Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Bonus Post: Sleeping with the Goddess

Posted in Uncategorized on November 19, 2014 by themagickalpen

Waning Moon in Libra
Ruling Planet: Venus

Tonight the Mother Moon is waning in the astrological sign of Libra. The ruling planet of Libra is Venus and tonight I call upon the beauty and grace, ferocity and transformative nature of her energy. As the flow of moon’s light wanes towards the mystery of her darkness, seek her in the growing shadow just as you call to her in the fullness of her waxing light.

Sleeping with the Goddess: The Power of the Sacred Feminine

I twist and turn as the Fates
Spin the multicolored threads
That are the web of life.

Strength and beauty grace my path
And Mother’s gaze softens
As she looks upon my weaving.

I awaken joyous and bursting
With life and renewed spirit
Youth my ally and wisdom
Just from hand’s reach
Not ready for the taking.

I sigh into the pain as
New life issues forth
I am caretaker and guardian
Of this sacred living gift.

I close my eyes and slumber finds me
Her beating heart echoes through me
Arms cradling Her child of making
Welcoming me home into her
Womb of creation.

We, as pagans celebrate the duality and polarity of all manner of things as we perform our workings of magick, make offerings to the Deities and weave the rich tapestry of our magickal and mundane lives. Contained within these polarities are the concepts of the masculine and the feminine that transcend gender and sexual dynamics. These are the outpourings of the solar and the lunar, strength and emotion, force and form. Read More at: Womb of Light Blog

The Magick of Scorpio

Posted in Magick, The Temple of the Sun with tags Lunar, Scorpio, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon, Water on November 17, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Scorpio
Deep, Passionate and Thoroughly Transforming

The Magick of Scorpio is fueled by desire, will and all of the emotions that are associated with a nature that is intense and complex in its expression. Whatever we apply Scorpion energy towards is going to receive the opportunity to reach deeply into he introspective and intuitive self and draw from those depths what is needed to completely change everything.

Scorpio’s strength lay in being able to reshape by will and transform through the power of emotion. This means that the process itself will be intense and at times extremely uncomfortable.

The caution here is that of obsession and fixation that keeps those emotional waters from moving in a productive way and instead reek havoc on everything that is in their raging path. In Leo we found the place of drama that can ensue when too much of the “me” becomes the focused obsession. With Scorpio, the drama that ensues is One that remains in the shadows, intensely brooding and when it does erupt appears to come out of no where with no clear definitive source.

Scorpio goes straight for the heart of the matter. Workings that strive to change or transform are most successful under Scorpio’s energy. The same attention to refinement and balance to craft the most beautiful of expression now has potential to become the object of desire and with that implication everything originally assigned to the Libran beauty will now take on a different quality of life as they are adored and worshiped intensively and deeply.

Scorpio is the fourth sign of the second cycle of quadrant of Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the second of the Water astrological signs and in the order of progression, Scorpio brings an emotional state that has ability to express itself in either state of extreme. This is the progression from the home seeking Cancerian who forms attachments by what it defines as worthy of its trust in exchange for the security achieved. By the time we arrive at the third of the Water signs, Pisces, all experience is held within the moving waters of compassion for others and self-sacrifice as an expression of that compassion.

Insight-filled

Scorpio as a sign of the Fixed Water Modality provides the quality of synthesis and structure of a suitable vessel to contain the potential overflow. Libra’s gift of change through inspired mind set the stage for collaboration between mind and the heart of Scorpios desire. When Scorpio opens its gates of insight what is released are all of the ingredients necessary for birthing something transformed. The recipe is one that has been forged through introspection and the silent observation. Taking it all in, processing it at a deep level of understanding and then formulating a response based entirely on the motivations of feeling.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances the intuitive and emotional process of transformation:

Scorpio as the Eighth sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with the cycles of endings and beginnings. Think of the number 8 and the possibility of either entering through the gates of the two circles atop one another or leaving from those Gates; drawing the experience held in that space of between as the synthesized action.

The Solar Month of Scorpio is an excellent time to begin the work of change. Although Scorpio is a water sign, many of the ways in which it works it magick is in a fiery way. Passion, drama and intensity of feeling blaze their way through any working burning off the steam and leaving dynamically changed waters that provide a clarity despite the depths into which they reach.

The energy of this Solar month of Scorpio next flows into the Fires of Sagittarius and the arrows of networking and stimulation that are shot from that archer’s bow need the softening of Scorpio’s waters of self-knowledge to ensure that their aim is true.

The Scorpion approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as opening your intuitive gifts more fully benefit from Scorpio’s solar energies.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Scorpio would be the first phase of testing and exploring how you interact with the world in a purely organic and intuitive way. This would require some “soul” searching to find what your hidden desires are and what motivations are driven by those desires and which are informed by a Higher Self. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to recognize what are primal urges and needs and what are actions that align with a path of growth and productivity. One of the detriments of Scorpio is addictive behavior. The light of Solar energy can reveal those areas that are habitual and keep you stuck emotionally.

Using the cycle of Water and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Pisces’ Solar Month. The Solar Month of Pisces provides the place of forgiveness and self-compassion. Healing and the comfort of knowing that what you have revealed of a nature that is not intuitively guided is the focus of this solar month. Pisces also has the gift of empathy. When empathy and compassion align being driven by the best interest for all concerned, we are truly listening and opening to our deeper insight.

Having finally arrived in the energy of the Solar month of Cancer, all that has been drawn from previous experience can now be shared as the seeker can now acknowledge his/her part in the world family of humanity. The scorpion has risen to the place of the Eagle, keen sight and able to see where there is need and offer the emotional supports that foster growth.

Lunar Magick: Time for Change

Engages the transformation of those feelings and perceptions we have about ourselves that lay beneath the surface.

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Scorpio provides the energetic principle of providing the tools needed for permanent transformative change. When we explore the motives behind the actions and concepts we cling so fiercely to we have the opportunity to reveal not only to the world, but to ourselves what we have that is useful and what we affirm of our truths that are unfounded.

Workings that require a cleansing of false beliefs and emotions that hold us prisoner make use of the intensity of Scorpio. Workings that encourage deeper exploration of those aspects of yourself that you hide and bring you needless pain can be brought to the surface for a closer look. When we reveal those things that make us feel vulnerable, we are taking the first steps towards changing the ways we feel, think and express ourselves.
Using the Triune nature of Scorpio lends itself well doing a working that will access the triple phase of the Moon.

The New Moon of Scorpio (The Scorpion) could be used diving into those deep waters of your emotional “stuff” that you try to hide from others (and at times shun away from yourself). Call upon the opening and awakening of the intuitive self and begin a process of descent into looking at the shadows of cobwebs that hold your secrets. Look at each thing that arises and remain detached from them. Breathe deeply, taking in all that presents itself. One thing will stand out above the others. This is the focus of work for the next phases. After making selection, set the intention that you will allow yourself the space of embracing this aspect in all of its energy, but it will hold no power over you. A you move towards the Full Moon, allow more and more of this thing to come to the light of scrutiny and each time engaging the feeling and intuitive part of self.

The Full Moon of Scorpio (The Eagle) would be used to see and feel the fullness of this thing and to rise above its power over you, seeing now that it has none other than what you have given it. Allow the healing waters of Mother Moon to cleanse and soothe the efforts of your work during the waxing. Now, soar above as the Eagle, seeing what has been cleared from you and opening to a broader perspective of who you really are.

The energy of the Waning Moon in Scorpio (The Phoenix) would serve as the final point of release and the allowance of new growth from that release. Spend some time in the dark and a place of quiet. Recall what you have learned of yourself as you drew to the light what you had kept hidden. Recall the feeling of healing and weight removed in clearing away what held you captive. Recall the pain of this release and breathe into it deeply and fully. See that pain ignited by the passion for change and the need for regrowth. Allow the flames to rise burning away any last ties to what you have released. See the ashes smoldering and call forth the power of your inner desire, the flame of your spiritual self and see the fires burning anew, strong and vibrant from those ashes. See them rising into the darkness of night sky and allow your gratitude for this space of regeneration.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Scorpio
Keywords: Introspection, Passion, Emotional Power

The Archetype: The Actor is the archetype associated with Scorpio. Scorpio is the master of disguise and personas. The hidden and keeping everything “close to the heart” are natural tendencies of Scorpio. In the Actor we see one who has command of the stage, the character to be played and the audience captivated by the illusion created. So too, Scorpio crafts the projection of what it wishes, largely in effort tot protect emotions and feelings that are intense and deep. The actor slips easily from the shadows of the wings, preparing for the grand entrance, just as Scorpio emerges from the depths, soaring in the glory of the fullness of brilliant light and if successful, finishes off in a blaze of glory, the likes of which very few have seen.

Rules Astrological House:
The 8th House of the Zodiac, the House of Relationships and Sex

Moving through the Zodiacal Wheel’s energy, the First House is the singular “you” identified by your personality and who you are presently and who you who hope to become. The second House holds the possessions and things you have acquired that further define you. The Third House represents how you express yourself based on what you have learned of yourself (1st House) and what you have chosen to surround yourself with in the material world (2nd House). The Fourth House has taught the lessons of home and family; commitment and unconditional love for who we are now and who we hope to become. Arriving at the Fifth House we are now ready to emerge from the security of friends and family and stand courageously in the Light of the choices we have made, that have contributed to the crafting of this self. Moving on towards the Sixth House we are ready to give, to serve, to cultivate and to learn the lessons of harmonious interaction. Moving next into the Seventh House we stand ready to gather to ourselves all that we have learned on the journey thus far and use it to explore new paths, learn new ways of being and open to the partnerships forged on a new chosen path.

When we enter the Eight House we have the necessary experience to form emotional attachments that are passionate in their intensity and seeking the fulfilling of a yearning for more. Experience, however does not necessarily bring wisdom. With that being said, the eight House with the ruling of Scorpio is often considered the House of Sex. Scorpio is considered the most sexually aware of the signs of the zodiac. When we engage sexually the intent is to give oneself fully over to another as we feed our own needs and desires.

Just as the number eight refers to the cyclical nature of life, so too, sex ensures the potential of life having continuation. The physical act itself is the death of a singularity and the rebirth of a unification of dual forms. At a spiritual level the act of procreation is that of the replication of the holographic light of each being of humanity regenerated and renewed as it passes through its varied forms lifetime to lifetime.

Color:
The color Red in its darkest and richest hue is well suited to Scorpio’s energy. This is the color of life’s blood when exposed to the breath of life. This is the flush of cheek in sexual ecstasy. This is the burning flame of passion so fierce in its intensity as it flames in raging need. The red of Scorpio’s intense passion and desire of will flows through the healing blue waters of emotion. As they blend and merge creating new pathways of expression, rising from the depths and soaring clear and free of inhibition, passion and healing become the unified purple of spiritual gift and healing form.

Taking it All: Libra into Scorpio

Beauty came to rest in the
Depths of my Soul.

I yearned for its gentle caress
And desired it fill my hunger.

Balance had no place in
My desire to possess it
And excess took hold.

What I hoped to have as my own
Demanded I learn the truth
Of myself.

I sought a place of refuge
And in my yearning still
I arose renewed as I took
The beauty of my gentle
Self within.

Scorpio is the Eighth sign of the Zodiac:
Scorpio takes up the work of testing the limits of what Libra strove to balance and refine. Scorpio seeks to find the definition of itself in the emotional experiences it has. This seeking often becomes a passion to give so fully that when similar response is not received, drama and heartbreak ensues.

Seasonally, Scorpio heralds the lifting of the veils as Samhain and Beltane are the focus of celebrations in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, respectively. This is reflected again in the number eight and the eternity of endings and beginnings. The veils of Samhain reveal the mysteries of those ancestors and loved ones who have passed from human form. The call is one of receipt of wisdom and the awakening of the intuitive waters to hear the messages gifted.

The veils of Beltane welcome those soul’s that seek incarnate life and the realms of the greater Earth. The fecundity and revelry of Beltane often produces the offspring that enter this world of human form having passed through the veils and become the seeds of conception.

We have crossed the mid-point in the Solar Year and the 12 Houses of the Astrological signs. Each prior to this point has concerned itself with those aspects of our being that cultivate sense of self (Aries); sense of others (Taurus); expression of ourselves (Gemini); nurturing what we hold close to our hearts (Cancer); moving into our place of power (Leo) and claiming responsibility for taking a closer look at who we have become (Virgo); and finding that place of refinement through interaction. Scorpio marks the advent of self-knowledge and re-forming what has come before as the utterly transformed Being rises from the ashes of that self-analysis.

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.

Resources
Other Posts to Re-read:

Temple of the Sun: Scorpio

Sun in Scorpio- Open the Flood Gates and Lift the Veils
Full Moon in Scorpio (May 2014)
Fiery Waters- New Moon in Scorpio (2013)

Temple of the Moon:
Day Ten: Rise Like the Phoenix-New Moon in Scorpio
Day Nine: Entering Deep Waters-Waxing Moon in Scorpio

Next Post
Saturday, October 22.2014
Temple of the Sun: Transit into Sagittarius
New Moon in Sagittarius

Sun in Scorpio-The Occult Tree

Posted in Astrology, Pluto, Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun on November 12, 2014 by themagickalpen

I am what is held
Beneath the veiling
Of Father Sun’s full light.

Mine is the gift that
Sustains and offers
What is needed so
That all may grow
In strength and Might.

I reach and stretch
Touching spaces
Most will only
Imagine because
Of heart and mind
Closed off in fear
Of darkened blight.

But if you seek
The deeper source
And purposefully dig
Pushing through the
Struggle of self-fight.

The mysteries will
Be revealed as the
Roots of my Tree
Are but mirror
Reflections of sun
Kissed canopy of white.

All it is that you
Seek is on the Path
Remaining for most
Hidden in plain sight.

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.

Scorpio and Mars (Pluto) on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Scorpio is ruled by a planet whose core nature is one of creating disruption and asserting itself dynamically to bring about change. We have moved from the grace and beauty of Venus and the balance of Libra into a realm that is hidden, mysterious and for many seen as the shadowscape where none willingly venture. We have also learned that this is but one of three levels of energy that are accessed by Scorpio and Mars is no less versatile in what may be drawn from its complex depths.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Scorpio and Mars hold sway in the Sphere of Geburah and the Paths of the Tree – 24th and 27th. When we speak of the energy of Scorpio as the mystery of the Occult nature of the Tree, we are enabling a vision of the Tree that is both Light and Dark, holding the keys to the subconscious as well as the awakened consciousness of one who has seen the truth of their own nature and embraced it willfully in all of its aspects. This energy is expressed as the deeper mysteries held within each of the spheres and claiming the power of self in diving into those dark waters to retrieve the pearls of wisdom that lay beneath. This Will to transform and “know” is found in the severity of the Qabalistic sphere of Geburah.

Geburah (Mars) 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 Victorious Creative Fires that is the sphere of Netzach.

I sit shivering in the dark
Eyes closed and all of my being
Filled with fear that I will
Lose my most valued possession.

Flame and heat surround
Yet the air is dense with
Energy that moves like
Cold steel wielded by a
Forceful hand.

What I cling to so fiercely
I have long ago outgrown
But the comfort and safety
Provided are like soothing
Ointment on wounds that
Have yet to be opened.

I want to be free of these chains
I want to be whole
What I carry are bits and pieces
Of my own folly and the thought of
Excision sends me into retreat.

As reason gives way to desire
And understanding stands at the
Threshold with outstretched hand
I rise from this place of cowering
I open my eyes to see what lay
Ahead and a cold dark hand
Grasps my own as I look into
The eyes of myself.

The only demons I have to fear are what
Lay within the spectre of my shadow
With the single act of embrace
All that is to be discarded
Falls from me
I am Free.

I am strong and what I had
Feared losing the most
Has only been transformed
And forged anew
The dark gives way to light and
I step forward to greet the
Final outcome.

Geburah – The Sphere of Creative Will

The sphere of Geburah is probably the most feared sphere on the Tree. It is also largely the most misunderstood or misinterpreted as its energy is fierce in nature, accepting nothing less than change and exerts a force that is transformative. If you look at the energy of Geburah and see its balance on the pillar of Mercy, the sphere of Chesed, it is easier to see exactly why things must be exactly as they are in the realm of Geburah. This dynamic flow of energetic alchemy is precisely what is needed for spiritual growth.

Geburah is the Fifth (5) Sphere. Within the energy of the number 5 lay the will to create through the precisely applied excision of what would hold that creativity at bay. Five follows the number four of foundation; the square that holds and contains everything within the confines of equilateral boundary. Five is the breaking through of and FROM that boundary to create a point of dynamics that may be directed and focused as a beam of light on whatever is in need of its transformative touch.

Geburah’s English name is “Might”, which gives clue to the intensity of whatever actions are used to produce the desired outcome. The semantics of this word conjures up visions of injustice, force and coercion, which are apt descriptions of one of its facades. The other aspect is one of advocacy and tough love that enable something precious and new to be birthed from the destruction that was required.

Geburah is assigned the element of Fire, which unlike the other elements cannot exist in physical form without consuming and destroying something else, thus causing transformation of that thing. Fire also requires Air to sustain its blaze or to extinguish a heat that would raze all in its path. Within the energy of Geburah, this air becomes the informed destruction; knowing where, when and how. It is out of that destruction that the potential for the most growth often occurs. Like the legendary Phoenix rising from the flames of ash, the work of Geburah is to heat things up, and at this level, it carries the seeds of change that are the stuff of initiatory transformation, action and development of the Higher Will.

The Sphere of Courageous Action

The energy of Geburah gives us courage to see with more clarity. With that courage there is a necessary caution that arises as we continue towards building a space of strength from which to exert the force and action that is needed. This is a place of wise caution that takes the form of reverence for that which is greater than ourselves, and using only enough force necessary to purge that which we should versus the proverbial “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”

The 24th Path: Scorpio and Mars

Enter of your own free will
Stand fully in the light of
The halls of creative product.

The cost of experiencing such
Beauty will weigh heavily
Upon your Soul’s desire.

Fear not for it is well worth
The price for the rarest of
Gems you will bring back
With you so that all will
Share in the Glory of
Your Divine nature.

Of emerald green moss embedded
Under freshly painted pink nails.

The 24th Path represents the synthesis of the fire of the heart and strength of sacrifice working in dialogue and exchange with one another. If we think in terms of heart felt will and the courage of personality centered sacrifice, this is the action of moving from a place of balanced compassion (Netzach) that willingly offers its energy up to become part of a filtered and transfigured outpour (Tiphareth).

This is the process of regeneration that takes the raw stuff supplied and renews and restores each to its enlivened form. The process of transformation is one of change. In the energy of the 24th Path this transformation moves deeper into what the source of that creation was and holds it in transmuted form; utterly and completely changed. Alchemical work has goal of transmutation and in application to the process of manifest creation, that formless state goes through multiple iterations before the final product emerges. Transmutation is the directive. Not simply transforming what the energy is applied to, but completely changing it so that the end product stands of its own differentiated power and accord. This is the sacrificial action of Tiphareth.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Mars/Scorpio

Mars is the traditional ruling planet of the astrological sign of Scorpio. The energy of Mars is one of assertion and directed will applied in an unyielding manner. Scorpio brings intensity and the subconscious realms into action. These combined energies placed upon the 24th Path give indication of the caution to be had in bringing to the light (Tiphareth) the desires and needs of the fires of the heart (Netzach) that may need closer scrutiny. Scorpio has the ability to regenerate and transform its visage and rise in evolutionary process from the depths of base and primal emotions to the heights of the Pheonix arising from decay. The mid-point of balance is the associated image of the Eagle, who relies on instinct to hunt yet soars above having clarity and keen sight as the tools of means. The potential held in the action of beauty and victory, harmony and love is one of give and take and requires both the scorpion that lay in wait to strike at the precise time and the ability to rise from the ashes of decay to bring about a state of harmony.

Tarot Key XIII – Death

Image: Art Through the Eyes of the Soul 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 XIII – Death is placed upon the 24th Path. This is the ending of one state of being that must be relinquished in order to move to a state of greater service and ultimate rebirth. Having the experience of in-spiration into the realms of Tiphareth, and receiving the influx of multiple paths converging in and through the dynamics of the Tipharethian sphere death is a necessary state within which to enter. And, what emerges from that state is the fresh beginnings of a new cyclical journey that has potential to super-seed what has come before.

A Contemplative Exercise: A Meditation on the 24th Path
Sitting quietly where you will not be disturbed spend some time in contemplation about your own physical death. Taking a journal or notepad and pen, write down what type of funeral you would like to have. Who would you want to be there? What type of flowers, and other décor would you like to have displayed as representation of a life well spent? What words of remembrance would you wish to have spoken about how you spent your life? Make this activity a gift to yourself and filled with the beauty that your life exemplifies.

Another Path of Expression: Mars on the 27th Path
The 27th Path: A Path of the Dark Night

I think about all that contains
Beauty in this resplendent world.

I feel the creative Divine mind
Course through my endeavors.

I know the mind of reason
Flows as beauty of effort
And grace of union in the
Soul of heart and mind.

27th PATH- The First Level of Experience

The 27th Path highlights the re-membering of the experiences of self and knowledge of one’s own Divine nature. Since it is the first challenge encountered mind (Hod) and heart (Netzach) strive to achieve a state of balance and collaboration. This process of synthesis of these two spheres of pure mind and pure heart offers the test of faith, discipline and right action.

The Dark Night of The Soul

The concept of the Dark Night of the Soul is one that is experienced at specific points on the Tree and of varying intensities. It is described as a state of utter loneliness, despair and the sense that the Divine has forsaken you. It is a moment that stands the test of true “faith” for in that hour of disconnect the realization of separateness and the intense yearning for union with the Divine are brought to the forefront of the experience. This descent into a type of abyss is what serves to strengthen the resolve and conviction of the human and releases the vestiges of ego and personality that do not serve well the spiritual nature.

A Lesser form of this test of faith and spiritual strength comes upon the 27th Path, connecting Hod and Netzach. The Tarot Key of The Tower is placed upon this path and it is the work of the combined energies of Hod (Mind) and Netzach (Heart) to shatter the faulty foundations of our “ivory towers”. The intensity of energetic response that occurs when pure mind and informed heart struggle to collaborate and become co-creators in creating a more enlightened state of being tests the seekers entire system of beliefs and understandings. Overwhelming darkness, depression, doubt and inertia are the natural byproducts until surrender to the process reveals the greater light of Tiphareth above.

A Secondary Ruler – Pluto

Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars, but a secondary ruler is Pluto, Lord of the Underworld and what lay just out of reach and sight. Adding this dynamic to the mix of energy that emanates as Scorpio weaves its mystery on the Tree provides the reference of what potential is to be found in drawing the sub-conscious into the realms of conscious awareness. The work of the Tree is reunion with what created and knowledge back to the Source from that creation. Scorpio is very much attuned to this cyclical process of creation and regeneration by losing parts of itself to the process; and ultimately using the information gained from that experience to create anew. Pluto provides the potential- the hidden from and in plain sight – where true courage and exertion of will are the only means to retrieve what lay at the edges of our Universe. This is expressed most aptly on the 31st Path, connecting the pure mind of Hod and drawing that original blueprint of thought into the place of physical form.

The 31st Path – Pluto

The 31st Path provides the energy of inspired thought drawn directly into the space of Malkuth, the physical realm. This is the space of aspiration beyond the mindset of what are the perceived limitations of physical mind. The energy of Malkuth provides stable foundation for mind to plant its seeds of invention. And conversely, physical form is always reaching and extending outwards towards illuminating information that will change what is already known. These are the tools that foster progressive thought in the arts and sciences, revealing masterpieces of creation that would have otherwise remained in the aethers of wishful thinking.

The Planetary Energy
Pluto

Pluto is the Planet furthest away from the earth. It is considered cold and cloaked in the darkness of mystery and general association with the subconscious and the occult. If we consider these descriptions in relationship to the energy of the 31st Path and the connection of Hod (Pure Mind) and Malkuth (Manifest Form) much of what we bring forward that is Divinely inspired appears to come from the furthest reaches of ordinary mind. Those deeply inspired epiphanies that we have occur in a state of darkness, not in terms of light value but rather from a bubbling up within the deepest reaches of the subconscious mind. We all know tale of those great inventions that came from blindly following instinct and did not fit the normal protocol of creation.

Another Key: Knowledge
Da’at – The Hidden Path of The Abyss

What sound issues forth
From the place of the
Abyss.

It is neither the timbre
Of sweet angelic choir
Nor the shrieks and
Howls of those
Souls lost in the night.

It is not the harmonious
Cadence of the Universe
Or the persistent hum
Of time moving from
Point to point.
Perhaps, it is the silent
Pause between the beats
Of a heart that has given
All that it has to give.

This is the silence that
Is full of potential and
Hover just at the edge
Of ecstasy bursting forth.

It is the hollow echo
That stirs the memory
And opens the sight
To choices and paths
Taken long ago.

It is the primal scream
That heralds the beginning
Or renewed awareness.

It is the silent scream
Of the Fool as he steps
Off the edge of what is known
And falls into the arms of
True Knowledge.

Until recent times, Da’at was not included in the listing of the Sephiroth. Its energies were considered to be more that of a state of being versus an emanation in the strictest sense of the word. It is perceived as sitting just off course and to the back of the Tree. Da’at is also known as the Great Abyss. The space of final challenge on the Tree that must be successfully navigated en route via the Lightning Flash back to the supernals of Cretion of Binah (The Great Mother), Chokmah (The Eternal Father) and their synthesis of Kether (Crown of Limitless All).

The Point of Union

Da’at represents the stage of spiritual evolution where the Soul has achieved its highest purpose and no longer has need to be at the mercy of ego and lower mental process. It is the juncture of union with the energy of the spheres of the Supernal Triangle. This is the consummate joining of force and form to produce the progeny of Chokmah and Binah’s coalesced natures and bring it forth in clarity of mind through Da’at’s expression. Da’at sits in the place of gnosis, knowledge having been refined and absorbed into the consciousness of being. This communion is one in which the Divine Spark is the point of contact as divine life returns to Its source.

The Dynamic Trio
Scorpio, Pluto and Da’at

The work of this dynamic Trio is one of deep transformation; most often when the shadow and the light being meet and make peace of their disparities arriving at common ground through the vehicle of human form. What has been rendered useful of Scorpio’s intensity by the action of Mars is readied for the testing and retrieval of what lay at the core.

In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Scorpio and its ruling planet(s) Mars (Pluto) and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of revealing what is perception and what is reality. These are the ultimate keys that will expand our understanding of a Tree that holds the power of life and death itself. As we come to know more of our hidden nature and acknowledge it as co-creator in the process of our physical lives, the doors to the library of our past lives and experiences will be opened and the transformative energy contained therein will awaken within our eternal self.

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 creation’s most exquisite form and its desire to share the gift of that expression, we are the manifest product of its own loving nature. And, it in the darkness of the night and the birthing waters that lay in the shadows that we will find travelling our path to gnosis.
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:

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

Next Post
The Magick of Scorpio
November 16.2014

Auspicious Days – Astrological Samhain

Posted in Uncategorized on November 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

November 7.2014
7:56 am

Although the traditional celebration of Samhain is marked as October 31st the astrological energy of Samhain stands at the midpoint (or Cross quarter between the autumnal equinox and the Winter Solstice). The date and time of astrological Samhain is designated by the Scorpio Sun having reached the 15th-degree (mid point of the 30-degrees of each astrological sign); usually occurring around the 6-7 or 8th of November. You could think of this as the climatic release of a buildup of all the necessary components to reach deeply towards accessing ancestral wisdom. This space of time occurred from All Hallow’s Eve on the the 31st/1st until it’s peak at astrological Samhain. This is also why we often will still be very receptive to what seem to be “extra” messages from loved ones after Halloween’s date and our formal celebration and acknowledgement has ended. The signs are still very much present that the spirits are still strongly among us, but we seek them in the full light of the Solar day, rather than in the shadows and crossroads of All Hallow’s night.

The focus of this calling of Samhain’s energy is one of transformation. The heat of the Solar light flowing as the Scorpio Sun rises from its sleep in the dark caverns and embraces the Sun as the Phoenix rising. Visually, by the time we reach the end of the first seven days of November, the darkness crowds in more quickly, a sign that the energy is gaining momentum as it gathers what is needed to call forth the light at the Winter Solstice. This is the opportunity to gather that light within, to call upon the gifts of accessing the wisdom of what lay beyond the veils of our human experience and allow its power to light the fires within the space of our human form. We open our awareness and our consciousness to the potential of what awaits us within these solar gates.

There is the under-current of chill in the air that reaches deep into bone and joint. The chilling at times cannot be warmed, so deep is its reach and the reminder of being alive is accented by the thought of the coldness of a form for whose flame of light has gone out. This chill seems to move with us, at times enveloping us in its cloaking. This is the continued turning of the Great Wheel and the exhale of expansive release as it reaches towards the next Sabbat.

I like to think of the balance that is achieved in formulating the intention of Samhain as a tool for greater self-knowledge and transformation. Standing in the darkness of the crossroads on All Hallow’s eve and calling to the ancestors to guide my way through the labyrinth of the underworld as I seek the fine gems of their wisdom is the beginning of a journey that pierces the veils that separate. Sorting through and taking in what I retrieve from that opening and space of darkened awareness lays the foundations. And coming 7 days later (remember 7 is the mystical number of great learning and extended paths) to awakening under the Solar light of Astrological Samhain provides the catalytic flames that will ultimately transform. This is the initiatory experience of gathering from the past to enhance the present and thus inform the future.

The Moon waxed full in Taurus last night and remains in that sign until 11:17am when it transits void until 8:45p.m.; moving into Gemini. The strength of Taurus’ energy provides the foundation of human form, alive and vital in that strength. As the Moon transits into Gemini on the eve of astrological Samhain, that affirmation of human form and life can issue the call to those who have passed beyond the veils of the living and communicate with heartfelt emotion and inspired mind.

For the Celts, Samhain marked the end of the magickal year and the work of crafting the new; another attribute of Scorpio’s gates of death and rebirth. This is not the ending of our magickal aspirations, just the closing of the Gates of access to the deeper wisdom of the ancestors to guide and inform as the day’s energies find respite at sundown. Hail farewell to those who have heeded your call. There is still much work to be done and in keeping with any New Year, that work begins with taking inventory of what you have gained from your experiences of the previous year.

So dive a little deeper into connecting with the oracular self today. The ancestors remain for this brief amount of time to provide the support needed. As the energy of the Solar Month reaches it’s apex, Scorpio rises to the point of the Phoenix- ablaze in the glory of its transformation guided by the wisdom of those loved ones who released their hold on life.

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The Mysteries of Fertile Flow: Full Moon in Taurus

Posted in Auspicious Days, Full Moon, Lunar, Solar, The Temple of the Sun, Waxing Moon with tags Eagle, earth, fixed modality, Four Holy Creatures, Full moon, Lunar Magick, Scorpio, Taurus, Temple of the Sun, Water, winged bull on November 3, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Full Moon in Taurus
November 6.2014
5:23 p.m. (EST)

Sun in Scorpio

Darkened waters
Flow in earth’s
Fertile Temple.

Moon light finds
Crevices of opening
Lighting the waters
That hold the mystery
Of foundation’s story.

I seek the solace of
What is hidden deep
Beneath and promises
Structure of earthen form.

I seek what lay in the
Dark waters that will
Support and uphold
My stepping into
The vast unknown.

I call forth the
Guardians that hold
The key to my Soul’s
Deepest desires and
From their grace I find
That fertile space of
Mysterious flow.

The Moon waxes Full on Thursday in the astrological sign of Taurus (Fixed Earth) and you can feel the build up intensely as it reaches deeply into the very core of who we are as physical beings. The opposition of astrological energy that naturally occurs during a Full Moon phase is the tug of war between what appear to be opposing energies. At the time of this Full Moon the Solar energy is expressed by an astrological sign who remains hidden and cloaked by the persona it chooses to present (Scorpio) and the very concrete and tangible energy of a Full Moon in Taurus, the earthy sign of strength and fearless in putting itself out there.

This is the Full Moon that occurs during the “tween” stages of death (Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere) and anticipated creation of newly conceived forms (Beltane in the Southern Hemisphere). Each holds the mystery of a cycle that continues in process eternally as something decays and disintegrates to give way to something fresh, new and with promise.

Everything about the Solar Month of Scorpio feels mysterious and dynamic and ready to be explored intensely and with fervor. Scorpio as a water sign amps up the intuitive nature and Taurus as the holder of Mother Moon’s burgeoning, provides the stable container through which they may flow strongly. Because of its placement at the heart of the thinning of the veils of Samhain (and Beltane) we reach out to ancestor and beings of the Greater earth with a deep yearning to know more of their wisdom, feel the blessings of their gifts and enter the healing waters of solace at being able to connect once again with what we can no longer see.

This Full Moon makes optimal use of the Fixed modality of both of its astrological signs. The fixed Water of Scorpio and the Fixed Earth of Taurus. We have discussed previously the energy of the Four Holy Creatures as being held within these two of the four signs of attribution (Aquarius and Leo, being the other two). Here we see the tension of opposition between the winged Bull of Taurus and the Eagle of Scorpio. Both ascending to loftier heights and thus leaving their baser more primal qualities behind, yet both still of the Animal Kingdom. One the king of the skies (Eagle) and the other the master of Earth’s strength (Bull).

The natural point of opposition here between Moon and Sun is one of remaining firmly grounded in Spirit (winged Bull of Taurus) and the unlimited soaring above towards the point and source of Spirit in its highest form (the eagle of Scorpio). The opportunity here is one of transcending emotions that hold you inert and allowing them to rise in meeting the expression of their true form and fullness informed from the wellspring of a wisdom that is from a Higher source. Envision this:

The Moon shines brightly in her fullness across a landscape of firm earth. You stand in the beams of Her glory, anchored, strong and with a heart that beats fiercely and strongly; ready to guard and protect all that you hold dear. You walk with authority moving across fertile ground and the damp earth beneath gives way at the weight and might of your physical form.

You breathe in air that is full and richly scented with life that await beneath the surface of your domain and pride and confidence flow from each footfall. You continue to walk and the ground beneath becomes moister with each step, water bubbling up from beneath this surface as moonlight sparkles now like diamonds on its gently moving surface. You take another step and feel the sharp pain of a stinger pierce the flesh of your foot and all the nerve endings in your body awaken in response. You feel the thrill of pain and life as you are moved from the reveries of your power.

Visions of crystal clarity and the knowledge that you have stepped on a creature hidden in the soft soil beneath flood through you. A brilliance of light flashes and the light of the Moon is now the brilliance of the Sun shining down on parched land. You are surprised that one has given way to the other. You see the vast expanse of all that surrounds and look upward towards the burning orb of Sun. You feel the warmth of heated waters beneath your feet and the pain you felt gives way to soothing heat. You have never felt more alive and more connected to all that surrounds and is within you.

You breathe deeply into this space of power and strength the veiling of the world around disappears and you find yourself once again in the brilliance of Mother Moon’s Full Light. The beating of your heart strong and affirming your physical form and the uplifting of your spirits complete as emotion and body, heart and temple of precious life are one.

The Mysteries of Fertile Flow

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On this evening of the Full Moon I am going to make optimal use of honoring the vessel of my human form and allow the flowing waters of fertility and strength to create new streams of opening to those deeper waters of my emotional self. I will stand strong in the deepened waters rooted in my humanity and the many ways I choose to express it. I will call on the tension of a Sun that holds strong in what boils deep in the caverns of what I have created as place of prison and limitation for its growth and expression. I will look more deeply at what is held within that will nurture, safe guard and be brought into the healing light of Mother Moon’s grace, no longer cowering in the dark. These are the mysteries I will seek and carry with me into Friday evening as the potency of Astrological Samhain calls me to re-member.

Resources and Reflections

The Temple of the Moon:
Day Twenty-Two:Waning Moon in Taurus

Check back Friday for a Special Post about Astrological Samhain

November 7.2014
7:56 am

Sun in Scorpio: Open the Flood Gates and Lift the Veils

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, New Moon, The Temple of the Sun on October 22, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Scorpio
10.23.2014
7:57 am (EDT)

New Moon in Scorpio
5:57 pm (EDT)
Solar Eclipse (Partial)

Planetary Ruler: Pluto

AND
Venus Transits into Scorpio (4:52 p.m. EDT)
2/days left of the Mercury Retrograde that begin on October 4th – October 25th

You Think You Know ME?
You may think that you know Me
But my masks are many and I hide
My secrets well.

My passions are intense and move
Through me flowing like hot lava
Despite my conservative
And cool exterior.

And those of you who think
Me cold and unfeeling
Only see the mastery of my
Facade which protects the exposed
Soft belly beneath.

It is often in the dark of night
That I find the greatest solace
But if I linger too long that place
Of comfort becomes the prison
From which I strain and struggle
To break free.

I pause and breathe deeply
To allow the realization that
These walls of confinement
Are My frightened emotion’s
Creation; and the walls crumble
Around me as the light of Dawn
Filters through.

The sands of time shift and flow
From one tightly held container
To another.

The truths of my own history’s
Stories are drawn up from the
Darkness and into the blazing sun.

I examine them and relearn the
Greater lessons of pain and the
Exquisite pleasure of self
Knowledge contained in each.

And, once mastered and reclaimed
As paths back to myself my Spirit soars
And all see me as transformed
The burden has been lifted
And, I look once again towards
The full Light of Day.

No, you will never know
All of my Secrets
Many lay hidden
Buried even to me.

But, without their stories
To be lived you would not be
Charmed and seduced by
My enigmatic charisma.

Tomorrow will be a power house of astrological energy with multiple configurations to weave your own personal magick within. The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Scorpio at 7;57 am (EDT) and 10-hours later the Moon transits New into Scorpio as a partial Solar Eclipse punctuates the activities. As if this isn’t enough, Venus, the planet of relationships and beauty transits into Scorpio at 4:52 pm. and Mercury completes the last 2-days of its retrograde which began on October 4th; stationing direct on October 25th. Now you may thinking to yourself, too much information!; but, looking at a broader picture that is inclusive of some key points that can be harnessed productively is never TMI. As we begin our day entering the mysterious realms of Scorpio, the advent of All Souls’ Day/Samhain rises up to greet us.

The astrological sign of Scorpio is one of the Element of Water and the Fixed Modality. Its planetary ruler is Pluto; the cold planet of the underworld that lay shrouded far away from plain sight. The natural energy of the Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum, starts the work of heating the waters of the emotional landscape so that the hidden secrets of what really underlines their intention can come to the surface. The Sun in Scorpio provides optimum illumination to enter those hidden corridors of the psyche, our own personal underworld and engage those aspects of being that may never see the light, nor the transformation available from a perspective of strengthening sunlight.

This solar month has maximum potential for reinventing ourselves much like the attribution of the three levels of archetypal energy gifted to Scorpio. The Scorpion is the most well known and the sting of that creature when provoked comes up from the nether regions of our emotional experiences making known its otherwise hidden energy. The Eagle, second of the archetypes speaks of the ability to see far and with accurate focus when we have learned to master those primary instincts that guide our emotional survival. And, the last of these archetypes is that of the majestic Phoenix. The alchemical mythical bird that has ability to transmute through the fires of purification and rise from the ashes reborn and renewed.

The caution with Scorpio lay in the innate ability of this sign’s energy to cloak and mask what is in turmoil and turn to addictive and self-deprecating behavior as the energy sinks deeper into the black abyss. Because Scorpio is a fixed water sign, the stability and structure that would normally be achieved by the fixed nature becomes the unyielding pool that holds waters destined to stagnate if not brought to a place of movement and light.

Pluto is the Ruling Planet of Scorpio. It is the furthest away from Earth and the Sun with very little known of its true nature. This can also be said of the dynamics of Scorpio. Those born with their natal Sun in Scorpio stand in the background silently observing, taking it all in, formulating their opinions and then retreating just as covertly as they arrived. Pluto is the higher vibration of the planet Mars and the assertive energy that is Mars becomes transformed into dynamic and potent powers of persuasion. Calling up this energy in a productive manner and bolstering it with the energy of the Sun can produce a scenario that is magnetic in its effect on anything it is applied towards.

In the case of Scorpio, the ability to actively tap into the dynamically charged power of transformation is focused on what emotions serve as the catalyst for passionately pursuing what is desired. Scorpio has an intensity that stirs and prods the intuitive self to stand front and center. The goal of keeping hidden in plain sight requires a sensitivity that most do not recognize as such. Knowing when, where and how to allow a little more of the true self to be seen and when to remain in lock down are skills that are crafted most successfully when honed through the emotions and the subconscious storehouse of memory of what has served and what has not. It is from this place that our most treasured imaginings and visions have the potential to become reality. Magickally, when we fuel our desire from the moving waters of our intuitive nature nothing can stop the tremendous force as the floodgates open.

The Element of Water

The energy of Water is that of the Emotions and the expression of the heart felt desires guided by the feeling process. All of the Water signs hold great potential for developing the healing and compassionate aspects of their emotional being. Clarity of these waters determines the connection to the intuitive nature that flows freely when our emotions are open and receptive to receiving the information.

Although Scorpio is a water sign; there is an underlying nature of fire held within the scorpion influence. This is the sign of ultimate and permanent transformation. But, beware! Scorpio is also the master of pulling up to the surface those things that lay buried deep within, even if they are not ready to be exposed.

A Fixed Modality

As we have already experienced with the Fixed signs their primary directive is that of providing the suitable container that can synthesize and provide the necessary structure to change the course of what it receives and what it disburses. The first Fixed sign we encountered was appropriately one of Earth (Taurus) the epitome of organized and foundational structure. The fixed quality of this sign was one of affirmation of how the qualities of synthesis and holding steady what is under its care provides the necessary seeding place for continuation of what was begun in a variety of forms.

The second of the Fixed signs was expressed through a Fire sign, Leo. Here the emphasis was one of courage and fire that was wild, yet controlled in its impact. The spotlight shone brightly on what had been gathered into a place of magnetic and dynamically charged strength that knew of the need to provide for and feed what it nurtured.

We now have arrived at the third of the Fixed signs, Scorpio, and the waters of the heart carve deep crevices in the foundations that strain to hold them. AS these waters leave their mark along the way, the channel created will dip and hide from view as needed to ensure a flow that remains uninterrupted in its course towards more expansive seas.

The waters flow
Emerging from deep
Wells hidden in the
Body of Gaia’s earth.

Nothing stands in the
Way of primal instinct
Survival and the safe
Guarding of the
Vessel that holds
The source of outpouring.

Waters bubble up
Running free and wild
Across parched sea beds
And revive the hidden
Life that yearns for
Mysteries lessons.

Waters soar high
Reaching like heated
Geyser spraying
Droplets of potent
Rain as dry throats
Open to receive its grace.

The time is now and
All heart is laid bare
Open and vulnerable
As stinger extends and
Pierces the barrier of
Restraint that has held
Time’s hand prisoner.

The New Moon in Scorpio

I like to use the energy of the New Moon in Scorpio to begin the process of opening to the call of the ancestors and the final harvest. Scorpio has natural ability to draw from the subconscious what is needed to connect to the astral and ephemeral realms as well as the insight of intuitive vision that lay within. I am including a link to a pathworking that I wrote some time ago that can be used as preparation for the opening of the veils and communing with ancestors. I would use this several times during the next few weeks leading up to astrological Samhain (not on the Oct. 31st) on November 7th.

Excerpt:Parting the Veils and Opening to Ancestral Wisdom

Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed and sit comfortably allowing your breath to establish an even and relaxed rhythm. Make note of any tension you may be holding in your body and as you exhale gently breathe that tension out; allowing it to drop around you like beads of water. Allow any thoughts that wish to have your attention to be acknowledged and then gently let go to pass as leaves in a gently flowing stream. Draw your consciousness up to rest in the space of your third eye and mid-forehead. See in this space a blank inner screen. You are sitting as observer and you take note of a small blue dot of energy that is central within that space. As you continue to breathe deeply and fully you see that the blue sphere is expanding and coming to fill the entirety of the space in front of you. You feel the energy of thousands of tiny blue dots comprising this veil of mist and you issue forth the intent of communing with your Ancestors and seeking their wisdom. You take a deep breath in. As you slowly and gently exhale you step through this mist and emerge to find that you are standing in the center of a moonlit forest clearing. You see the silhouette of tall shapely trees just ahead of you and can smell the fragrant burning of wood wafting through the air. Read More at WitchVox:

The Solar Eclipse:

Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute

A Solar Eclipse occurs only at the time of a New Moon and when the Moon passes between Sun and Earth, partially or fully blocking the sun’s light. I think of this as a veiling of the Sun’s Light with the Moon’s energies acting like the polarized lenses of glasses. You are aware that the sunlight is strong and intensely bright, but the glare has been filtered and the shading serves to bring out the deepest and richest colors and details that would otherwise be lost in the brilliance of the light. Tomorrow’s eclipse is a partial one, so being receptive to where that greater detail ebbs and flows as the Moon moves across the path of the Sun of strengthening can give additional insight that is needed to begin the process of connecting more deeply to your emotional motivations.

Credit: MrEclipse.com

The Eagle

The astrological sign of Scorpio is the third of the Fixed Modalities and one of the Four Holy Creatures in its elevated form. The Fixed Modality is the mid-station between what is newly birthed in the burst of Cardinal outpouring and what becomes the flexible and pliable essence of synthesis that is the Mutable modality. Each of the four Fixed signs of the Zodiac has within its stable container of structure the potential to reform and transform what enters into it and bring it to its highest expression. These higher forms are one of the meanings of the Four Holy Creatures of esoteric work.

They are:

Taurus- The Winged Bull- Earth
Leo- The Winged Lion- Fire
Scorpio- The Eagle- Water
Aquarius- The Winged Man- Air

The representation of the Eagle in this particular Solar Eclipse is one of reminding ourselves of the pinnacle and loftiness that can be achieved when we flow in accord with the natural strivings and reachings of an inspired heart. The Eagle soars high above, selectively choosing what will nourish it, where it will create its home and always carried on the winds of an inspired mind.

The astrological sign of Scorpio is an energy that thrives in the experience of the mystical, occult and esoteric. With this energy as the underpinning of this Solar Eclipse we could interpret the energy available from an esoteric perspective. We already have learned that Scorpio is the great transformer. Scorpio is also the master of death and rebirth. It primary goal is one of uncovering and revealing what lay buried in the deepest and darkest recesses of our being. This is achieved through the work of introspection and feeling our way through each of the labyrinth like structures we have created.

The last Solar Eclipse occurred in April in Scorpio’s opposing sign of Taurus. The strengthening of the Moon’s energy as it moved across the face of the Sun then, was one of building sure and steady foundations that would allow the expression of the emotional self to bask in the security and safe guarding that Taurus could provide. Now at this opposite end of that pole we are ready to allow the flood gates of our emotional reserves to receive the same strengthening from Father Sun. The choice here lay in whether we allow the out-picturing of this action to be accented by a lashing out of emotions driven only be instinct, or can rise above to see what is really occurring under the surface. The ultimate gift of this Solar Eclipse is one of allowing the gentle rays of sun’s light to burn off the dross of emotional sabotage and rise from the experience reborn.

Re-read: New Moon in Taurus: Dig Deep, Stand Strong and Soar

Venus Transits into Scorpio: The Dark and Mysterious Female

Venus is the planet extraordinaire regarding love beauty, refinement, passion and the interlacing of hearts. So, having this planet move through the passionate waters of Scorpio means that the experience will be one that is unforgettable. This is the proverbial “bad girl” archetype that possesses easily, takes what she wants, makes no excuses for her behavior and fully embraces all that life has to offer. And, all the while the recipient of this energy languishes in the beauty and fullness of what transpires.

Read More about the planet Venus: The Temple of Venus

Mercury Retrograde in Libra

And, finally, Mercury holds strong with its mishaps and miscommunications for the last two days of its retrograde. Those last sputterings of blockades to effective and productive communication are just about ready to open up and the speed with which things will return to normal can be head spinning to say the least. Mercury began its retrograde in Scorpio and continued its retrograde back into Libra where it picks up momentum at the mid-point (16-degree) marker on October 25th when it stations direct.

Using the flow of its energy we call upon the balance of mind held within the refinement of Libra (Air//Intellect) and align this with communication that holds the mind focused in the waters of Scorpio’s Moon and Sun. As the momentum of this planet’s energy resumes during the Solar Month we have the opportunity to build upon this melding of mind and heart. Don’t be surprised if it is easier to communicate your emotional truths during this period; and some revelations that you normally may have been keeping hidden are ready to be tested in the light of day.

The Next Step

Knowing how each sign moves to the next and the interaction between each as they evolve towards completion (and threshold of renewal) of the wheel in Pisces tells its own unique story of the astrological wheel. Scorpio is the eighth sign of the Zodiac. Numerologically, the number Eight (8) relates to the image of the Lemniscate, eternity and the cyclical nature of all cosmic action. The lessons gathered and acted upon within the Seven now arrive at a state of moving seamlessly and simultaneously within the past of our experience, the present of our current awareness and the future that beckons us to surrender to the evolutionary seas of refined shores.

If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening Fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air). Now enlivened by the desire to “know”, the healing and nurturing (Cancer- Water) of what no longer serves this goal is brought front and center into the Light of Day (Leo-Fire) to be strengthened as it is readied for the detailed analysis of Virgo (Earth) that seeks to create a new form for its manifestation. Libra (Air) applied the finishing touches to what Virgo had reduced to the most essential components. Using the adaptability and deftness of a mind that could easily calculate and mentally weigh both benefits and detriments, Libra moved with skill and grace to accomplish what was made ready. Moving into the energy of Scorpio each step along the way served to prepare and fine tune what needs the ultimate transformation of death through release; rebirth through greater knowledge of Thyself. These waters have carried many far out to sea and depending upon what preparations were made, these were forever lost in the pervasive darkness of emotional overflow. If successfully navigated the shores upon which they arrived offered a space of renewal and the gift of mastery over a turbulent sea.

At this time of the year, we see the mystical gifts of Scorpio expressed as the veils open to the otherworld and heart is kindled by the desire to once again seek the wisdom of what was and the promise of what will be. This time marks the celebrations of Samhain and Beltane in Northern and Southern Hemispheres respectively. The common denominator is that of access to wisdom and thus the opportunity to use what is gifted towards the transformation of your physical and spiritual existence. Samhain honors the beloved dead who have crossed the veils and the seeking of their knowledge in guiding us towards greater awareness. We seek answers, move in reference as the air becomes dense and thick as realms of existence merge and synthesize becoming as one for this brief period of time. In the Southern Hemisphere the focus is on the fertility of Beltane, the promise of union and the blessing of new life emerging from the veils of what waits conception and new incarnation in physical form. We honor the life of the Greater Earth and the blossoming of fullness and strength of full sun’s light. Although the celebrations pass, as the Solar Month progresses the lessons gained the experience of life and death and the reminders of our place within that sacred cycle grow and expand as the tides of our heart open to new shores of expression.

Open the Flood Gates and Lift the Veils:

This solar month is one of focus on what moves and stirs us at the deepest levels of our emotional expression. In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to prepare for what lay ahead and enter into the journey fully present and engaged- heart, mind, body and Soul. This is the energy of the mature man or woman who has measured the full worth of their potential and is now ready to express their deepest fears and their greatest loves as the waters pour forth. The veiling of pretense and assumption of what they are not falls away and what is left is raw, exposed and vulnerable. Libra provided the vision of beauty: Scorpio must now actively seek it and bring it to life within its birthing waters.

And, so in the spirit and intensity of Scorpio, we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle. Once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to the first great secret you held close to your heart. The excitement of knowing something that others did not and the deeper insight it gave.

As you read through the invocation, think about what each line of reference evokes within you and stimulates your own desire to hold as mystery that only you can reveal as you seek its deeper meaning. What passions are stirred as you read of RA’s power as expressed within the heart felt words put to paper. This is the power of creativity and its ability to transform all that it touches. Use this gift wisely this solar month as we invoke the Solar month in Scorpio and awaken those fires of RA to quicken your surrender to the death of false perception and the rebirth of who you truly are.

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!

Bonus Post: Astrology- Back to Basics

Posted in Astrology with tags astrology, elements, modalities, planets, Zodiac on October 18, 2014 by themagickalpen

We have just crossed the mid-year point in our exploration of the Astrological Solar Year. And, now it’s time to take a look at the Astrological knowledge that underscores each of these Solar transitions. This is the first of a series of bonus posts that will be interspersed with the regular Temple posts. You may use these to begin an introductory foundation or refresh the existing knowledge you have about Astrology. I would also recommend that you re-read the First and “Magick of ” Posts of those signs we have already experienced.

Intro:

The study of Astrology offers the opportunity to look at the blueprint of the heavens at the time of an event or individual’s birth. It is a powerful combination of astronomical science and the intuitive are of psychological attributes and archetypes that comprise the patterns and expressions of energies that are inherent as points of potential.

The main components that contribute to the individualized blueprint are:

The Signs of the Zodiac
The Planetary Influences
The Houses of Placement
The Interactions (Aspects) created between the Planetary energies

Further refinement in interpretation is made by categorization of each of the Astrological Signs by:

Element
Modality
Polarity
(and countless other secondary correspondences)

The Astrological Signs:

The cycle of an astrological year is divided into 12 segments of time, each assigned its own specific astrological sign. Each flows one into the other and when taken as a whole tell the story of evolutionary progression. Our perspective is one of standing on the planet Earth as the central point of this Zodiacal Wheel and gazing upward towards the heavens with the Sun as the central spotlight that transits into each of the astrological signs for a specific duration of time (these become the specific assignations of your Sun Sign in a natal chart:

Aries – March 21 to April 20
Taurus – April 21 to May 19
Gemini – May 20 to June 21
Cancer – June 20 to July21
Leo – July 22 to August 21
Virgo – August 22 to September 21
Libra – September 22 to October 21
Scorpio – October 22 to November 20
Sagittarius – November 21 to December 20
Capricorn – December 21 to January 20
Aquarius – January 21 to February 19
Pisces – February 20 to March 20

This 12-month cycle is called the Zodiac. The word Zodiac is derived from the latin word – zodiacus (with etymology from the greek)- which a means “circle or wheel of animals”. This method of division dates back to Babylonian (Chaldean) astronomy during the first half of the 1st millenium BC. You are probably most familiar with seeing the signs of the zodiac represented by their individual glyphs and the specific animal or human references made to express the signs energies.

	Aries	The Ram
	Taurus	The Bull
	Gemini	The Twins
	Cancer	The Crab
	Leo	The Lion
	Virgo	The Virgin
	Libra	The Scales
	Scorpio	The Scorpion
	Sagittarius	The Archer
	Capricorn	The Sea Goat
	Aquarius	The Water Bearer
	Pisces	The Fish

Each of the 12 Signs of the Zodiac represents specific energy patterns, or modes of expression. Each has a specific ruling planet. The signs act as modifiers of the planets or houses with which they are associated. These are some keywords of association for the astrological signs:

Sign	Keyword	Ruling Planet
Aries	Catalyst	Mars
Taurus	Foundation	Venus
Gemini	Duality	Mercury
Cancer	Security	Moon
Leo	Magnetism	Sun
Virgo	Analysis	Mercury
Libra	Balance	Venus
Scorpio	Transformation	Pluto
Sagittarius	Outreach	Jupiter
Capricorn	Achievement	Saturn
Aquarius	Visionary	Uranus
Pisces	Compassion	Neptune

These energetic patterns are further expressed by their Modalities (Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable) and the Natural Elements (Air-Fire-Water-Earth) they reflect.

Each of the signs of the zodiac has one of three qualities – Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable

The Cardinal Signs are those that initiate, catalyze and offer new beginnings

The Fixed Signs are those that stabilize, synthesize and provide structure

The Mutable Signs are those that are flexible, expansive and serve as the endings

Cardinal	Fixed	Mutable
Aries	Taurus	Gemini
Cancer	Leo	Virgo
Libra	Scorpio	Sagittarius
Capricorn	Aquarius	Pisces

Each of the signs also reflects the qualities of one of the four elements:

Fire, Earth, Air and Water

The Fire Signs relate to action, will and motivation

The Earth Signs provide the foundation and are concerned with manifest/physical matters

The Air Signs provide inspiration and movement through mental capacity

The Water Signs flow with the intuitive heart and how the emotional self is engaged

*Fire Signs*	*Earth Signs*	*Air Signs*	*Water Signs*
Aries	Taurus	Gemini	Cancer
Leo	Virgo	Libra	Scorpio
Sagittarius	Capricorn	Aquarius	Pisces

The Bonus Post for next month will take a look at the Elements of the Astrological signs

It’s Written in the Stars: An Introduction to Astrology

A few years ago I taught a 10-week Introduction to Astrology course. I have had several inquiries about repeating that course and have decided that in the spirit of virtual “space” and technology to offer the course as an online via email.

For each of the 10-weeks you will receive an mp3 audio file of the live sessions and handouts for that week. I will have more information and registration available on my website on November 1st. The course will begin with the Solar Transit in Sagittarius on November 22.2014.

The Magick of Libra

Posted in Magick, The Temple of the Sun with tags Air, astrology, candle magick, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, Full moon, Lunar, new moon, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon on October 12, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Libra is anchored in the concept of beauty, balance and harmony. Whatever we apply Libran energy towards is going to receive the advantage of a mental perspective that sees what needs refining and what has potential to become a source of inspiration. Libra’s strength lay in being able to take what others may perceive as coarse and turn it into something that brings pleasure at all levels of experience. This means that its energy seeks balance in all things and will mentally deconstruct what is inharmonious as a means of cutting it out of the picture.

The caution here, is one of being overly critical. Virgo’s critique was exacted in much the same manner but its focus was on what was concrete and already a “finished” product. With Libra the emphasis is one of logical and rational thinking that can be decidedly cold and objective in its criticism. If heart is not included in the equation, the overall attitude is one that can easily be perceived as snobbery and inaccessibility. The scales of Libra tip in either direction and it is all a matter of the beholder as to what form the striving for beauty takes.

Libra works directly on what we value and our philosophical approach to culture, society and the ethics imposed within that society. Workings that strive towards making themselves visually appealing and inspiring are served well under Libra’s influence. The same attention to detail that we found in Virgo is now further refined and the Pygmalion effect is applied cautiously and judiciously. What has been carefully crafted and fashioned from Libra’s delicate hand is adored, admired and life is breathed into it by its creator so it may serve to captivate all in a similar way.

Libra is the third sign of the second cycle of quadrant of Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the second of the Air astrological signs and in the order of progression, Libra brings its own form of stability through a homogenous mental process to what preceded it in the dual and at times unsteady outpouring of Gemini. By the time we arrive at the third of the Air signs, Aquarius, the necessary unbridled brainstorming (Gemini) that is equalized and brought to a space of useable new flow (Libra) is ready to change the vision (Aquarius) the world and its many life forms has of ITSELF.

Weighing Your Truths

Libra as a sign of the Cardinal Air Modality provides the quality of catalytic bursts of beginnings. It is this ability to see the potential held in the yet to be fully realized product that Libra uses adeptly to transform. Libra’s gift of change through inspired mind, offers the space to re-conceptualize what was thought to be true about any given thing and reshape it much like an architect creates a beautiful and functional building from the complex blue prints that were rough sketches and a vision held in the inventive mind. Libra works directly on our philosophies and motivations as the conscience that monitors what we hold as being ethical and what is a gray area. This serves to further refine as the process continues towards the emotionally inspiring end result.

Creating from the directives of conscience and values is what often provides the materials for those artistically inspired projects. This is the skill of the artist in being able to evoke emotion from what the mind of skeptic or admirer perceives and the subjective heart responds to. This is the gift of the lover who makes his/her beloved feel like the most beautiful object of desire, despite excess weight, scars or what others perceive as physical imperfections. This is the skill of the arbitrator who is able to make both sides see the values and discord of their own beliefs and arrive at amenable agreement drawing the best from both and arriving at an equitable and productive outcome.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances the mental process of weighing and measuring what inequities and disparities are held as truths:

Libra as the Seventh sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with restoration of what has dipped too far in an unproductive direction. The Solar Month of Libra is an excellent time to take stock of the pros and cons in what comes to the place of light. This may be how you present yourself to others, the products that are shared and the communities you have linked yourself with. If the clutter has been cleared from the energy of Virgo’s Solar Month, there is enhanced clarity about what and where the weight of measure should be applied.

The energy of this Solar month of Libra next flows into the Waters of Scorpio and all bets are off as the scorpion lay in wait hoping for transformation into the keen sight of the Eagle and the final redemption of the Phoenix arising from the blazing waters of the subconscious. If the work of Libra is done effectively, Scorpio will open its floodgates of heart and healing will fill become the fulcrum of Divine work.

The Libran approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as re-scripting and re-(de)fining who you are in the world would benefit from Libra’s Solar energies.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Libra would be the first phase of sorting out what you feel is supportive of the image you wish to develop and what is not; examining it from the place of what you think, rather than what you feel about each thing that is brought to light. You would incrementally fine-tune this list during the month, giving contemplative time to each as you weigh its merits and measure the extent of its detriments. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to recognize where the imbalances lay and what may need further refining and what is best let go.

Using the cycle of Air and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Aquarius’ flow. The Solar Month of Aquarius offers the Fixed Modality of stability to bring all of the parts into analyzing the equation. Within this mind-space there is light enough to see more clearly the vision of what these changes would look like. The concept being the primary focused that can then be fueled by engagement of the desire and heart to bring into reality what is envisioned.

Having finally arrived in the energy of the Solar month of Gemini, the flexible and agile mind now has a point of reference established within the vision of Aquarius and can modify and change as needed to project and communicate what has been refined. Remaining flexible and agile in that flexibility insures that the process of transformation may be started anew as the image becomes outdated and no longer who you are.

Lunar Magick: Cultivating Beauty

Engages the transformation of the concept of how the emotions balance and harmonize the mind and the efficacy of the outcome as a synthesized expression of the creative nature.

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Libra provides the energetic principle of providing the idea of what is appealing and is the quintessential expression of beauty that encourages more of the same. This is beauty not necessarily in the mundane sense but the quality of beauty that occurs when everything is working as it should in a way that makes sense, is logical and maintains harmony. When the emotional landscape is served in this way, emotions become the passions that create simply for the sake of expressing what lay at the core of that expression. This is the basis of artistry and a key component in the principle of love.

When we unconditionally love, we passionately love who and what we love not because of their overt beauty, but because within there is a resonance and a balance that is achieved by the very act of our loving in this way. Each becomes a partner in the relationship and although the measure of give and take is not always equilateral, there is enough knowledge of the fundamental nature of that partner that adjustments can be made and harmony is restored.

Workings that require a sense of balancing what could become excesses and then re-forming them to a place of productive and justifiable flow make use of Libra’s scales. Workings that encourage self-love and identification of one’s self as being lovable and an expression of beauty in all of your forms can be crafted to be potent and effective when processed by Libra’s artistic mind and sense of aesthetics.

The New Moon of Libra could be used to bring to the surface those feelings you hold about yourself that prevent you from feeling loved and lovable. Hold the intention of developing a perception of these attributes through the lens of offering rationale and justification for relinquishing the power of those that are less than positive and affirming the potential of those that could be reformed into becoming your strengths. See this process as one of standing as both juror and judge of how you have unjustly seen yourself. Libra will begin the process of allowing you the objectivity needed as impartial judge and the empathy of the juror who has experienced similar unfounded perception.

The Full Moon of Libra would be used to emotionally engage with what you have come to see as your qualities of strength. The showcase of the artist hanging the painting on the wall of his/her best qualities for all to see and admire is held in the fullness of this moon. The reactions and responses of all who see this painting will vary in their own perceptions of what a truly beautiful work of art is, but that is of no matter to the artist who has poured their soul into crafting what they wish to express of what feeds and nurtures their vision of beauty within. This is the time to lovingly offer appreciation for all of those qualities that you have brought to a place of Divine expression and resonance with the inner beauty held within the creative waters of inspired and harmonious action.

The energy of the Waning Moon in Libra would serve as the final removal of any masks of self that are not authentic and do not serve to create a state of balance within. These are the truths that others tell us in response to what they see. These are the falsehoods that we tell ourselves as we move from a place of balance and return to feeling unloved. These are the emotions that are disconnected with what we truly feel and if not brushed away gather as a mantle that clouds the true beauty of what lay beneath. Every flower that is tenderly and lovingly cultivated comes to the point where it requires pruning and weeding of what would conceal its value. And, so we are also the flower that is being cultivated by our own loving hand.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Libra

Keywords: Balance, Refinement, Collaboration

The Archetype: The Judge is the archetype associated with Libra. It is no surprise that the archetype of the Judge would be assigned to Libra. There is a sense of fairness, ethics and unbiased decision that accompanies the idealized image of one who would stand as judge. Note that I said “idealized” image, as none can remain entirely impartial. Every decision, every action, every conclusion will be formed by what has been personal experience and the underpinnings of how we emotionally engage.

And, although my perceptions of this archetype may evoke an image that is contradictory to what Libra’s energy is, I feel that it is exactly the personal and unbiased baseline that makes it possible for any judgment to be made. Libra’s energy requires the personal to support the outcome. Striving towards balance and then transforming that harmonious state into an expression that creatively engages the emotions through the process of mind can only be accomplished when the connection is made at a deeply personal level.

Rules Astrological House:

The 7th House of the Zodiac, the House of Higher Learning and Partnerships

Moving through the Zodiacal Wheel’s energy, the First House is the singular “you” identified by your personality and who you are presently and who you who hope to become. The second House holds the possessions and things you have acquired that further define you. The Third House represents how you express yourself based on what you have learned of yourself (1st House) and what you have chosen to surround yourself with in the material world (2nd House). The Fourth House has taught the lessons of home and family; commitment and unconditional love for who we are now and who we hope to become. Arriving at the Fifth House we are now ready to emerge from the security of friends and family and stand courageously in the Light of the choices we have made, that have contributed to the crafting of this self. Moving on towards the Sixth House we are ready to give, to serve, to cultivate and to learn the lessons of harmonious interaction. And, now moving into the Seventh House we stand ready to gather to ourselves all that we have learned on the journey thus far and use it to explore new paths, learn new ways of being and open to the partnerships forged on a new chosen path.

The Seventh House is often considered that of Higher Learning. The number seven is found throughout occult and esoteric studies in varied forms; seven days of the week, seven elder planets, seven subtle bodies, seven chakras and more. The harmonious double triad of the number Six gives the support, experience and courage needed to reach a little further out of the comfort zone and see what more there is to learn. Libra placed here is the expression of that reaching out and weighing the strengths and weaknesses so we can move forward on new paths in our best form.

Color:

The color Green in its most vibrant and clear forms is well suited to the energy of Libra. This is the color of the plant life of a fertile and balanced Earth receiving adequate Sun and Rain. This is the color of a rare and beautiful Emerald necklace caressing the skin of its wearer that speaks of opulence and grace. Green is the secondary color combining the soothing properties of blue (sky) and the strengthening of yellow (Sun). What is strengthened can easily heal and return to its perfected state of being that is balanced in all of its needs and expressions raising it to a place of grace and refined beauty.

Blooming into Beauty: Virgo to Libra

Her gentle hand moved
And fingers pulled this way
And that untangling what
Served no purpose.

For a time I was not whole
And I waited and watched
As more was taken and
I felt vulnerable and
Incomplete in my form.

I waited and hoped not
To be the strand that was
Would be cast aside.

I breathed into the waiting
And exhale carried me
Gently on its wings.

Others soon were added
Each more beautiful
Than the next and
Soon the field was
Bursting with fragrant
Sun kissed face.

Nature had woven
Her magick of sorting
Weighing and measuring
What would be scattered
On the winds and stirs
The seeker of Her gifts
To the grace and balance
Of the vision of Her beauty.

Libra is the Seventh sign of the Zodiac:

Libra takes up the work of refining what Virgo started and is now ready to put the finishing touches on what remains. Libra is the second of the Air signs and as such brings the expression of thoughts and ideas through the vehicle of the mental process. Libra brings this energy to a place of synthesis, eloquence and expression in a way that engages the senses and thus inspires more of the same.
Seasonally, under the scrutiny of Libra’s energy, in the Northern Hemisphere, we have connected with the greater Earth and the sacrifice of the animal kingdom to insure that animal and man will survive the coming winter. We have learned of the sharing of resources needed amongst all that is living and the place of balance in taking only what is needed, neither in excess nor in not having enough. In the Southern Hemisphere we are preparing for the festivities of Beltane, the fecundity and beauty of creating life. We have celebrated the Spring Equinox the place of pause and equilateral balance of day and night and this energy has been sustained and carried forward as Libra holds those scales of measure. Because of these strivings the beauty of the natural world will be maintained and the cycles of death and rebirth will be justifiable balanced.

We have crossed the mid-point in the Solar Year and the 12 Houses of the Astrological signs. Each prior to this point has concerned itself with those aspects of our being that cultivate sense of self (Aries); sense of others (Taurus); expression of ourselves (Gemini); nurturing what we hold close to our hearts (Cancer); moving into our place of power (Leo) and claiming responsibility for taking a closer look at who we have become (Virgo). Libra marks the advent into the unknown waters of putting that self “out there” for interaction, input and greater collaboration with others.

Resources

Other Posts to Re-read:

Temple of the Sun: Libra

Living on the Edge – New Moon in Libra
It is Truly Beautiful – The Sun in Libra
New Moon in Libra (2013)
The Manifest Refinement of Heart and Will- Full Moon in Libra

The Temple of Venus (Ruling Planet of Libra)

Temple of the Moon:

Day Eight: Refining and Polishing – Waxing Moon in Libra
Day Seven: it All Balances Out – Waxing Moon in Libra

Next Posts

Sunday, October 19.2014
Bonus Post

Thursday, October 23.2014
Temple of the Sun: Transit into Scorpio

Full Moon in Aries: The Young and the Restless

Posted in Auspicious Days, Full Moon with tags Aries, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, Full moon, Libra, Lunar Eclipse on October 7, 2014 by themagickalpen

October 8.2014
Full Moon in Aries
6:51 a.m. (EDT)

Sun in Libra

Total Lunar Eclipse 6:25 a.m. (EDT)

The opposition of astrological energy that naturally occurs during a Full Moon phase is the tug of war between what appear to be opposing energies. At the time of this Full Moon the Solar energy is expressed by an astrological sign whose energy catalyzes the entire zodiac into action as youthful energy pours through the fullness of our subconscious (the Moon). This is the dynamic flow of Aries, first sign of the Zodiacal wheel.

The tension held between Sun and Moon this month is one of Balanced Mind (Libra) and the Spontaneity of Will to Action (Aries) without consideration to the pros and cons. The application of Aries enthusiasm applied to the waters of the Full Moon hold the potential for emotional drama. Think about the dynamics of a logical parent giving all the appropriate reasons (Libra) why their teenage son/daughter should not go to “the party of the year”. And, the choice (Aries) is made on the part of the teenager to either acquiesce, sneak out anyway, or react stating that “their life is over” if they can’t attend. All of their emotions (and hormones) flowing fully and strongly in an effort to create a new set of experiences by the actions chosen. Aries energy is one of starting something new and then passionately exploring where that newness takes you.

A Rare Lunar Eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse Begins 6:25 am (EDT)

The Moon is Full in the early morning hours of October 8th in the astrological sign of Aries with a total Lunar Eclipse punctuating the energetic experience. This combination offers the potential for some very powerful and deep spiritual work. This eclipse is the second of four Total Lunar eclipses occurring consecutively. The first occurred in April of this year and the next two will occur in 2015. Following those another series such as this will not occur until 2032.

This eclipse adds the dynamics of a Selenelion event. This is a rare occurrence when the Sun and the Moon share the sky for a brief period of time simultaneously. In the usual course of events, the Moon sets before the Sun rises to a place of visibility. One replacing the other in visible line of sight. In the event of a Selenelion Eclipse, depending on your geographical location and the interplay of refracted and reflected light, both appear to be suspended in a point of visibility at 180-degrees from the other before one relinquishes hold and in this case, the Moon sets and the Sun continues its rising.

If we consider the spiritual implications of the eclipse energy we are able to call upon the energies of Will (Sun), Manifestation and Foundation (Earth) and intuitive Heart (Moon). In the placement of the Lunar Eclipse, Earth receives the direct outpouring of the sun’s energy as its reflective back-light of emanation towards the Moon’s surface. Divine Will (our Spiritual Sun) is brought to a place of manifest and practical use as we, as physical beings, are especially enlivened by its solar principle and dynamic of energy.

The reflection of this shadow of light emanates out towards the moon in her phase of fullness through the filter of Earth (and opportunity to bring it to manifestation). This refraction of sun’s light refines the matters of heart and quickens in a subtle yet profound way of application as it passes through the earth shadow of our form imbuing the Full Moon energy with the hidden resources of what lay at our inner sun’s core. Drawing this light shadow that holds the mysteries of our internal lunarscape into the intuitive waters that flow in the intermittent dimming (the frequency of the Lunar Eclipses) of its full potential provides the space of accessing those qualities that strengthen the aspects of our manifest nature that lay in the shadows and enliven these by emotional and intuitive insight so they may be used in a more practical manner as they are brought to the fullness of their potential. Who we are in the strength (Sun) of our manifest form (Moon) and the will we call forth empowers these deep waters of our intuitive nature (Moon).

Now, add the astrological component and the brief moment of Selenelion for this eclipse. The Moon is Full in the Cardinal sign of Aries; great for kick-starting whatever you actively wish to pursue that passionately pulls at your heartstrings. The Full Moon ushers in the highest potential and peak of whatever energy it is reflecting, so heart infused by energy that looks for new forms of expression is accessible now.

The emphasis of balance that Libra exerts is enhanced by this Total Lunar Eclipse. The polarities of Male (Sun) and Female (Moon) that are present in the opposition of Sun and Moon that occurs during a full moon are both subdued in their synthesis at the level of manifestation (Earth). In this case, the extremes of the natural flow of Sun and Moon are brought to the mid-point of Earth, standing as synthesizer of the two. This is the purposeful and modulated conversation between a pair of opposites (Sun and Moon) that has similar goal and each is willing to compromise (Libra) in its application and civilized assertion of its needs and desires so that something reflecting the harmonious (Libra) values of each may be initiated (Cardinal Modality) towards manifest form (Earth).

In spiritual working, making full use of these varied dynamics of a Full Moon and a Lunar Eclipse offers opportunity to reshape and refine what we think about those qualities of heart that lie just below the surface of what we normally express to inform our human experience. This action allows the calling forth of the informed intent to bring them into a state of balance and harmonious expression in our daily affairs. And, all works collaboratively in a balanced state knowing that strength of Divine Will (Sun) continually flows in support as the back lighting for the ebb and flow (Moon) of these energies as the foundational (Earth) work that the shadow of our inner creative Will to Manifest brings to the surface. And, particularly in this instance of Sun and Moon, albeit for the briefest of time, holding space diametrically opposed at exactly the same time, the highest potential of both signs may be acknowledged as co-contributors to the resulting product of synthesized balance.

The Young and the Restless

Carpe Diem- “Seize the Day” is the ‘holler back’ of this full moon and the dynamics of Aries’ exuberance as it stirs those emotional waters. Another translation of “Carpe Diem” is that of enjoying the present moment without concern for what is held in the future.

As the Moon waxes Full in the morning sky and the Lunar Eclipse takes center stage before full sunrise think on how you will use the energy of the upcoming day. What will fire up your emotions and offer opportunity to experience something new? Will you approach the order of the day with youthful curiosity? And, will you channel the restlessness felt by realizing that great potential awaits the seeker who does not hold quite so rigidly to old and limiting beliefs into the new unfettered passions that allow you to seize the gift of every day?

Resources and Reflections
Aries in Related Posts:
New Moon in Aries: Fire It Up

Temple of the Moon

Day Twenty: It’s getting Hot in Here
Day Nineteen: A Quick Step

Next Post:
Temple of the Sun- Libra
The Magick of Libra

The Path

Posted in Uncategorized on October 5, 2014 by themagickalpen

This lengthy poem was inspired after last weekend’s Climbing the Tree ritual. The Climbing the Tree weekend is hosted by the Tradition to which I belong, The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. This is a large event requiring much planning, so it is only held every several years (the last being in 2009) and provides the experience of walking the lightning flash of the Qabalisic Tree of Life as an experiential grouping of 10 mini-rituals.

The Tree is laid out on the grounds of Seelie Court and participants move through the Tree, walking the paths and having a ritual experience in each of the spheres in accord with that sphere’s energy. I have had the honor of taking on the role of as one of the spheres for the past 3 runs, but never had the opportunity to actually walk the Tree in its entirety as a participant. This year, I had the good fortune to be able to experience the full Tree!

I wanted to share this writing as a source of inspiration for seeing the potential that is held in being a participant in your own spiritual journey. The lessons of the Qabalistic Tree are ones that are relatable to everyone’s mundane and spiritual experiences and the goal of study is one of self-knowledge and growth.

I invite you to walk with me on the Path of my experience of the Tree. The beauty is that you do not have to know anything about Qabalah to appreciate what this writing has to relate. You have but to set your foot upon the Path and be open to where that path may lead…….

I step upon the Path
And Earth’s energy
Stands as fertile ground.

Water flows from
Deeply hidden wells
Fire streams from
Sun’s quickened light
Air breathes life into
Earth that rises and shifts
Urging me onward.

The tool of my re-making
In heart –body –mind
And will is found.

I move along the path
Into the night sky temple
Of the moon where star
And dreamscape weave
A tapestry that tells of
Cycles of knowing and
Illusion’s sacrificial release.

The path is lit from celestial sky
And all clears with each step
Forward into clarity of mind
That holds creation’s intent
Breathed into life from
Library’s inspired great halls.

I move now with mind
Seeking the victory of
Beauty’s face and come
To pause in awe of Mother
Nature’s surrounding gifts.

Their power and wild beauty
Held within my own physical
Form now awakened and verdant
Mantle claimed as Gaia’s own.

I walk with tears of gnosis
Streaming from gates long
Needing the power of heart’s
Release and step out into the
Vast potential of the unknown.

Into Sun’s great downpour
Harmonious center of
Golden strands that demand
The sacrifice of full light’s scrutiny.

I scream into a breath that offers
Up true release and heat rising
From within empowers my intent
As I leave this place of synthesis
Ablaze with strength newly found.

The sun sets behind me as
Sharpened knife and the
Sword of truth challenge
And give fearsome dare.

Tears now flow freely
Reflected in shimmering
Blade of light and what I
Knew of myself is surrendered
To the pointed test of true worth.

From these fires of tempering
Comes new form that will wield
Its measure of might as warrior
As Goddess and as guardian
Of the sacred Great Work of self.

Courage has been tested
And mercy now awaits
What has been purposefully
Broken down to be birthed anew.

I walk to a place of mercy
I stand crowned as King of
My worldly and spiritual domains
The choice of ruler-ship and weight of
Responsibility now mine to claim.

Like pieces on a chess board
Each move affects the next
Each calculation of mind
Brings reality of heart’s consequence.

There is no winning play as the
Board continually changes and
The pieces transmute as the
Players evolve and grow.

Flexibility and mastery over
What holds me in chains as servant
Rather than ruler over how I would
Construct and command my
Worldly and spiritual domains.

The final realization is one hidden
In plain sight and boldly echoes
The truth of free will’s choice to move
Confidently in changing course and
Not lose sight of drawing to me
What is held dear in those conquests.

I breath deeply taking in all that has
Been learned as the next challenge
Awaits and the choice now at hand
To cross the abyss deep and wide.

I step moving cautiously along a
Path whose end cannot be seen
So great the veiling of light and dark
Faith and a silent promise my only guides
As I stand precariously balanced mid-point
Shedding the last of my mortal identity.

Mother’s voice calls to me gently
Into arms of dark black sea softly
Reminding of all that has been given
And what more remains in hopes
And wishes and dreams.

Time holds no false enchantment
As lifetimes flow as one and every
Pearl of dark sea’s creation has
Potential to be the great manifest one.

Dip deep into the waters
Drink freely from their source
Take one dream as heart’s most cherished
And bring it through the womb of manifest birth.

I breathe into the vision of potential’s hope
The path now one of nebula and galaxy
Of cosmos and starry birth.

I move as witness to the birthing of the Universe
The light of my being scattered as seeds
Of star-filled light moving and flowing
The memory of this potent exchange
Holding the understanding of re-union
And dissolution of what is contained in
Body of light and flesh and bone.

From this eternal cycle of cosmos
An awakening of key held within
Human’s birthing light and deeper
Place of manifesting star’s gift of sight.

I breathe out the light of wisdom
And enter the brilliance of liminal space
That blinds me from the child of the
Limitless All that I am.

What lays hidden in my being
That cries out to be brought
Into the crown of immanence.

I stand in the silence
No words or thoughts
No emotions or action
Can articulate the gnosis
That fills by Spirit and Soul.

All and nothing awaits
The next step upon this
Never ending Path.

The journey begins anew
The possibilities change
And every step has been taken
In all of its many forms.

And as the return of worldly
Affairs and knowledge of my
Place within.

I remain steadfast in my devotion to the Great Work
As the Kingdom of my manifest being
Seeks the Foundation that has been created
By the Glory-filled Victory of my inner Beauty.

Beauty that has been forged by my will to action honed
By the courage of justifiable Might
And cooled in the expansive waters of Mercy.

I have seen the fear of my own reflection in the
Knowledge of all parts of myself claimed by the Great Abyss
And these fears have been soothed by the ebb and flow of
The Dark Mother’s Understanding and my Celestial Father’s
Cosmic Wisdom.

I have experienced this and more in my journey upon the Path
Where the Crown of my Divine Kingship shines in brilliance
For all to see.

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Bonus Post: Sleeping with the Goddess

The Magick of Scorpio

Sun in Scorpio-The Occult Tree

Image: Art Through the Eyes of the Soul Tarot Deck

Auspicious Days – Astrological Samhain

The Mysteries of Fertile Flow: Full Moon in Taurus

Sun in Scorpio: Open the Flood Gates and Lift the Veils

Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute

Credit: MrEclipse.com

Bonus Post: Astrology- Back to Basics

The Magick of Libra

Full Moon in Aries: The Young and the Restless

The Path

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