ fuel line as premium grade readying the vehicle of its transport to blaze those new trails, recharged, energized and ever mindful of the new horizons ahead.
Another Path of Expression: Aries on the 15th Path
The astrological sign of Aries, proper, is placed on the 15th Path, which connects the spheres of Chokmah (Wisdom) and Tiphareth (Beauty). We now know more of Tiphareth’s (Sun’s) energy on the Tree and this, in relation to the maturity of Chokmah is what the goal of aspiration is for Aries as it comes to its later degree before transiting into the stability of Taurus. The Hebrew Letter placed on the 15th Path is Heh, which means Window in English. A window allows light to pass through it or to be reflected from its surface. We may stand safely behind it, remaining hidden if desired, from the rest of the world and stand as observer or call out to passers-by making our presence fully known.
We now see Aries as the beginning of the zodiacal wheel and have equated that with the chronological expression of infancy through early childhood. At some point the young child develops a greater acumen of the impact of their actions and learns to control (albeit, still not completely) some of their earlier impulses as they begin to interact from a broader knowledge that others have needs as well. The placement of Aries upon this path forms the initial stages of understanding that we are part of something larger than ourselves and as such we must begin the steps towards building the more mature foundations of who we will become. The wisdom of Chokmah is one that realizes that we should not abandon the enthusiasm, desire and inquisitiveness of our younger selves but should instead use that as the initial impulse to synthesize and bring to greater clarity the knowledge and wisdom of our shining selves (Sun) in the full glory of the openness and receptivity of the child (Aries).
In Conclusion:
There is much I have omitted here regarding the Spheres and Paths of the Qabalistic Tree; especially through the lens of the Solar Year and the potential held in the melding of the two disciplines of Astrology and Qabalah. As we move through the year, you will have at its end the basic tools of knowledge to pursue further study of either or both as you wish. And, in the spirit of Aries there is always another new experience to be explored, tested and added towards your growth into a mature and whole spiritual being.
Next Sunday’s Post: The Magick of Aries
Resources:
The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Beauty of Tiphareth
WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Might of Geburah
13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life
Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly
Temple of the Cosmic Spheres 