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The Mysteries of Fertile Flow: Full Moon in Taurus

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

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

Sun in Scorpio

Darkened waters
Flow in earth’s
Fertile Temple.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mysteries of Fertile Flow

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

Resources and Reflections

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

Check back Friday for a Special Post about Astrological Samhain

November 7.2014
7:56 am

Full Moon in Scorpio

Posted in Auspicious Days, Full Moon with tags astrology, cosmic, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, Full moon, Scorpio, Taurus, Temple of the Sun, Water on May 14, 2014 by themagickalpen

Full Moon in Scorpio
5.14.2014
3:16pm

Sun in Taurus

The Moon is Full today in the astrological sign of Scorpio. Although Scorpio is a water sign; there is an underlying nature of fire held within the scorpion influence. This is the sign of ultimate and permanent transformation. Scorpio is noted for its three levels of initiatory interaction; that of the Scorpion, remaining hidden in the darkness and willing to strike out at any perceived foe-The Eagle, soaring high above and having the acute and keen discernment that came selectively choose what is guarded and what is taken as prey and the Phoenix that rises from the ashes of what has been purposefully burned away and soars in its full power and presence as transformer.

The caution here is that Scorpio is also the master of pulling up to the surface those things that lay buried deep within, even if you are not ready for them to be exposed. This Full Moon occurring within the light of Taurus’ sun holds steady in its earthy grasp what rises to the surface. Carried on the wings of transcendence of the primal instincts as the Winged bull, the magnetic call is to that of Scorpio as the Eagle. The Holy Creature directly opposing the Taurean Bull. The result of surrendering to the healing waters (Scorpio) of this ignition of Fiery light is a transformation and burning away in the heated waters of those shadow aspects that keep us buried and hidden in the depths of our inner prison.

Having the vantage of the outpouring of the Solar Month in Taurus we have crafted the support of a foundation that is firmly rooted in our physical presence. The collaborative tension (in the aspect of Sun and Moon in opposition) of Sun (Will/Strength) and Moon (Emotion/Flow) is one of allowing the depths of emotive action to reach towards the pinnacle of their expression while holding ground in Taurus’s earthly field. This is the natural desire of the flowering seed that once it has broken free of the confines of the soil’s containment now reaches and extends upwards, sprouting leaf and ultimately blossoming into what soothes the soul, attracts attention for its beauty and shines fully in its grandeur.

The ruling planet of Scorpio is Pluto. This is the energy of observation from a distance. Pluto is the furthest planet from the Earth and the Sun with very little known of its true nature. This can also be said of the dynamics of Scorpio. Natives of this sign stand in the background silently observing, taking it all in, formulating their opinions and then retreating just as covertly as they arrived. Pluto is the higher vibration of the planet Mars and the assertive energy that is Mars becomes transformed into dynamic and potent powers of persuasion.

This is the perfect time to call into being those aspects of your physical self that await greater transformation. These are the bits of ourselves that hang at the periphery and it is only through the surrender to the instinctual (Taurus) and intuitive (Scorpio) selves that they will become integrated and contributing streams that carry us forward in our spiritual growth. This is the beginning work of actualization and bringing into manifestation all of those things that define you as a living, breathing human being. These are the gifts of greater depth in the stores of fortitude and strength that you may call upon and the discovery of what has been hidden by the shadows of self-doubt.

I will use this Full Moon’s energy to explore what lay at the furthest reaches of my known self. Calling into those moon lit and dynamic waters of intuitive flow the aspects of my physical and manifest nature that serve as the vehicle of my expression in this lifetime. Surrendering to what emerges from within the depths of this journey and allowing the Light of my desire and will towards change to anchor itself firmly in the beneficence of Taurus’ solar infusion. Taurus sun is in its last stages of primed and mature energy as its gets ready to Transit into Gemini next week. Using this energy as the touchstone of being fully present in my physical self and allowing the transformative waters of Scorpio’s intensity to heal, sustain and align all parts of myself is the first step towards realizing the full potential of manifest form shining that maintains its brilliance in the Sun’s Light of Day and the Moon’s Light of Night.

Blessings of self-discovery within this powerful Full Moon!

Next Post:
The Temple of the Sun
Full Disclosure: The Sun in Gemini
May 20.2014

Sun in Taurus: An Anchor of Light in the Tree

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

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

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

Tiphareth and the Sun

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

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

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

Tiphareth and the Sun

Taurus and Venus on the Tree

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

The Foundations of Victorious Venus

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

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

Netzach (Venus) and Tiphareth (Sun)

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

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

Path 24
A Path of Fire

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

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

The 16th Path of Connection: Taurus/Venus

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

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

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

Another Path of Expression: Venus on the 14th Path

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

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

In Conclusion:

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

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

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

Resources:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Victory of Netzach

13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:

The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly

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

Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

The Temple of Venus-Stop! In the Name of Love!

Posted in The Temple of Venus, Uncategorized, Venus with tags astrology, capricorn, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Libra, Taurus on December 23, 2013 by themagickalpen

Venus began her cycle of Retrograde on Saturday the 21st at 4:53pm (EST). This is was also the day of the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year to herald in the waxing of the Light from here forward until the Summer Solstice. Venus stations direct on January 31.2014 allowing plenty of time for her energy to be felt and acted upon. Although a Venus Retrograde does not take center stage in the same way that a Mercury retrograde does, the areas ruled by Venus gain in intensity and the call for reaching back is at hand. Primarily this will be in the areas of relationships and re-connection or disconnection through reevaluation.

Venus stationed in the astrological Earth sign of Capricorn which gives breadth and scope to the areas she shines her light brightest upon. If we take into consideration what we know about Venus so far and the elements of strength (Taurus) and refinement towards balance (Libra) we can use these attributes to bolster whatever areas of disruption and change that Venus reaches out towards. Her energy is feminine in nature and with that is a depth of intensity and introspection that brings great insights to the foreground regarding those people and things in our lives to whom we have given our hearts and our trust.

* See The Personal Note at the end of this post!

A Venus retrograde often brings the opportunity to reconnect with those who had in the past been part of our lives and enables us to reevaluate what they brought to nourish our sensibilities in the first place. This allows space to reassess their current value in potentially reintroducing their energy into our lives now.

Every 18 months or so a Venus retrograde will occur and will last approximately six – seven weeks. Astronomically, Venus us the brightest light in the heavens taking third place only to the Sun and the Moon. It is also the planet which is easiest to see with the naked eye and has an orbital path that varies very little (by approx. 2-4 degrees) in the movement along of its eliptical path. 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.

Stop!

Hedonistic Pleasures and the Pursuit of Happiness

In previous posts I’ve talked about the dynamics of Venus and the natural strivings towards achieving beauty and pleasure from relationships and every facet of physical life and expression. Looking at this retrograde energy from the perspective of hedonistic philosophy, the “no holds barred” intent becomes prime directive. It is often from this place of pursuing the delights of sensorial gratification that the aspiration and pursuit of happiness is hoped to be found. For many, enthusiasm is replaced by disillusionment and boredom takes hold in the space of what is not truly satisfying at all levels. The happiness quotient dwindles and new ways of reviving that happiness have to be continually explored. This is the energy of Venus in full expression of her beguiling and seductive nature. The vacillation between boredom and excitement is just the tipping of the scales in the effort to achieve a place of balance where pleasure and happiness are co-creators of forming the life we wish to have. Retrograding Venus stirs the pot and forces a closer look at what gives us true joy and where we find balanced gratification. This exploration provides the new foundations that become the bar of measure and value of what fulfills until the next space of scrutiny.

Revamp and Refine Relationships

Venusian energy is one that allows deeper insight into the basic nature of the emotions and the foundations that we structure them upon. When Venus retrogrades this is the prime time to take a look at those emotional foundations and see if they have been built upon faulty ground. The house may have been constructed in accord with the owner’s specifications, but shifting ground will ever so slightly begin to erode away what keeps it in balance. This is the action of Venus retrograding. Shifting emotions and the addition and release of those relationships that we have created as our space of home and comfort may take on decidedly different functions and begin to shift ever so slightly either in the direction of ultimate release or a deepening of commitment. The results may be a complete overhaul and revamping of all our relationships so that the new structure becomes a different type of architectural support, complete with new venue and supportive resources.

Focus On The Self; So You Can Give Freely To The Other

The same energy of intense evaluation regarding emotions and things of the heart that guides a Venus retrograde is the foundational energy we can use to redefine our definition of the love we offer ourselves. If we cannot see ourselves as being loved and loveable, we can never truly feel the balance and anchoring of sharing our love completely and fully with others. The Venus retrograde provides the space to reinvent ourselves, the way in which we see ourselves and ultimately how we use this persona in our interactions with others. Shifting this focus of unconditional love, insight, understanding and compassion towards our own development causes a reinvention of who and what we value within our own being. As we refine these definitions of who we are we can learn to fall in love with that person we have become. We can see the beauty in that transformation and appreciate the refinement that has occurred from this balanced and cohesive method of self-introspection.

In the Name of Love!

Here’s another thought! The Sun moved into the astrological sign of Capricorn on the 21st and the Winter Solstice occurred on this date as well. Capricorn is another Earth astrological sign of the Zodiac. This is the Earth of Cardinal modality; the initial catalyst and flow that move towards stability. This is the first layer of soil that with time and weathering becomes the fertile mound. Venus rules the Earth sign of Taurus; a Fixed sign (re-read last week’s post about astrological Venus) that takes the initial outpouring of the Cardinal energy and gathers it to itself to provide structure and container for what has flowed into it. This is the warm mound of fertile soil that is the incubator that produces greenery.

So, using this information, consider the potential held with the added bolster of Sun in Earthy Capricorn as Venus, ruler of Fixed Earth Taurus stations retrograde (reaches backwards). The Sun offers the electromagnetic power of strength, renewal and life giving properties. The Sun is the electrical impulse that flows through the all of the foundations we have created. In this case, the foundations are of the Earth (Capricorn/Taurus) or manifest realm. Those things and people that we concretely wish to attract to our lives.

With Venus (or heart) stationing its outpouring towards what we have established as our foundation of compassion and interaction occurring as the Sun (life force) lights the way for the manifestation of stability and strength (Earth), there is great opportunity to shine in the brilliance of Venus’ light.

*A Personal Note:

This posting was late as the result of a personal emergency that occurred. On Thursday, I took my mother to the Emergency Room thinking that her escalated confusion and discomfort in walking was the result of a UTI. She did have an infection, but what we didn’t know was that she also had bleeds on both sides of her brain. A CAT scan revealed this additional news. The next 48-hrs. forced me to face the mortality of my mother, the relationship we had and the overwhelming feelings of guilt and remorse that go hand in hand with the thought of suddenly losing a parent. Emotions rose to overflowing and I thought I couldn’t stop crying. I thought about all the experiences, negative and positive I have had with my mother and each one brought me to a place of thinking long and hard about how I would change some of the future interactions. She has had brain surgery and is doing well, but we are still not out of the woods. Of interest is the fact that my natal Venus is in the astrological sign of Pisces and my Mother’s natal Sun sign is Pisces. I can’t help but think that this was an opportunity to look back and readjust some of the feelings I’ve held about my Mother and refine the way our relationship flows moving forward.

Resources:

1. Earth Sky Blog by Christopher Crokett

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

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Temple of Venus- The Precarious Balance of the Bull in the China Shop

Posted in Magick, The Temple of Venus, Uncategorized with tags Air, astrology, Cardinal Modality, celestial, cosmic, earth, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Libra, scales of balance, Taurus, Temple of Venus, winged bull on December 6, 2013 by themagickalpen

Move a bit closer
Can you hear the rhythmic
Beating of my heart?
Can you see the beauty
That surrounds and the
Grace of all who walk
In its victorious light?

Friday, December 6.2013

As we discovered in the first post Venus is “the planet of refinement, compassion and beauty expressed through the emotions and the grace of forming relationships. In summary, Venus sets up the process of opening and guiding in a more loving way whatever its energy is applied to.” To those able to draw upon this energy there is a certain finesse that underscores all of their actions and this reverberates out into the larger world drawing like a magnet others to them.

We discovered in the Temple of Mercury that 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 Venusian experience of the natal wheel is all about how you use that information and what is held in that blueprint as a higher expression of your feeling nature. Venus primes the natural tools you have and refines them with the intent of developing your emotional spiritual self. These are the wiles of a planetary energy that is renowned for its brilliant and charming visage.

Astronomically, Venus is one of the brightest luminaries in the sky (other than Sun and Moon) and can be seen at specific points of its rising and setting shining like a brilliant and dainty diamond. I like to think of Venus as being a planet of synthesis. Its thread of establishing relationship is felt by all of its planetary cohorts. If we think of the energy we know of Mercury and its proximity in orbital path, when the two are working in perfect accord, we are communicating from a place of heart felt emotion that has been informed by Higher Mind. Heart and head are working collaboratively and the result is nothing less than spectacular in its effects. And, in collaboration with manifest earth, Venus works her magick in fueling our desire for beauty of form.

Astrological Venus

To begin this exploration of the Temple let’s take a look at the energy of the planet Venus and its Astrological persona. Venus is the ruling planet of two astrological signs- Taurus and Libra. These Astrological signs are of the Fixed (Taurus) and Cardinal (Libra) Modalities. The work of Venus is the intent to create by working co-creatively through the relationships that are formed. Venus brings a quality of modulating and tempering what could potentially tip the scales in a state of imbalance and disequilibrium. And, always with a diplomatic flair that reveals both sides of the possibilities. This is the feminine energy that can easily change its mind, simply because there is more to be done to refine what has begun.

Within the energy of the astrological sign of Taurus we find a stable and synthesizing fixed energy and the Element of Earth. Its symbol is the Bull and contained within that symbol is the primary function of Taurean energy- strength. This is the Path of Nature and the sheer power of determination to fully manifest the predetermined goals. The animal instinct comes strongly to the foreground and intensity and immovable stance are what create the foundations that are anchored deeply in the physical realm and secured by a stalwart and imposing presence if that security is threatened.

Venus as the Ruling Planet of Taurus brings a sense of beauty, harmony and a gentle awakening of the emotional self. This is the beauty that tamed the restless beast and made all of his endeavors more manageable and softer. It is the heart that yearns for romance and connection as a way of creating security. This energy supports social interaction and the overwhelming goal is to connect at a deep and often intimate level with those of our choosing. A natural love of beauty and great sense of aesthetic style enhance the home life and material endeavors of Taurus and the proverbial bull in the china shop does not seek to destroy, but rather comes to protect and admire.

In contrast, Venus also rules the astrological sign of Libra. Libra’s symbol is that of Scales of Balance. These scales are those that lead to a Path of Balance through the power of harmony and collaborative teamwork. All of the individual arts need not be equal in quality and effort but all will eventually come to a place of balancing each other’s weaknesses and strengths if the work is done in a syncretic way. This is the source of the great power that is wielded. Libra is an air sign and naturally relies on mental ability to bring about refinement. It is aware and knowledgeable enough to know just the right tactics of diplomacy to employ to achieve the desired results. This is the energy that we could liken to the first gentle and unassuming breeze that with the correct amount of power behind it develops into a windy and blustery day.

Venus as the Ruling Planet of Libra enhances the love of beauty and great sense of aesthetic style that typify Libra in bringing these ideals and thoughts into a beautiful form. The refinement of all things is pure Libran energy and is the anticipated result of the careful weighing and measuring of all the suitable options. The final choice lies in whichever option will have the most aesthetic impact and appeal. Love, passion and beauty are key words here.

Venus – The Foundational Expression of the Concept of Compassion, Love and Beauty

Element:	Earth/Air
House(s):	Two and Seven
Astrological Sign(s)of Rulership:	Taurus/Libra
Day of the Week:	Friday
Medical:	Venous blood, Larynx Throat

The basis of Venusian outpouring is found in its concept of what the ideal of compassion, love and beauty should be. The reality of what those words mean in physical experience is often just a veiling of what the deeper meaning and import of Venus’ energy is. True compassion is more about being able to place yourself empathetically in the place of those you show compassion to. True love has less to do with sexual preferences and compatibility and has its greatest reach in extending towards what and who you would not necessarily choose to be deserving of that love. And beauty is often found in the most unlikely of places and has the ability to transform what would be considered less than perfect in physical form into a rare and priceless treasure of ephemeral presence. Venus in its lesser form creates the template for the status quo and in its place of greatest gift raises that template to the heights of unimaginable potential that is the highest form of love.

The Astrological Houses

Venus is the ruling planet of the Second and Seventh Houses. Ruling two houses that are different (yet quite connected) in nature gives a multi-layered of meaning to the Venusian energies. We have the rock solid anchor of earthy fertility of form in the Second House and the airy flow of mind and balanced intellect expressed in the Seventh House.

HOUSE TWO Finances/Possessions

The place of anchoring, stability and manifest foundation

Ruling Sign:	Taurus
Ruling Planet:	Venus
Element	Earth
Modality	Fixed

The Second House is the place of acquisition of resources, material gain and all that contributes to a solid foundation made manifest. Its modality is Fixed and is neither static nor overly dynamic in its nature. It serves instead, to draw everything into a singular place of harmony and then reflect and distribute that energy back in a newly transformed way.

HOUSE SEVEN Relationships/Higher Learning

The product of collaborative effort. Paths of choice based on what has been learned from previous experience.

The Seventh House is one of Higher Learning, and application of those lessons that have been learned from prior and accumulated experience. This House is of the Cardinal Modality making the prime task one of starting things. These are the initial steps taken towards choosing a higher path of expression. The relationships that are forged are those that are carefully selected from the lessons of past experience and standing in a space of having more depth of information and inspiration to draw upon.

Ruling Sign:	Libra
Ruling Planet:	Venus
Element	Air
Modality	Cardinal

Venus, as the planetary ruler of these two houses infuses the strength of earthly experience with the necessary emotional connection to manifest those tools that will build solid foundations. It is the bridge that connects the physical experience of security that enables the mental and emotional gifts to meet on common ground.

The Archetypes

All Deities of love, beauty and relationships would fit into the scope of Venus’ qualities; the most well known of these being Venus, the Goddess of Love. In Greece she was known as Aphrodite and in Egypt she was Hathor. Regardless of the nomenclature, the energy is the same. Romance, love, sexuality, attraction and beauty as the final goals. The duality of her nature is shown in the mythos of her connection to the Bull (Taurus) and the need for balance of all things restoring a state of beauty.

“According to Babylonian myth, the creature was created on her orders to destroy the legendary hero Gilgamesh who had rejected her advances remarking that she all too quickly tired of her objects of desire. Gilgamesh defeated the Bull, but the victory of logic belonged to him, not Venus, who is never swayed by such concerns. The motto ‘all’s fair in love and war’ is created by her energies, aptly illustrating that self-interest is more than wrapping oneself up in luxuries or being surrounded by pleasant odours and tastes and sweet things. It is about feeling good inside, at the expense of others if necessary, of satisfying one’s cravings and desires in whatever form they take.” 1.

She is also associated with the Sea, the most famous of her depictions being the Painting by Sandro Boticelli entitled “The Birth of Venus”.

400px-Sandro_Botticelli_-_La_nascita_di_Venere_-_Google_Art_Project_-_edited

This is the chaste and virginal maiden that is the object of desire to claim as your own. Venus is the ideal of the perfect feminine form. She is the alluring and appealing softness that draws you in for closer inspection and challenges you to find flaw in her expression. Her nakedness expresses the vulnerability of physical form and the perfect love and perfect trust that are necessary to bare one’s soul and true emotional self in this manner. The connection and birthing from the sea make statement to power of desire fueled by the rhythm of ebb and flow of the tides that become the contraction and expansion of the womb in readying for bringing manifest life into being.

The Planetary Glyph

Each of the planetary glyphs is composed of a combination of three basic geometric shapes; the Circle, Crescent or Equal arm Cross. 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

The Planetary glyph of Venus is composed of the circle and an equal arm cross. We could interpret it as the eternal cycle drawn down into the four quarters of the elemental world. This is the place of connectivity between the timeless world and the manifest realm.

Much like Venus herself the ideals of beauty, grace and refinement are held aloft as points to aspire towards as we hold the steady and precarious balance of aligning all the polarities and cross points of interactions and relationships we attract to ourselves.

We conclude our astrological journey with a pathworking to call forth the foundational and manifest energies of Venus expressed through Taurus. You will find some basic suggestions below for getting the most from using the pathworking.

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.

A Pathworking in the Temple of Taurus

The Comfort of Foundation

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. It glows a lush green in color and you are intrigued by what may lay through the archway.

As soon as you step into this room you notice the powerful glyph of Taurus. You also notice that it is a bit more difficult to move quickly in this space. It is as though you have become fixed or rooted in the spot on which you are standing and although you wish to move forward there is a bit of hesitancy as you stand your ground. The air has a heavy quality about it, and you surmise that this is more from inertia than density. It takes all your strength and energy to push through this density and you feel as though you are walking on a very windy day facing into the storm. Each step forward increases the feeling of agitation and frustration. Each step forward also makes you step with more grounded effort and with a weightiness of purpose and intent. You feel unyielding in your determination and with slow and steady progress you make your way towards the opposite end of the room. You see just ahead another archway, glowing with an orange hue. You stop for moment and now realize that in your efforts to make your way through this room, you did not take time to look at what may be contained within it.

As you relax into these thoughts, the atmosphere begins to lighten in density. There is a lessening of the pressure that surrounded you and you find you are able to move quite freely now. You look around and see that the room has been decorated with items that instill a sense of family, home and comfort. There are shades of soft earthy greens and reds throughout and the overall quality is one that invites you to linger and relax. The furniture is a bit oversized and to some, would be considered bulky, but you find it to be appropriate to the energy of the space. There is an understated opulence about the room and you have a sense that it has been decorated to stimulate all the senses in a very grounded way. You see a wooden desk against one of the walls and see that several piles of folders cover the top. You walk over to it, curious as to what these folders may be. You see that the labels on each refer to very mundane and concrete activities. Finances, home inventory, job search, investment funds and other similar categories hold papers and documents relevant to each. The wall above the desk is decorated with frames that contain pictures of family and children, a beach home and a boat readied for a fishing trip. You surmise that the occupant of this room is very attached to the material world and its offerings and takes great care and effort in organizing and managing to ensure all remains stable and solvent. You also have a sense that this attitude and care is not borne from greed, but more from a practical nature and one of wanting to provide the best and most secure world for those that are loved ones.

As you turn back towards the center of the room, you notice a large and inner lighted curio cabinet just opposite you. You walk towards it and see that there are a variety of small to medium sized glass figurines contained within. Each has been carefully bolstered by stand and/or case to keep the fragile contents from being upset and broken. You also take note that the cabinet itself has been braced clear through with a rod moving from the floor and clean up through the top of the ceiling to hold the cabinet securely and fixed to its spot. This extra effort at securing the contents, cabinet and all, gives rise to your imagining that it would survive just about any form of disruption or turbulence. It is so strongly and securely rooted to its spot, all would remain immovable within the beautifully reflective glass doors. And, those objects that are clearly treasured and perhaps very valuable, even if only from the perspective of the owner, have a loyal and protective caretaker.

As your eyes scan each of the delicately carved figures, you again feel a thickening and density of energy and atmosphere building in the room. You realize that in your musings you have remained inert. In this state of inertia, it is as though the longer you have remained still, the more rooted you have become to this space and the ground beneath you. You notice that the room smells of damp earth and tiny shoots of flower and grass line the edges of the walls. The strength and stability you felt contained with the furnishings has now given way to its manifest expression of fertility and growth. You realize that the care and protection you have seen given to those physical objects can also be harnessed to optimize growth with the natural world and within yourself. Cultivating stability of home, family and finances can be used to ensure the stability of the larger home and family that is earth and all humanity. Prosperity and accumulation of money and financial gain can be used to help the earth and natural world and its inhabitants prosper and draw from its the abundance. You stand firmly on the ground beneath you and take in the transformation of this space into that of the natural world clothed in all its strength, stability and beauty. Feelings of love and gratitude flood your being and at this very moment you feel the joy of moving collectively as one- a family enjoying all that the manifest world may offer and fully present in the moment.

As you deepen into these feelings, you close your eyes and breathe deeply drawing in the energy of this space. You take several more breaths and sense that the air about you is lightening and the aroma of earth is fading. You open your eyes and find that you are once again standing centrally in the circular room. You do not remember passing through the archway in which you entered, but realize that you have been standing in a space of fixed strength and great movement. Somehow you have a deep knowing that the return or flow of stability issues forth from this fixed anchor enabling you to move seamlessly and effortlessly in either direction simply by will. 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 will visit many times again as the solar months progress 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 in part 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

Resource:

1. Encyclopedia Arcad.Harvard.

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Full Moon in Taurus- Stand by Me

Posted in Esbat, Lunar with tags astrology, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Lunar, Taurus on November 18, 2013 by themagickalpen

November 18.2013 @ 10:16am

Full Moon
Taurus

A Fiercely Beating Heart

Strength unmoved as dust swirls
around the stamping of hoof.
Fire rages in the heart and
coils of fevered breath move from
chamber of lung and throat,
weaving between air’s stagnant web.

I am earth, solid and great
in purpose and my strength
is held and guided by a heart that beats
fiercely to the rhythm of love.

I will stand my ground in
defense of the truths I perceive.
And,, if provoked will
charge with intent and
precise aim as I relentlessly
pursue the source of irritation.

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

Both would be true
for my impetuosity comes
from being firmly grounded and
my grounding takes shape from
the flashes of inspiration I explore.

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

Yesterday the Moon waxed full in the astrological sign of Taurus- the Bull. Taurus represents the material world in all of its strength, abundance and stability. It is a fixed earth sign and just like the animal to which it is ascribed, this is earth that is potent and immovable. The Moon shone brilliantly and clear and served as reminder of the fullness of what we consider ours to claim in the mundane world. It also called those emotions that are our foundational and rock-steady reserves to rally in supporting and bolstering the work that is at hand. I used the fullness of this moon to dedicate one of four crystal spheres that are to be aligned with the quarters for a special ritual. And, as the moonlight streamed down into the very core of the crystal orb I could see the foundation of earth spread before me enlivened and lit by the Moon Mother herself.

Blessings of strength!

Poem excerpted from:

The Inner Chamber, Volume One
It’s Written in the Stars. Astrology
R. Fennelly. 2012

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Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for Taurus

The Mysteries of Fertile Flow: Full Moon in Taurus

Full Moon in Scorpio

Sun in Taurus: An Anchor of Light in the Tree

The Temple of Venus-Stop! In the Name of Love!

Temple of Venus- The Precarious Balance of the Bull in the China Shop

Full Moon in Taurus- Stand by Me

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