Sun in Sagittarius-A Tree of Fiber Optics
A Tree of rare form
Lights the sky
Expanding and
Reaching in fiery
Limb and leaf.
In the early morning light
My beauty is graced by
Song bird’s beating wing
And awakening of leaf and life.
The noon-day sun cascades
Over my upstretched limbs
Heating and refining the
Visage of my furrowed bough.
Dusk descends and I strain
And stretch reaching up
Towards last Sun’s light.
And as darkness falls the
Memory of the day’s renewal
Lights the Paths that awaken
Community and expands
All that I know.
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.
Sagittarius and Jupiter on the Tree
Astrologically, we have learned that Sagittarius is ruled by the planet of expansiveness and abundance, Jupiter. We experienced the energy of an astrological energy that seeks, sets trails ablaze and then seeks some more; ever expanding its boundaries.
Within the Qabalistic Tree, Sagittarius and Jupiter hold sway in the Sphere of Chesed and the Paths of the Tree – 21st and 25th. When we speak of the energy of Sagittarius as lighting up the Tree in a very specific and technological way, we are considering the natural tendency of Sagittarius to use its skills of networking and forming enlightened collaborations. This energy is expressed as the networking within the Tree itself relies on lightning speed and it is exactly this “light” that enables a brilliant network to emerge.
The lessons learned from this type of exploration are those that encourage deeper probing of human motivation and desires. From these are crafted the tools that enable the seeker to know when to be merciful in judgment and when they are spot on about less than positive catalysts. This expansive outreach in a judicial way is found in the waters of the Qabalistic sphere of Chesed.
Chesed (Jupiter) 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 essence of Mercy found in the sphere of Chesed.
Chesed: The Sphere of Merciful Authority
Take my hand child
You have come far
And your journey has been
Treacherous.
Come sit beside me
And feel the weight
Of expansion as it moves
Through your being.
Open your eyes
And look down
From the great heights
You have scaled as all
Comes to a precise point.
What once was unfocused
Has sharpened to a gaze of
Crystal clarity.
I offer you sanctuary
But you must walk through the
Heat of transformative
Change before
You come to me.
Chesed is the Fourth (4th) Sphere. Within the energy of the number 4 is the basis of foundation, solidity of form and function and endurance or permanence. Four indicates change (as in the four seasons), versatility (as in the four elements) and a nice solid equi-sided base upon which to build from those changes a versatile nature of enduring qualities. Four also relates to the planet Mercury; the planet of communication. The essence of the fourth sphere, Chesed, is the ultimate form of communication and then dissemination of that synthesized communication through the vehicle of compassion, mercy and grace.
Chesed is assigned the element of Water, and in making use of this watery nature healing, deep insight and an infinite “sea” of possibilities opens to the seeker in revelation of the greater purpose. These are the waters that have been quickened within the womb of Binah is its downpour towards Chesed. These are the electrified waters that have been infused with unconditional love and are in receipt of the fires of the Cosmos from Chokmah. These are the waters of inspiration and depth of intuitive nature that guides the course of those who choose to cross the perilous Abyss of Da’at.
The Sphere of Self-Awareness
The energy of Chesed is one of Consciousness that has received informed and generative spiritual powers from the Supernals and thus in turn emanates these in an expansive nature towards those Sephiroth that follow in order. In this state of being, consciousness has transcended beyond simple awareness of its Higher nature to awareness of how and where the point of origin of that Higher nature has evolved. It has in a way settled into the natural order and state of things and is at one with all, seeing itself part of all.
The 25th Path: Sagittarius and Jupiter
Shine the light in the darkness
Of my illusory dreamscape
So I may see the veiling of
What has been falsely created.
A closer look and now what I
Perceived as illusion is the
Raw makings of profound truth.
Another look again and what I
Concluded has slipped through
My mind like ephemeral strands
Of astral debris.
The 25th Path is considered the Testing Consciousness. This process of proving validity and dispelling illusion comes about through the expression of anger and wrath. The necessary doubt of what is anchor more solidly was is true and verifiable by way of experience. The Middle Pillar is called the Mystic’s Way. The paths upon it represent the challenges and crisis that occurs as rapid and direct ascent to the Source is desired. These paths are not easy in their navigation for this reason and exponentially each step of progress made towards deepening the seeker’s spiritual path and presence becomes more laborious in its efforts. It is on this path that anger is transformed into surrender and wrath is transmuted into compassion.
The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Jupiter/Sagittarius
The ruling planet of the astrological sign of Sagittarius is Jupiter. Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness and this state is the energy that flows through Sagittarius’s goal of collaboration. This is a state of expansiveness that can withstand the pulling back of the archer’s bow exerting just the appropriate amount of force so that the bow will not snap in two as the arrows of intent are haphazardly and dangerously flung about. Placement of this combined energy on the 25th Path provides the required focus of intent and will in an expansive way that fosters collaborative effort between Tiphareth and Yesod.
To read more about Venus’ energies, review the posts in:
The Magickal Pen: Jupiter’s Abundance
In numerology the 25th Path, or 2+5 reduces to the number 7. Seven is the number of possibilities accessible as a result of the efforts and work that preceded it. Seven relates to higher learning, and the actions taken in coalescing what you already know. This action provides the basis of having discernment about the choices made in exploring further pursuits and is the winning strategy of Sagittarius successfully engaged.
With this thought in mind, contemplate the choices that are available to you at this time on your spiritual path. Think about the products that each will provide and how these are in support of the realistic goals you have set for yourself in spiritual pursuit. Look at each choice as a path to be explored, asking for guidance as to which you should set out upon. Carefully weigh and measure each and finally calling upon the energy of temperance in all things, embark on a new journey towards the illumined fulfillment of your true heart’s desire.
Another Path of Expression: Jupiter on the 21st Path
The 21st Path: A Path of Merciful Grace
The 21st Path is one of opportunity for grace. The state of grace has many meaning but within this path it is the reflection of the beginning of refinement of self and surroundings to become in alignment with the spiritual aspiration of selflessness and greater perspective. The lens of the camera opens and the world in which we claim our victories is seen for its narrow view. As the lens opens wider the expanse and truth of what we have claimed falls away and the real worth and value of those experiences is revealed as part of a larger whole that encompasses the victories of much more than ourselves. What happens in the stages between as each of the extremes coalesce on central ground determines the outcome of ascent to claim the Higher Self or descent for further refinement and accumulated experience.
The Planetary Energy
Jupiter
Vast expanse of space and time
Cyclic agent that holds the rhythm of
Universal Law within its domain
Builder and bridge of ever growing and
changing faith and mighty giant in
whose energy all are pushed towards growth
The thundering rumble of your cosmic song echoes
and reverberates within the core of my being
the pulse and push of life ever moving outward
seeking that which is beyond the perceived confines
of my grasp.
A moment in time where all is suspended in
A vast sea of potential and growth~ the horizon ever, and always
changing and moving just beyond ~
Forcing me to move further, deeper, more carefully into
the limitless temple of the mysteries.
You are the seat of moderation, giving form
the flexibility of the outreach
You are the wheel of transformation between whose flaming
spokes the arrows of the archer seek safe passage
You are the Light and the ferocity of the proud lion within
my heavenly home~ protector~ regal lord who
surveys and keeps watchful eye
as I walk the Path of Spirit.
The planet Jupiter is placed upon the 21st Path. Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness and inclusiveness. It is one of abundance and the magnetic attraction of prosperity of what is needed collectively. This quality of energy in connection to Chesed and Netzach maintains a constant supply of balanced and fertile inspiration. Chesed has the depth of experience that are the materials used in the process of creative outpour. The application of Jupiter’s energy works to bring these attributes to their fullest expression so that the maximum potential is held within the union of these two.
Tarot Key X – The Wheel of Fortune
Image: Shadowscapes Tarot Deck
Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.
Tarot Key X – The Wheel of Fortune is placed upon the 21st Path. This key is attributed as the Wheel of Destiny and also the Wheel of Life and Death. Considering this tarot key in that light the Law of Cause and Effect comes to mind and the role of karma and past actions that strongly relate to the sphere of Chesed. The energy of this key provides the opportunity for the victory of Netzach to take form. The quest for perfection and the overcoming of personality that would mar that process of refinement are the prime directives. The images of the Four Holy Creatures of spiritual perfection are held in the aethers; accessible yet easily transparent in their energies unless conscious awareness and action is taken towards clarifying their purpose.
In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Sagittarius and its ruling planet Jupiter and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of active engagement that seeks to broaden its horizons. This action is vital to the health and functionality of the Tree and its primary goal of interconnection. As we begin the process of stepping outside of our comfort zone, we rely on the hospitality of others. We seek counsel and advice from those we trust and then, and only then do we find within our newly expanded area of comfort the confidence to begin the search anew.
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 we are reminded that in this vision of light extending towards light and darkness forming the paths of the space between, we realize the gift of action that extends the first hand of communion.
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 “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:
WitchVox: 13 Keys- The Mercy of Chesed
The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
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
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The Magick of Sagittarius
December 17.2014
Temple of the Cosmic Spheres 