Temple of Mercury | Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for Temple of Mercury

Let Me Break It Down – The Sun in Virgo

Posted in Mercury, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, cosmic, esoteric writings, Lunar, mutable, Temple of Mercury, Temple of the Sun, Virgo on August 23, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Virgo
8.23.2014
12:46 am (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Mercury

Let Me Break it Down

Describe to me again
In detail what it is
That you want me to do.
If you can give me
Sufficient information
I can draw a finely
Tuned conclusion.

But, if you omit the
Fine points I will be
Forced to search until I
Have the information I need.

I can be impetuous at times.
And, occasionally I appear to be
The neophyte who is thought
To not have nearly enough experience.

These are the qualities that allow
Me to seek and unravel the deepest
Of mysteries. I see with the
Eyes of one who has not been
Jaded and corrupted by
Pre-conceived assumptions.

My attention to detail
Is rivaled by none
And my organizational skills
Are something that many
Wish they could master.

I am shrewd and analytical
And will stand strong if
My analytical mind
Is questioned.

Some may see me as
Inert and caught up in the web
Of over-analysis and detail
Others would praise my
Orderly and inquisitive nature.

So, next you have need
Of one whose hand
Moves with meticulous grace
Seek me out and let me
Break it down for you.

The Sun transited into the astrological sign of Virgo just 46 minutes past midnight this morning. This speaks volumes about the nature of Virgo and its analytical qualities. Barely able to contain itself and raring to go, Virgo’s energies are continually seeking to make sense of and sort through anything that comes its way.

The astrological sign of Virgo is one of the Element of Earth and the Mutable Modality. Its planetary ruler is Mercury, whose greater mystery is held in its transformative powers through the act of communication and inter-connectivity. The natural energy of the Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum, is now amped up to become the spotlight that shines fully on what needs to be communicated about what deeper information is revealed when one probes and analyzes each aspect of that thing in a methodical way stripping away any falsehood.

This solar month has maximum potential for re-defining the foundations that have been set in place in your mundane and physical world. Virgo brings this energy to the place of being able to fine tune what we imagined to be so, and do it in the fullness of the Sun’s light and strength. Any conclusions we come to will have stood the test of methodical process.

The caution is one of not allowing this detailed process of sorting and sifting to allow inertia to set in. All of the Earth signs hold the potential for either being flexible and expansive in creating supportive foundations or burying the seeker under the weight of what wishes to be fertile in growth and continually moving. Actively tapping into the bolster of Mercury, as its Planetary ruler, insures that the findings of result at each step of the way will be shared and receive the benefit of more input that will inform the process anew.

The Element of Earth

The energy of Earth is that of the Physical and manifest world. We saw this energy expressed in the astrological sign of Taurus early in our Solar Year. Taurus was the expression of manifest form and concrete reality to insure that stable foundations are laid and guarded. Virgo takes this fertile ground of foundation and pulls from it those weeds that will deter growth and prepares it for receipt of viable seed. The downside to this type of weeding is the tendency, if not kept in check to also disrupt the naturally occurring order of viable matter and rip it from its roots.

A Mutable Modality

The energy of the Mutable signs is one of expansiveness and flexibility that is now able to move with assurance having had the active and dynamic will of the Fixed (Leo) energy that preceded it. This is the energy that signifies the end of the cycle of movement as well as the preparation for being acted upon again when it revisits the Cardinal Modality anew (Libra) as balance and refinement of what has been processed occurs. Virgo as a sign of the Mutable Modality expresses itself as it analyzes and methodically pores through everything that comes into its purview.

Flow moves directed
In purpose towards
What will tear it apart
Seeking out its heart of truth.

Its magick of repurposing
Is applied to what next
It encounters.

Allow the strength of earth
The foundation that manifests
All that moves through the
Filter of its delicate embrace.

Feel the increase in gain
From pillars built strong
Enabled by the delicate
Hand that seeks balance.

Stand strong in the manifest
Vessel of this potential
The physical container that
Holds the wisdom of all
That has been known.

Stand strong in the manifest
Vessel that will expand as
All is broken down and
Brought to the space of
Its true worth as endings
Flow into the manifest reality
Of tempered and finely honed
Beginnings.

The Next Step

Knowing how each sign moves to the next and the interaction between each as they evolve towards completion (and threshold of renewal) of the wheel in Pisces tells its own unique story of the astrological wheel. Virgo is the sixth sign of the Zodiac. Numerologically, the number SIX (6) relates to harmonious action and synthesis. It is the higher amplification of the triad of the number 3 (the creative product of the duality of collaboration). Being of a Mutable Modality, the quality of Virgo is that of flexible expansion. It is this flexibility that offers up the potential for beginnings and endings; both of which require harmonious action to succeed. Virgo requires this stable base in order to maintain the necessary flexibility to take something apart, explore all of its components and then reassemble it in a more productive way.

If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening Fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air). Now enlivened by the desire to “know”, the healing and nurturing (Cancer- Water) of what no longer serves this goal is brought front and center into the Light of Day (Leo-Fire) to be strengthened as it is readied for the detailed analysis of Virgo (Earth) that seeks to create a new form for its manifestation.

Mercury is the Ruling Planet of both Gemini and Virgo and is the Lord of communication in all of its light of day. Speech, art, music, writing, etc. all are held within the energy of Mercury. These are the tools that Virgo uses to drill down to the core of what its place of focus is turned upon. Within the astrological sign of Airy (Mental) Gemini, Mercury was most at home basking in the natural speed of mind and the duality of being able to change course at a moment notice. Within the energy of Virgo, this style of informing is brought down from the atmosphere and aethers (Mind) and rooted in the physicality of earthly foundation (Virgo). This is also the point of balance where what we think can be in support of the concrete actions we take, the goals of physical expression we choose for ourselves and the impact we have on those we interact with.

Read more about the dynamics of Mercury in:

The Temple of Mercury
What’s Up?

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we see the potency of Virgo expressed as the sorting process as we approach the Second of three harvests. The weather hovers at the precipice of entering the chill of winter’s months and the last bursts of late Summer’s heat. The vibrancy of the Sun and flexibility of Virgo’s energy supports the sifting through of what stores of harvest we will bring into our homes and lives.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is the reversed as all continue in their preparation for the waxing of the Sun’s light. The equinox is close at hand and with it the visual delights of Spring and all that is promised by new growth. Virgo’s energy here is expressed as the weeding process occurs to clear away what would crowd out the beautiful blooms and fertile growth.
Both are states of earthy energy requiring the harmony and balance of choice and discernment. Both require foundational strength that holds the responsibility for whatever outcome may be. The goal is one of stimulation at the level of the physical and concrete worlds of existence. This state paves the way for the next phase of further refinement as the Sun transits next into the Cardinal sign of Libra.

Let Me Break It Down:

This solar month is one bursting with communication. This is typically the month for graduations, weddings, vacations and other venues that require communication, planning and a sharing of ideas.
In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to gather all that you have learned from Leo’s expression of power and stand ready to dig (no Earth pun intended!) deeper into that place of power held within as we embark on a journey of self-understanding. This is the energy of the stabilized young adult who has gone through the trials and errors of false pride and come to a space of synthesis and security in maturing into the responsibilities of adulthood and all that it entails to successfully navigate the physical world.

The inquisitive mind of the pre-teen moves at a pace that is non-stop. This is the phase of the “I want to be” and “when I grow up, I can do this or that”. Everything is within the realms of possibility and holds no limitations to what is imagined. This was the companion expression of Mercury’s energy that we experienced in the astrological sign of exuberant Gemini. The inquisitive mind has returned; now poised with questions that will stimulate deeper exploration of anything queried and ripen and mature the querent through accumulated experience.

And, so in the spirit of analytical Virgo as we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle. Once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to the first time you gave resolution to a problem that underscored your ability to weed through all that was not viable; extract precisely what was relevant and take responsibility for the work you’d done in coming to a mature and wizened solution.

As you read through the invocation, think about what each line of reference is trying to communicate and what these words mean to you at every level of your being. What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power is hidden within the words put to paper. This is the power of analytical communication and its ability to stimulate deeper inquiry. Use this gift wisely this solar month as we invoke the Solar month in Virgo and awaken those fires of RA to enliven each foundation you choose to re-form.

Hymn to RA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Posting: Monday, August 25th
What Sort Are You? – New Moon in Virgo

Mercury Stations Retrograde Tomorrow AM

Posted in Auspicious Days, Mercury, The Temple of Mercury, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, esoteric writings, gemini, Retrograde, Temple of Mercury on June 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

Mercury Retrograde
June 7 – July 1.2014

We are mid-point in the Solar Month of Gemini and the ruling planet Mercury is ready to station retrograde at 7:56am tomorrow morning. Gemini’s energy has been full throttle all month having the illumined spotlight of the Sun. This retrograde offer the opportunity to “hover” in the full outpouring of Gemini’s energy and reach back into the stores of past communications, styles of expression and dual nature that are all of Gemini’s domain.

We have until July 1st (Solar Month of Watery Cancer) to explore how we interact and relate to others. The duality of Gemini is the tendency for mixed (or misunderstood) messages (even when Mercury is not Retrograde) because of the speed of processing and sharing of what the Geminian sets mental sights to. This retrograde has the added advantage of Sun being in its Zodiacal sign of rulership, so there is ample strength of will and purpose (Sun) that can be called upon as Mercury’s rapid flight slows a bit and enables a bit more integration before moving on to the next task at hand.

I invite you to read the post in the Temple of Mercury for more information and ideas relating to a Mercury Retrograde.

Meet Me at the Station

So, take a deep and sigh into the informed communication of what needs your attention and closer scrutiny. Breathe with intention and analytical observation of what rises to the surface as you allow the mental processes to slow a bit giving space and pause to fill those lungs deeply and exhale an authentic form of communication and expression that is uniquely yours.

2 Comments »

Full Disclosure -The Sun in Gemini

Posted in Mercury, The Temple of Mercury, The Temple of the Sun with tags Air, astrology, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, gemini, Temple of Mercury, Temple of the Sun on May 20, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Gemini

5.20.2014
10:59 pm (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Mercury

Arc of Time

Master of illusion
And Mistress of time
I am the mirror reflection
Of that which is reflected
Mind and its gymnastics
Of intellect move at
A speed envied by most.

I am the air that
Moves in form
Of aero-acrobatics.

Seemingly steady and
Straight in course
And then, playing at the
Antics of daredevil who
Dives and peaks in response
To the next intriguing distraction.

Unwavering persistence is not
My natural state
But, the flexibility of
Persistent exploration down paths
Of all manner of endeavor
Is my greatest strength.

For between the pillars of my glyph
Lay the secrets of manifestation.
And the inward arc of line at top and bottom
Are the inpouring of air’s inspiration
Reaching as above, so below
Towards the reflection of duality.

The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Gemini, late this evening. This speaks volumes about the nature of Gemini and the mental processes that it represents. Often the most inventive ideas seep into our mindscape under cover of the veiling of night and remain dormant until they are awakened and called forth into the next Light of day. The astrological sign of Gemini is one of the element of Air and the Mutable Modality. Its planetary ruler is Mercury, whose greater mystery is held in its transformative powers through the act of communication. The natural energy of the Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum is now amped up to become the spotlight that shines fully on what needs telling, inventing and ultimately inspiring. This solar month has maximum potential for defining and scrutinizing how you interact with others, your spiritual nature and with all those seen and unseen who act as guardians and guides in your evolutionary process. Gemini brings this energy to the place of adaptability and having the ability to see both sides of the solution or problem, so this is an excellent month to explore all sides of each inventive possibility.

The caution is one of realizing that for everything that is lit to its fullest potential, the opposite side remains in darkness. This is one key to the duality of Gemini and application of the saying “you never know what you will get” is more than appropriate to this dynamic Geminian energy. All of the Air signs fully embrace and thrive in the mental realms and none more so than Gemini. The downside to this however is potential for indecisiveness and confusion.

The Element of Air

The energy of Air is that of mind and intellect and the expression of thoughts and ideas through the vehicle of the mental process. It is movement and flow as it expands whatever it is applied to. Expressed through Gemini, this air presents in rapid-fire debate, discussion, action and decision making. Communication in all of its forms is the tool of the Gemini native, wielding it like the most skilled of swordsmen and cutting through any hesitation. Air is the breath that stirs the waters of the emotional self and stimulates the fires that provide the support of action.

A Mutable Modality

The energy of the Mutable signs is one of expansiveness and flexibility that is now able to move with assurance having had the structure and the stability of the Fixed (Taurus) energy that preceded it. This is the energy that signifies the end of the cycle of movement as well as the preparation for being acted upon again when it revisits the Cardinal Modality anew (Cancer).

Flow moves in spirals
Of return and release
As its magick of repurposing
Is applied to what next
It encounters.

Allow the breath of air
That acts as billows on
The sails of the boat
That carries you to
Your destined shores.

Feel the increase in gain
From lessons learned and
Stability of foundation
Was your master of form.

Breathe deeply into the potential
With the knowledge that all
Will return to the place of
Endings so it may call forth
The message of its
Unrestrained rebirth.

The Next Step

Knowing how each sign moves to the next and the interaction between each as they evolve towards completion (and threshold of renewal) of the wheel in Pisces tells its own unique story of the astrological wheel. Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac, and completes the triad of the modalities Cardinal to Fixed to Mutable, each flowing into the other. Being of a Mutable Modality, the quality of Gemini is that of flexible expansion. It is this flexibility that offers up the potential for beginnings and endings. This is the ultimate duality that is expressed by the “Twins” of Gemini. Both emanating from one single source, but having split and diverged each expresses its own particular quality of polarity.

If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air).

Mercury is the Ruling Planet of Gemini and Lord of communication in all of its forms. Speech, art, music, writing, etc. all are held within the energy of Mercury. The infamous effects of a Mercury retrograde speak of failure of technological and human communications. Warnings to read the fine print before signing contracts or entering into agreements and misunderstandings and arguments seem to increase during this time period. This type of activity is an expression of the energy of polarity that is held within Gemini. Negative-positive, male-female, clarity-confusion and all that lay between these extremes are natural expressions of the Gemini mind.

Read more about the dynamics of Mercury in:
The Temple of Mercury

This solar month will also see the second Mercury Retrograde mid –month on June 7th through July 1.2014

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we see the potency of Gemini expressed as the weather warms, we move out of doors to enjoy the beauty of the natural world and opportunity abounds for meeting, chatting up and communicating. The vibrancy of the Sun and flow of Geminian energy pours freely inspiring the sharing of ourselves with others.

The work of Taurus was that of providing the earthy container that held the attraction of polarized opposites, drawing to itself the delights and pleasure of a manifest expericnce. Gemini is the expansive nature of what was conceptualized within the vehicle of Taurus and is now ready to spread its informed lesson to all who will hear the telling.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is the reversed as all continue in their preparation for the waning of the Sun’s light. What was taken from the earth and the fires of energy expended in reaping its product found stabilization as the foundation of container was formed in. Everything that was learned and accumulated from that process now is ready for expression through planning, interpreting and mentally sorting out what worked and what didn’t. This generating of ideas and the flow of communication also turns inward as we rest as the armchair inventor awaiting the burgeoning light of the upcoming Solstice.

Both are states of airy flow and require the clarity of mental process to relate their findings. The lessons and information gained are refined and adaptively modified for multiple manner of expression. The goal is one of stimulating the mind so the emotions can respond and what was purely inventive mind has potential for manifest expression. This state paves the way for the next phase of growth and expansion when the Sun transits next into the Cardinal sign of Cancer.

Full Disclosure:

This solar month is one bursting with communication. This is typically the month for graduations, weddings, vacations and other venues that require communication, planning and a sharing of ideas.

In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to use the foundations of our physical connections made and what we have learned of our manifest nature as the inspiration for sharing these lessons learned. This is the transitional phase of the pre-teen who is bursting to share everything new they encounter and is just beginning to grasp who they are becoming through that communication. The inquisitive mind of the pre-teen moves at a pace that is non-stop. This is the phase of the “I want to be” and “when I grow up, I can do this or that”. Everything is within the realms of possibility and holds no limitations to what is imagined.

And, so in the spirit of talkative Gemini and we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle, once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to your talkative pre-teen years. You had so much to share and to tell and plenty of people to interact with, all having their own unique perceptions and stories. Think back to how you allowed yourself to become completely and utterly lost in the inventiveness of what you imagined your future life would be- and your very important role in it. This is one of the greatest gifts of humanity. This is the ability to interact and to fully disclose as much or as little about themselves as they wish. As you read through the invocation, think about what each line of reference is trying to communicate. What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power is hidden within the words put to paper. This is the power of communication and its ability to transform. Use this gift wisely this solar month as we invoke the Solar month in Gemini and awaken those fires of RA to enliven each exchange with another you have.

Hymn to RA

All Hail to Thee, Mighty RA
Blaze of noon day sun.

Your fiery orb high in the
Sky above as we kneel
Beneath the heat of
Your radiance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Posting: Wednesday, May 28th.
Brainstorming- New Moon in Gemini

The Lion’s Share

Posted in Esbat, Full Moon, Lunar, Magick, Mercury, Uncategorized with tags Air, aquarius, astrology, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Full moon, Pisces, Retrograde, Temple of Mercury, Water on February 13, 2014 by themagickalpen

Full Moon in Leo
February 14.2014
6:53 p.m. (EST)

Sun in Aquarius

Mercury Retrograde

The Moon is full in the astrological sign of Leo tomorrow. Leo is of the Fixed Modality and the element of Fire. The ruling planet is the Sun, so light and the pursuit of being in the spotlight are some of the motivations of Leo’s energy. In the phase of a Full Moon, the astrological signs of Sun and Moon are opposing in their energies. What that means is that the Sun is in the astrological sign directly opposite the sign of the Moon on the Zodiacal wheel. This alignment or aspect is the basis for the theories of conflict with signs of opposition. There is a natural tension that occurs between the two signs, each of a differing element yet of the same modality. Something like the family that shares biological (modality) lineage but each has their own specific personality (element) that is not always harmonious with the others but shares common experience. I see these points of opposition as opportunities for great growth and potential for harmonizing the Lunar (intuitive/emotional) with the Solar (will/intent and desire). In the case of this month’s Sun and Moon, both are in fixed signs which offers support, stability, synthesis and the potential for structure.

This February Full Moon holds the energy of Sun in the Air sign of Aquarius and the Moon in the intensity of Fiery Leo. We all know the effects of air on fire, serving to either inflame or to extinguish, so the opportunity lies in our stealthy approach of action (Leo) to whatever we set that breath of Air (Aquarius) towards. The Sun in Aquarius offers the balance of bringing to the forefront (or light of day) those actions and inspirations that will be of benefit to the group and broader community; in contrast to the focus on individual success. The Moon in Leo stimulates change; the firing up of the passions of the emotional tides and the centering of attention on the “me” (the Lunar spotlight in the darkened theater). The tension between the “we” and the “me” can, if used with just the correct amount of balance and synthesis, produce the ideal combination similar to that of a celebrity who uses their renown taking center stage spotlight to enlist community support for a project to better the lives of those who would have otherwise gone unnoticed held in the anonymity of their needs.

The Full Moon is the phase of peak and expression of the most there is to offer drawn up to a place of expansion from the depths of the emotional and intuitive nature of what has been previously the focus of its transformative work. Because these energies work by default at the subconscious (or often unconscious) levels the “stuff” carried into the full moon’s light is often transparent in its revealing. If this excavation has been done purposefully and with conscious intent the Full Moon works her magick of full disclosure and collaborative change. Using this primary directive filtered through the astrological sign of Leo who is represented as the Lion on the Zodiacal wheel adds the intensity of instinctual action and self-preservation. This is the raw and primal strength of the natural born leader surveying the expanse of the lands that are held within its domain. Arrival at this place of dominance and looming large has been carefully and precisely cultivated by previous successes resulting from the calculated action that will deflect from or draw attention to are part of the stealth needed when navigating the perils of our own emotional landscapes. Despite the pitfalls, this is the time for stepping fully into the glory of what your heart finds of inspiration, adventure and draws attention to your best offerings.

Now the caution to be had in stepping into this potent spotlight is in the added energy of a Retrograde Mercury. The planet, Mercury began its retrograde motion last week on the 6th in the astrological sign of Pisces; a sign of the element Water. Being the great communicator, Mercury’s focus of interaction was fueled from drinking deeply from the depths of the Piscean waters of healing, insight and emotional expression as it transited in its backwards reach into the astrological sign of Aquarius, yesterday, where it will remain until turning direct on February 28th. This retracing of the emotion infused communicative style through Aquarian mind could keep you stuck in bringing to the spotlight (Leo) those inventive ideas inspired by heart (Moon). However, with this opportunity to remain more fully in Mercury’s energy, it is also a good time to really dig deeply into what are the treasures and what are just the masks we put on to gather attention to ourselves as we interact.

This is a good time to re-examine how we present ourselves to the world. What we value as our public persona and what we wish to improve upon so that the image projected communicates more fully who we are. What would have shone brightly during this Full Moon and drawn the magnetic attention that is typical of Leo’s energy may not be what it seems under the influence of Mercury’s duality. Something may be lost in the translation and the tendency towards lackluster replaces what should have been dynamic. Remember that I mentioned in the beginning of this article that the tension of oppositions of Sun and Moon, the “we” and the “me”? Mercury will hold us accountable for re-visiting who we believe ourselves to be. Lady Moon will show us the full potential of that “me”. And Father Sun will call us to our place of community as part of the greater “we”.

As you move through the energy of this Full Moon gathering all of the astrological pieces envision the lion hunting under the brightness of the moon. He remains in the shadows, waiting, observing and calculating just the precise moment that will likely ensure success. From this place of shadow, this skilled hunter emerges into the light; taking action in full speed and full force with power and strength, taking down its prey. He takes his share of what has been killed; leaving behind what will feed others who will scavenge the remains as a result of his dynamic action.

A Poem to Meditate Upon:

Rest looking out on moon lit waters
Pause anchored strongly in self-knowing
Moon shines on mirrored surface and
Water reaches towards primal force
Majestic in its Power and strength.

Rest looking out on deep expanse
All is your shining domain
The fires of Moon’s glow
Resplendent in its fullness
Lights the way as water’s
Will-filled heart returns to you.

Read More:

About a Mercury Retrogrades: Meet Me at the Station

2 Comments »

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-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

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.

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

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for Temple of Mercury

Let Me Break It Down – The Sun in Virgo

Mercury Stations Retrograde Tomorrow AM

Full Disclosure -The Sun in Gemini

The Lion’s Share

Meet Me at the Station: Mercury Retrograde

The Temple of Mercury-Is Anybody Out There?

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Follow Blog via Email

Robin Fennelly

My Affiliations

My Other Blogs

Monthly Column

My Websites

The Magickal Pen- Esoteric Writings

Copyright

Blogs I Follow