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A Fiercely Beating Heart: The Sun in Taurus

Posted in Magick, Solar, The Temple of the Sun, Uncategorized with tags anchoring, astrology, earth, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Tuarus on April 19, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Taurus

4.19.2014
11:56pm (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Venus

A Fiercely Beating Heart

Strength unmoved as dust swirls
Around the stamping of hoof.
Fire rages in the heart and
Coils of fevered breath move from
Chamber of lung and throat
Weaving between air’s stagnant web.

I am earth, solid and great
In purpose and my strength
Is held and guided by a heart that beats
Fiercely to the rhythm of love.

I will stand my ground in
Defense of the truths I perceive.
And, if provoked will
Charge with intent and
Precise aim as I relentlessly
Pursue the source of irritation.

Some would see me as impetuous
And easily stoked to irrational rage
And others would say I was immovable
Stagnant and set in my ways.

Both would be true
For my impetuosity comes
From being firmly grounded and
My grounding takes shape from
The flashes of inspiration I explore.

I am patient and I am persistent
As I move through life’s course.
And within my breast beats
A heart that holds the earth’s
Wisdom and light deep within.

The astrological sign of Taurus is one of the element of Earth and the Fixed Modality. Taurus is also the first of the fixed signs which have dual meaning as the Four Holy Creatures (More on this in a special posting). Its planetary ruler is Venus, whose greater mystery is one of relationship and coming to a place of acceptance of all parts of your being. The natural energy of the Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum is now poured into the earthy realms of what strives towards stability and structure through the power of great strength. This solar month has maximum potential for firming up what means we use and how we define ourselves as physical beings. The caution is one of remaining too long in standing your ground and holding onto to false definitions simply because you do not wish to disrupt the comfort of the status quo.

The Element of Earth

The energy of Earth is creation of a solid foundation and deep connection to the physical world. Expressed through the sign of Taurus, Earth presents in a stalwart and at times stubborn approach, remaining steadfast and strong in conviction and opinion. Earth is the energy of the magnet that attracts to itself what it sends forth. Because earth defines the manifest world and all that is contained within, it draws to itself the power of manifestation itself and with the bolster of the Sun’s light and strength enhancing this fertile potency what is yielded becomes both the defender and the aggressor for what can be accomplished in manifest creation.

A Fixed Modality

The energy of the Fixed signs is one of stability that occurs in natural response to the initial burst (Cardinal modality) of movement disbursed by the sign preceding it. This holding space becomes one of permanence that functions then as the center point of synthesis and refinement of what has come into its field of dynamic form.

Hold steady
Stand strong
Be the container.

Hold fast the
Energy that pours
Forth relentlessly.

The Middle Way
Proves firm and true
What generates inside
Soars above and
Reaches deeply below.

Draw up its strength
Pull down its light
Draw in its anchor of center
And allow to pour forth that
Which will be renewed.

The Fixed energy of Earthy Taurus is that of the place of grounding the fires that had been sparked and set anew by Aries. The symbol of the Bull for the Taurus is aptly expressed as holding its ground, ensuring that what comes into its space will receive the appropriate attention and focus of energy to bring it into manifestation. This attribution also relates to those things which connect us most deeply to the natural world and all that is gifted through physical manifestation. It is for this reason that all of the earth signs of the zodiac hold key to mastery of the mundane. Finances and those things that are acquired through our physical efforts are all enhanced by the natural fertility and potential for manifest expression that the Earth itself holds.

The Next Step

Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac and following in the
enthusiastic outpouring of Aries, Taurus stands ready in its place of a fixed sign. The initial burst of enthusiasm (Aries) is now curbed and brought into form by the concrete solid container that is Taurus. Being a fixed sign, its nature is to hold strong and steady, albeit, immovable at times. This center of the road strength can generate a stable base from which growth of material endeavors flourishes and survives even in the most turbulent of circumstances. The symbol for Taurus is a bull. The choice of this particular animal gives great clue to the innate qualities of Taurus. Strength, sure footedness and earthiness by virtue of its sheer size offer the potential for an individual, who is stalwartly and commanding in their presence.

Venus is the Ruling Planet of Taurus. The energy of Venus is that of beauty, harmony and awakening the emotional self. It is the heart that yearns for romance and connection. This energy supports social interaction and the overwhelming goal is to connect at a deep and often intimate level with those of our choosing. A natural love of beauty and great sense of aesthetic style enhance the home life and material endeavors of Taurus.

* Read more about the dynamics of Venus in:
The Temple of Venus

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we see the potency of Taurus expressed as the earth greens Herself in preparation for Father Sun’s waxing heat. The vibrancy of the Sun and its strength of Taurean energy pours deeply into the earth itself. The work of Aries (and the Spring Equinox) was one of seeding and attracting the sun’s light and flame into the earth to enable the first buds to sprout. Taurus is the earthy container that will provide the anchor and prepare the way for each seed to blossom in its own way.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is the reversed as all make preparation for the waning of the Sun’s light. What had begun to be gathered as balanced harvest (The Fall Equinox) is now turned into the manifest forms of what will be sustenance during the winter. Grain becomes bread, vegetables are stored and preserved. What is taken from the earth and the fires of energy expended in reaping its product is stabilized and the planned rest of remaining steady in resolve is taken as the container is formed for productive result.

Both are held in the steadiness and determination of Taurus and the strength and enlivening of Father Sun directing its focus. The goal is one of preparing and stabilizing the way for the next phase of growth and expansion when the Sun transits next into the Mutable sign of Gemini.

A Fiercely Beating Heart

This solar month is one of opportunity to dig deeply into the stores of your own resolve, purely for the sake of safeguarding and building upon them the foundation of what you hold as your place in the physical world. In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the growth from the impetuosity of Aires fires into one of growing stability through the anchoring of Taurus. This is the work of the adolescent; learning their impact on the physical world that surrounds them and the point of holding firm in what they believe to be true of the world. This is also the time of testing what you know of your physical nature. The questions of the adolescent seek to know what each day will bring in experience. The future is one of trying on various costumes through play and imagination. These are the stuff that becomes the plans for what is finally settled upon as the child matures and readies for college and work. The mud pies created become the culinary delights of the master pastry chef. The fairy crown of leaf, dirt and flowers becomes the fashionista’s desire as designer sets to cloth the garments of the imagination.

And, so in the spirit of Taurus and as we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle, I repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to your adolescence and the stubborn and at time rebellious qualities you exhibited. Think back to digging into the earth searching for those gems of worm and insect or planting your first garden. Think back to the experience of full, healthy physical body running endlessly in the pure joy of anticipation of what lay beyond. Think back to the smells of the fresh damp soil as you rest lying in soft grass looking up at clouds moving swiftly overhead and feeling the fiercely beating heart that affirmed your youth, physicality and life. This is your strength and your foundation as you re-anchor and invoke the Solar power of this month in Taurus as you awaken those fires of RA within your own Earth’s center core.

Hymn to RA

All Hail to Thee, Mighty RA
Blaze of noon day sun.
Your fiery orb high in the
Sky above as we kneel
Beneath the heat of
Your radiance.

All the Gods bow to your radiance
All the Goddesses sing hymns of praise
To Your glory and man
Lays prostrate in humility
And devotion at the altar of
Your making.

Sweet music of adoration and offerings
Brought forth from the Black Land
Rise up in praise and thanks for
Your Sustaining Light.

All darkness flees at the touch of Your hand
All ceases its movement as Your expansive
Rays stretch across the morning sky.

The lotus opens to receive Your Touch
And the sands glisten as rare jewels
As You gaze upon each grain washed
Clean in the boundless ocean that
Reflects the brilliance of your face.

All Hail to Thee
Amun-RA
All Hail to Thee
Who sits high
Above the world.

Khepra in the East
Atum in the West
Whose eye holds the
Point of Life and the
Trifold Arc of Power.

Your eyes see all and
You are the place of return
Within the glowing blackness
Of the Midnight Sun.

All Hail to Thee
All Hail to Thee
Amun, Amun, Amen!

Next Posting: Sunday, April 26th.

Sun in Taurus: A Place of Anchor on the Tree

The Magick of Aries

Posted in Magick, Solar, The Temple of the Moon, The Temple of the Sun, Uncategorized with tags Aries, candle magick, celestial, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, Leo, Lunar, new moon, Waning Dark Moon on April 13, 2014 by themagickalpen

We conclude our time in the Temple of the Sun with some suggestions of how to use the astrological sign of Aries in magickal endeavors. Whatever we apply Aries energy to is going to receive a fresh push, a burst of life and stimulating flow.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances new endeavors, catalyze to action what has been inert and create a dialogue between the
spark of flame and what becomes the blaze that stands in the spotlight

I am currently teaching a class on operative Magick and one of the timelines discussed was that of using a solar month to enliven the workings of a spell. Harnessing that solar energy in a specific astrological sign can be used effectively to strengthen and focus on the light bearing qualities of the astrological sign it is in.

Making use of Aries energy in this way is bi-fold in its application. It is the starting sign of the Solar Year and brings its fiery energy in harmonious sync with lighting the flame under any action that needs more fire. This approach can be used for short term projects, but is most effective for long term workings. A goal such as wanting to become more courageous and spontaneous in actions taken benefits from beginning its cycle while the Sun is in Aries.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Aries would be the burst of newness, the dawn of awakening and the action of a fresh start. Using the cycle of Fire and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Leo. The Solar Month of Leo stands as the Full phase of the Fiery energy, ripe and full with warmth, heat and brilliance of light and vitality. The waning and flexible energy of Sagittarius (the last of the Fire signs) would serve as the point of networking, reaching out in a more dynamic way and stepping fully into the action of expansive outreach. As each of these Solar Months take hold the energy of the working is bolstered, active steps would be taken towards its end goal and progress made is seen through the lens of the changing cycles of flow of solar dynamics.

Lunar Magick

Enhances the healing and cooling properties of Aries catalyzing action

Use of Lunar energy and the astrological sign of Aries provides a principle of firing up the emotional waters. Workings that desire the goal of greater independence within a situation that often feels oppressive and limiting aptly make use of Aries’ qualities of individualism and dynamic expression. Although healing is not the first thing that comes to mind with Aries energy, working under the care and movement of the Moon cycles the healing that occurs is similar to revealing the fresh pink skin underneath a wound that has been cleaned and cauterized.

The New Moon of Aries can set up the foundation for beginning the process of strengthening your will and the assertion of it in a productive way for Self (Aries rules the house of the Self). The Full Moon in Aries can be called upon to light the way and for the correct actions to be taken to fully envision yourself standing in a place of greater power and authority over your life. And the waning moon’s energy may be drawn upon to release those false starts, and unproductive tantrums of aggression that may occur as you struggle to free yourself from feeling bound.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Aries

Keywords: Initiator, Pioneer, Head-strong, Active, Assertive, Impulsive, Dynamic, Enthusiasm, Independence

The Archetype: The Warrior is the archetype associated with Aries. This is the action of persistence and pushing ahead as new paths are carved out.

Rules Astrological House: The 1st house of the Zodiac, the “House of Self”. This is the house of the Ascendant and represents the persona you allow others to see. In keeping with the attitude of Aries youthful nature, this is the space of first impressions that sets the tone for what follows. Workings that relate to the singular individual and transformation and expression of who you perceive yourself to be are enhanced using Aries’ energy.

Color: Red, clear, vibrant and pulsing with light. “Seeing red” calls to mind quick response, readiness to charge ahead and a rising of the emotions (often equated with anger) to the boiling point of reaction vs. response. We can also make use of the vibrancy of this color as correspondence for Aries in remembering the life sustaining properties of blood, the history and story it carries and the encoding that connects us with all of humanity. We can experience the flush of red on blushing cheek and arousal of red beating heart and stimulated sex in the state of orgasmic release.

As we move through each of the Solar Temples in the coming year, it will become more apparent how interconnected they are. The story that is woven is one of growth and evolution that is just as relevant today as it was to the ancients. We learn from these natural cycles and their application is profound mundanely and spiritually.

Other Posts to Re-read:

New Moon in Aries: Temple of the Sun

Fire it Up

Waning Moon in Aries: Temple of the Moon

Day Twenty: It’s Getting Hot in Here

Day Nineteen:A Quick Step

1 Comment »

Sun in Aries: New Life on the Tree

Posted in Magick, Solar, The Temple of the Sun, Uncategorized with tags astrology, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fire, Qabalah on April 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

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

New Moon in Aries-Fire It Up!

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, The Temple of the Sun, Uncategorized on March 30, 2014 by themagickalpen

March 29.2014
2:45 p.m.

There are several aspects that weigh into the decision of how to effectively use a particular moon’s energies in a given astrological sign. Each, independently offers its own color and dynamic and when purposefully combined in a way to be supportive of each other the results are much more cohesive and potent in their efficacy and success. The supportive structure of dynamic polarities is already in place with the phase of a New Moon. Sun (masculine) and Moon (feminine) are in the same astrological sign forming an energy that is united in its efforts and acting one upon the other to inform the intent. Both are expressing the astrological sign’s gifts, one with the strength, stability and force of the masculine and the other held in flowing intuitive and creative grace of the feminine. Additionally, the New Moon falls approximately mid-point in the growing potency of the Solar month. If we think in terms of chronological cycle, this is the mature and stable Father (Sun) offering his protective support and strength as the Maiden (New Moon) sets off on her first explorations of what is possible.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients for making full use of all that is within the scope of that potential:

The Moon’s Natural Energy:

The Moon represents water, emotion and intuitive nature. So anything that is added as the overlay on this is going to be of most potency in connecting to the ebb and tides of the emotional, intuitive nature with the intent of accessing the natural flow of these waters. Using lunar energy is an opportunity to tap into the energy of movement. Water flows and moves and if not becomes stagnant. The Moon calls us to ride the seas of energetic exchange and to be mindful that we provide proper container for that flow; largely by our own efforts of carving out the path of greatest potential much like the waters erode the edge of the shoreline or smooth the rough edges of stones placed in its way of continued flow. Remember the earlier analogy of the Father and Maiden. Each new inroad made by the flow of the Maiden’s desire to expand and grow is shored up and made stable by Fathers loving interaction. His is the container that She may extend and move through with surety and safety.

The Moon’s Phase:

There are many ways to honor the cycles of lunar phase; some being formal ritual (Esbat) and others being simple meditation or sitting under the light of the Full Moon and breathing in the energy and beauty of its force. For most, the Full Moon is the easiest to connect with given the visual presentation that graces a night sky if weather is clear. The phases of New and Dark Moon are not visible in presentation and connecting to these energies requires a fully open and responsive sense of awareness and being able to feel what cannot be seen yet is potent, viable and present nonetheless.

The New Moon is an excellent time to begin workings that require the energy of the initial flow needed for beginnings. One of the correlates would be the energy of the sunrise or dawn. A new day is a beginning that is packed full with the potential to become whatever you desire most by the time it reaches the fullness of mid-day. So too, the lunar cycle of the New Moon offers the opportunity to harness the energy of expansion towards the fullest expression of what you wish to bring into manifestation at the Full Moon.

The next point of focus is which of the astrological signs the moon phase flows through. Some considerations would be (in this case, Aries):

Keywords and Energy of the Astrological Sign:

Aries= enthusiasm, assertiveness, experimentation and fresh perspective

The Element of the Astrological Sign:

Fire= a call to action, will, transformation and ultimate change

The Modality of the astrological sign:

Cardinal= the process of Initializing, catalyzing and crafting the beginnings of whatever this modality is applied to

Putting It All Together

Workings for a New Moon Ritual in Aries might include:

A dedication to a new plan of action

Breaking through the barriers that hold you from taking those first steps

Firing up your enthusiasm and asking for a new course of action to be revealed

Adding additional bolster to projects requiring deeper commitment of will and action

Meditations may include:

Sitting openly and receptively to enliven the spiritual will to right action

Calling the child in you to see with new vision and insight

Visioning to seek the place within that burns with the newly quickened fires that require tending and care as they are brought forward into the light of the Full Moon and the maturing of the Solar Month.

Enter into these workings with the knowledge that you are anchored and strengthened by the outpouring of the Sun acting collaboratively on what you most desire. This is both a blessings and a caution as the combustible nature of sun and sign being in sync must also rely on the soothing, healing and newly warmed (Aries) waters of the Moon. The underlying current that flows through this New Moon is that of the first strike of a match; the crisp intent of the initial spark and the resultant flame that serves to Fire up the Will to become the blaze of new making.

Flame burns brightly
In milky white orb
Of New Moon’s darkness.

Innocence carries the
Lantern of desire’s
New goal and flame
Ebb and flows as
Will follow youth’s course.

One final striking and
The spark takes hold
A tiny flash of hope
That will blaze new trails.

Other Readings:

Temple of the Moon: Ritual of Dedication

Next Posting: Sunday, April 5th.

Sun in Aries: New Life on the Tree

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Birth Rite: The Sun in Aries

Posted in The Temple of the Sun, Uncategorized with tags Aries, astrology, Autumnal Equinox, cardinal, celestial, Equinoxes, Vernal Equinox on March 23, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Aries
3.20.2014

Planetary Ruler: Mars

Seed of New Beginnings
Time of sweet release
Breath of untainted newness
Tiny embers strewn beneath soft
Blanket of newborn’s down.

Fingers dipping excitedly-
Eagerly in all that can be found
Anticipation of new discoveries and
Child-like innocence fuels the
Thirst and inquisitive nature.
Of one who seeks a place
At the table of life’s experience.

All turn towards the promise
of life restored anew
And the quaternary of balance
infused with Luna’s light opens
the causeway after the challenge
of being is sealed.

All hold pause and heed the warning
Of youth’s impetuous step
The fool, signaling the issuance of
Travesty or achievement.

And, in the space of quiet calm
Between the contractions of labored new birth
The Universe holds vigil
As star and planet follow
Evolution’s plan~ held in the rapture
Of consummate union.

Sparks of will come bursting forth and
Sphere of cobalt radiance crowns slowly
Mother Universe suckles youth at her breast
As Father Time waits patiently
The Celestial wheel moves once again
Within the primordial womb.

The astrological sign of Aries is one of the element of Fire and the Cardinal Modality. Its planetary ruler is Mars and it holds the distinguished position of being the first sign of the zodiac. We learned a bit about the natural energy of the Sun, itself and its fiery nature so it is fitting that a catalyzing astrological Fire sign being expressed through the eye of the Sun would be the dominant energy of Spring (Northern Hemisphere) or Fall (Southern Hemisphere).

The Element of Fire

The energy of Fire is will to Action. In Aries this fire takes the form of the first sparks of flame that are not quite at their fullest, but hold the seed potential, and if directed and guided will go on to fuel the larger blaze. This energy is the fuel that powers exploration, enthusiasm and taking a look from a freshly enlivened perspective. Aries is the quintessential path of action bringing the dynamics of each step taken in the spirit of blazing new trails and enjoying each of the paths taken.

A Cardinal Modality

The energy of the Cardinal Modality is one of beginnings. This is the space of the bubbling up of the tiny fount of waters that pushes through to carve out what will become a steady flow. This is the space of the first stirrings of a breeze that gathers strength of force and becomes the winds that move strong and palpably. Cardinal energy of Fiery Aries is that of the first sparks that seek to become a larger fire that will warm, provide light and clear the way for new experience. As with any spiritual fire, in the application of Aries dynamics there is often a large boost of energy, will and action at the onset. This is the enthusiasm of newness and for this enthusiasm to remain viable, the wisdom of growing maturity (remember, Aries is the youth of the zodiac) must take hold and guide the course towards creating those fires of transformation (the next Fire Sign, Leo).

Let’s Begin

Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, and in holding this starting place can be equated with new life and the heralding of potential that has not yet acquired the experience of years and maturity in outlook. This is not to say that those under the influence of this sign are immature and lack experience, but rather that they bring a certain level of newness and innocence to any endeavor. The energy of Aries is that of looking out from the eyes of a curious child who sees multiple possibilities and new adventure everywhere bringing an inquisitive nature and youthful energy. Having the quality of a Cardinal Modality bolsters this enthusiastic nature for beginning new projects and looking at things through a fresh (and not yet biased) perspective.

Mars is the Ruling Planet of Aries. This is the combustible force that propels this sign forward. It is a justifiable assertion of itself that puts the plan in motion and irrational aggressiveness that serves as the tantrum of a child wanting attention and not receiving what is needed, before they can move on to their next creative project.

The Balance of the Equinox

At this time of the year we see the Fires of Aries expressed in two forms; both ultimately striving towards that state of balance (the Equinoxes) where there is ample pause to allow the fires to take root. In the Northern Hemisphere we celebrate the balance of the Spring Equinox. This the drawing of the heat and flame into the earth to enable the first buds of what will be the abundance of beauty, life and food. In the of Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is on the Fall Equinox and the beginnings of the harvest. These fires are the driving force towards the action of selectiveness that spurs on the will to action before what product should be harvested withers and dies. Both are balanced by the healing of night and the flame of day as the work of Aries youthful energy rallies towards new growth or provides the back bone for the work of reaping.

Birth Rite:

This solar month is one of opportunity to stoke the fires of a new cycle. We have the triplicity of Fire all working collaboratively:

The Youthful Desire of Aries carving new paths
The Potency of Father Sun strengthening our will
The Sage application of Fiery Mars that drives us towards purposeful action

And, so in the spirit of Aries, I repeat the invocation that began this exploration. As you read through it think back to your younger years and the raw enthusiasm that you felt as each day brought a new adventure and opportunity to learn something new. Think back to the fires that burned fresh and clear as you felt invincible and powerful with youthful vibrancy and energy. This is your birth rite and as you read through the writing of your own story remember the Solar power of this month as Aries catalyzes your inner fires of RA.