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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

Full Moon in Aries: The Young and the Restless

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

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

Sun in Libra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Young and the Restless

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

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

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

Temple of the Moon

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

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

The Magick of Virgo

Posted in The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, Lunar, new moon, Temple of the Sun, Virgo, Waning Dark Moon on September 16, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Virgo is anchored in the realms of the physical and manifest experience. Whatever we apply Virgoan energy towards is going to receive the advantage of adaptation for survival of the fittest tools and most productive outcome. Virgo’s strength lay in its analytical and precise approach to all it is applied to. This means that its energy can be directed towards matters of the mind, heart or body, all remaining under the same gaze of scrutiny that gently removes and reshapes as needed.

The caution is one of becoming overly critical and never satisfied, despite the usefulness of what may be considered less than perfect. With this in mind and the image of the symbol associated with Virgo, the Virgin we can like n this energy to the youthful maiden who finds every fault possible in every suitor and thus denies herself the opportunity for a harmonious relationship. This Virginal quality is not determined by sexual experience, rather by an attitude that blocks all that would support the necessary fertile ground for receiving the seeds of potential for creating something new.

Virgo works directly on what we bring into our lives that is fulfilling, joyful and offers opportunity for the exuberance and even the naivete of youth, so workings that require a fresh, yet analytical and inquisitive approach are best served using Virgo’s steadfastness as the Moon Waxes or continually during the Solar Month of Virgo. Virgo is the master regulator of the Waning phase (Lunar or Solar) with its natural tendencies towards restructuring and release.

Virgo is the second sign of the second cycle of quadrant of Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the second of the Earth astrological signs and in the order of progression, Virgo holds the place of foundation that has been refined and organized in a manner that will produce the most effective forms of manifestation. Taurus laid the homey foundations of stable strength of purpose and direction, so Virgo can now weave her magick of redecorating that home of foundation. By the time we reach the third of the Earth signs, Capricorn, everything will be in place so that the footing is sure and firm as the Sea-Goat scales the extremes of physical and manifest experience.

The Gentle Hand of the Virgin

Virgo as a sign of Mutable Earth Modality provides the quality of flexible expansion. It is this flexibility that offers up the potential for endings and beginnings. Virgo’s gift is the ability to take inventory of what is available as resource, categorize it and then spin it into a useful viable form. We could envision this as the gentle hand that prods movement in places where the convenience and comfort of remaining inert hold us. This is the gentle hand of the beautiful maiden that coaxes us to come out and play; to enjoy the fullest expression of what physical life has to offer and in this state of receptivity change occurs. The finished product of our experience is one who has tasted the pleasures of life and now can be more discerning in what he/she forms as their idealistic expectations.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances the dynamics of assessment and refining based on what has been excavated from deeper probing:

Virgo as the Sixth sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with creating the space of harmony where all can proceed in the most productive way. The Solar Month of Virgo is an excellent time to begin clearing away the clutter that impedes an easy way of navigating through all that you encounter and preparing the way for the next phase of weight and measure. The energy of this Solar month of Virgo next flows into the Air of Libra, the ultimate sign of balance and beauty that as received the finishing touches of a mind that has been carefully and selectively cultivated.

The Virgoan approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as a working to assess the strengths and weaknesses of any given situation would benefit from beginning its cycle during the Solar Month of Virgo.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Virgo would be the first phase of examining each component that comprises the whole of who you are. This may take the form of sitting quietly and journaling those strengths and weaknesses you believe yourself to possess. You would repeat this practice several times during the month, each time making note of how the balance or content of that list may change and what parts of you are missing from this finely calculated equation. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to have a truer picture of what serves as your anchor of foundation and how these serve to allow you more freedom in your expression and interactions with others.

Using the cycle of Earth and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Capricorn’s flow. The Solar Month of Capricorn offers a new burst of energetic start to what you have begun of the culling process in mutable Virgo. This action builds foundations that aspire towards more and reach deeply into the core anchors you have established as you begin to carefully tread those paths of further reshaping on the ascent of progress forward.
The fixed stability of Taurus, serves to provide a space of coalescing and synthesizing strengthening. The firming up of this foundation and seeing the final product of your efforts come to stable manifestation is the ultimate goal from which this never-ending process of self-analysis can begin anew.

Lunar Magick: Fertile Earth

Engages the seeding of the emotional landscape with only the most viable product that can pass the test of survival:

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Virgo provides the energetic principle of cultivating and streamlining our emotional outpour towards more fruitful experience. If worked in a methodical manner the seas of emotional flow become rich and full of potential ad the life that is carried within teems in abundance.

Workings that require careful study and movement through what could be turbulent waters make use of the Virgoan energy in a highly collaborative way. Workings that encourage diving deeper below the superficiality of emotional response and facing the faulty foundations that have created this illusory state can be crafted to be potent and effective under the Virgin’s watchful eye.

The New Moon of Virgo could be used to gently assess what holds you prisoner in your emotional landscape and prevents for healthy interactions. Intention of carefully unraveling the spaces of knotting and barrier for smooth and ease of movement will loosen the grip of your own emotional sensors. See this process as one of nurturing with intent to reveal, not to unjustly critique and falsely lay blame. Try to be as objective and kind to yourself through this process as you would gladly to be another. Virgo will do her job regardless and as we know the gentle approach is one that removes those barriers of self-defense that then enable deeper probing.

The Full Moon of Virgo would be the time of having moved to a space of objective conclusion about what and where those barriers are. This would also be the time of making connections. Making connections that serve to inform your decision-making abilities and afford you the opportunity to be benevolent in what is released and strong in what you wish to anchor more deeply. This is also the space of further analysis and planning for what the desired outcome may be if you continue on this course. The goal is one of greater discernment; now is the time to envision what, where and how that outplays.

The energy of the Waning Moon in Virgo would be the final stage of filter and process. This is the space where foundations of what you wish to be so have been finely assessed, and further bolstered as the Moon’s energy peaked in fullness. Emotional attachments to non-supportive actions, thoughts and energies have been fully loosened and the barriers of their knots are no longer viable. A final and gentle sweeping away of the loose ends and remnants that leave less than a beautifully crafted frame of intent is all that is needed. And, in the darkened space of this newly tilled soil, you feel the germination of new life beginning and transformation is at hand.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Virgo

Keywords: Analysis, Discrimination, Detailed Structure

The Archetype: The Craftsman is the archetype associated with Virgo. This represents the ability of Virgo to create and refine using calculated methods and produce something of beauty and rare quality. Think of the clockmaker and the precision that is required in working with tiny parts that must be precisely and accurately aligned one to the other. The Craftsman also presents a level of detail and skill that requires patience. This energy of slow and steady progress is one that sets up the foundations for more elaborate design and expression to be anchored by.

If we think on those who fall into this category, passion for whatever they are producing is the motivating force that ensures the work will be a labor of love. This is the aspect of the Virgin. Virginal not because she has never enjoyed the pleasures of sex, but open and receptive in her attitude of approaching each experience as though it were the first. This is precisely the energy needed for creating the works of beauty that only a craftsman whose focus is the intention of creating something consistent in its quality and unique in its design.

Rules Astrological House:

The 6th House of the Zodiac, the House of Service

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. 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 crafted this self. Arriving, now at the Sixth House we are ready to give, to serve, to cultivate and to learn the lessons of harmonious interaction.

We have stood at the place of center and basked in the light of all responding to the magnetism we possess. Now, we turn that ability towards the benefit of others. We use that awareness of self and the recognition of its presence by others to till and prepare the fields of new growth that will feed their hunger for self-knowledge. The Sixth House is where we can express that strength of fertile mind, heart and body and re-shape it to our precise expectations.

Color:

The colors of Rich Browns and Earthy Greens are well suited to Virgo’s energy. She is the maiden who is fertile in her form and prolific in her ability to weed and sort to prepare the ground for seeds that will provide true abundance. This is the damp, most soil whose fragrance is rich and evokes images of quickening within. This is also the green of the freshest and newest growths that shoot up from the loamy earth, straining upwards towards Father Sun.

The Precision of Light: Leo to Virgo

Sun beats down relentless
In its need to uphold.

Sun waxes high as noon
Carves out exacting light
That exposes and lays all bare.

Sun streams energy and vitality
And purpose deftly wields the
Scythe that cuts away.

Sun releases its hold and
Chill of air calls out seeking
The embrace of Virgin’s
Delicately curved arms.

Sun slips deep into the fold of
Maiden Earth’s horizon
As all is forever changed
By her determined hand and
Selective eye that weaves through
The cloak of night revealing
The delicate beauty of her fertility
And grace of her re-forming.

Virgo is the Sixth sign of the Zodiac:

Having found the courage and boldness of Leo, Virgo is now ready to become the re-former of what has been revealed under Leo’s glaring light. Virgo is the second of the Earth signs and as such brings the promise of crafting what will be of most use and ultimately greatest service. Additionally it has received the stability of Fixed Leo, as the steady and reliable Father whose watchful eye reaches far lighting the way as he synthesizes what emerges as the expansive energy of a Daughter who wishes to create and reshape what is at hand.

Seasonally, under the scrutiny of Virgo’s energy we have reaped the rewards of the First Harvest and the selection of only what is the most usable and sustainable of food stores (Northern Hemisphere) or anticipating the quickly approaching pregnant pause of the Spring Equinox (Southern Hemisphere) and the promise of newly growing life. Both of these events concern themselves with the process of selection. Choosing what will bring about an abundant harvest and weeding through what is emerging so that only the most viable will be nurtured.

In its highest expression Virgo’s energies represent the point of knowing what is an appropriate sacrifice, and what is unproductive elimination. These are the continuation of the lessons of self-control begun in Leo’s domain, and the exertion of that will and power is brought into the reality of the need for discernment for the continuance of fertile and strong ground for planting.

We have reached 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 finally claiming responsibility for taking a closer look at who we have become (Virgo).

Resources

Other Posts to Re-read:

Temple of the Sun- Virgo:

New Moon in Virgo: What Sort Are You?

Let Me Break It Down

Analyze This: Full Moon in Virgo

New Moon in Virgo: Analysis and Building

Temple of the Moon Postings:
Day Six: Still Waters All Around Me! – Waxing Moon in Virgo

Day Five: Let Me Break It Down – Waxing Moon in Virgo

Day Four: Cubism – Waxing Moon in Virgo

Next Post
Saturday, September 22.2014

Temple of the Sun: Transit into Libra
The Autumnal Equinox

Full Moon in Pisces: The Analytical Heart

Posted in Auspicious Days, Full Moon, Lunar, The Temple of the Sun with tags analysis, celestial, compassion, cosmic, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, Full moon, Neptune, Pisces, Temple of the Sun, Virgo, Water on September 8, 2014 by themagickalpen

Image Credit: Sadness of Gaia by Josephine Wall

September 8.2014
Full Moon in Pisces
9:38 p.m. (EDT)

Sun in Virgo

The opposition of astrological energy that naturally occurs during a Full Moon phase is the tug of war between what appear to be opposing energies. At the time of this Full Moon the Solar energy is expressed by an astrological sign whose prime directive is that of categorizing and breaking down the flaws of any process (Virgo) and the opposing energy of overflowing compassion and deep understanding that makes allowances for those imperfections which is found in the astrological sign of Pisces.

This Full Moon is called the Harvest Moon. According to the Farmer’s Almanac…

“This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon, which is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.”

If we think of this harvesting energy as it applies to the work we do within our personal place of harvest, the Full Moon in Pisces (with the strength of the Sun in Virgo) allows us to apply the lessons of grace and understanding as we harvest what we wish to sustain us. This is the goal of arriving at a place of heart-centered scrutiny.

This Full moon is also the closest to the Autumnal Equinox and holds the keys to refining what we will place upon the pause of balance that marks the sharing of equal hours of light and dark. If we choose carefully (Virgo) our intent of focus and use the wisdom and discernment of an intuitively guided heart (Pisces) our efforts in the world of Light/Day and the reserves we hold in the stores of Darkness/Night will fuel and support the work that lay ahead as we descend deeper into the waning of the Year.

Another clue to the potency of this Full Moon’s dynamics lays within the modality of expression that Virgo and Pisces represent. Both are of the Mutable modality, which is flexible and expansive in its expression as it seeks the threshold of endings and provides the fertile space for the next cycle of beginnings. Additionally, Virgo is of the Earth element and Pisces of the Water. One serves as the container (Virgo) of receipt and boundary that is reshaped anew by the deep waters (Pisces) that seek to gently guide towards the Gates of the mysteries of a more heart-centered space of discernment. Envision this:

The carefully harvested (Virgo) ground of earth’s yielding foundation has been heated and enlivened by Father Sun’s rays of light (Sun in Virgo). As night descends, there is a stillness of anticipated intention, as all know Mother Moon will soon rise in all of her glory. The first rays of moon-beam stretch seeking out every crevice like long flowing fingers across the earth. These flow like rivulets of water moving across the expanse of land. You stand watching this gentle yet persistent flow of moonlight and your heart is filled with love and the deep understanding (Moon in Pisces) of the cycles and energy of Sun and Moon.

Soon, everything you see around you is flooded by the Light and Fullness of the Moon’s glow. All is bathed in this flowing sea of outpouring. All is healed by its presence. All is lifted upon the waters that rise towards the moon-lit sky of night. The light ebbs and flows as the tides and cloud cover or shadow of tree or building momentarily offer shadow. You wait in this silent glow and feel the energy move through you, awakening all of the flowing waters of emotional expression and insight within. You stand holding the flame of sun’s fire deep at your core and the waters seek the depths of that fiery furnace. Water and Fire, breath of Air and in-spiration move as one and the dynamic electrical charge that signals the death of this moment in time and the heralding of the next cycle that will give birth to the beginning of a quickened and changed you continue their course.

You breathe deeply into each cycle of this ebb and flow of rising waters and the opening of a more compassionate heart as the night gives way to the dawning of a new day of Solar refinement and the opportunity to once again carefully harvest what will feel the expansive reach of Luna’s Pisces Moon.

Moon Conjunct Neptune 5:09am

As we know the Moon brings depth to our emotional inner-scape and Neptune – the ruling planet of astrological Pisces fills the coffers of heart-centered engagement to full capacity – and then some. Early this evening, the Moon and Neptune will form an aspect of conjunction. A conjunction occurs when two planets are within 0-10-degrees of each other (sharing the same astrological sign and in very close proximity to one another). It is often considered to be the most powerful aspect because of the intensity of support for the involved planets, one to the other. Each acts as a support (positive or negative) to the other, which intensifies the effects of each individually towards goal of the collaborative power burst.

With the conjunction of the Moon (water/emotions/intuitive energy) in an astrological sign of great emotional depth and the support of Neptune (water/deep connection at the subconscious level) we have opportunity to draw upon our intuitive nature to guide the process of what we wish to bring to the fullness of emotional expression. The caution would be one of over-flooding the grounds that have been carefully prepared (Sun in Virgo) during this Solar Month. Reach deeply into these waters but allow yourself to surrender to where and how deeply they take you. Read more about the Neptune Retrograde here:

Lifting the Veil: Neptune Retrograde

The Analytical Heart

This evening our coven will honor the Full Moon in Pisces as we sit and scry into the flames of an outdoor fire pit. The Harvest Moon will shine brightly overhead as we open to the flow of heart and the depths of guidance and understanding that flow as the waters of Goddess within us. As we look into the heart of the flames the dross and lack of clarity will be burned away as Solar fire and Virgo’s hand of the maiden gently unravels the strands of light that block and impede our opening. We will call forth the analytical heart that remains steadfast in its understanding and flexible in its desire to create fertile ground for growth. And, as what has previously stood as foundation breaks down, cracks and etches a new pattern of process, the analytical heart of verdant life will remain as the source of this productive change.

Resources and Reflections

Pisces in Related Posts:

Full Moon in Pisces- 2013

The Temple of the Moon:

Waning Moon in Pisces

Day Eighteen: Meet Me at the Water’s Edge – Waning Moon in Pisces

Day Seventeen: Looking for Compassion – Waning Moon in Pisces

Next Post:

Temple of the Sun- Virgo

The Magick of Virgo

The Magick of Leo

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Solar, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Leo, Lunar, mutable, Temple of the Sun on August 18, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Leo is based in the realms of will and creation of an outcome that is oriented to action and attracting what is desired. Whatever we apply Leonine energy towards is going to receive the advantage of strengthening and receiving the bolster of illuminated interest. You will draw attention and the choice lies in what type of attention you wish it to be. Its strength lay in being able to gather to itself what is most desired; its detriment is that what it gathers may not be in the best interest of all concerned if not carefully selected.

Remaining in this pattern of attracting what does not serve well can overload the confidence in the dynamic appeal of what is being exerted and effort is replaced by apathy assuming that every sought after goal will be achieved just because. Despite this any workings that require the extra boost of magnetic attraction and brilliance of spotlight on the results are well suited to Leo’s application.

Leo works directly on our will and the courage we exhibit as we express ourselves and make our presence known, so workings that require a huge boost of energy and confidence are best served by using Leo’s exhilarating dynamics as the Moon Waxes or continually during the Solar Month of Leo. Conversely, using Leo’s magick during a Waning phase (Lunar or Solar Month) can serve to shine a light on those things that hold us captive in self-doubt and need an extra dose of renewal and enlivening.

The Brilliant Sun

Image credit: Brilliant Sun, Alternative Jazz Band

Leo begins the second cycle of quadrant of Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the second of the Fire astrological signs and in the order of progression, Leo is the full blaze that has taken hold that was ignited in Aries as the first striking of the fiery match. The caution here is being mindful that this blaze remains shining brilliantly and is able to be controlled and contained in a productive way. If this state is achieved than the blaze that grows brighter and brighter as it draws to itself the necessary fueling of Air and desire has no equal other than the Sun itself.

And, what of this physical Sun that we compare the Leonine quality to? This is the overt attribution and image associated but another and potentially more powerful expression of Leo’s light is what is held in the darkness. Think of the stealth of the Lion prowling under cover of brush and night seeking the suitable prey that will sustain the pride. From this darkness a beast of power, courage and strength springs forth and in a flash of bared teeth and flicking claw, the prey is taken and life will survive.

This is the energy of Leo as the Sun sets and the Midnight Sun that is hidden from view (as the Northern Hemisphere turns away from the blaze) still shines in brilliance on the opposing side of the world. This is the energy that can be called upon, the inner sun that burns brightly although hidden and obscured in the darkness. It is from this space that the true magick of Leo is revealed and the transformative quality that emerges sustains and fuels our will to action.

It’s Too Bright

In keeping with these thoughts, Leo can be used effectively in the magick of healing. We normally associate the Water signs with healing qualities; but Fire penetrates deeply and as it removes it cauterizes what it has inflicted its fires upon. Workings that are focused on strengthening the physical body, dispelling weakness and lethargy and stimulating the healing process of wounds, abrasions, etc.. are well suited to Leo’s energy.

If we engage our heart center in the process as intuitive guide, this healing process is one that works much like Reiki, acupuncture and energetic healing modalities. Their goal, being one of stimulating the appropriate and productive flow of chi or prana;which moves like electrical impulses throughout the meridians of the body. Leo’s energy could also act a support for those battling fatigue. Drawing these fiery and electromagnetic energies into our core center and circulating them is much the same as sitting in the Sun, breathing in its healing energies and returning to our tasks renewed and refreshed.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances the dynamics of active will and how we present ourselves in the greater world:

Leo as the Fifth sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with action and the transformative effects that action has. The Solar Month of Leo is an excellent time to begin the process of polishing off the outer projection of who you are as you bolster the courage to step fully into that image you are projecting.

The energy of this Solar month of Leo next flows into the Earth of Virgo and the call to restructure, organize and analyze what has come before. In order to stand the test of this type of scrutiny, you must be confident and secure in who you are, your place in the world and more importantly, the effect you have on others. This is the work of Leo, preparing and shoring up the self so that new foundations can be built from what is truly viable and worth holding on to.

The Leonine approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as a working to re-form and strengthen your gifts and natural qualities that bring attention to the productive nature of your work benefit from beginning its cycle during the Solar Month of Leo.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Leo would be the first phase of courageously facing the image that is reflected back to you as you step into the fullness of the light. This may take the form of sitting with a mirror in meditative practice and calling forth the image that you project to the world. You would repeat this practice several times during the month, each time making note of how that image may change and what new attributes and emotions are revealed in the process. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to see more and more of the true you.

Using the cycle of Fire and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Sagittarius. The Solar Month of Sagittarius stands as the expansive phase of will-filled (Fire) energy, and signals the readiness to reach out and gather more information about what effects your energy has in the greater world. In this state of outreach, you can fuel the flame of stepping into the power of who you are. Here, there is opportunity to stretch in the brilliance of who you are becoming.

The catalytic energy of Aries (the last of this cycle of Fire signs) would serve as the point of catalyzing what has been flexibly created and allow the rebirthing of a transformed image of yourself. These are the incremental steps of progressively evolving and dynamically changing in accord with the brightest version of your own inner flame of light.

Lunar Magick: Radiant Waters

Engages the will to action expressed through the waters that hold the spark of flame that flows through the creative process:

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Leo provides the energetic principle of electrical discharge. Imagine an exposed wire placed in a pan of water. A flash of electricity and burst of Light are the products of this interaction. Leo provides the opportunity for experiencing this dynamic catalytic state. The seas of emotion become electrically charged and fuel the passions in a way that pushes the intended goal towards active and creative product.

Workings that have desire of goal to activate emotional response that is courageous and dynamic in its resultant creations benefit from lunations in Leo. Work done that encourages productive action that aligns with what is felt in the emotional center is well suited to Leo’s energies. These are the emotional outpourings that produce great works of art, passionate relationships and creation of what the heart most desires.

The New Moon of Leo could be used to draw up those goals that have been held in the dream-state because they lack the confidence and/will to or be acted upon. Allow yourself to be bold in what you envision as the creative product of these goals. Filter them through the test of how much energy, time and effort you are willing to dedicate to their birthing. Narrow it down to one singular goal that is infused with emotional commitment and engagement. See this goal as a pool of deep and dark waters of creation (the waters of the primordial womb – Nun). Now envision the intent of your will and the power of your desire as a flame held within your central core. Breathe this ember of flame into those waters as the initial and beginning state of catalyzing what you wish to birth.

The Full Moon would be the time of active effort taken to bring what you desire into creation. Envision the quickened waters that flowed at the New Moon now as a vast sea; ablaze with flaming and brilliant Light. This sea shines brightly and the light and Fullness of Mother Moon looks down lovingly on the quickening of you, Her most precious creation. What actions will you take to insure that these waters continue to flow strongly? What actions will you take that will support the fires of will that flow within?

The Waning Moon’s energy would be the point of the receding waters and the revealing of what actions were fruitless in support of your goal and what sparks that may rekindle the flame anew are worth retrieving. This release is one of allowing the falling away of what remains that would keep in the shadows the efforts of your will. This time of waning is also the cooling period so that what has been heated and tempered can now cool and solidify as it awaits a new bolster of active will at the next New Moon.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Leo

Keywords: Courage, Strength, Dominance

The Archetype: The King is the archetype associated with Leo. This exemplifies the aspect of Leo that claims dominance and has the confidence to demonstrate leadership, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The King stands in a place of authority and has the ultimate control of what occurs in his kingdom. This archetypal energy, if well used can shore up the confidence of any who must rise to a role of leading.

The reminder here is that all kings are remembered for the way in which they exerted the natural power given to them. The lessons of history are full of the tyrannical ruler as well as the beneficent one. Aligning this power with right action and tempering it with the appropriate amount of merciful understanding and humility will insure that what is remembered historically will be a ruler who served rather than only received.

Rules Astrological House: The 5th House of the Zodiac, the space of creative outpour:

Moreover, we are ready to actively engage in the dance of Life as we become more confident in our personal power. The Fifth House is the space in which we enable ourselves as creative beings. We try and succeed, we revise and we fail; but we always continue on. Each creation begetting another, and what we claim as our own becoming the catalyst for a new creation.

Color:

The vibrant Yellow of the sun and Orange-Red glow of the sunset are the colors associated with Leo. There is nothing pale and demure about Leo’s energy and these colors are bold and dynamic in the response they evoke. This is the goal, after all, of Leo; to attract attention to itself and boldy move forward.

The Heated Waters: Cancer to Leo

The tides churn as they keep
Pace with their eternal cycle.

Sun pours down on cooling
Heart and what lay dormant
Stirs and bubbles up to the surface.

Vapors of steam coil heavenward
And what flows beneath is potent
And purposeful in its flaming path.

Will coils around passion’s heart
Serpent-like in its energy and path
And in the low rumbling of throat
Poised and ready to bellow out its roar
The waters rise up
The fire spews forth
And all is forever
Transformed.

Leo is the Fifth sign of the Zodiac:

Having found the security of emotional support under the nurturing care of Cancer, Leo is now ready to burst on the scene and stand on its own. Challenge is welcomed as each opportunity offers a lesson about how our active nature can best be used. Leo is the second of the Fixed signs, following the Cardinal energy of Cancer and the second round of the modalities. Just as Cancer serves as the beginning of a more mature and supportive expression of the emotions, Leo holds the stable container for the intense heat of will fueled by passion and desire acted creatively upon.

Seasonally, under the potent rays of the Leo sun we have enjoyed the rewards of the First Harvest of grains (Northern Hemisphere) or are enjoying the first budding of Spring’s growth (Southern Hemisphere). Both of these events are about creation and the spark of life that is contained within. The grain that is now ripe for the taking and will sustain and fuel the family through the winter months and the burgeoning life that stretches upwards drinking greedily from Father Sun’s energy.

In its highest expression Leo’s energies become the tool’s that we use as we claim dominance over what path of expression we choose in exerting our will and power. These are the lessons of self-control and strength that can be relied upon to be unfaltering in its loyalty.

Resources:

Other Posts to Re-read:

Temple of the Sun- Leo
Hear Me Roar

New Moon in Leo: Temple of the Sun
Standing in the Spotlight

Full Moon in Leo: The Lion’s Share

Temple of the Moon:

Dark Moon in Leo
Day Twenty-Nine: The Midnight Flame

New Moon in Leo
Completion: Standing Naked in the Light

Next Post
Saturday, August 23.2014
Temple of the Sun: Transit into Virgo

Full Moon in Aquarius-Breath of Liquid Flame

Posted in Auspicious Days, Esbat, Full Moon with tags Air, aquarius, Aries, candle magick, capricorn, celestial, cosmic, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Full moon, Leo, Magick, Pisces, Retrograde, Scorpio, Temple of the Sun, Water on August 9, 2014 by themagickalpen

August 10.2014
Full Moon in Aquarius
2:09 p.m. (EDT)

Sun in Leo

The tension has been building and tomorrow afternoon the Moon waxes full in the astrological sign of Aquarius. No doubt, you may have noticed that people are a little more “hot-wired” than usual with nervous energy flowing like water. Uranus (now retrograde and potent as an exposed electrical wire) is the master of electrical impulse (and the physiologic neurologic system) and is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Aquarius. Add the expansiveness of the Full Moon and flowing emotions, mind (Aquarius) and the nervous energy (Uranus) and you have electricity discharging at an emotional level.

Fire and Water is the theme throughout this Moon’s waxing with Airy Aquarius churning up the waters of Mother Moon. Additionally, the Fixed Modality of Aquarius is prevalent in the planetary energies and offers the necessary guidance and stability to hold the blast of this phase. This potent phase of transition that we have been feeling for quite some time now is ready to co-mingle, interweave and establish a place of pointed balance where the vision of a new collaboration may be realized.

(Photo taken as I was driving home tonight)

As though this were not complicated enough, there are multiple planetary energies that are weighing down the acceleration pedal of a fixed and stable vehicle that would otherwise move in a relatively smooth course from A-Z in lightning speed. This is the routine process of Aquarian energy having the greatest strength in matters of the mind and the ability to process large quantities of information quickly and reduce it to a single logical summary in a very short period of time. Apply this information processing style to matters of the heart and the flowing waters of emotion (the Lunar qualities) and you have rapidly moving and expansive waters that open out to many smaller streams of potential for expression as mind (information) carves out various open-ended options.

Something to Fix-ate On:

The Moon is not the only planet being held in the grip of an astrological sign of the Fixed modality. The stable nature of the Fixed modality can also become the rigid controller that serves as a pressure cooker, if appropriate release does not occur at some level. In this case, the focus of this pressure and the resultant pent up nervous energy is the felt from the effects of six planets in Fixed astrological signs. These are:

Sun, Mercury and Jupiter are in Fixed Fire – Leo
Moon in Fixed Air – Aquarius
Mars and Saturn are in Fixed Water – Scorpio

This is the Triad of Creation, the breath of life igniting the flame of form in the birthing waters. This fixed energy provides the container for manifesting, but can also give the feeling the feeling that there is very little wiggle room and that the flexibility of options are not at hand.

Mars and Saturn both in Scorpio

Mars in Scorpio produces an assertive and /or aggressive way of expressing your emotions. This is the energy that is punctuates by those “zingers” that come out of nowhere and are often the dredging up of long held emotional issues that have gone unsaid. Saturn then attempts to regulate and organize in cleaning up the aftermath of depth charges that have exploded. Remember I said “nervous energy” in the beginning? Most of this type of interaction is from the accumulation of pressure building until just the precise time, just the precise audience and just enough tension is gathered and nervous energy spews out what could not ordinarily have been said.

The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in Leo’s Fires

Jupiter in Leo calls into action those sweeping fires that consume and gather into their light everything. This is the expansive nature of Jupiter and the wildfires of Leo’s need for acknowledgement can soon blaze out of control if not purposefully directed and contained.

Mercury is in the astrological sign of Leo as well. Bold, in your face and filled with passion and determination. Moon in opposition to Mercury. So, although you may be bursting at the seams ready to communicate the wisdom of your new experiences, what you say and do may be in conflict with what you are actually feeling making for frustration and difficulty making your needs known. Nonetheless, everything is drawn into the spotlight and the scramble is on to produce and perform.

The Three Outer Planets are Watching!

The three outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto remain retrograde. These are the planets that were discovered in more modern times and are considered to be the higher amplifications (esoteric expression) of three of the Seven Elder Planets:

Electrically Charged Uranus adds dynamic awareness to talkative and head strong Mercury

Veiled Watery depths of Neptune (and His Trident of Fire) lifts the loving refinement of Venus to a place of compassion

Pluto finds the cyclical wisdom of peace and regeneration in the brutality of Mars’ aggression and wielding of death’s mark

The slowing of their orbits and seeming pause invokes a vision of being under the watchful gaze of developed mind (Uranus), heart (Neptune) and Will (Mars) to act. I would encourage you to re-read the posts about Uranus and Neptune’s Retrogrades.

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting the Light

Lifting the Veil: Neptune Retrograde

Pluto’s Extremes

The Pluto retrograde in the astrological sign of Capricorn continues its efforts to bring into realization the mistakes and successes of past efforts. The goal is one of strengthening what moves forward from this point in a way that will insure that the resultant action taken will stand the test of successfully navigating future challenges. Pluto, in its form as the planet associated with Death and ancestral knowledge offers great potential for acceptance of the frailty of what we build if we only see its permanence defined in the present moment. The gift of Death is in the ability to reach back into the reserves of what created the being that we currently are and realize the impermanence of that vision as ever changing and reforming into what is continually in the process of being birthed anew.

The implication here is that accessing the Plutonian wisdom of all time and all space and using this as the tool of grounding (Capricorn is an Earth sign very much aligned with the mind-space of physical and spiritual vessel of self) can help to soothe the fiery flow that is agitating and ultimately stretching us- ready or not- towards a broader emotional perspective.

An Image of Transformation

When I was searching for an appropriate image (and title) for this post I had a specific vision in mind. As I went through multiple fields, none seem to speak to what I wanted to visually capture – until I came across the image of a Mudra. The depiction is a variation of the Jnana Mudra; most commonly seen in depictions of the Buddha and hands resting on each top of the thigh.

In the practice of using Mudras, the thumb indicates the Cosmic (Divine) principle of consciousness and the index finger represents the Individual (human) consciousness. The Jnana Mudra is considered the Mudra of Wisdom and is most commonly recognized as the position of the hands seen in support of a sitting meditation practice. In its simple form the fingers are relaxed and point downward (as in seated Buddha) and not interlaced.

In its expression of reaching towards Spirit the hand is placed with extended fingertips pointing upward (heavenward) at heart level. In the image I selected we have the interlacing of the circle of finger and thumb and the tips of both hands touching forming a triangular point heavenward. Wisdom is held within wisdom. The Divine and the human centered and finding the space of common ground(ing). Fire and water, sun and moon overlapping and becoming as one as the breath of air fuels the flame, moves the waters and is gently held in the circle of continuum that serves as foundation for the apex of Spirit arising.

The Breath of Liquid Flame

On the evening of the Full Moon our coven will be celebrating this Full Moon doing a working of pouring candles that each member uses in their personal work to connect with the energy of the coven. We chose this Aquarius Moon as the bringer of the charge of inspiration and mind to infuse our candles. We are an Air coven (meaning that our coven tool is a sword). Using the energy of this Full Moon we are calling on the flame (the heated wax) of potential to flow (melted wax) bringing us into the Light of our own Divinity (the work of solar Leo). We breathe into this liquid flame our energy to coalesce within the vessel of stability that we have crafted (hardened candle). And, the intent and subsequent use as a tool of connection when we are physically unable to be present honors the universal and visionary perspective of Aquarius as it seeks to unify and network for the future of humanity.
Blessings of this Full Moon!

Resources and Reflections

Aquarius in Related Posts:

Sun in Aquarius
The Lion’s Share

New Moon in Aquarius
The Speed of Light

The Temple of the Moon:

Waning Moon in Aquarius
Day Sixteen: Looking Further

Full Moon in Aquarius
Day Fifteen: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

Neptune Retrograde
Lifting the Veil-Neptune Retrograde

Uranus Retrograde
Deflecting the Light

Next Post:

Temple of the Sun- Leo
The Magick of Leo

A Light in the Tree – Sun in Leo

Posted in Solar, The Temple of the Sun with tags Air, astrology, celestial, cosmic, fire, fixed modality, Leo, Temple of the Sun on August 3, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Morning calls and my Light
Begins its arc across blue sky.

Tender leaf and woody branch
Glow as my Light fills the spaces between.

Noon reaches apex of sun drenched Tree
And in that time all intent flows
Into radiant verdant beauty.

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.

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.

Leo and the Sun on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Leo is ruled by the Sun. His planetary energy is found in three places – the sphere of Tiphareth, Paths 19 and 30. We’ve spent some time now in the energy of the Sun/Tiphareth and learning of its relationship so far to the astrological signs of Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. Now, the focus is entirely on the brilliance of this sphere and the energy of its sign Leo. The sun sits at the center of our Solar System and within the sphere of Tiphareth. The Lion’s roar of Leo reverberates out from the center point of the Tree and emanates out in dynamic and magnetic flow in all directions towards the other paths and spheres of the Tree.

One of the goals of Leo, and its ruling planet, the Sun on the Qabalistic Tree is to attract to itself what is the necessary place of anchor from which all can flow and into which what needs greater light can be refined and transformed in its fiery core. Tiphareth is the sphere if sacrifice and as such this sacrifice takes many forms. Ultimately it is the sacrifice of what we think, feel and consider to be of highest value so that something greater may stand in its place. The companion to this sacrifice is regeneration and it is this process of regeneration that ensures that what comes into the light can withstand the judgment of scrutiny that stands courageously in its new found strength.

The 19th Path of Connection: Leo/Sun

There is a place of balance
Held between Mercy and Might
Held between Force and Form.

From its coalescence emerges
A power of rare sight cleaves
The way for rendering material
Ripe with possibility and potential.

The 19th Path is one of initiatory experience and the lesson is one of navigating the challenges of the self. This is the path of resolution of the baser nature that seeks to control our actions and the pause that is given in considering the results of those actions. This is the guidance of the connecting sphere Chesed’s (Mercy) downpour as the merciful conscience that holds accountability for what enters wounded and willful so it may move forward healed and with Higher intent. Any form of initiatory experience demands that there be a sense of clarity and will of purpose in what the intended desire may be. Even in the case of pure faith there is the dynamics of will that trusts that what is attracted will be transformative.

This energy requires the application of self-control of will and discipline of spiritual endeavor. This is the state of sacrifice that is inherent in the Sun of Tiphareth. The ability to see greater perspective in all endeavors and the more consistent the spiritual practice that brings the seeker to this realization reveals the Divine potential held in all creative acts and all products of that creation.

The 19th Path is assigned the element of Air. On this path the presentation of Air is one of keeping steady and strong flow of communication between Mercy and Might. The placement of Leo and its ruler the Sun on this path reflects the courage that is required to maintain the proper mindset of balance between what can become tyrannical and what holds potential of being ineffective. When dialogue remains open and each affirms or negates the other’s actions based upon clarity of reason the chances are more in favor of successful resolution. Note, that I did not say positive or negative. In this case what by all appearances may seem negative may be the best outcome and vice versa. This is the precise and selective nature of the Lion in assessing what is viable prey and what is simply not worth the expended energy.

The 30th Path: The Path of Sun/Air and Fire

What brilliance shimmers
In minds labyrinth of logic?

What illusions will dreamtime
Reveal without reason?

Let the inspiration flow like water
Let the dreams fuel the desire to create
Let the inventive nature unfold
Let manifest creation take form.

The 30th Path is one of inspired movement merging with what will sort and categorize effectively to produce a viable product. This is the fusion of reason acting as catalyst for the visions and memories held within the storehouse of Yesod’s dreamscape. This outpouring acts to inform what will come to a state of its own glory; albeit not necessary in a manifest way. The seeds of this inspired mind continue in their potent flow without the benefit of censor or filter of emotion.

The elements of Air and Fire are placed upon the 30th Path. As we move closer to the sphere of Malkuth and the final realization of manifest form, the collaboration of the elemental forces of the physical world have greater opportunity for interplay. Air either serves to feed the flame of action or extinguishes what has built up momentum. It is this energy that is required to sort through the stream of thought issued in fiery flow from Hod. The air provides the fueling of what is to be drawn forward and the air extinguishes anything that would draw attention away from what should be processed.

Placing the Sun on the 30th Path gives indication of the dynamic exchange that occurs when pure mind, reason and idea are coupled with memory and the ability to dream your creation. The sun here is corroborator of that flash of brilliant idea. It is the illumination needed to bring to the foreground and draw out from the shadows what is inventive and what needs application of a bit more creative filtering. It is the law of attraction in action. The more you think the more you dream and the more you dream the more creative the thought.

In Conclusion:

As we consider the attributes of Leo and its ruling planet the Sun and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of attraction to infuse with the dynamic energy of Will. Leo offers the vehicle of synthesis and center stage to exact the magick of drawing to itself what needs benefit of its potent rays as the work of involution and evolution occur. The Sun becomes the Temple of devotion that creates flow and movement strengthened by the cycles of rise and fall that incrementally carries everything forward on its solar tides.

The connection of the element of Air to energies that seem solely suited to that of Fire speaks of the interaction between flame and air. Each needing the other for viable action in either burning away or fueling what becomes the informed catalyst of change.

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 we are all the recipients of an illumined path of Light and life that calls to us to come stand in the flames of its beauty.

Next Posts:

August 10.2014
Full Moon in Aquarius

August 17. 2014
Temple of the Sun: The Magick of Leo

Resources:

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

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: TheBeauty of Tiphareth

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

New Moon in Leo-Standing in the Spotlight!

Posted in Lunar, Magick, New Moon, The Temple of the Moon, The Temple of the Sun, Waxing Moon with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Leo, Lunar, new moon, Retrograde on July 26, 2014 by themagickalpen

July 26.2014

New Moon in Leo
6:42 p.m.

The Moon enters its Maiden (New) phase early evening in the astrological sign of Leo. The heat is rising as the Sun and Moon offer the exchange of transformative (Sun) healing (Moon) Fires that are lit both in the brilliance of the Sun and the cooling darkness of the Moon. This is the Fire off quickening within the birthing waters that carry life.

The overall feeling is one of stimulating and dynamically charged energy that makes for nervous tension and unpredictable action. On the surface this may seem like a negative impact, but the proof of its power is largely held in what course of response (not reaction) you choose to undertake when confronted with over-stimulation. This Moon offers the opportunity to align heart and what we “feel” with a goal of dynamic and transforming action. Will is the fire that lights the way on the path to self- awareness. And, self-awareness is the first step towards stepping fully into the Light of that awareness boldly and intentionally.

Fire in the Whole

Additionally, we have the influence of two (2) other planets in Fire signs, one of which just stationed Retrograde:

Jupiter is in the astrological sign of Leo. Expansion of what stirs our Will to action and what fuels our desires is at hand. Jupiter is strongly related to abundance and financial gain, so optimizing its energy to direct us towards action that will stimulate the flow of money or abundance in any area is a working that could be started at this New Moon. The timing of Moon phase as catalytic and beginnings and the Solar Month of Leo having just begun brings an abundance of light to “see” what we are doing, where we are going and the potential of what the outcome may be.

Uranus just began its Retrograde in the astrological sign of Aries and is slowly and incrementally turning up the volume on our neurological receptors. With the advent of this New Moon, the opportunity lies in being able to surrender to this process of fine tuning and go with the organic flow of this stimulating current. The Moon as She waxes offers those respites of cooling the circuitry but we must heed our body’s wisdom and give adequate time to relaxing and non-stimulating activities.

Read more about the Uranus Retrograde here:

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

The alchemical element of Fire is represented by Cardinal and Fixed modalities; so the potential is to harness the first sparks and draw them into something usable, potent and contained . The Cardinal (Aries) energies of initiating and stimulating the aspects of will are held within the circuit board of Uranus giving that initial strike of the match to fuel the blaze. And Sun and Moon are balanced in the Fixed energy of Leo as Jupiter opens the way for broader reach and impact.

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

The energy of Leo is one of strengthening. Courage and confidence in actions are supported by Leo’s energy and finding the aspects of self that are magnetic, compelling and inspire are all illuminated by the energy of Leo’s Sun. Workings that have the intended goal of bringing attention to one’s gifts and thus being able to share these with the larger community thrive in this energy. Additionally, work towards bolstering your confidence and shining greater light on your strengths are bolstered by Leo’s Moon.

Standing in the Spotlight

On the eve of this New Moon I’ll be re-calling to myself the energy and strength I felt as a dancer many years ago. The heat of the lights and being center stage stripped bare of everything but the artistry you infuse with your passion for it and the command of be fully present and recognizable in that moment. This is a space of time when I felt confident and strong in my presence in this world and the satisfaction of being able to reach out and touch the heart and soul of those in the audience connected me more deeply to the impact of my actions. This is what fueled me and carried me forward in the art and was the overlay of discipline and memory I have applied to my working of the Craft.

Standing in the spotlight is not something to fear rather it is something to embrace in recognition of the uniqueness we each carry. Whenever we claim our power and strength we are affirming the brilliance of Divine Light we hold within. Re-tooling this strength carried on the fiery flow of Moon’s waters of quickening towards its fullest expression of heart felt passion insures that the Fires of change and deep transformation will occur.

Next Post:
Sun in Leo – A Light in the Tree
Sunday, August 3.2014

Read More About Leo Here:

The Lion’s Share-Full Moon in Leo

The Midnight Flame-Dark Moon in Leo

Temple of the Moon Postings:
Day Two: Opening-Waxing Moon in Leo

Day Three: Fire in the (w)hole-Waxing Moon in Leo

Hear Me Roar- The Sun in Leo

Posted in Solar, The Temple of the Sun with tags cancer, Cardinal Modality, celestial, fire, fixed modality, Leo, Neptune, Pluto, RA, Retrograde, solar deity, Temple of the Sun, Uranus on July 22, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Leo
7.22/2014
5:41 pm (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Sun

The King

I am Leo
I am the King of the starry
Heavens and beware
The flick of my tail in
Exasperation or the
Ferocity of my roar.

They are but warnings to
Keep your distance
From those people and
Things I nurture and protect.

I stand in rapture as
The flame of sun’s rays
Ignites my varied passions.

Resolute will and determination
Guide my unyielding course
As I move with power
And courage to claim
My place of leadership.

The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Leo, at dusk tonight (EDT). Wherever you are in the world you have felt the Sun’s light at some point in your day and known the beauty of being lit by its powerful rays for all to see. Even if the day has been cloudy and grey you know the Sun has not retreated and is simply hidden in cloud cover. The light always remains. The heat always burns full and strong and the life giving energy it imparts, flows in its dance of nocturnal hiding and diurnal brilliance.

The astrological sign of Leo is one of the element of Fire and the Fixed Modality. Its planetary ruler is the Sun, whose qualities of brilliant light, heat and strengthening are overt in our mundane lives as the daily cycle of sunrise to sunset sets the course of our day. The Sun is the Great Father and together with Mother Moon are the luminaries of sky and spiritual being.

This solar month offers an opportunity to bask in the full glory of your achievements and stand in the light of full disclosure as the Sun breaks through and into those shadowy corners of comfortable hiding. There is maximum potential for using this month’s solar energy to bolster your self-awareness and confidence and to promote a different type of healing that is cauterizing in its effects after having transited through the healing and temperate waters of Cancer’s solar arc. This healing is what is most needed to begin building the foundations of confidence and vibrancy.

The astrological sign of Leo brings the spotlight to whatever its touches. This is the Lion who roars claiming his domain and fiercely protects her young. Couple this with the Sun being the ruling planet of Leo and you are center stage with adoring fans ready to receive You and your gifts. The Fixed quality of Leo’s sign helps to organize all of this glitz and glam so that what is presented is nothing less than fiery in nature.

Additionally, this Solar month is another opportunity for alignment of the polarities of Sun (ruling the sign of Leo) and the Moon when she waxes New in the same sign as Her lover, Leo Sun. This alignment occurs at the level of the mundane as well as the spiritual. When we feel confident and strong in our energy and impact (Leo) we go on to display these same qualities to all we meet, shining brightly and magnetically attracting more of the same (Solar). The potential for being the catalyst that stimulates change in others is high and with focused intent the success rate is assured.

The caution is one of fueling your light so abundantly with grandiose claims and boasts that ego steps in and the natural born leader becomes the tyrannical ruler who sees nothing but his/her own reflection in the glowing orb of the Sun. The Sun has its strength in a refined and intention filled will. Leo bodes well with a Will that has been cultivated to see from a central position that also takes into consideration what lay at the outskirts of that circle that is holding the space of central hub.

All of the Fire signs fully embrace the space of action and claiming the gifts of that action. Leo not only embraces, but wants to announce and show the results of those successes. It is in this way that that Leo becomes self-aware. If this self- awareness is achieved through efforts that are pure of intent and positively focused, whatever fame or status that is achieved by the individual can then be used to make others aware of the greater needs of humanity. This quality is exemplified by those celebrities who use the attention and persuasiveness of their fame to bring attention to the atrocities and mistreatment of those who cannot fend for themselves or lack the means and education to rise above their negative conditions. In their most altruistic form of brilliance, these are those that create charitable foundations or make personal donations to those that champion the rights of others. This is the sacrificial nature of Leo’s energy and the maintaining of synthesis and balance in its universal outlook (more about this in Qabalah post).

The Element of Fire

The Fire signs are those of action, determination and catalytic energy. Their nature is that of inspiration and igniting any situation with enthusiasm and creative solution. The sun shines ever so brightly on all who come under the energy of the Fire signs and non-is more brilliantly lit than that of Leo, the Lion and heart of the Sun.

The Fire signs express themselves through active will and transformation. These are the signs that can most readily “burn themselves out” or those around them. Similar to physical fire, if that enthusiasm and drive is not carefully tended and guided it will destroy everything in its path in a non-productive volatile nature. Expressed through the sign of astrological Leo, Fire is most at home when turned towards public recognition and expression. Those born under the Sun sign of Leo are generally extroverted and like the attention received from others. This is not necessarily a negative attribute (as most tend to deem it), since we all crave to be recognized for our strengths; but for the Leo they feed and fuel themselves from the input. And, if well directed constructive criticism becomes the vehicle for great transformation and praise becomes the step-ladder towards achieving even greater accomplishments that benefit all who come under the warmth of their shining light.

A Fixed Modality

As we have seen, the energy of the Fixed signs is one of gathering magnetically, sorting through exciting and agitating, refining through synthesis and then disseminating the purified product of what has been taken in. The Fixed nature is one that becomes the container of both receipt and release and as mid-point between the catalytic flow of the Cardinal signs and expansive reach of the Mutable signs, it is the space of pause where positive and negative meet in neutrality.

Leo is the second of the Fixed signs, the first being Taurus. Appropriately the dynamics of the Fixed signs would begin with manifest form and earthly boundaries (Taurus) that may then serve as container for the Fires (Leo) that reshape those forms. Taurus gave form to that initial striking of the match (and beginning of the Zodiacal and Solar Year) that Cardinal Aries offered. Now, having arrived at the Fifth (the number five relates to change) astrological sign of Leo, creation can only occur by shining the spotlight intently upon what will feed and quicken it.

Read more about the Esoteric Meaning of the Numbers here:

Numerology: The Art and Science of Numbers

0-9: The Esoteric Meaning of Numbers

The Fixed energy expressed through a Fire sign initiates the will in a way that is similar to the pot coming to a boil. Its action is purposeful and as the heat increases the temperature reaches higher degrees. This fire is contained within the vessel that holds it and must adapt and conform to the constraints. Having this structure allows the distribution of the heat and the culmination of something with the ability to change (or cook) whatever is placed within it.

Hold steady
Stand strong
Be the container.

Hold fast the
Energy that pours
Forth relentlessly.

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

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

The 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 more momentum, maturity and focus of application as we move through each of these rounds. 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). Beginning the next iteration of a new cycle of the Triad of Modalities in the sign of Cancer aligns the mind of Gemini with the heart of Cancer. And, emerging from these healing and Divinely informed waters rises the blaze of light that heralds the realization of the Divine Light of Self.

Leo as the second round of the Fixed signs provides the fuel that is concentrated energy that has received the benefits of what has preceded. This is the Fire that is magnetic and whose current is strong and direct in its ability to energize. These are the first stirrings of passionate and lustful desire. This is the Fire that prods you toward a goal that has completely and utterly claimed you as its own. This is the energy that keeps you moving when there is nothing left of your energetic reserves. And, this is the Fire that burns away all doubt leaving you raw from its heat but nearer to newly transformed and vibrant confidence.

The Sun is the Ruling Planet of Leo and center of our Heliocentric world. Power, light, heat and sustaining of life are all held within the energy of the Sun. Just, as the Sun is the center of our Universe, the energy of Leo is one that enjoys being the center of all activities. The Sun is electromagnetic in its form and once in its field draws everything into its fiery center. This is Leonine energy that is potent and strong as it too has an innate quality that attracts attention whether it is driven by curiosity or fueled by notoriety.

Re- Read what has been posted thus far about the energy of the
Solar Year and the Sun in His many faces.

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we are preparing for the First Harvest of Lammas. This is the space of the year where we plan those last summer vacations before the business of school and dedicated work time replaces summer’s freedom. We settled into the interaction with friends and family last month and now the last dog days of Summer can be filled with the focus on what we hope to extend of this connection before Fall’s waning light takes hold. The vibrancy of the Sun and the supportive energy of Leo bolster this last hurrah with the promise that Father Sun’s heat may still maintain its potency as August sets in.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is on the increasing light of the Waxing year and the promise of balmy summer days just ahead. As the Solar Year transits into the boldness of Leo what was soothed from Winter’s chill last Solar month in the sanctuary of home and family is now ready to come out and play in the fullness of Father Sun’s light. Imbolc is close at hand and the light warms and offers strengthening as the world awakens from its slumber and new life is birthed.

Both are states of awakening and quickening. Just as the energy of Mother Moon and her sign of Cancer offered the cycle of ebb and flow within the birthing waters, now this cycle is energized and replicated by Father Sun in his daily offering of light, warmth and the promise of rest at the end of the day.

The lessons of relationship gained by igniting those flames of Creative Fire as we prepare to reap the harvest of what we have grown (Lammas) or the turning of our Light towards the growth and healing of the world surrounding (Imbolc) are designed to transform and change everything we imagined to be true. Hope has now become reality. The goal is one of transformation as we prepare for the Mutable (expansive) energy of Virgo and the reassessment and analysis of the work we brought into the light.

Read more about Lammas and Imbolc and their dynamics of Light:

WitchVox: Sabbat Articles and Poems

Fiery Waters

Uranus Retrograde in the astrological FIRE sign of Aries
Neptune Retrograde in the astrological WATER sign of Pisces
Pluto Retrograde in the astrological EARTH sign of Capricorn

As we transit into the Solar month of Cancer, the planets Neptune and Pluto remain retrograde with yesterday’s addition of electrical Uranus.

The emphasis this Solar month is on the Uranus Retrograde and its fiery connection to Leo. Leo is the second of the Fire signs and in thinking chronologically, the enthusiastic and contagious energy of action and first experiences that played out in Cardinal Aries has now matured into the full burning passion of youth. We now have the potential for a steady stream of application of transformative energy that will carve out its own inroads as it moves of its own accord and creates his/her own life experiences.

Neptune is the ruler of the third of the Watery astrological signs, Pisces. Pisces 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. It is the guide that if sought out will help you realize the distinction between giving selflessly and flooding all that would be viable. Neptune provides the direction for that flow and anchors deeply in the current of experience that will ultimately act as the filter of refining how far and how wide that expanse of change will be.

And, Pluto in the astrological sign of Capricorn provides the boundary of container that builds in its strength and detachment a strong, yet flexible shoreline to contain this fiery path. Pluto as the furthest planet in distance from the Sun provides the subjective coolness that comes with the cumulative memory of past experiences with one foot at the threshold of future potentials. These are the Triad of growth and change. The Fire of Will flowing through the Waters of Emotion held within the manifest (and physical) form of Earth that re-members.

Read more about the Neptune and Uranus Retrogrades:

Lifting the Veil- Neptune Retrograde
Deflecting Light- Uranus Retrograde

Hear Me Roar:

This solar month is one of putting yourself out there and seeing what and who you attract in support of who you will become.

In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to explore who we are, what motivates and impassions our physical and spiritual nature. This is also the time to willingly surrender yourself to the burning away of what is false pride and success that was achieved at the expense of another. This is the changeable energy of the young adult who postures, struts and commands attention. This is the space of making bold declaration of your opinion, wants and needs, although not yet tempered by the balance of mature experience. This is the time of the proverbial “blazing new trails” and life is waiting with bated breath for You to “arrive” and make the grand entrance that signals authority over all they command. This is the space of enthusiasm that has matured to become passion and from this passion the lessons are learned of both the positive and negative attributes of one who claims his/her mantle of Kingship.

And, so in the spirit of Leo’s bold intent and style we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle and once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it allow the natural resonance of these words of invocation that are twice blessed in this Solar month to fill you with the ecstatic fires of the Sun’s Light and gifts. Think back to the glory of your youth and the young adult who feels invincible. Think back to the fires of sex as they rose in hunger and desire for your lover, at times insatiable in their intensity and fierce in their orgasmic release. Think back to your first act of creation in beginning your own life’s path, free of parents, restrictions and responsibilities other than to self. Think back to staying out all night and still having enough energy to get through the next day’s activities barely missing a beat in the hunt for the next conquest to feed your striving towards victory.

What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power of sustained light is hidden within the passions of action and will? This is the gift of finding yourself and having knowledge of what burns brightly at the very core of who you are. Treat this gift as the rarest of jewels as we invoke the Solar Month of Leo. This is the Solar Month that sings the praises of RA and all of the Solar Deities, so stand proudly as a child of the Sun and bellow out the roar of command that call’s the Solar Fires to awaken every cell of your being and fill it with eternal Light.

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: Saturday, July 26th.
Standing in the Spotlight – New Moon in Leo

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.

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for celestial

The Magick of Libra

Full Moon in Aries: The Young and the Restless

The Magick of Virgo

Full Moon in Pisces: The Analytical Heart

Image Credit: Sadness of Gaia by Josephine Wall

The Magick of Leo

Image credit: Brilliant Sun, Alternative Jazz Band

Full Moon in Aquarius-Breath of Liquid Flame

(Photo taken as I was driving home tonight)

A Light in the Tree – Sun in Leo

New Moon in Leo-Standing in the Spotlight!

Hear Me Roar- The Sun in Leo

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

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