Sun in Gemini- The Talking Tree
I draw on the mind stream that
Flows within my veins and roots
Liquid light shines through
Beaming with pride at how
The expanse of my reach spreads
Reaching out in solemn communication.
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 element 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. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.
Gemini and Mercury on the Tree
Astrologically, we have learned that Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury. Mercury also rules the astrological sign of Virgo (Earth and Mutable Modality). This bears note when we look at Mercury on the Tree. His planetary energy is found in three places – the sphere of Hod, Paths 12, 17 and 20. With this duality of astrological rulership, the influence of Air (Gemini) and Earth (Virgo) are molded by the energy of breath and foundation. Although one of these signs may take the lead in directing the expression and form of Mercury’s energy, the other is always present as the informing silent partner.
Hod: The Sphere of Pure Mind
On the Tree of Life, the sphere of Hod holds the pure energy that is the active principle of Mercury expressed through talkative Gemini. The English name for this sphere is Glory. To learn more of Gemini and its expression in the sphere of Hod, please read this posting in The Temple of Mercury:
Hod (Mercury) and Tiphareth (Sun)
Tiphareth and the Sun
Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life, holds 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 think tank of pure mind that is the sphere of Hod.
Gemini/Mercury (and Virgo) on the Tree
One of the goals of Gemini, and its ruling planet, Mercury on the Qabalistic Tree is opening the lines of communication and dialogue throughout the Tree. The underpinnings of these Paths are found in the expression of Air (flowing mind and intellect). Depending on what spheres are acting as the primary flow through the paths each will exemplify a form of Divine Mind acting as place of disbursing and communication. This is the action of informed intent that is both adaptable (Gemini) and grounded in the analysis of what information (Virgo) is being offered.
The 17th Path of Connection: Gemini/Mercury
I give you the jewel of my womb
That your light may strengthen
Its form and the mystery of its
Creation may stand in full sight
For all who have cultivated their
Own Inner Light of discernment.
The 17th Path is the point of connection and awakening of the heart of Tiphareth through the gnosis of the pure essence of form. In this energy Binah stands as the Great Mother and Tiphareth as the sacrificial Father in receipt of her emanation. The 17th Path is the conduit of drawing down a portion of the pre-conceived form that strives towards being fully realized and brought into manifestation. Tiphareth (Sun) becomes the necessary place of polarization and distribution of a spark of this new life to be sent out to the other paths of connection.
This energy is one of awakening and preparing the heart of the Tree to the potential held in emanation from the division of the singular one. It is a statement of the immanence of Kether in all emanations and thus in all of creative efforts towards manifestation.
The 17th Path is assigned the element of Air. Air in this form is that of continued flow and movement. The spheres of connection are Binah, the primal birthing waters and Tiphareth, the place of tempering that flow in preparation for greater distribution. This is also the air of mind that maintains the presence of mind needed for selective application of the potent waters of Binah.
Gemini’s Gift of Duality
Mercury is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Gemini. Quick tongued and communication specialist par excellence enabled by this energy of duality. It is this quick and adaptable nature that is represented on the 17th Path. The duality of polarized opposites of Binah (The Mother) and Tiphareth (The Father) synthesized as the primary seeds sensual awareness and discernment about what final product is offered to enliven the Tree as a whole. This is communication that is based upon the experience of holding life within the fertile waters of the sacred womb of Binah and the action of disbursement and distribution of that understanding through the essence and action of Tiphareth.
The 12th Path: The Path of Air
The silence breathed and life
For a moment paused
Waiting for lengthy
Exhale towards Mother’s womb
Life still un-quickened takes form
And from pain and suffering
Comes the gentle hand of
Father’s great love and grace.
The 12th Path is assigned the element of Air. In its action upon this path the quality of air is one of churning the waters of the creative womb. The 11th Path provided the Air of flow and receipt that set this movement in action. On the 12th Path this flow prepares the Root of Water (Binah) for receipt of the seed of potential through the force of Chokmah. Kether as the pure essence of the Root of Air breathes the flow of its Life force into these birthing waters readying for the contraction of discharge crossing the abyss.
The 12th Path, serves as the beginning of opening the vessel that will become the incubator of what the Divine desires to manifest. Here we have the connection to the feminine principle of collective form and the place from which the combination of seed and ovum can emerge in descent towards final manifest form. This act of conception is the dividing of the cells of the singular whole in order.
Placed upon the 12th Path, Mercury presents as the informant, ready to adapt to what is needed as the creative process takes hold within Binah’s womb as the Godhead of Kether oversees and modifies to insure the viable continuation of its emanation.
Another Path of Expression: Mercury on the 20th Path
The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Mercury/Virgo
Mercury is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Virgo. In its expression of interaction with Virgo, communication is a result of careful analysis and applied categorization of its effects in manifest form. Virgo is of the element Earth and provides the foundation strength that is the base of the highest mountain or the deep reaching roots of the tallest tree. It maintains the structure based upon planning and exacting only what is needed in the precise amounts so that all is orderly.
These energies placed upon the 20th Path provide the tools of anchoring necessary to insure unwavering determination that can receive the expansive energy of broader vision. The nature of duality that is inherent within Mercury enables flexibility and adaptability as the potency of expansion is exacted upon Tiphareth’s state of refining process. The preciseness of Virgoan energy presents as knowing when to stop providing air to the balloon so it will not burst under the force of overdone expansion.
The 20th Path is one of tempering will. The energy of the connecting spheres is powerful and both have risk of overwhelming the other. The pure essence of merciful and right action held within Chesed and the willingness to sacrifice and act as catalytic force held within Tiphareth are best used when collaboratively informed. The lesson of their coalesce energy is one of achieving a state of grace that has been cultivated through accountability and justifiable action.
The Element of Air is placed upon the 20th Path. Air takes its form as the intuitive mind creating flashes of vision and insight into what will become as formlessness takes shape in the manifest world. Each of the Paths has a Tarot card of the Major Arcana placed upon it. On the 20th Path that card is The Hermit. This is the quintessential card that speaks of introspection, turning within and taking a closer look at what comprises the real “you”. This is the recluse that that turns to dialogue with him/herself finding solace and great knowledge in opening to communication of all parts of self. If we think about the nature of Mercury and its focus of intent upon expression and add the overlay of Virgo’s earthy and analytical methodology, the Hermit is an apt image for this Path and its energetic signature.
In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Gemini and its ruling planet Mercury and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of adaptability, duality and expression. Gemini brings the swiftness of mind and agility of focus and clarity and thus breathes life into the Tree, making it more dynamic. The planet Mercury hones these skills of Gemini and then further refines them through the lens of Virgo as its other sign of rulership. The pairing of Air (Gemini) and Earth (Virgo) is the breeze that moves the soil upon the land exposing new paths of exploration. The strength of the mountain built by that shifting of the land serves as the wall of diversion as the hardy winds blow and funnels and redirects what would obliterate by its sheer force along currents more aptly suited.
As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact Gemini soars carried on the winds of breath and mind that communicate the lessons of the Tree and its informed experience.
Next Post:
June 8.2014
Temple of the Sun: The Magick of Gemini
Resources:
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
WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Glory of Hod
13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life
Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
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 