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Back to the Middle and Around Again: Pluto Direct

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, Magick, Pluto, Retrogrades, The Temple of Pluto with tags capricorn, cardinal, Pluto, Retrograde, Retrograde Planets on September 24, 2015 by themagickalpen

Pluto Stations Direct
September 25
2:55am (EDT)

Distant planet Pluto stations direct early tomorrow morning moving from its intensity of retrograde that began back in April of this year. Astrologically, this planet of mystery and depth remains in the Earthy and Cardinal sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is known as the “Sea-Goat” which speaks to its energy of navigating both the heights and depths of experience with sure-footedness and a very grounded demeanor. At times, this grounded predisposition leads to inactivity as just the precise placement of action is sought; a pursuit which is not always readily attained. So, with this caution applied to Pluto, the planet of regeneration, death, crossings and those far away and unknown experiences, you may have felt stuck in the same holding pattern of expression and the replaying of the same life’s lessons.

Astrologically, the planet Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio. Much like the ability of Capricorn’s Sea-Goat to reach deep into the emotional depths and rise to the mental heights, Scorpio is equally at home hidden in the earth(Scorpion), soaring for greater perspective (Eagle) and ascending within the Fires of Rebirth as the Phoenix. In this retrograde, Pluto’s shape-shifting is directed towards what is built as foundation (Capricorn) rather than intent upon reshaping the emotional selves. And, just as the Phoenix is the higher expression of emotion transformed into useable and regenerative desire, the goal of higher form here is one of knowledge of the truly Divine nature of our humanity held within the vessel of human form and experience.

I have always felt Pluto to be the point of return, that holds the patterns of all time. We cross the threshold of death (or release) carrying with us the lessons we have learned from experiencing that life. We enter into the unknown, hoping that we will return born anew and transformed through the gift of regeneration. We circle back, so to speak to what was our past, that has now begun our future as we stand in the present of our making. Pluto offers the gift of being able to simultaneously draw from our past, as we use the present action to weave the future that occurs seconds later.

The energy of this retrograde has been a drilling down deeply into the stores of what and who we are as manifest life forms. Think of drilling deeply into the earth, churning up soil, rock and more. Each layer being displaced in the uprising of this energy as the past story of each layer is revealed in present time. What is excavated dictates the response and reaction that will determine what the future steps will be.

Feeding into this revealing of sorts have been the counterpoints of Uranus (July 26) and Neptune (June 12) also being Retrograde. This gave the impetus of Fire (Uranus in Aries)- Water (Neptune in its Ruling sign of Pisces) and Earth (Pluto in Capricorn) weaving their magick of big and lasting change. Think the liquid flow of lava deep within the Earth’s core. I will be writing more about this over the weekend.

Now,as Pluto begins its cycle of return back to the mid-point of a present and processing state Mercury recently stationed Retrograde. This is the opportunity to slow down, unplug (from technology) and really listen to what your messenger self has to communicate about your experience of Pluto’s renewal. Take the time to carefully and thoughtfully review what contracts have been made during this Pluto retrograde at the level of Spirit and your place in the limitless flow of life, energy and intention brought into manifest form – namely you.

Take your time and assess your best vantage point to reach back to retrieve what of your past (lives) will inform this present form. Then, and only then move forward, each step with the sure-footedness of the (sea)Goat as you scale the mountain of the aspirations of your future being.

A Little Visualization:

Take some time looking at the picture I selected to accompany this post. Imagine the spinning of this top and its perfect point of balance as the cycle and flow of top and bottom move just so within the energy surrounding it. Each tip narrowing down(or up) to a thin and perfectly shaped point. If in perfect alignment it does not matter which end you begin the motion from, there are equal in their support of the center mass. This central point the place of flattening and leveling out providing enough circular surface to neither under or over tip. The top spins and simultaneously and seamlessly the energy of the top and bottom points spirals inward meeting centrally and providing the correct amount of tension for the center to spin, cutting through and creating its own vibration of energy rippling outwards, moving through time and space.

Now envision yourself as this top. The points of balance on either end, interchangeable and recyclable as past and future. Both points drawing inward to support the mass of your present experience. All simultaneously moving as one, yet distinctly apart. All shaping and reforming the energy that surrounds and is within you.

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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.

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: 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

Sun in Libra – The Tree of Grace

Posted in Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun, The Temple of Venus, Venus with tags Air, astrology, cardinal, esoteric writings, Libra, Qabalah, Temple of the Sun, Temple of Venus on September 29, 2014 by themagickalpen

Image: Josephine Wall

In the early morning light
My beauty is graced by
Song bird’s beating wing
And awakening of leaf and life.

The noon-day sun cascades
Over my upstretched limbs
Heating and refining the
Visage of my furrowed bough.

Dusk descends and I strain
And stretch reaching up
Towards last Sun’s light.

And as darkness falls the
Memory of the day’s renewal
Weighs the measure of growth
In my aspiration towards
Heaven’s brilliant Gate.

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.

Libra and Venus on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Libra is ruled by the planet of nature’s beauty and refined grace, Venus. We experienced the energy of each interaction we have, every thought and idea, and every act of creative expression as a form of the planet Mercury’s endeavors to inform, share and interconnect. Now, within the harmonious balance of Libra, the feminine aspect of these qualities is transformed as mind is replaced by heart and the feelings evoked and responses chosen are honed by Venus’ hand of creation’s beauty.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Libra and Venus hold sway in the Sphere of Netzach and the Paths of the Tree – 14th and 22nd. When we speak of the energy of Libra as offering the space of refinement and grace within the energy of the Tree, we are considering the natural tendency of Libra to offer up its exquisite sense of balance and creative efforts spawned by the desire to give expression to the emotion that is flowing. This energy is expressed in the seeking of balance within each of the spheres and the wild beauty of their expression as a source of transformation. This desire to create and express is found in the fires of the Qabalistic sphere of Netzach.

Netzach (Venus) 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.

Netzach: The Sphere of Refined Creation

Deep within the heart
Of the emerald jewel
Lay the great mysteries
Of time and love.

The lamp is lit
And glows within
Edges sharp where
Line and point
Intersect poignantly
At the place of equilibrium.

From the wellspring rises
Form of beauty and
Intelligence refined
As Pleiades dance
In response to the
Sound of planets’
Symphony.

And, all is held gently
Contained in beauty’s grace
As she unites with clarity of
Mind and focus of heart.

Netzach is the Seventh (7) Sphere. Within the energy of the number 7 lay the many paths of higher expression and development. Seven is the number of the Pleiades, the number of the Elder Planets of Astrology, the Seven Sacred Vowels and the Seven Major Chakras within the subtle bodies. This is also the number of synthesis, having moved from the harmonious balance of the number six to a point of gathering all of those experiences into a place of multiple options and outcomes for further expression and exploration. Netzach’s English name is “Victory”. There are many ways in which we may become Victorious in our expression, but in all circumstances the vital ingredient is that of continually weighing and measuring the worth and effect of what we set out to conquer.

Netzach is assigned the element of Fire. Within the energy of Netzach we can identity this Fire as that of longing, desire and the impetus that coerces the creative urge towards manifestation. Creativity in all of its forms, most particularly the arts and nature’s beauties flow from the refined efforts of Netzach. These fire flow strongly through the Natural world and Netzach reaches deeply into Gaia’s womb of creation to draw inspiration from Her living body.

The Sphere of Self-Awareness

The energy of Netzach is one of Consciousness that has come to a place of awareness of its own inherent nature or state of being. Balance or living the place of the middle way can only be achieved when we acknowledge the areas where we over indulge and those areas where effort is lacking. To formulate this discernment requires being fully apprised of our own basic nature. Once this has been established the necessary fine tuning, balancing and bringing to a state of equilibrium can occur. Netzach is the sphere of love, beauty and refinement. It is through the process of refining the parts of self that we can finally acknowledge and truly love the beauty of the resultant outcome. And, that conscious awareness of the newly found self is our place of greatest Victory.

The 22nd Path: Libra and Venus

My fires will burn away what
You have aggressively sought.

I will give way to your power
I will seek your healing
I will come to understand
Your necessary action.

And the Soul that will emerge
Will have steadfastly persevered
Having claimed its victory and
Triumphed over its personal inequity.

The 22nd Path is one of equalizing. The energy of the spheres of connection provides the means to clearly and concisely remove what is excess before it reaches the central core of harmony and synthesis. The second phase of sacrificial release will be imposed by the energy of Tiphareth in its distribution back towards Geburah as the process begins anew. The midpoint of coalescence of the combined energies functions to calibrate what is set forth on flow of offering.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy

Venus/Libra

Venus is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Libra (and Taurus). As we have seen, Venus as ruler of astrological Taurus provides the incentive(why/who) for creating a solid and stable manifest foundation. Wanting a place of security and home for those you love and care for are the primary focus of Taurean energy.

The planet Venus was called Phosphorus by the Greeks, which translates to “Lightbearer” and Nogah in Hebrew and means “The Shiner”. Venus shines most brightly in the sky in the morning. Within the energy of the Tree and acting through the sphere of Netzach, Venus is the light that illuminates and refines what the mind would keep devoid of emotional connection. Its action is one of stimulating the flow of passion and the desire to create in a productive way, by infusing each inventive thought with the fires of carefully applied will.

To read more about Venus’ energies, review the posts in:
The Temple of Venus

Libra is of the element Air and approaches each new task giving first attention to the architectural thought that will provide the blue prints for completion. As Venus’ energy emerges, the fires of creative inspiration fueled by emotional response take hold and the strivings are now that of producing something of rare and lasting beauty. The same approach of balance and beauty is applied in creating the beautiful mind that balances intellect and logic, rational and inventive thought. If all is successful what issues from this skillful juggling will be the finest representation of what is being expressed and each part will harmoniously be balanced by and with the other.

These energies placed upon the 22nd Path ensure that what is drawn into the synthesized core of Tiphareth has received justifiable cutting away within Geburah. The exacting balance of Libra’s energies work to maintain conscious awareness and preserve what will prove useful as it enters the burner’s of Tiphareth’s Sun.

Another Path of Expression: Venus on the 14th Path

The 14th Path: A Supernal of Communication

Remain strong as upholder of the polarity
That is birthed from the seed of force
And held in the womb of endless form.

This is the fire of creation and the
Breath of life that expands and fills
The dark waters where life is held
Waiting for its birthing tides to begin.

The 14th Path holds the honor of providing the base of the spheres of primordial creation (the Supernal Triangle). This path is the space of polarization through the actions of Binah (Feminine) and Chokmah’s (Masculine) energies as the conception of what will be brought into manifestation in the energetic birthing from the Great Mother, Binah. This flow of energetic exchange is directed towards a singular goal of unifying what lay in opposition to produce the space of neutrality where positive and negative give pause and ultimately produce the spark of creative outpour.

The Planetary Energy
Venus

Cool soft lavender,
Blending and merging
Into a sea of powder blue caress
Loving faces with arms outstretched
The butterfly kiss of a child’s soft lips
On rosy red cheeks flushed with love.
Soft, silky panels enfolding gently
Like a lover’s embrace
And vibrant color of passion and
Scent of Sandalwood of soft skin of ecstasy.

The heart yearns to unite with another
And the sweet intoxication
Of a moonlight tryst
Beckons and awaits the paramours.

Kiss, caress, transcendence and
Heart-felt love spilling forth
To all humanity declaring itself
As a magnet of attraction
Desiring nothing but the Beloved.

And who is the “Beloved”
It is the harmonizing energy that
Surrounds it is what captures the
Spirit and carries it aloft
Poised on wings of breath.

The Beloved we all yearn for
Is the shimmering reflection of
Our Higher Self bathed in
The light of Divine embrace
Transformed in the Womb of the Mother
And revealed only when we surrender
To our heartfelt longing.

Read the poem above and allow the images to flow of your own making. This is the energy of the 14th Path in its action as creators.

Tarot Key III – The Empress

Image: Dreamscape Tarot by Stephanie Law

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 III – The Empress is the Mother of all life. She sits in quiet repose and strength in the verdant landscape of her own domain. She is the sexual energy that is ripe being both pregnant in her fertility and exquisite in the afterglow of promised union. Placed upon the 14th Path, the Empress offers the vision of what will become and will bear fruit from her union with Chokmah and the manifest and spiritual fruits this union will yield. She is the promise of continued life and expression of that life in all of the elemental worlds over which she reigns supreme.

When we consider the nature of Venus’ energies and Her intended goal of creation, the Empress embodies the wisdom that arises from experience and maturity. She is no longer the flattered ingénue who is easily flattered and anxious to begin the courtship of a romanticized physical journey. She has the composure of selectively and carefully weighing all of the suitor’s gifts before choosing the appropriate vessel to receive the fires of her passionate embrace.

In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Libra and its ruling planet Venus and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of awareness and appreciation of all aspects of the Tree as it seeks to balance its varied nature. The key lay in the responsiveness of desire’s will and the reaction to that desire with catalytic intent. As we come to know more of our wild beauty and connection to nature in all of its permutations, we find the grace of being able to see the beauty in the imperfections.

The ability to apply the finely honed process of carefully weighing the possibilities and stripping away the glamour of unbalanced potential is the gift of discriminating mind that is found in Libra. Its desire to refine through balanced harmony flows through the Tree seeking the source of its inception and the Fires of union that gave it life.

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.

Resources:

If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

WitchVox: 13 Keys- The Victory of Netzach

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

Full Moon in Aries- Back to the Beginning

October 8.2014

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

Posted in Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, Uranus with tags cardinal, celestial, esoteric writings, fire, Leo, Retrograde, Uranus on July 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

10:53 p.m.
Stations Direct: December 21.2014*

By definition deflection is… the act of changing or causing something to change direction (Merriam Webster Dictionary). I’ve chosen this analogy for the Uranus Retrograde as a way of defining the potential held in being able to actually feel the impact of an energy that normally moves rapidly and transparently through our being. We flip the light switch in our home and the room is illuminated. We don’t think about the process that has gone into the efficiency of that action and at times we even perform that action as transparent habit. But, everything that goes into the speed of connect between transformer, wiring, switch and hand transforms the space we are in and thus our perception and abilities to perform optimally in that space. This is the energy of Uranus.

Uranus Stations Retrograde in the astrological Fire sign of Aries of the Cardinal modality at 10:53 pm (EDT) tonight. Being expressed through the energy of an astrological Fire sign adds to the intensity of this planet’s energy and the pulsing of electrical current that runs much like high amp voltage throughout. Uranus is the planet of upheaval largely because the energy and inspiration from it comes quickly and seemingly unexpectedly. The key word here is “seemingly” because in reality the groundwork has been laid, although often in a transparent way, and once the path is open for use energy pours through effectively and efficiently. The rebellious attribution associated with Uranus refers more to the natural byproduct of disruption that will occur pushing us out of our comfort zone and/or apathetic state and less to it being the youthful upstart that simply wants to reek havoc because he/she can. There is purposeful action in Uranus’ breaking through and the end goal is one of making sure that all lines of communication are open, ready to receive and disburse and respond quickly when needed.

Uranus is the great electrifying current that rebelliously stirs up whatever its force is put upon. This planet is considered the higher octave of the planet Mercury, the great communicator. The communication set into motion with Uranian energy is that of blazing its way through the circuit boards and enlivening and quickening instantaneously. During this retrograde everything will feel slightly off-course, primarily because of the build-up of energy that has now slowed its speed and exerts pressure wherever an obstruction is found. If it can’t get through, it will most definitely go around, which will feel like additional pressure in areas that may have ordinarily been the outliers. If the electricity can’t go through the wire directly it will back up and short-circuit or disperse fiery charges all along the path.

Additionally, Uranus acting as a motherboard of communication moves at the speed of light, which means this energy quickens and transforms by agitation and exciting the “cells” of whatever it is placed upon. Physiologically, this out pictures as an over stimulation of neurological function. No doubt you may have felt particularly “ansy” for no reason. Because Uranus will for the next several months be hovering in its focused intent it will have the feeling similar to that of pent-up energy that is held in a container that must remain still. Think back to how you felt as a child wanting to ask a question of a parent who was busy at the moment, and you were told to sit quietly and wait until Mom or Dad were off the phone!

Saturn stationed Direct yesterday, July 20th so the rigid container and need for ultimate structure that Saturn has imposed begins its process of loosening as it returns to its forward movement. That doesn’t mean that there still won’t be the tug of war between organized Saturn and scattered Uranus, but the responsibility will now lie within the prevue of Uranus to hold firmly on to what it ignites and allow focused will to form the suitable container for it to be released in time.

Neptune in astrological Pisces and Pluto in astrological Capricorn still remain in their retrograde pattern so we can, if desired, apply the Uranian charge to the deep waters of Neptune as use them to cauterize and heal wherever e feel an overload of electrical discharge. Additionally, Pluto in earthy Capricorn can bolster those over heated wires with re-calling into our physical mundane activities the memories of strategies and coping skills that kept us moving with confidence and assuredness even when we were the most energetically challenged.

Bottom line is that there is lots of shuffling and shifting of emphasis as the planetary energies move into their next dance of interaction. Where you choose you focus these energies depends greatly on what you are hoping to gain by way of change. If you wish to clearing those blockages (of mind or will) that keep you from feeling the energy and pulse of quickened life use the cobalt blue streams Uranian electrical fires. If you want to focus on stirring up what fuels your compassionate and healing nature work with the intention of green flow of Neptune (stations Direct in November).

And, if you wish to manifest the forgotten pieces of your existence move through the yellow stream of Pluto’s(stations Direct in September) synthesis of form. And, the life’s blood that carries the DNA and collective memory of you as a being of Light flows through the red stream. These are the multiple streams of light that are refracted through the prism of your energetic and physical fields. How that light is deflected into the singular beam of pure brilliant Light depends on how we choose to use these retrogrades of transformation. Be kind and gentle with yourself during these next few months, offering the least resistance so that the opening to a new way of shining that inner light can take hold.

Tomorrow the Sun enters the Fixed Fire sign of Leo and things
are going to heat up even more during this Solar Month.

* Triple Header: Uranian energy begins to awaken from its pause of intensity on the date of:

The Winter Solstice

This will be the longest night of the year as we stand ready and waiting the glimmer of dawn’s Light and the beginning of the waxing of the Sun. This is the point where we are able to gather to ourselves what we wish to bring forward from the dark landscape within for closer scrutiny and what we choose to remain behind. This would include those catalytic impulses that have been building up steam and readying to be propelled forward in typical Uranian style.

New Moon in Capricorn and Sun Transits into Earthy Capricorn

Bear in mind that Capricorn is an Earth sign of the cardinal Modality. Its prime directive is that of manifesting in the earthly realms. This is a sign of physical and very concrete realities, so with the boost of New Moon (beginnings) energy and a Cardinal (catalytic components for beginnings) Earth (physical) astrological sign of Capricorn holding the space for Uranus’ energy to push through any blockages we have created for ourselves using whatever we have energized during the retrograde to be brought into our physical and manifest existence.

The Magick of Cancer

Posted in Full Moon, Lunar, Magick, The Temple of the Sun with tags cancer, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, Full moon, Magick, new moon, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon, Water on July 13, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Cancer is based in the realms of the emotional and creation of an outcome that is heart-centered and intuitively based. Whatever we apply Cancerian energy towards is going to receive the advantage of being able to “feel” our way through the process and engender the support that is needed to bring success. Its strength lay in being able to flow through each step as though the guidance offered is coming from a trusted and loving support system. The negative aspect to this is one of inertia and feeling overly comfortable with the assumption that all will offer the same unconditional support.

Remaining in this pattern means that the first challenge or rejection encountered can have devastating results and in some ways override the positives and generating an energy that deeps into the waters of feeling unlovable. Despite this any workings that require the flow of healing, loving guidance and emotional support are well suited to Cancer’s application.

Cancer works directly on those feelings that make us feel safe, loved and fully supported unconditionally, so workings that require a gentle touch and encouraging momentum are best served by using Cancer’s energy during the Waxing Lunar phase or continually as bolstering to the Solar Month. Conversely, using Cancer’s magick during a Waning phase (Lunar or Solar Month) can serve to refresh waters that have become stagnant and complacent. This energy becomes the filter that clears away the debris that builds up from not tending those homey waters and knowing when to let go.

There’s No Place Like Home

It may feel as though I have spent an inordinate amount of writing on the “home” aspect of Cancer. Cancer completes the first quad of the Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the first of the Water astrological signs and in the order of things our emotions learn their responses and power first in the place we call home and the family we have surrounding us. Regardless of what that physical state of upbringing may have impressed upon us, when we reach out to the energy of Cancer, we have the opportunity to claim a new state of home and foster our own growth within what we create as our place of foundation and support. Remember that unconditional love begins with applying that gift to ourselves, first and thus enabling us to become the sanctuary of home and heart that may be exactly what another is in need of.

The Healing Waters

Image: Elena Ray

In keeping with these thoughts, Cancer can be used effectively in the magick of healing. Workings that are focused upon overall health and well-being or specifically on the healing of mind or emotions are well suited to Cancer’s energy. The added bolster of its ruling planet being The Moon opens the space of intuitive guidance as we center upon what we wish to apply this energy towards. We are continually surrounded by opportunities to bring healing to the environment, our relationships and ourselves. Learning to identify these moments and then following through with the necessary change requires a large amount of courage. Being fully present and emotionally engaged with whatever we are focusing on often draws up to the surface those areas that need a closer look. In many ways this is the work of a regular Meditative/Contemplative practice. Being able to still our minds long enough for our heart to open and be receptive to what the Divine has by way of guidance.

Read More About these Waters at:

Finding My Compassionate Self in the Waters of Creation

Solar Month Magick

Enhances exploration of how you feel and what forms of expression this process of opening to the deeper wells of our emotions will ultimately make use of:

Cancer as the Fourth sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with emotional foundations that are strong and provide the support needed for maximum growth. The Solar Month of Cancer is an excellent time to begin the process of finding comfort in your own skin and loving both the positive and negative aspects of yourself. Those things that you feel are supportive of making you the best you that is possible deserve the extra attention and care of nurturing. Those aspects that you may consider negative (or shadow) still need the touch of an embrace that accepts them for what they are and then is secure enough to either bid them to release their hold or to work collaboratively in refining who you wish to become.

The energy of this Solar month of Cancer next flows into the Fires of Leo and the call to be fully present, front and center as you stand resplendent in all of your glory and power. To be this exposed and vulnerable requires that you are confident in “who” you are and are able to emotionally handle a deeper level of scrutiny.

The Cancerian approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as working to create a love of self or taking action to commit to better self-care and gentle nurturing benefits from beginning its cycle while the Sun is in Cancer.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Cancer would be the first phase of identifying and acknowledging those aspects of self that need greater care and love. This may take the form of beginning a journal of gratitude and writing those things each day for which you are grateful about who you are. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to see how much within you deserves your love and attention, as well as having confirmation of those qualities others see in you that endear you to them.

Using the cycle of Water and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Scorpio. The Solar Month of Scorpio stands as the Full phase of the emotional (Water) energy, and signals readiness to bring from the depths of the subconscious what will either serve to purify or muddy the flow. Scorpio is a sign of the Fixed Modality and as such its directive is that of stabilizing and coalescing what has been drawn into its stores in preparation for what will be released as the expansive principle. Here, there is opportunity to refine what we claim as our emotional self so it does not forever remain as the stinging tail that catches us off-guard.

The adaptable energy of Pisces (the last of the Water signs) would serve as the point of taking what we have learned of our compassionate nature and extending beyond our own needs to be inclusive of those of others. The Piscean goal is one of service and if everything is in order regarding having addressed the needs of ourself in the previous steps, than heart becomes the fuel that feeds and inspires the heart/mind connection in al who receive its expansive (and contagious) energy.

Lunar Magick: The Intelligence of the Heart

Engages the intelligence of the heart expressed through the waters of the subconscious as the wisdom of loving compassion opens to deeper understanding:

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Cancer provides the energetic principle of the need for heart-felt intent as the desire that urges on the creation of what will serve to heal, guide and intuitively inspire. Cancer provides the opportunity for deepening the reserves of what we may draw upon to nourish our soul’s purpose. The true nature of Cancer is one that provides safe haven for exploration of heart and understanding. Aligning the Moon’s healing and intuitive force with the vulnerability of Cancer draws up from the subconscious those places of “knowingness” that are Divinely felt and although the process may be a difficult one, this vulnerability makes stronger whatever is held in its birthing waters.

Workings that desire the goal of healing feelings of self-doubt and issues of self-worth benefit from this deep well of resource. Work in establishing the appropriate filters, regarding our emotional responses and workings to strengthen our emotional presence in our relationships is well suited to Cancer lunations.

The New Moon of Cancer could be used to begin the process of establishing appropriate emotional boundaries that will better serve us in our relations. You would spend some time deciding upon which area of your life (work, home, community, etc.) you would like this support to be given. Sit down and allow yourself to open to a specific relationship that would best be served by having more defined boundaries. And, once settled upon, begin the process of settling on a specific and focused action towards this goal. This may be a commitment to speaking up more; expressing your compassion in a more concrete way; showing the strength you have when challenged or anything that would bring you closer towards your goal.

The Full Moon would reinforce the steps taken and bring to light the achievements made thus far. The greatest light will be shone upon your strengths and you weaknesses. The opportunity to refine and deepen the waters of reserve and resource that are held within the successful application of this new way of expression has been readied. And, adding to these waters (using the dynamics of the Moon and its mysteries) with focused intent will ultimately produce an overflow, which becomes the point of release and the Waning Moon’s skimming off the surface what no longer serves.

The Waning Moon’s energy would be used to release (remember, I said overflow?) what remains as emotional obstacle in allowing you to connect to those you love in a productive way. This is also the time to reassess what is most difficult for you to let go of, particularly if this is the relationship, itself. Simply being comfortable in a relationship where there is no mutual respect and nurturing is not truly honoring and loving yourself. And, eventually comfort is replaced by disenchantment and feeling loved becomes a passionate dream that must first be fulfilled by loving yourself.

Read More About:

The Intelligence of the Heart

Some Additional Astrological properties of Cancer

Keywords: Determination, Self-Discipline, Persistence.

The Archetype: The Mother is the archetype associated with Cancer. This exemplifies the aspect of Cancer that yearns for the safety of home and the encouragement of family. A Mother is the quintessential provider of these qualities. Hers is the physical body that housed and nourished as life grew within. Hers was the physical body that provided the milk of life and whose scent was the first that identified a state of being loved. Hers was the voice that soothed and hers was the gentle caress that protected as dependency gave way to exploration of the world and carving one’s own way.

Regardless of your personal relationship to your Mother, this is the archetypal energy that all desire and hold as the space where one may truly be themselves and loved for this “being” wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

Rules Astrological House: The 4th House of the Zodiac, the “House of Family and Home”.

Color:

The Silver of the Moon’s landscape and the creamy White of fullness of orb are the colors associate with Cancer. This speaks of the watery nature held in Cancer. The value of Silver includes the vibrations of both white and black. This is the polarity of what is in abundance of Light and what has diminished Light. This is also the cycle of New Moon (the absence of light on the Moon) through the Full, when Light shines brightly and back to the absence of Light as the Moon phase wanes. Silver is the reflection of all of those permutations in between and the affirmation of ebb and flow. We seek the connection to Mother Moon not only during Her cycle of phase, but at all times as the benevolent and protective mother looking down upon her children.

Connection and Flow: Gemini to Cancer

I flow from mind
That has searched far and wide
Hungry for all that it could
Receive and communicate.

Understanding now flows
From a heart that is unfettered
The great birthing waters
Have risen and the ebb and
Flow of tides that reach deeper
Have found a home upon the
Shores that gave me life.

Cancer is the Fourth sign of the Zodiac. Having found the power of communication and mental pursuits of Gemini, Cancer is now ready to open the heart to a place of understanding what fuels the mind’s inspiration. Cancer begins the triad of the modalities anew as the Cardinal (beginning) bubbling up of the waters of emotion, intuition and their ability to beginning the healing that is needed when mind loses sight of heart. The flexibility of the mental prowess achieved in Gemini urges Cancer’s energy forward to create something new from the depths of what is most desired.

Seasonally, under the potent rays of the Cancer sun we are enjoying the last few months of heat and warmth before the Fall and harvest soon approaches. This is last call for connecting with friends and loved ones before Winter’s chill takes hold and return to school, holiday planning and the hectic pace takes charge.

Emotionally, the flow from Gemini to Cancer is one of stirring the water’s surface as the winds skim the surface carrying tales of their grand adventures (Gemini). Cancer is the home that we invite all of our friends in to, lovingly preparing a feast befitting the high regard we hold them in. Everything is infused with care and support and the result is nothing less than all-encompassing in what is deeply felt.

BONUS PATHWORKING:
Be sure to review The Hall of Cancer pathworking posted earlier.

Excerpted from The Inner Chamber:Volume One
It’s Written in the Stars(Astrology). R. Fennelly. 2.2013
Resources:

Other Posts to Re-read:

New Moon in Cancer: Temple of the Sun
Arms Wide Open

Full Moon in Cancer: Where Waters Flow

Temple of the Moon: Dark Waning Moon in Cancer

Day Twenty-Eight: Fill Me Up
Day Twenty-Seven: Floodgates of Release

Next Post

Tuesday, July 22.2014
Temple of the Sun: Hear Me Roar-Sun in Leo

New Moon in Cancer – Arms Wide Open

Posted in Auspicious Days, Esbat, New Moon, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, cancer, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, new moon, Temple of the Sun on June 27, 2014 by themagickalpen

June 27.2014

New Moon in Cancer
4:08 a.m.

The Moon enters its New phase in the wee hours of the morning in the astrological sign of Cancer. The waters are running high as the blaze of the Sun in Cancer aligns with the coolness and healing of Mother Moon. Their dance is one of new lovers excited by the simple thought of being held in the loving embrace of their beloved. Additionally, we have the influence of three (3) other planets in water signs, two of which remain Retrograde:

Jupiter is in the astrological sign of Cancer. Expansion of what flows within our emotional reserves and emphasis on the energy of ebb and flow, receipt and release are the work of Jupiter. Jupiter is strongly related to abundance and financial gain, so how we feel and what expansive response we have regarding our finances may reach the point of overflow.

Neptune remains Retrograde in the astrological sign of Pisces and is the King of the tidal seas. We have been feeling these effects beginning on the 9th of this month, adding a deeper well to draw from and to dive into.Read more about the Neptune Retrograde here:

Lifting the Veil

Saturn remains Retrograde in the astrological sign of Scorpio. Order, structure and refining what has held us captive in the cavernous prisons of our own sea-caves has been the disruptive tsunami that may have risen to epic proportions beginning with its station on March 2nd.

And, although not in a Water sign, don’t forget that Mercury remains retrograde (stations Direct on July 1st.) in the latter stage of its pause. So, everything is up for debate, scrutiny and snafus of understanding. Add the emotions to this brew and there is the potential for over reacting and wasting valuable emotional reserves in restoring a calm perspective.

Interestingly, with these assignations, the alchemical element of Water is represented by all three of its modalities of expression. The Cardinal (Cancer) energies of initiating and stimulating the aspects of heart, emotion and ultimately, desire are held within the polarities of Sun and Moon and the progeny of their co-mingling in the expansive nature of Jupiter. The Fixed (Scorpio) and stable energy of creating a worthy vessel to traverse these at times turbulent and deep seas is held with Saturn’s steering of the course. And, the Mutable (Pisces) gifts of rebirthing what lacks empathy and compassion is raised to the surface of light by Neptune’s Trident of Fire and Will. With all of this water in abundance, there is maximum potential for surrendering to the natural ebb and flow of relationships and partnerships and to also allow for the organic erosion of those shorelines that have kept the greater portion of a sea filled with extraordinary life from touching the heart-stone of our longing for home and family.

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

Given the comfort that Cancer takes from drawing to itself a nurturing space, workings that have the intended goal of seeking out suitable and supportive environments and people that will allow you to thrive will benefit from this energy. The expansiveness of Jupiter’s energy in the sign of this action offers the flexibility of what you wish to be so to adapt in accord with the waxing of the moon and carrying forward of this goal towards fullness. Neptune’s gift of Pisces is one of deep intuitive healing that will insure that what is achieved has weathered the storms and knows the need for compassion in forging ahead. And, Saturn guides the flow of effort so that what needs release may effectively loosen its hold as the waters flow smoothly and unhindered.

Arms Wide Open and Hands Filled With Love

On the eve of this New Moon I’ll be meeting with our coven to discuss our future and what we need to nurture and tend to keep us healthy and whole. This is my spiritual family and the sacred space that is created simply by the presence of those others within our Tradition is the home I have chosen to serve within. These experiences are what provide the sense of stability and care that enable us to move out into the greater world knowing that there are welcoming arms always awaiting us and the encouraging touch of hands that are filled with love.

Next Post:

Sun in Cancer – A Home on the Tree
Sunday, July 5.2014

Resources:

For a refresher about moon magick and a new poem check out my other blog, The Magickal Pen:

Moon Magick – Healing Waters

Another New Moon in Cancer 2013

Read more here in the Temple of the Moon

Day One: Flowing Through the New Moon

Take Me Home- The Sun in Cancer

Posted in Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, cancer, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Neptune Retrograde, Retrograde, Temple of the Moon, Temple of the Sun on June 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Cancer

6.21/2014
6:51 am (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Moon

Summer Solstice

Mysterious Course

Follow the stream
As it weaves on its own
Mysterious course.

Moon rises and waters
Of life ebb and flow back
To the shore of foundation.

Emotion wells up and
Spills out strongly changing
Everything in its path.

Relax into the current
And trust in the
Depth of its reach
The waters will heal
If you sink into their
Loving embrace.

The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Cancer, early this morning. The world will be awakening from the dreamscape and early morning rituals of preparing for work, breakfast, getting children off for activities and everything that speaks of home life and family is just beginning the day. This is appropriate timing for the Sun’s transit into the astrological sign that is the quintessential symbol of hearth and home.

The astrological sign of Cancer is one of the element of Water and the Cardinal Modality. Its planetary ruler is the Moon, whose qualities of emotion, intuition and healing nurtured by the Great Mother are overt in our mundane and spiritual efforts. The natural energy of Father Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum is now cooled and comforted by the soothing waters of Mother Cancer’s natural gifts.

This solar month offers an opportunity to settle back into the arms of what nurtures you. There is maximum potential for the healing of old wounds, crafting new and deeply fulfilling relationships and feeling the warmth of Summer’s Sun enveloping you in the same warmth of a loving embrace. The astrological sign of Cancer brings this energy to the place of new beginnings and fresh starts as we explore what motivates us at an emotional level and who and what we consider home.

Additionally, this Solar month is an opportunity for alignment of the polarities of Sun and Moon (ruling sign of Cancer). This alignment occurs at the level of the mundane as well as the spiritual. When we feel safe, secure and nurtured (Moon/Cancer) we go on to display these same qualities to all we meet, shining brightly and magnetically attracting more of the same (Solar).

The caution is one of overindulging the emotional aspects to the point of overflow and over sensitivity. Feelings can quickly overtake us when it comes to family (and friends) and what was meant to keep connection flowing can quickly turn to smothering and stagnant waters. Digging deeply into our emotional reserves brings much satisfaction in the long run, but diving head first into waters that have not been tested for appropriate depth can produce a broken spirit that requires long and masterful healing.

All of the Water signs fully embrace the ebb and flow of the emotional tides. Cancer not only embraces, but to a large degree embodies water at its most human and vulnerable level of expression. We all wish for a loving home life and fulfilling relationships. This is not the selflessness of Pisces (also Water) that prefers to provide that home or the expectation of Scorpio (also Water) that believes it to be their right. In the case of Cancer this is the seeking of affirmation that they are indeed lovable unconditionally. If this awareness is achieved by loving oneself in this way and is tended well and nurtured this is the greatest gift that astrological Cancer can bestow.

The Element of Water

The Water signs express themselves through the filter and guidance of emotions. These are the most intuitive of the signs and can also be the most emotionally overwrought if care is not taken to set boundaries in place. In the sign of astrological Cancer, water is most at home moving with the ebb and flow of the moon’s pace. Those born under the sign of Cancer are generally homebodies and loyal to a fault that seek connection at the deepest of the emotional levels. These are the outpourings from the womb of creation.

A Cardinal Modality

As we have seen the energy of the Cardinal signs is one of catalyzing and initiating new beginnings. The first Cardinal sign we encountered was appropriately one of Fire and served to begin the cycle of the Zodiacal wheel and Solar Year. The initiating quality of this sign was one similar to that of striking a match, setting fire to the will to create and providing the fuel to carry that intent forward.

The Cardinal energy expressed through a Water sign initiates the emotions in a way of pushing the boundaries of these waters out beyond what would hold them hidden in the subconscious. This is the catalyzing of longing and yearning which ultimately will produce the vessel of receipt that brings to term the desired goal.

Be gentle as you rush out
Spilling greedily from
What has been opened.

My heart reaches out fervently
Seeking the embrace of home.

Oceans fill my cup of
Yearning to know the
First stirrings of love.

I am cast about on
Waters that bubble up
Tumultuous at times
Hungering for a companion.

Let these waters of need
Erode away the shores of
What holds me back from
Reaching those I hold dear.

Let the waters flow
Fully and deeply that
Carry me home to you.

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 the astrological sign of Pisces tells its own unique story of the Wheel of Time. When we reach the last sign of the zodiacal wheel, Pisces, we will have experienced four (4) rounds of the three forms of energy expressed as the modalities (Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable). Maintaining the idea of the evolving dynamics of each of the Zodiacal signs as we move through the solar year, so too, the Triad of Modalities gains a more momentum, maturity and focus of application as we move through each of these rounds.

Cancer is the fourth* sign of the Zodiac, and begins a new Triad of the Modalities Cardinal to Fixed to Mutable, each flowing into the other. Being of the Cardinal Modality, the quality of Cancer is that of beginnings and catalytic flow. These are the first bubblings up of what will become a life giving stream of water. These are the first and tentatively offered words of love offered to one you hope will become a lover. This energy is the first bond made between mother and new baby as precious mouth cries out for the nourishing flow of Mother’s milk and comforting breast.

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). Arrival at the next iteration of a new cycle of the Triad of Modalities and beginning this new flow in the sign of Cancer aligns mind with heart and the ultimate catalyzing of what stands fully in the Light of day.

* The number 4 represents stability and foundation. This is the geometric shape of the square; equilateral sides that support and provide a stable base to expand in any direction. This is the quality of Cancer. The love we know (or lack of) plays a great role in how stable and anchored we feel in all of our subsequent relationships. The work of Cancer is restructuring and shoring up our emotional foundations so that we thrive and are able to love and be loved.

The Moon is the Ruling Planet of Cancer. Just as the tides move in a pattern of ebb and flow, so too does the energy of Cancer in affecting the mood and emotional tone of any situation. The natural tendency of Cancerian energy is that of creating foundations that flow and move in accord with what is felt. Safety and security, particularly at an emotional level are a requirement for movement out of that comfort zone to occur. The ease with which this occurs is based in what is considered home with those thought of as family being high on the list of priorities in any consideration. Trust and feeling comfortable in any situation are also attributes that require cultivation when Cancer is in full force. This is prime energy for cultivating deep and lasting connections to what you truly love and feeling secure enough in that love that you are willing to put yourself (emotionally) out there.

Read more about the dynamics of the Moon and Her changeable face in:

The Temple of the Moon

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we celebrate the Summer Solstice and the vibrancy of life and all that has come to fruition. This is the space of the year where we gather to celebrate educational achievements, weddings, vacations and any special occasions that offer us opportunity to be with those we cherish. We geared up for this outreach in the previous month of Gemini as we moved outdoors and became more expressive in the ways we connected and communicated. Now we link the heart of follow through in the plans and promises we made and the ways we have chosen to express our appreciation and pride in those near and dear. The vibrancy of the Sun and the heart focused energy of Cancer lights the way to safe harbor. Home becomes the place of picnics and barbecues and we gather our stores of all the sunshine and moments of interaction; knowing that the Light is waning and the home and emotional ease we have created will be our sanctuary in the winter storms ahead.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is on the beginning of the Waxing year and the return of increasingly longer sunlit and warmer days. The generating of ideas and the flow of communication expressed in the previous month was one of introspection sheltered from the cold as the armchair inventor and awaiting the burgeoning light of the upcoming Solstice. Now, as the Solar Year transits into the comfort of Cancer, what has offered the comfort of home and family is ready to be infused us as we enter a state of enlivened and newly birthed light within. These foundations of emotional stability and resource will serve well as we venture outdoors with the coming of Imbolc and Spring.

Both are states of movement and require the flexibility of expansion and contraction. This is the ebb and flow of Mother Moon and the opening to her gifts of healing and emotional attachment. The lessons of relationship gained by lighting up those emotional bonds with the outer world (Summer Solstice) or of the inner self (Winter Solstice) have opportunity to reach deeply into the core of who we are as we heal and transform how we “feel” our way through our lives. The goal is one of stimulating the flow of these precious waters to soothe and heal what will receive the full expression of strengthening and Light in the months ahead. This state paves the way for the next phase of growth and expansion when the Sun transits next into the Fixed sign of Leo (whose ruling planet is the Sun! We’re Going to Heat it Up!).

Read more about the Solstices their dynamics of Light:
WitchVox: Sabbat Articles and Poems

It’s All About the Feeling

As we transit into the Solar month of Cancer, the planets – Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and Neptune remain retrograde. The emphasis here is on the Neptune Retrograde and its watery connection to Cancer. Neptune is the ruler of the third of the Watery astrological signs, Pisces. If we wish to think chronologically, Cancer is the child who seeks the approval of family and thrives in a home that is loving, supportive and caring. Scorpio (the second water sign) is the young adult who seeks attachment in a more mature and often sexual way; seeking those partnerships that may evolve into the creation of what they desire their familial and home life to be. Pisces (the third water sign and last of the Zodiacal wheel) is the elder, who has memories of lovers and loves past, knows the expanse of their emotions and freely gives those healing waters to all in need.

This added emphasis raises the waters of our intuitive and feeling nature as we move through the Solar Month. These are the waters that allow all that you wish and hope for to be energized and supported by what you have learned about yourself through past experience and relationship. These are the waters that allow you to be fully present as you create your own space of nurturing. These are the waters that run strong and free carrying you to parts of yourself, yet unknown.

Read more about Neptune’s Retrograde:
Lifting the Veil- Neptune Retrograde

Take Me Home:

This solar month is one of connecting more deeply to family, friends and home as you relax into the healing waters that nurture and sustain you. In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to reassess, strengthen and re-forge the bonds to those we offer our devotion and loyalty to, both mundanely and spiritually. This is also the time to allow the drifting away from you that which keeps you submerged and anchored in a way that is not productive. This is the emotional phase of the teenager who sees the world through eyes that are still trusting and at times leave them open to heartache and hurt. This is the space of first loves and having the security of family which allows you to stray a little further away from that base as you explore the world around you. Instinct and intuition are just beginning to mature and hormones flood bodies that live in a world of emotional drama and angst as they seek to define who they are.

And, so in the spirit of Cancer’s intuitive and unpredictable waters and 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 passions and dreams of your teen years. Think back to the perception you had of everything flowing easily through your grasp as these running waters soothed emotions that were heated and unpredictable. Think back to the joys and sorrows and the reliable and comforting support of those you considered family. Think back to what you called home; it may have been your best friend’s house, a favorite hang-out, or the venue of an after school activity (for me it was the theater and ballet studio).

What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power of sustained light is hidden within the heart that has felt the gift of family? This is the gift of finding your place in the world and the power of sharing this gift with others as you walk this journey of life. Use this gift wisely this month as we invoke the Solar month in Cancer and allow those fires of RA to move through you as the healing waters of enlivened energy that calls you home.

Hymn to RA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Posting: Friday, June 26th.

With Arms Wide Open – New Moon in Cancer

and

Bonus Pathworking: The Hall of Cancer

Sun in Taurus: An Anchor of Light in the Tree

Posted in The Temple of the Sun, Venus with tags anchoring, astrology, cardinal, celestial, duality, earth, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Qabalah, Taurus, Temple of the Sun on April 27, 2014 by themagickalpen

My strength flows through leaf and branch
I offer the stability that allows for growth
I am steadfast in my fertility and power to create
My body is the temple that gives life form
My roots dig deeply into anchoring the light
That emanates from Mother’s sacred womb
And Father’s potent seed.

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their elements and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows.

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree 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 foundational anchor of the astrological sign of Taurus.

If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled The Might of Geburah to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

Tiphareth and the Sun

Taurus and Venus on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus. Venus also rules the astrological sign of Libra (Air and Cardinal Modality). This bears note when we look at Venus on the Tree. Her planetary energy is found in three places- the sphere of Netzach, Paths 16 and 14. With this duality of astrological rulership, the influence of Air (Libra) and Earth (Taurus) are molded by the energy of relationship, durability and striving towards flow of balance. Although one of these signs may take the lead in directing the expression and form of Venus’ energy, the other is always present as the informing silent partner.

The Foundations of Victorious Venus

On the Tree of Life, the sphere of Netzach holds the pure energy that is the active principle of Venus expressed through earthy Taurus. The English name for this sphere is Victory. The work of Netzach is one of refining and balancing the energies of emotion and response to what has been achieved and what could be considered victorious about that achievement. The sphere of Netzach is the place of establishing the balance of hedonistic and aesthetic ideals. Love is the primary focus, but not at the expense of over indulgence in physical pleasure. These points of focus are all very Taurean in their energy, being firmly and concretely of the physical realms. This is also the place of expression of Love of Nature in all of her forms. The connection between beauty and the energies that are contained within the force of Nature is a strong one. Even in the Natural world’s more disruptive expression, the order and intelligence in design applied in her shaking free from her mantle those disruptions of energy is done with a sense of order, intent and aestheticism. Nature is expressed through Taurus in the overt attribution of an animal, the Bull, to its energies and the dominant theme of physical and manifest expression.

This sphere is noted as the Vision of Beauty (and harmony) of nature and all of its components, human, animal, mineral and plant life. There is also a sense of appreciation of all the finer things and the highest ideals to be achieved. This is present in both the physical concepts of the sphere as well as the spiritual and etheric levels. This is the place of triumph over the baser self. Of organized effort to bring refinement and the orphic delights of the arts to fill the container or structure that is being created before it is released into the place of the intellect that can further define and order it.

Netzach (Venus) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Netzach is assigned the element of Fire as is the Sun of Tiphareth. Within the energy of Netzach we can identity this Fire as that of longing, desire and the impetus that coerces the creative urge towards manifestation. This is the Fire that initially burns very hot and very bright but if not tended carefully will spread out of control and consume that which created it.

Venus’ energy reigns supreme within this sphere with Taurus as an adjunct to that energy and although, Taurus is an Earth sign, the energy of earth is expressed through the Fires of Venusian interactions. Here the theme of Fire is that of the underpinnings that is the molten core within the earth. The Fires that heat the soil to quicken the seeds held within, which in turn stretch upward towards Sun’s light. Although not directly connected via a path that is of Taurean or Venusian dynamic, Tiphareth and Netzach react and radiate one to the other through the 24th Path.

Path 24
A Path of Fire

The 24th Path represents the synthesis of the fire of the heart (Netzach) and strength of sacrifice (Tiphareth) 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). The underlying strength of Turaus held in this configuration of Netzach/Venus and the Sun of Tiphareth is the process of regeneration that takes the raw stuff supplied and renews and restores each to its enlivened form.

Read more about Netzach and Venus at:
Temple of Venus: The Victory of Netzach

The 16th Path of Connection: Taurus/Venus

The spheres of Chokmah (Wisdom/The Zodiac) and Chesed (Mercy/Jupiter) are connected by the 16th Path on the Tree of Life. There is great determination (Taurus) held within the 16th Path. It is the upper most support of The Pillar of Mercy and in emanation downwards, what is cultivated within this path is what will later inform the interactions (Venus) between Chesed and Netzach. The energy of Earth (Taurus) within the 16th Path is that of durability, strength and control. The collaborative energies of Wisdom (Chokmah) of the mysteries of the creation of the cosmos(Zodiac) and the Mercy (Chesed) cultivated from experience, choice and expanded(Jupiter) perception from the foundations selected to coalesce these energies that are not only fertile but also prolific in their sustaining powers.

The Hebrew Letter placed on the 16th Path is Vau, which means Nail in English. A nail is used as a tool of binding or attaching one thing to another. The expectation is that this attachment will be durable and long lasting and not easily pried apart. The same is true of the spiritual energy placed upon the 16th Path. As a connecting path on the Pillar of Mercy, this is the path of anchor and endurance. What is cultivated within the merciful being will be elevated to a place of access to what may spawn further creations of this sort. The nail acts to hold firmly these energies so that nothing may separate their dynamic energy as the flow of their combined truths move down into the manifest world of expression.

We could summarize this energy in this way: The stable (Fixed modality) container of Taurus’ manifest form expressed in the refined and creative (Venus) aspect of merciful and benevolent emotion (Chesed) expands from its source (Chesed) and aspires upwards towards the cosmos (Chokmah) to co-mingle with the force of release and seeding (Chokmah) of all that sustains life and maintains order of the heavens and thus by its loving (Venus) reflection also on earth.

Another Path of Expression: Venus on the 14th Path

The planet Venus is placed on the 14th Path, which connects the spheres of Chokmah (Wisdom) and Binah (Understanding). The 14th Path holds the honor of providing the base of the Supernal Triangle of the spheres Binah, Chokmah and Kether. This path is the place of polarization through the actions of Binah (Feminine) and Chokmah’s (Masculine) energies as the conception of what will be brought into manifestation as these coalesced energies emanate from Binah. This flow of energetic exchange is directed and towards a singular goal of unifying what lay in opposition to produce the space of neutrality where positive and negative give pause and ultimately produce the spark of creative outpour. This is the fecundity and fertility of Taurus as it supports the action of Venus.

This path represents the element of Earth (Taurus) raised to the level of Divine action. Form has become formless in its ascent and what we conceive of as foundational earth, its structure and all of its evolving components have now evolved as the support and structure required for the blending of male and female, positive and negative, force and form. We think of earth as being the strength and the constant through which viable substance may pass and yield the fruits of that fertility. This is also true of the 14th Path. Through the support and structure of this path the fruits of emanation are yielded.

In Conclusion:

If we consider the attributes of Taurus and its ruling planet Venus and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of anchoring in the physical experience. Taurus is the reminder of the joys and power in being manifest in form and having the ability to recreate that form of manifestation. This is the space of fertility and the creation of an anchor of stabilizing and immovable (remember the stubborn Bull) nature of digging deeply in and strengthening the roots.

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 Taurus reaches deeply into the fertile soil crafting the foundational work that once begun takes root and spreads into all facets of your mundane experience.

Next Post:
Tuesday, April.29th
New Moon in Taurus: Dig Deep, Stand Strong and Soar

Resources:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Victory of Netzach

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

The Manifest Refinement of Heart and Will

Posted in Auspicious Days, Full Moon, Lunar, Magick, Uncategorized, Waxing Moon with tags Air, astrology, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, earth, Eclipse, Esbat, esoteric writings, Lunar, Lunar Eclipse, polarity on April 14, 2014 by themagickalpen

Image Credit: NASA Photo Gallery

April 15.2014

Full Moon in Libra

3:42a.m. (EDT)

Total Lunar Eclipse Begins 3:07am (EDT)

The Moon is Full in the early morning hours of April 15th in the astrological sign of Libra with a total Lunar Eclipse punctuating the energetic experience. This combination offers the potential for some very powerful and deep spiritual work.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth as it is lit from behind by the Sun. The usual orbit of the Moon is just far enough off the Earth/Solar plane that the Moon makes its journey avoiding the shadow of the Earth casts. The eclipse places the Sun directly behind the Earth as the Moon moves into the position within Earth’s shadow. This early morning eclipse will be a Total Eclipse meaning that the Moon passes through the entirety of the Earth’s shadow from 3:07am to 4:25am. The refraction of light occurring from the filtering of earth’s atmosphere as light shines directly from the Sun behind the earth causes a natural progression of changing the moon’s coloring from the creamy white of a normal Full Moon to a reddish brown coloring of the moon as the eclipse event takes place. The Moon returns to its milky whiteness as She basks in the full shining of Sun upon her face.

For lots of great information about eclipses and, in particular this eclipse go to: mreclispse.com. This site has everything you want to know about the astronomy of Solar and Lunar Eclipses.

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. The Moon is Full in the Cardinal sign Libra. Libra is depicted as the Scales of balance. Refinement and love of the intellectual nature of calibrating the scales of balance to maintain that balance is the type of mental gymnastics the Air (Intellect/mind) sign of Libra enjoys. The Full Moon ushers in the highest potential and peak of whatever energy it is reflecting, so heart infused by refined emotions and intuition honed by informed trial and error are at hand.

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.

Other Resources:

NASA/Eclipses
First Total Lunar Eclipse of 2014: The Complete Skywatcher’s Guide

Sun in Aries: New Life on the Tree

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

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

Aries on the Tree

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their elements and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows.

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree hold correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move out towards the flow of energy represented by the astrological sign of Aries.

Aries and Mars

The Ruling planet of Aries is Mars. On the Tree of Life, the sphere of Geburah holds the pure energy that is the active principle of Mars. The work of Geburah is one of culling and release of what no longer serves. If we think of this in application to Aries and the youthful energy exemplified, we could equate this description with the impetuous nature of youthful energy, and in this state of impetuosity viable matter may be discarded and overlooked as not be relevant. To some degree this speaks to lack of experience about what something of value looks like and some is just simply the by-product of “haste makes waste”. The paradox of this is that often what unintentionally is left behind becomes the base that is used to create something incredibly useful. Sometimes we need to see with the eyes of one whose only directive is to enjoy the process as they go along and be utterly amazed by where it leads.

Geburah is also attributed as having the Vision of Power. Aries, when infused with the boldness and brilliance of the Sun’s energy can become the great catalytic force that runs through the initial quickening of inventive action, mind and heart. The power that is exerted can be directed and focused in a specific way to be used as a tool of inspiration. Think of the captivating power of a newly born baby and the feelings evoked in celebration of this new life. Think of the encouraging power of one who so utterly and faithfully believes in your success that it becomes your self-fulfilling prophecy, carefully and skillfully reinvented with each new achievement.

The 22nd Path of Connection: Aries/Mars and the Sun

The spheres of Geburah (Mars) and Tiphareth (The Sun) are connected by the 22nd Path on the Tree of Life. Each of the connecting paths on the Tree acts as the bridge of synthesis between the spheres of connection and their pure essence. Additionally, each path has a Hebrew Letter designated as expression of its energy. The Hebrew Letter for the 22nd Path is Lamed, which means Ox-Goad. An ox-goad is a tool used to prod the animal towards movement so that the necessary work may be accomplished. This is the action achieved through the balance of rest and work; providing the space for energy to build and the space for that energy to be used productively towards an end goal. This is the path of conduit that draws from each of its sources and sets up the dialogue of beginning between the Mars energy of Aries (Geburah) and the Sun (Tiphareth). The result is expressed something like this:

The ebullient (Cardinal modality) outpouring of Aries’ kick-starter dynamic is tempered, synthesized and reformatted within the energy of the Sun’s strengthening and structure (Tiphareth). And, once having received the application of the Sun’s light returns back into Aries’ fuel line as premium grade readying the vehicle of its transport to blaze those new trails, recharged, energized and ever mindful of the new horizons ahead.

Another Path of Expression: Aries on the 15th Path

The astrological sign of Aries, proper, is placed on the 15th Path, which connects the spheres of Chokmah (Wisdom) and Tiphareth (Beauty). We now know more of Tiphareth’s (Sun’s) energy on the Tree and this, in relation to the maturity of Chokmah is what the goal of aspiration is for Aries as it comes to its later degree before transiting into the stability of Taurus. The Hebrew Letter placed on the 15th Path is Heh, which means Window in English. A window allows light to pass through it or to be reflected from its surface. We may stand safely behind it, remaining hidden if desired, from the rest of the world and stand as observer or call out to passers-by making our presence fully known.

We now see Aries as the beginning of the zodiacal wheel and have equated that with the chronological expression of infancy through early childhood. At some point the young child develops a greater acumen of the impact of their actions and learns to control (albeit, still not completely) some of their earlier impulses as they begin to interact from a broader knowledge that others have needs as well. The placement of Aries upon this path forms the initial stages of understanding that we are part of something larger than ourselves and as such we must begin the steps towards building the more mature foundations of who we will become. The wisdom of Chokmah is one that realizes that we should not abandon the enthusiasm, desire and inquisitiveness of our younger selves but should instead use that as the initial impulse to synthesize and bring to greater clarity the knowledge and wisdom of our shining selves (Sun) in the full glory of the openness and receptivity of the child (Aries).

In Conclusion:

There is much I have omitted here regarding the Spheres and Paths of the Qabalistic Tree; especially through the lens of the Solar Year and the potential held in the melding of the two disciplines of Astrology and Qabalah. As we move through the year, you will have at its end the basic tools of knowledge to pursue further study of either or both as you wish. And, in the spirit of Aries there is always another new experience to be explored, tested and added towards your growth into a mature and whole spiritual being.

Next Sunday’s Post: The Magick of Aries

Resources:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Beauty of Tiphareth

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Might of Geburah

13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:

The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly

Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)

Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for cardinal

Back to the Middle and Around Again: Pluto Direct

The Magick of Libra

Sun in Libra – The Tree of Grace

Image: Josephine Wall

Image: Dreamscape Tarot by Stephanie Law

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

The Magick of Cancer

New Moon in Cancer – Arms Wide Open

Take Me Home- The Sun in Cancer

Sun in Taurus: An Anchor of Light in the Tree

The Manifest Refinement of Heart and Will

Image Credit: NASA Photo Gallery

Sun in Aries: New Life on the Tree

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