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The Magick of Gemini

Posted in The Temple of the Sun with tags Air, astrology, cosmic, duality, esoteric writings, Full moon, gemini, Magick, new moon, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon on June 8, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Gemini is based in the realms of the mental and creation of an outcome that is flexible and adaptable in its inventive style. Whatever we apply Geminian energy towards is going to receive the advantage of keen perception and the ability to swiftly communicate what it needs to complete the cycle of seed thought to finished product. Its strength lay in being able to change course as new ideas emerge from a seemingly never ending stream of flow. This can also be a detriment, if the breaks are not put on soon enough and a final determination is made. Indecisiveness, largely from being able to see many views is a caution. However, any workings that require a think tank type of kick-start receive the greatest boost from Gemini’s energy.

Gemini works directly on the Nervous System (it is after all our communication center), so workings that require a calming or slowing down of hyperactivity are best served by using Gemini’s energy during the phases of Waning Lunar or Solar month energy. Similar to a homeopathic approach of like negating like (remember the attribution of Twins to this astrological sign) focus of release of excess nervous energy can be quite effective. Conversely, using Gemini’s action during a Waxing phase (Lunar or Solar Month) can rev up a sluggish decision making process that may be waylaid by too much emotional impact and not enough pure logic. Think of this like receiving a Vitamin-B booster shot to restore energy.

Additionally, Gemini can be used quite effectively in assessing personal health. The symbol of the Caduceus that is associated with Mercury and the healing profession speaks to the healing power found in obtaining the needed information for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Scanning your body in meditation and asking the aid of Mercury and Gemini’s clarity in seeking out areas of dis-ease is a routine practice that many on a spiritual path make use of. THIS PRACTICE DOES NOT REPLACE SEEKING THE ADVICE OF A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, but our bodies are dynamic in their own information systems and learning to attune to what our bodies are telling us regarding health, diet and the ways in which we use them can be quite purposeful in bodily awareness.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances exploration of how you think and what forms of expression this thought process will ultimately make use of:

Gemini as the third sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with the intellect and the pursuits of mental expansion and flexibility. The Solar Month of Gemini is an excellent time to begin enhancing the mental faculties, pursue further education/study or ponder the effects of inventive mind on creating a more wholistic worldview that takes into consideration the heart as well as the mind. This is also a time for testing the limits of what your effects are on those you interact with motivated by what you perceive to be your true base of knowledge. The energy of this Solar month of Gemini, next flows into the deep emotional waters of Cancer, so whatever progress is made at a mental level will be called to the task of defining itself through feeling your way in moving forward.

This approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal such as wanting to develop and refine your skills of communication or begin an educational project benefits from beginning its cycle while the Sun is in Gemini.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Gemini would be the first phase of stimulating the inventive aspects of the mental process. This may take the form of continuing an education goal, planning a new project (or business venture), or simply plotting out a course of how to more effectively exchange ideas.

Using the cycle of Air and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Libra. The Solar Month of Libra stands as the Full phase of the mental (Air) energy, and signals readiness to bring to a state of balance those options that have blossomed as the layers of mind reveal more detail about what the possible outcomes may be. Libra is of a Cardinal modality so the opportunity to hone in on a singular goal and move forward with the refined product is at hand.

The stable energy of Aquarius (the last of the Air signs) would serve as the point of coalescing the information acquired and elevate it to the level of use for the broader good. The Aquarian focus is one of seeing the bigger picture, recognizing it for its potential and then offering it up in the visionary style that is of benefit to the greater collective.

Lunar Magick

Engages the movement of ideas through the waters of the subconscious as mind and heart interact:

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Gemini provides the energetic principle of the breath of creation on the emotional waters that birth the great inventions and inspired actions. Gemini provides the opportunity for coalescing what the mind conceives of and what the heart desires. The natural comfort zone of Gemini is relying on wit and strategy with the emotional responses being secondary. Aligning the Moon’s healing and intuitive force with the mental agility of Gemini draws up from the subconscious those places of “knowingness” that are Divinely inspired and informed by feeling and logic.

Workings that desire the goal of quickening the mental processes, opening to creative communication, healings and business interactions aptly make use of Gemini’s energy. Improvements that are relevant to how you express yourself and what is created from that expression also benefit from Gemini’s application.

The New Moon of Gemini could be used to set up the foundation for beginning the process of being able to express yourself more clearly and with more flexibility. You would spend some time deciding upon which area of your life you would like this support to be given. Sit down and brainstorm how you would be best served by this enhancement. And, once settled upon, begin the process of taking action towards this goal.

The Full Moon would reinforce the steps taken and bring to light the achievements made thus far. The opportunity to refine and add more clarity to what has evolved moves strongly through the ideas that come to the surface and the rationale for continuing to feed them stands in the strength of this fullness. And, the Waning Moon’s energy would be used to release what remains as mental obstacles in allowing you to bring clarity to your communications. This is the time to further tweek and modify what has been learned and formulate a logical conclusion that will sustain your efforts.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Gemini

Keywords: Intellect; agility; education; knowledge, changeability.

The Archetype: The Jester is the archetype associated with Gemini. This exemplifies the aspect of Geminians that is entertaining in their prodigious outpouring of information. Often non-stop, at lightening speeds and at times wavering in final decision there is no lack of conversation to be had when Gemini enters in. For some these antics are amusing and perceived as “trying too hard”, often because the delivery of these sound bytes is handled in such a detached and analytical style. Being ruled by head rather than heart can bring about a general consensus of not taking seriously what is communicated, largely because of the vacillating scope of information that is as difficult to grasp the intended meaning as a moving target is to still.

Rules Astrological House: The 3rd House of the Zodiac, the “House of Expression”.

This is the house that defines the way in which you communicate and express yourself in the world. 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). How we express ourselves depends on communication as the vehicle. How and what we think defines how we engage the world and others. We invent and then re-invent ourselves based upon our inner dialogue. The results of those perceptions then become our new path of expression.

Color: The vibrant Yellow of mind and clarity. This attribution speaks to the mental nature of Gemini and the clarity that is prodigious in the workings of the Geminian mind. Blue is also associated as a reference to the airy quality of Gemini and the limitless vastness of a sky that holds multiple possible outcomes. The intellect moves and flows moving its energy through the aethers much like the radio waves that carry signals transparently and with clarity. If Qabalistically inclined, the color orange is used relevant to the sphere of Hod (pure Mind).

Connection and Flow: Taurus to Gemini

I flow from foundations
That have been strongly built.

The freedom of Mind has now been released
And I am dynamic in what emerges from
This solid ground of inspired inventiveness
Breathe in the power and rise to take flight
As I soar towards the mirror reflection of myself.

Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac. Having found the strength of grounding and establishing the necessary roots on Taurus, Gemini is now ready to communicate what has been gifted from the resourcefulness of Taurus. Gemini completes the first level of triad’s that comprise the modalities of the Zodiacal wheel. We have experienced the initial flow bursting from Aries and the wrangling of that flow into a place of stability in Fixed Taurus. Now we arrive at Gemini and the mutable modality that both reaches towards the end goal and heralds the gate that becomes the next flow of catalyzing Cardinal energy (Cancer).

Seasonally, under the potent rays of the Gemini sun we are nearing the Summer Solstice and the fullness of the sun’s light in its phase of waxing. The nature of Gemini is to be present dynamically in every situation, making itself known by its ease of dialogue and unique style of communication. This freedom to express has been enabled by the confidence gained through knowledge of the physical state of our being. When we know ourselves from the perspective of what we have accumulated within this earthly form of life and the pleasures of fleshy existence (Taurus), there is nothing left to do but to interact, collaborate and communicate the joy and pain of this life’s existence and the experiences had thus far. (1.)

Mentally, the flow from Taurus to Gemini is one of probing the inventive spirit that naturally arises when we lay foundations. We build a house and upon seeing what the finished product is, we beginning visualizing what each room should look like; imagine what changes can be made that will more aptly show to the world who you are. Taurus was the child, digging in the dirt, making mud pies and seeing everything from a sensorial approach, learning from the experience in preparation for communicating everything it knows. Gemini lets everyone know how much fun was to be had from the experience.

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.

BONUS PATHWORKING:

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

The Hall of Gemini

Turn your focus and attention to your breath. Allow the space of your consciousness to move with the rise and fall of your chest and the filling and release of the lungs. Continue in this manner for several breaths; allowing each to become softer, smoother and slower. With each breath your physical body appears to become lighter and your center of consciousness floats upwards towards the inner eye. You feel enveloped by the mist of transition between the Physical and Astral. And as this veil thins you step through a veil of dark blue mist and find yourself standing centrally in a circular room. As you look around you see that this space opens out to a star lit night sky. The velvety blackness above holds a twinkling of starry light that fills the panoramic view above. The walls encircle you and are of a deep bluish purple. As your eyes adjust to this room you notice an archway just ahead of you. The glyph of Gemini, the Twins hovers in the entryway.

As you step through the orange glow of the Glyph of Gemini you see two perfectly mirrored twins sitting having a conversation. They are both blonde and although they appear androgynous, as many children do, there are slight nuances and physical features that separate them as being male and female. They pause in mid-sentence for a moment, turning to acknowledge your arrival, and then turn back to one another continuing the same thread of thought. Question, answer, and statement flash back and forth between the two at lightening speed. You feel both energized and a bit exhausted as your mental processes are not of this mind-set and cannot keep pace with the chameleon like changes in rhythm, clarity and intonation. You turn your attention to the room and see that books line shelves which encompass all four walls; and papers are strewn about haphazardly as though they had recently been impatiently rifled through and then carelessly left wherever they were put. You stand off to the side and observe how each of the children seems to change their mental position at will. One will agree on what statement has been made and then completely disagree about another. The other seeming to mirror every change of its twin with a steady and regulated pace.

They are discussing their favorite activity of reading and as the conversation becomes more excited, they stand and begin to gesture and point to make clearer their statement fact. As they move around the room going from one conversation to another surrounding this book or that you sense that somehow although appearing to be two, they are actually of one mind. That the duality you are seeing is actually the mental acrobatics of a mind that shifts and moves in accord with wherever the stronger enticement lay. This is the secret of their mental agility. The sheer ability to adapt and change at will to suit the needs of the situation. Although you are excited to have solved this one piece of the puzzle and are beginning to feel more at ease in following the direction, speed and flow of their conversation, your attention is drawn to one corner of the room.

You see a beautifully decorated standing mirror placed diagonally in the corner space between two of the walls. As you move towards it, the sound of the conversation seems to fade and just as you come to standing directly in front of the mirror you turn to see if the twins have fallen silent, and see that you are in the room alone. As you turn back towards the mirror you see more clearly your own reflection. You are a bit surprised, because although you recognize the reflection as being yourself, you also notice that there is the slightest bit of difference. It is not something you could concretely describe or even attribute to distortion of the glass; but rather, more of a perception.

Thoughts of the Coney Island fun house mirrors flood your mind, but those are more straightforward in their deception. This is almost transparent in its subtleness. Your eyes focus on the images of the room behind you that are also reflected. And, again the same feeling of something being ever so slightly different bubbles up. As you stand looking at this mirrored image, you notice that your mood has somewhat changed. You had felt energized and excited, but now as you stare into the glass, you feel a heaviness of mind in trying to solve this perplexing state of vision. It seems as though the longer you stare into this reflection, the more withdrawn and irritated you feel. You take a deep breath, sighing heavily. Just as you release the last bit of exhale, you hear the sounds of heated debate and conversation flooding back into the space.

You turn and see that the twins are once again sitting at the table and debating which game is the most challenging. As the sounds become louder, your mood begins to lift as well. You look back at the mirror and are surprised to see that your image, as well as the room behind you are just as you thought they should be. You think on the changeability of perceptions and ideas and how there are always two sides to every process of thought. You think on the flexibility that approach from this aspect permits, but you also remember the sheer exhaustion of that flexibility and the never ending cycle that can be created by not fully committing to one stream of thought.

You look towards the twins once again and see that they too have succumbed to the mental acrobatics. Each rests a blonde curly head on the table-top, eyes closed. You imagine that even in their dreams they are exploring new topics of discussion, new ways of problem solving and always sensing the dual nature of each expression.

You gently close your eyes and when you open them you are surrounded by the blue veil of energy that carried you to this inner sky. As you take a few more deep breaths and fill the intent with awareness of your physical being and return to your physical space, the mist clears and the smells, sounds and sights of the room in which you began our journey floods your senses. You feel the floor beneath you and the chair on which you are sitting. Noises of the mundane world come back filling ear and mind with thoughts of going about the rest of your day or evening. You take a deep breath in, savoring the vestiges of your astral journey and the insight it provided, and strongly exhale out affirming your oneness with the present moment of physical time and space.

Resources:

1. Another perspective of the Taurean to Geminian energy can be found in my two recent posts in the Magickal Pen:

Knock! Knock! Who’s There?
Leaving the Hermit Behind?

Other Posts to Re-read:

New Moon in Gemini: Temple of the Sun
Brainstorming

Waxing Moon in Gemini: Talking Waters

Temple of the Moon:
Day Twenty-Five-The Epiphany of Silence

Day Twenty-Four- Talk it Up!

And, of Course:
The Temple of Mercury Postings

Next Post

Friday, June 13.2014
Full Moon in Sagittarius: Aiming for the Night Sky

Sun in Taurus: An Anchor of Light in the Tree

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

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

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

Tiphareth and the Sun

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

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

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

Tiphareth and the Sun

Taurus and Venus on the Tree

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

The Foundations of Victorious Venus

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

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

Netzach (Venus) and Tiphareth (Sun)

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

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

Path 24
A Path of Fire

The 24th Path represents the synthesis of the fire of the heart (Netzach) and strength of sacrifice (Tiphareth) working in dialogue and exchange with one another. If we think in terms of heart felt will and the courage of personality centered sacrifice, this is the action of moving from a place of balanced compassion (Netzach) that willingly offers its energy up to become part of a filtered and transfigured outpour (Tiphareth). The underlying strength of Turaus held in this configuration of Netzach/Venus and the Sun of Tiphareth is the process of regeneration that takes the raw stuff supplied and renews and restores each to its enlivened form.

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

The 16th Path of Connection: Taurus/Venus

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

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

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

Another Path of Expression: Venus on the 14th Path

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

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

In Conclusion:

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

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact Taurus reaches deeply into the fertile soil crafting the foundational work that once begun takes root and spreads into all facets of your mundane experience.

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

Resources:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Victory of Netzach

13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:

The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly

Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)

Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

Meet Me at the Station: Mercury Retrograde

Posted in Mercury, The Temple of Mercury with tags Air, celestial, communication, cosmic, duality, esoteric writings, planetary days, Temple of Mercury on October 23, 2013 by themagickalpen

Monday started like any other day, except that I couldn’t log on to my brand new computer. A colleague arrived late for a meeting that she had scheduled just days ago. The sales clerk couldn’t comprehend that I wanted a small coffee not a large chai and words on the page of the report I needed to read, just weren’t sinking in even after the third read! Of course, the dreaded Mercury Retrograde was to blame and would be on the receiving end of this blame until November 10th- the date of my youngest daughter’s milestone 21st birthday. I hope I don’t send the card a week late!

Technological snafus and crashes, misunderstandings, brain fogginess and lack of mental acuity and articulation are some of the cautions when talkative Mercury slows its course. This posting is not going to belabor the miseries of Mercury retrograde. I hope instead to offer a creative and positive way of looking at a space of pressurized expansion of how we think and communicate.

Mercury began its cycle of Retrograde on Monday at 6:29am (EDT). Other than a Saturn Return, the Mercury retrograde can be one of the most frustrating of times primarily, because this planet’s energy is all about communication. The Retrograde period usually occurs 2-3 times per year and lasts approximately 21-28 days and is distinctly marked as a time when communication and their supportive devices come to a screeching halt and misunderstandings are the norm. Let’s begin by taking a look at the scientific definition of a retrograde.

Astronomy 101: What is a Retrograde Motion?

An animation showing the retrograde motion of Mars in summer of 2003.
Credit: Eugene Alvin Villar

“Typically, the planets shift slightly eastward from night to night, drifting slowly against the backdrop of stars. From time to time, however, they change direction. For a few months, they’ll head west before turning back around and resuming their easterly course. This is “retrograde motion”. Though it baffled ancient astronomers, we know now that retrograde planets are an illusion caused by the motion of Earth.” Astronomer: Christopher Crokett (1.)

The Stations of Activity and the Zodiac

Astrologically, when a planet changes direction in its normal path of progression through the zodiac, this is called a “station”. The planet’s progress slows down in is orbit until it appears to pause in its motion giving the appearance of moving backwards. The Retrograde Station occurs when the planet begins this slowing down and seeming movement backwards. The Direct Station occurs when the forward motion of the planet begins again. Whatever astrological sign the planet retrogrades in gives added emphasis and more intensity to how the planet expresses its own energy now given a full and prolonged dose of the sign’s own specificities. These highly potent effects can be building or waning (depending on which end of the station you find yourself) for days prior or after. Much like, the concentrated effort needed in slowing down to come to a traffic light, pausing, and then having to carefully and incrementally apply enough gas to reach your top speed again.

Repeat yourself.
If you like it, do it again.
If you don’t like it, do it again. (2.)

In previous posts I’ve talked a lot about the dynamics of Mercury and how facile this energy is in providing information through varied means of communication and creative style. A Mercury retrograde offers up the opportunity to refine that style and if you slow down with the process rather than fighting against the presumed outcomes you will find there is much to learn about how you communicate. This is a time of amplifying and heightening the awareness of how we move through our daily exchanges and process information. The caution of giving more scrutiny to agreements and contracts provides an opportunity to take the time to really internalize and be sure that you clearly understand the effects of the cause you will be setting into motion. This space of pause and deeper reflection means that there is also greater depth to the amount of change you can exert before you have backed yourself into a less than optimal outcome.

Allow events to change you.
You have to be willing to grow. Growth is different from something that happens to you. You produce it. You live it. The prerequisites for growth: the openness to experience events and the willingness to be changed by them. (3.)

Everyone makes mistakes and finds themselves at the mercy of the consequences of what that mistake created. We also often use circumstances as the reason for not allowing ourselves to fall, fail and start over again with a fresh perspective. Think of the Mercury retrograde as a petri dish in which to cultivate that fresh perspective at an organic level. What we change of our emotional reactions can become informed and insightful responses that affect the way we communicate those responses. Instead of falling prey to the annoyances of delays and miscommunication, allow yourself the pause to be creative in how you choose to respond. Don’t allow the excuse of “oh well, Mercury is retrograde, so….” to enable you in avoiding a growth opportunity. Remember that Mercury is the trickster, but there is also the element of duality to that slyness. Try to view the delays and less than articulate interactions as points of polarities. Each, having their extremes with the goal being to try to stabilize and balance out those extremes so that the smooth flow of communication can begin anew. Remember, Mercury/Hermes was the Messenger of the Gods. What messages are you sending when you don’t slow down and reevaluate.

Slow down.
Desynchronize from standard time frames and
surprising opportunities may present themselves. (4.)

We live in highly energized times and are largely at the mercy of perceived “time” and most often feel rushed with each decision we make. Even when the message is loud and clear that we need to stop and/or reverse our decision we hesitate, feeling that we are being weak in our communication and ineffectual in our results. The Mercury retrograde allows the space of disengagement from our regular way of doing business.

Slow down a bit from your ordinary frenetic pace. Unplug for a few hours voluntarily (and before the computer crashes or the cell phone loses its signal) and put some space between the compulsive need to instantly react to every new path technology calls you to. You may actually find that you like this new freedom of being unfettered and at the beck and call of technology. Those interruptions of signals of communication that frequently crash or reroute during a Mercury retrograde are metaphors for the disruption of our own communications by relying too heavily on devices to keep us talking and communicating instead of creating our own network of personal interface.

Light it up!

Here’s another thought! The Sun moves into the astrological sign of Scorpio today, October 23rd. Scorpio is a Water sign of the Fixed Modality. The water aspect relates to depths of emotions and the Fixed quality brings a stability and structure to help form a suitable container for their flow. One of Scorpio’s compelling attributes is the quality of taking what is hidden and deeply buried and pulling it up to the surface to be used either in a destructive way or as a positive lesson. The Sun in this sign serves to shine its light to illuminate those dark, dusty corners of mind and heart that like to remain hidden from sight.

With this additional overlay upon Mercury’s retrograde, there is great opportunity to shine this spotlight of strength and courage on what bubbles to the surface about how we connect to others and communicate our needs and wants. We can examine where we may be less than honest with ourselves regarding the agreements we have with ourselves and the effects these have on our communication with others. We can redefine where we rely to heavily on artificial means of communication and how to free up our more inspired and creative mind supported by those hidden talents we’ve kept under wraps. We can also use this energy to push full throttle and see just what we are capable of when we allow the dynamics of Mercury’s full power to exert it creative flow.

So, for better or worse a Mercury Retrograde awakens new ways to problem solve and rewire your communication hard drive. On a practical note, it wouldn’t hurt to back up important files on your computer, make sure important appointment dates are confirmed and carry an extra battery, just in case for anything requiring one.

An Interesting Side Note:

What I left out is that if you have a retrograde Mercury in your natal chart, many are immune to the “side effects” of this period of time. That heightened sense of awareness about communication skills, goes into overdrive and tends to make the individual more verbose and able to navigate largely unscathed. So, I apologize for the wordiness of this post. I am one of those Retrograde Mercurians!

Resources:

1. Earth Sky Blog by Christopher Crokett

2-4. The Incomplete Manifesto for Change by Bruce Mau

Next Week:
We’ll conclude our time in the Temple with information about Mercury and Planetary Magick.

4 Comments »

The Temple of Mercury-The Glory of Hod

Posted in Magick, Mercury, The Temple of Mercury with tags Air, celestial, cosmic, duality, esoteric writings, Hod, Meditation, Mercury, Qabalah on October 16, 2013 by themagickalpen

This week we will take a look at the expression of Mercury through its attribution on the Qabalistic tree of Life. Mercury is the Planetary energy of the sphere of Hod. In order to fully understand the nature of this sphere you must have a bit of knowledge about the Tree of Life, itself and the other spheres that form the greater whole. Although this may not seem to directly relate to the Temple of Mercury it is an important piece of this dynamic planets energetic signature. The lesson to be gained from this exploration is an affirmation of the flexibility of Mercury’s mind and style of communication. In other words, replace the name of Hod with that of Mercury wherever you see it used!

Applying this overlay of a mystical system that expands and easily maps in accord with its topic of application just as fluidly as Mercury’s movement, opens new doors of experience and interconnectedness found within all of the planetary temples. The inherent wisdom of these energies permeates all levels of understanding, philosophy and teachings. The semantics may differ, but if you have the basics down, you can easily identify Mercury’s (or any of the planets) place in the equation. So, in the spirit of drilling deeper into what Mercury looks like in another of its forms, take a journey into the Tree of Life.

Qabalah Boot Camp – Just the Basics

The subject matter of the Qabalah is one that many people do not easily gravitate towards; either deterred by the sheer mass of its scope or feeling that this particular overlay of system has no reference to the purely magickal systems. Although, rooted in the Judaic mystical system the Kabbalah (spelling is Judaic form)/Qabalah (spelling used to distinguish as Western Hermetic overlay) this construct of energy, thought and working is a suitable companion to any magickal and spiritual system. The sheer fact that a statement such as that can be made offers testament to the enduring scope and permanence of its application over a broad and diverse spectrum. Within the Tradition to which I belong, The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, the principles of the Qabalah are strongly and consistently used throughout all of our covens and the enhancement to the magickal workings and rituals is undeniable and the change evoked through its deeper exploration is palpable among those who incorporate it into their lives.

The Qabalistic Tree of Life describes the descent of the divine into the manifest world, and methods by which divine union may be attained in this life. It can be viewed as a map of the human psyche and of the workings of creation, both manifest and un-manifest. Some of its components are:

10 Sephiroth (Spheres) each having their own specific energetic signature and action.

22 Paths that connect the spheres and act as the synthesizing conduits of connection

3 Pillars of Application of that energy. The Pillar of Severity (Hod-Geburah-Binah), The Pillar of Mercy (Netzach-Chesed-Chokmah)- The Middle Pillar (Malkuth-Yesod-Tiphareth-Kether)

4 Worlds of Action– Each of the spheres exists in each of the four worlds and has a slightly different emphasis of intent depending on which of the worlds is acting upon it.

The Qabalistic story of the creative action of manifestation from the Source of All/Godhead down to the realm of physical and manifest form can be described in this way:

In the beginning there was nothingness- the absence of substance and form (Ain); and as the nothing became aware of itself it also realized the limitlessness nature (Ain Soph) of its being. This realization expanded and with more awareness came the birthing of limitless light (Ain Soph Aur). This limitless light felt the urge to create- and from it emanated Divine Intelligence – Kether. All things needing balance- in its wisdom Kether split and from this source of being the remaining nine (9) spheres became emanations of the varied permutations of Wisdom, Understanding, Mercy, Severity, Beauty, Victory, Glory, Foundation and finally coming to rest in the Kingdom of Earth- Malkuth.

10 Sephiroth (Spheres) of Emanation

The Sephiroth are States of Being and act as vessels to contain the Divine energy that spills forth from the God-Head or Crown of Kether (being the highest expression of the Divine) down into Malkuth, the densest and manifest physical world of Man. The spheres at the top of the tree are more refined in energy – more transparent and expressive of pure Light. As we descend down the tree each sphere gains more density- less clarity of brilliance of light until we come to rest in the earth plane of Malkuth. Each sphere has both an English and Hebrew name and countless correspondences attributed to each. These are keywords only to a larger tome of mystery. The pictures below show the diagrams of :

Fig. 1– The Tree, the names of the spheres, the number in order on the Tree

Fig. 2- The Planetary Correspondences to Each Sphere

Sphere 1-Kether – The Crown- The Crown of Attainment- the ‘Cause of causes”- the unknowable- The Mystical Consciousness- (Modern- Uranus)

Sphere 2-Chokmah– Wisdom- The Word of God- true Will untainted by the material nature- The Radiant Consciousness- The Zodiac (Modern- Neptune)

Sphere 3-Binah– Understanding- The Great Sea- absolute belief- The Sanctified Consciousness- Saturn

Sphere 4-Chesed– Mercy- Majesty- The place of greater awareness and pure compassion-The Settled Consciousness- Jupiter

Sphere 5-Geburah– Might – Strength and Justice- excision and the necessary cutting away- The Rooted Consciousness – Mars

Sphere 6-Tiphareth– Beauty- Sacrifice- the receptive place of the flow of emanations from Kether- The Transcendental Influx Consciousness- The Sun

Sphere 7-Netzach– Victory- The Beauty of Nature- The Hidden Consciousness – Venus

Sphere 8-Hod– Glory- Splendor- the sphere of science and craft- the analytical nature and communicative learning- The Perfect Consciousness – This is the place of Mercury

Sphere 9-Yesod– The Foundation- sphere of the subconscious- the Lunar Gates- dreams and illusion – the astral – The Pure Consciousness – The Moon

Sphere 10-Malkuth– The Kingdom- the plane of physical existence and manifest reality- the elements and all of manifest Life- The Scintillating Consciousness – Earth

The Sphere of Communication

The Planetary ruler of Hod is Mercury, so it is fitting that this sphere is considered the sphere of communication. Within its rationale and reasoning are the tools that may be used in discovering the deeper mystery contained within information. It is through the crystal clarity of pristine thinking that enables better and more efficient means of communicating what knowledge has been extracted. It is also this modality that makes Hod the ideal energetic support for ritual work.

The Element of Water

The sphere of Hod is assigned to the element of water; despite the appearance that its should be a sphere of Air given the pure thought, reasoning power and intellect. Simply put this is the action of Water of Air. The watery aspect insures fluidity and movement as well as the eroding and smoothing away of what is presenting obstacle. This is the breath of mind that is carried on the varied and great streams of consciousness that diverge and reunite again as new tributaries and channels are opened. Regardless of the route they all resynthesize and become part of the One as the destination of return to Source is achieved.

Capacity of the Mind

Hod is the first sphere on the ascent of the Tree that has multiple paths of connection including the place of sitting at the base of the Pillar of Severity. It is also connected via a Path to Tiphareth (the central sphere of the Tree) to the left of Netzach (the base sphere of the Pillar of Mercy) and reaching upwards out of the Moon sphere of Yesod. Just as the mind and brain have many chambers, corridors and paths contained within, Hod offers many routes of emanation from its core to be opened and awakened as the place where structure, order, categorization, analysis and making sense of it all. Hod also serves as the distributor of what work has been accomplished in the manifest realm of Malkuth and the discernment of Yesod upwards towards its more refined spheres.

The Illusion of the Sphere: Falsehood, Dishonesty

The Illusion of Hod is false ego based on faulty knowledge. It is the allowance of what is subjective and personality-filtered information to fill the coffers of our minds disguised as unbiased thought. Furthermore, claiming credit for those brilliant seeds of inspiration when they are nothing more than the over inflated toutings of one craving acknowledgement for being wise, breeds the dishonesty of validation that is not merit based, nor is it sound in its reasoning.

As the time honored thought on this matter goes- true wisdom cannot be found within the knowledge of book learning and course study. True wisdom is what is the result of experiencing at the level of connection to a Higher Consciousness what has been learned through books and study and transforming it into an enlivened part of oneself that cannot be disputed, argued, reasoned away or often even explained to others who have not also had similar experience on the path towards Wisdom.

Connecting to Mercury Through Its Expression in Hod

Many of the modalities we use to establish connection to the greater and lesser worlds, inner and outer worlds are directed through the energy of Mercury as its core component. We desire the ability to understand and comprehend what we perceive by way of information and we act to recreate those moments when we experience clear, palpable and penetrable communication from a Divine source. We evoke and invoke Deity by way of fusing mind and heart with desire and will and establish sacred space through communication of movement, action, intent and the power of the word and breath.

As example, Mindfulness Meditation is an expression of Mercury’s mental prowess. The premise is simple in the goal of simply offering acknowledgement to each thought that presents itself in the continuous stream of consciousness; and by so doing allowing them to flow easily beyond the field of distraction. As simple as the premise is, the difficulty in wrangling the mind to “think” in this highly organized and methodical way is one of determination and dedicated discipline. I think this is Mercury in its pure essence of form. Speed that must be directed in order to slow the cognitive functions in alignment with what the desired product of manifestation hopes to become.

An Exercise in Opening to The Mind

As you move through your day, take a few minutes in the morning, at lunchtime and before bed to check in with your thinking self. Try to be aware of where some of these perceptions and thoughts have originated. Were they the products of interaction with others? Were they the products of you sitting quietly and mindfully “brainstorming” the solution to a problem? Were they the products of inspired reading or did they seem to flow from the muses themselves?

Although we use the faculty of thought regularly throughout the day, the quality and receptivity of that process are often the results of being on autopilot, without much attention to what is actually happening. Try to set aside some time each day (15 minutes is a good starting point) to sit quietly and be fully engaged in what thoughts, ideas and inspirations are moving through you. Write down these ideas. They are often the seeds of a great idea or even potential answers to something that at a subconscious level may have been of concern. By establishing a routine time to simply “be” with your thoughts, you are facilitating a greater opening to the Universal and Cosmic ideology that surrounds us. And, once that connection is made, you are then opening to the Divine.

Next week: Mercury Goes Retrograde on October 21@6:29am (EDT) What does this mean and how to navigate its influence?

Resources

WitchVox:

13 Keys: The Glory of Hod

Thirteeen Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life: Over view

On-line course of study:

A Year Within the Tree of Life:

Book:

The Inner Chamber Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah
By R. Fennelly.Serpent’s Gate.2012

1 Comment »

The Temple of Mercury-Is Anybody Out There?

Posted in Magick, Mercury, The Temple of Mercury with tags Air, astrology, celestial, cosmic, duality, earth, esoteric writings, Hermes, mutable, pathworking, planetary days, quicksilver, Temple of Mercury, Virgo on October 9, 2013 by themagickalpen

Wednesday, October 9.2013- Wk. Two

NOTE: Last week there was an error in attribution of Planetary Day. Mercury rules Wednesday, so posts will be on Wednesdays.

As we discovered last week, Mercury is “the planet of communication, inquiry and dissemination through all creative acts of connection and interaction. In summary, Mercury always wants to know “What’s up?”; and then spread the news received.” Not only does it want to get the information out there but also wants response to that dissemination and the knowledge that people actually “got” what was being conveyed.

The astrological wheel and natal chart of an individual are the ultimate Mercury experience. Information is held in each planet, astrological sign and house in which it is placed and the resultant aspects they form. The more you peel back the layers of this information, the depth you find within your own natal blueprint. This enables you to respond to your potential strengths and transform your weaknesses in a way that sets up the lines of communication and creativity within you. The possibilities are endless and makes us more curious about our world and those in it.

Astrological Mercury

So, in that spirit of curiosity, this week we’ll take a look at the energy of the planet Mercury and its Astrological persona. Mercury is the ruling planet of two astrological signs- Gemini and Virgo. These Astrological signs are of the Mutable Modality; meaning that they hold the energy of flexibility, expansion and thresholds of endings and new beginnings. Looking deeper, they are of the elements of Air (Gemini) and Earth (Virgo). And if we consider them together we have the basic Mercurian goal. That of taking those inspired thoughts, sending them out in all manner of airy flow and movement; having them stand the test of analysis and sorting so they may be brought down into a place manifest reality (Virgo) and ultimate creation. This is the primary directive of any type of communication- to have it brought to life in a concrete and useable way!

Mercury – The Exhale of Communication and the Vehicle of Expression

Element:	Air/Earth
House:	Three and Six
Astro Sign of Rulership:	Gemini/Virgo
Day of the Week:	Wednesday
Medical:	Nerves & Lungs

The Astrological Houses

Mercury is the ruling planet of the Third and Sixth Houses. The Third is the place of expression, personal and spiritual. The Sixth is that of service and creating/offering something useful to others. These are considered Cadent Houses and as such offer the potential for growth and expansion. You could liken this to the Mutable modality in that both are expressions of taking what has been gathered and drawing it to a final state of being before the cycle of expansion begins anew.

HOUSE THREE Self- Expression/Presentation- What you possess and how you express/define yourself by these acquisitions.

House Type	Cadent
Ruling Sign:	Gemini
Ruling Planet:	Mercury
Element	Air
Modality	Mutable

HOUSE SIX Service/Career- That which is your calling? Where you feel responsibility and act upon it. Harmonious collaboration. And, how freely and where you offer your gifts and talents to sustain connectivity.

House Type	Cadent
Ruling Sign:	Virgo
Ruling Planet:	Mercury
Element	Earth
Modality	Mutable

The Archetypes

All Deities of communication would fit into the scope of Mercury’s qualities; the most well known of these being Hermes, the Divine Messenger of the Gods. He is portrayed as protector and patron of travelers, shepherds, thieves, orators and wit, literature and poets, athletics and sports, invention and trade. In some myths he is a trickster; and, so quick is his tongue and mind that he could talk his way out of or into any situation he desired. It was also the duty of Hermes to act as psychomp, guiding the souls of the dead down to the underworld. He was closely connected with bringing dreams to mortals in answer to the queries they had. Hermes is usually depicted with a broad-brimmed hat or a winged cap, winged sandals and the heralds staff (Caduceus in Latin). It was often shown as a shaft with two white ribbons, although later these were represented by serpents intertwined in a figure of eight shape, coiling upward towards a dual winged tipped. The clothes he was shown wearing are usually that of a traveler, or of a workman or shepherd. Other symbols of Hermes are the cock, tortoise and purse or pouch. His Roman counterpart was named “Mercury”.

Caduceus

The connection to Medicine and the mercurial caduceus which is its universal symbol speak to the need for clear, concise communication in the healing arts. This communication may take the form of physiological neural pathways, energetic resonance or simply good bedside manner, which encourages the patient to be compliant in their treatment. At the energetic level, there has been much research done regarding the correlation of mind/thought and the ability for the body/manifest form to heal and maintain the health of itself.

The Planetary Glyph

The Planetary glyph of Mercury also offers layers of meaning. It is composed of three basic geometric shapes. Once you have the basic understanding of these symbols you can draw your own conclusions about the glyphs of the other planets.

The Circle:

Eternity – Cycles – Connectivity

The Crescent:

Eternity Parceled – The Moon – Involution

The Equilateral Cross:

The Four Quarters – Point of Intersection – Cross Polarity

So we could think of Mercury as drawing down into itself the wisdom of the higher and intuitive realms; moving it through the varied cycles of connectivity and producing the potential for manifest realms at the point of intersection of the inpouring of the four elements and the space of Malkuth or the manifest realm.

No journey would be complete through this exciting realm of Mercury if it did not include a pathworking to capture the essence and vibrancy of the Mercurian Mind. In keeping with Mercury’s informative nature read through the information prefacing the pathworking for suggestions about getting more from the experience.

Good– Read through the pathworking each time you want to use it. Make note of pausing in the reading wherever it feels like more time would be spent in the specific train of thought.

Better- Read through the pathworking several times and as you do so, try to set up key points that are stored in the memory. In this way, you can create your own scenarios using the structure of the original pathworking without having to read through the text each time.

Best- Employ the physicality of recording the pathworking in your own voice (which produces an effective recognizable neurological imprint inducing physiological response and imprint) to listen to.

When you are ready to make the recording be sure to select a space where you will not be interrupted and has minimal background noise.

Be sure to speak slowly (more so, if you tend to speak quickly and do not annunciate well) and clearly and to give pause where it would naturally occur if you were reading aloud. There may be some points in the pathworking where you will want to spend several minutes in the locale that is being presented. Remember to give adequate time of silence for this. Do not stop the recording, simply pause and restart it. Allow the amount of time you wish to have to fill the space on the recording and then resume the reading of the pathworking.

Regardless of what method you use, remain open and receptive to what presents to you beyond what has been scripted through the pathworking. Having a journal to record your impressions can serve as a valuable tool if you plan to use the pathworking again.

Quicksilver Speak

A Pathworking in the Temple of Gemini

As you deepen into these musings, you are surprised to find that you are once again standing centrally in the circular room. You make mental note that there had been no obvious transition from one space to the other and you think back to the trickery of the mirror you gazed into. Giving this no more thought, you look upwards towards the night sky and it seems as though a few of the stars are shining a bit more brightly now than when you first entered. You take a deep breath in and as you exhale, you feel enlivened and at peace in this space of celestial beauty. You know you can visit again and the thought fills you with anticipation of what each of your journeys will reveal. You gently close your eyes and when you open them you are surrounded by the blue veil of energy that carried you to this inner sky. As you take a few more deep breaths and fill the intent with awareness of your physical being and return to your physical space, the mist clears and the smells, sounds and sights of the room in which you began our journey floods your senses. You feel the floor beneath you and the chair on which you are sitting. Noises of the mundane world come back filling ear and mind with thoughts of going about the rest of your day or evening. You take a deep breath in, savoring the vestiges of your astral journey and the insight it provided, and strongly exhale out affirming your oneness with the present moment of physical time and space.

Pathworking Excerpted from: It’s Written in the Stars.R.Fennelly.2012

Recommended Reading:

Lyn Birkbeck. Divine Astrology-Enlisting the Aid of Planetary Powers
Linda Goodman: Star Signs
Linda Goodman: Sun Signs
Steven Forrest. The Inner Sky
Alan Oken. Soul Centered Astrology
Lindsey River and Sally Gillespie. The Knot of Time: Astrology and the Female Experience

The Temple of Mercury- What’s up?

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Mercury, The Temple of Mercury with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, duality, Esbat, esoteric writings, Lunar, pathworking, planetary days on October 1, 2013 by themagickalpen

Silver tongued
I speak the truth
That polarity shuttles
From here to there.

I question everything
While holding firmly
To those answers
That only I can accept.

Some call me messenger
And hunger for what
News and teachings I bring.

They call to me to inform
And welcome my ability
To understand all sides
Of the complex equation.

Others think me far too talkative
And can’t keep pace With
my witty and informed banter
Those, I leave standing in the dust
Of my flexible and mercurial intellect.

But, to those who embrace
My skill and verbosity
I offer the gift of
Knowledge, thought and the
Agility of inquisitive mind.

Communication flows energetically
Through the halls of my twin
Towered Temple and each receives
Its honored place in what I share.

And all who pass through
Its silvery grey gates
Remain forever transformed
As the newly charged messengers
Of He who holds the Silver-Tongue.

Welcome to the Temple of Mercury. This month we will be exploring the energies of the planet Mercury and process the information through a variety of esoteric systems. This is the planet of communication, inquiry and dissemination through all creative acts of connection and interaction. In summary, Mercury always wants to know “What’s up?”; and then spread the news received.

Each week during the month we’ll look at this dynamic planet’s energy astrologically, the mythology of its Deity, its application in Lunar and Solar Magick, and through the lens of the Qabalah. And, Mercury will take center stage this month on October 21 when it goes Retrograde, remaining so until November 10th when it returns to its direct motion.

I will be posting on Wednesdays- the planetary day of Mercury. Reading recommendations, poetry and pathworkings will bring this Temple to life and your understanding of its energy will deepen your understanding of communication in all of its forms.

So, to begin, read through the poem at the beginning of this post again. Let the words create the images of your understanding. Breathe deeply into these images, open your mind and your heart and step into the Temple of Mercury.

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Day Twenty-Four: Talk it Up

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags Air, astrology, candle magick, duality, esoteric writings, gemini, Lunar, Magick, mutable, numerology, polarity on July 31, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 31

Waning Moon in Gemini

Sun in Leo

The Moon transits into Gemini this morning at 11:42am. We are now in the last quarter phase of our Moon cycle and the time when release and drawing inward is at hand. The astrological sign of Gemini is of the Mutable (flexibility) modality and Air (mind) element. Gemini is typified by its flexibility and agility of shifting course- at times mid-sentence- accessing either side of polarized energy in a heart beat. The symbol for Gemini is the Twins and having had twin girls I totally see the paradox inherent in both being the same and different simultaneously.

Communication is the buzz word of Gemini and the ruling planet is Mercury, which accounts for the attribution of communication as we know of the misunderstandings, delays and general snafus that occur when Mercury goes retrograde (stationary). Hermes, messenger of the Gods is also aligned with the energies of Gemini/Mercury and there is leeway for the trickster to present when accessing these energies. So, in application to the lunar tides and emotions great consideration must be given to what is cursory illusion and what can be claimed as true motive and true feeling.

Gemini is an Air sign so, mind and thought are driving forces in how the energy flows. Put this into the watery lunar depths and there is a strong opportunity for Mind and heart to get on board with one another. The cool things is the opportunity to contrast and compare through the duality that is present. The challenging thing is the opportunity to contrast and compare through the duality that is present (NO NOT A TYPO). This is where some discernment and opening the lines of communication with your Higher self comes into play.

I’m feeling like I have lots to say today, and so far it all has been emotionally driven. Not just surface chatter but a depth that is willing to resurface some things that haven’t seen the light of day for a while. I felt inspired and words were flowing faster than I could type (I really hate not having fingers of warp speed). The energy and atmosphere of the day was one of everyone being super friendly and clamoring to have their voice heard. Tomorrow is August 1st and only a few days more of this exploration which ends August 5th. The Moon will be in Cancer on Sunday August 4th and that will be the evening of the final ritual- The Dark Moon.

So, talk it up today. Really listen to what you have to say. Then see what emotions rise to the surface. How well aligned they are or how misleading they are, despite your good intentions. Then, in true waning style fashion, move within and let go of what is disingenuous and doesn’t quite fit the master puzzle you are crafting piece by piece.

** The numerology for the day is the number 8.

7/31/2013 = 7 + 31 + 6 = 44

4+4 = 8

This is a great synchronicity for this day of Gemini and the polarized action of the energy. The energy of the number eight involves return and release. The shape of the number itself offers mirror reflection of the eternal circle poised one on the other. If turned sideways this is the rounded version of the geometric lemniscate, symbol of eternity. I think of it as the polar opposites of the Gemini expression. Each o the circles are portal or doorways that may either be entered or emerged from. The choice is in the intent and the perspective. The illusion is in which action is actually being taken as one leads directly into the other in a continual pattern of both coming and going. This is much like the duality that can trip up Gemini’s energies. The number eight is also the opportunity to carry froward the higher teachings and experienced gathered in the energy of the number seven and send it on its selected path to be shared and through that sharing be returned in new form to the sharer.

I’ll post more on Numerology on Friday, August 2nd since the moon will be void of course all day. Another little something to just allow to pass carried on the deep waters that flow through.

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Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

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Sun in Taurus: An Anchor of Light in the Tree

Meet Me at the Station: Mercury Retrograde

The Temple of Mercury-The Glory of Hod

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The Temple of Mercury- What’s up?

Day Twenty-Four: Talk it Up

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