Water | Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for Water

The Magick of Scorpio

Posted in Magick, The Temple of the Sun with tags Lunar, Scorpio, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon, Water on November 17, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Scorpio
Deep, Passionate and Thoroughly Transforming

The Magick of Scorpio is fueled by desire, will and all of the emotions that are associated with a nature that is intense and complex in its expression. Whatever we apply Scorpion energy towards is going to receive the opportunity to reach deeply into he introspective and intuitive self and draw from those depths what is needed to completely change everything.

Scorpio’s strength lay in being able to reshape by will and transform through the power of emotion. This means that the process itself will be intense and at times extremely uncomfortable.

The caution here is that of obsession and fixation that keeps those emotional waters from moving in a productive way and instead reek havoc on everything that is in their raging path. In Leo we found the place of drama that can ensue when too much of the “me” becomes the focused obsession. With Scorpio, the drama that ensues is One that remains in the shadows, intensely brooding and when it does erupt appears to come out of no where with no clear definitive source.

Scorpio goes straight for the heart of the matter. Workings that strive to change or transform are most successful under Scorpio’s energy. The same attention to refinement and balance to craft the most beautiful of expression now has potential to become the object of desire and with that implication everything originally assigned to the Libran beauty will now take on a different quality of life as they are adored and worshiped intensively and deeply.

Scorpio is the fourth sign of the second cycle of quadrant of Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the second of the Water astrological signs and in the order of progression, Scorpio brings an emotional state that has ability to express itself in either state of extreme. This is the progression from the home seeking Cancerian who forms attachments by what it defines as worthy of its trust in exchange for the security achieved. By the time we arrive at the third of the Water signs, Pisces, all experience is held within the moving waters of compassion for others and self-sacrifice as an expression of that compassion.

Insight-filled

Scorpio as a sign of the Fixed Water Modality provides the quality of synthesis and structure of a suitable vessel to contain the potential overflow. Libra’s gift of change through inspired mind set the stage for collaboration between mind and the heart of Scorpios desire. When Scorpio opens its gates of insight what is released are all of the ingredients necessary for birthing something transformed. The recipe is one that has been forged through introspection and the silent observation. Taking it all in, processing it at a deep level of understanding and then formulating a response based entirely on the motivations of feeling.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances the intuitive and emotional process of transformation:

Scorpio as the Eighth sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with the cycles of endings and beginnings. Think of the number 8 and the possibility of either entering through the gates of the two circles atop one another or leaving from those Gates; drawing the experience held in that space of between as the synthesized action.

The Solar Month of Scorpio is an excellent time to begin the work of change. Although Scorpio is a water sign, many of the ways in which it works it magick is in a fiery way. Passion, drama and intensity of feeling blaze their way through any working burning off the steam and leaving dynamically changed waters that provide a clarity despite the depths into which they reach.

The energy of this Solar month of Scorpio next flows into the Fires of Sagittarius and the arrows of networking and stimulation that are shot from that archer’s bow need the softening of Scorpio’s waters of self-knowledge to ensure that their aim is true.

The Scorpion approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as opening your intuitive gifts more fully benefit from Scorpio’s solar energies.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Scorpio would be the first phase of testing and exploring how you interact with the world in a purely organic and intuitive way. This would require some “soul” searching to find what your hidden desires are and what motivations are driven by those desires and which are informed by a Higher Self. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to recognize what are primal urges and needs and what are actions that align with a path of growth and productivity. One of the detriments of Scorpio is addictive behavior. The light of Solar energy can reveal those areas that are habitual and keep you stuck emotionally.

Using the cycle of Water and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Pisces’ Solar Month. The Solar Month of Pisces provides the place of forgiveness and self-compassion. Healing and the comfort of knowing that what you have revealed of a nature that is not intuitively guided is the focus of this solar month. Pisces also has the gift of empathy. When empathy and compassion align being driven by the best interest for all concerned, we are truly listening and opening to our deeper insight.

Having finally arrived in the energy of the Solar month of Cancer, all that has been drawn from previous experience can now be shared as the seeker can now acknowledge his/her part in the world family of humanity. The scorpion has risen to the place of the Eagle, keen sight and able to see where there is need and offer the emotional supports that foster growth.

Lunar Magick: Time for Change

Engages the transformation of those feelings and perceptions we have about ourselves that lay beneath the surface.

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Scorpio provides the energetic principle of providing the tools needed for permanent transformative change. When we explore the motives behind the actions and concepts we cling so fiercely to we have the opportunity to reveal not only to the world, but to ourselves what we have that is useful and what we affirm of our truths that are unfounded.

Workings that require a cleansing of false beliefs and emotions that hold us prisoner make use of the intensity of Scorpio. Workings that encourage deeper exploration of those aspects of yourself that you hide and bring you needless pain can be brought to the surface for a closer look. When we reveal those things that make us feel vulnerable, we are taking the first steps towards changing the ways we feel, think and express ourselves.
Using the Triune nature of Scorpio lends itself well doing a working that will access the triple phase of the Moon.

The New Moon of Scorpio (The Scorpion) could be used diving into those deep waters of your emotional “stuff” that you try to hide from others (and at times shun away from yourself). Call upon the opening and awakening of the intuitive self and begin a process of descent into looking at the shadows of cobwebs that hold your secrets. Look at each thing that arises and remain detached from them. Breathe deeply, taking in all that presents itself. One thing will stand out above the others. This is the focus of work for the next phases. After making selection, set the intention that you will allow yourself the space of embracing this aspect in all of its energy, but it will hold no power over you. A you move towards the Full Moon, allow more and more of this thing to come to the light of scrutiny and each time engaging the feeling and intuitive part of self.

The Full Moon of Scorpio (The Eagle) would be used to see and feel the fullness of this thing and to rise above its power over you, seeing now that it has none other than what you have given it. Allow the healing waters of Mother Moon to cleanse and soothe the efforts of your work during the waxing. Now, soar above as the Eagle, seeing what has been cleared from you and opening to a broader perspective of who you really are.

The energy of the Waning Moon in Scorpio (The Phoenix) would serve as the final point of release and the allowance of new growth from that release. Spend some time in the dark and a place of quiet. Recall what you have learned of yourself as you drew to the light what you had kept hidden. Recall the feeling of healing and weight removed in clearing away what held you captive. Recall the pain of this release and breathe into it deeply and fully. See that pain ignited by the passion for change and the need for regrowth. Allow the flames to rise burning away any last ties to what you have released. See the ashes smoldering and call forth the power of your inner desire, the flame of your spiritual self and see the fires burning anew, strong and vibrant from those ashes. See them rising into the darkness of night sky and allow your gratitude for this space of regeneration.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Scorpio
Keywords: Introspection, Passion, Emotional Power

The Archetype: The Actor is the archetype associated with Scorpio. Scorpio is the master of disguise and personas. The hidden and keeping everything “close to the heart” are natural tendencies of Scorpio. In the Actor we see one who has command of the stage, the character to be played and the audience captivated by the illusion created. So too, Scorpio crafts the projection of what it wishes, largely in effort tot protect emotions and feelings that are intense and deep. The actor slips easily from the shadows of the wings, preparing for the grand entrance, just as Scorpio emerges from the depths, soaring in the glory of the fullness of brilliant light and if successful, finishes off in a blaze of glory, the likes of which very few have seen.

Rules Astrological House:
The 8th House of the Zodiac, the House of Relationships and Sex

Moving through the Zodiacal Wheel’s energy, the First House is the singular “you” identified by your personality and who you are presently and who you who hope to become. The second House holds the possessions and things you have acquired that further define you. The Third House represents how you express yourself based on what you have learned of yourself (1st House) and what you have chosen to surround yourself with in the material world (2nd House). The Fourth House has taught the lessons of home and family; commitment and unconditional love for who we are now and who we hope to become. Arriving at the Fifth House we are now ready to emerge from the security of friends and family and stand courageously in the Light of the choices we have made, that have contributed to the crafting of this self. Moving on towards the Sixth House we are ready to give, to serve, to cultivate and to learn the lessons of harmonious interaction. Moving next into the Seventh House we stand ready to gather to ourselves all that we have learned on the journey thus far and use it to explore new paths, learn new ways of being and open to the partnerships forged on a new chosen path.

When we enter the Eight House we have the necessary experience to form emotional attachments that are passionate in their intensity and seeking the fulfilling of a yearning for more. Experience, however does not necessarily bring wisdom. With that being said, the eight House with the ruling of Scorpio is often considered the House of Sex. Scorpio is considered the most sexually aware of the signs of the zodiac. When we engage sexually the intent is to give oneself fully over to another as we feed our own needs and desires.

Just as the number eight refers to the cyclical nature of life, so too, sex ensures the potential of life having continuation. The physical act itself is the death of a singularity and the rebirth of a unification of dual forms. At a spiritual level the act of procreation is that of the replication of the holographic light of each being of humanity regenerated and renewed as it passes through its varied forms lifetime to lifetime.

Color:
The color Red in its darkest and richest hue is well suited to Scorpio’s energy. This is the color of life’s blood when exposed to the breath of life. This is the flush of cheek in sexual ecstasy. This is the burning flame of passion so fierce in its intensity as it flames in raging need. The red of Scorpio’s intense passion and desire of will flows through the healing blue waters of emotion. As they blend and merge creating new pathways of expression, rising from the depths and soaring clear and free of inhibition, passion and healing become the unified purple of spiritual gift and healing form.

Taking it All: Libra into Scorpio

Beauty came to rest in the
Depths of my Soul.

I yearned for its gentle caress
And desired it fill my hunger.

Balance had no place in
My desire to possess it
And excess took hold.

What I hoped to have as my own
Demanded I learn the truth
Of myself.

I sought a place of refuge
And in my yearning still
I arose renewed as I took
The beauty of my gentle
Self within.

Scorpio is the Eighth sign of the Zodiac:
Scorpio takes up the work of testing the limits of what Libra strove to balance and refine. Scorpio seeks to find the definition of itself in the emotional experiences it has. This seeking often becomes a passion to give so fully that when similar response is not received, drama and heartbreak ensues.

Seasonally, Scorpio heralds the lifting of the veils as Samhain and Beltane are the focus of celebrations in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, respectively. This is reflected again in the number eight and the eternity of endings and beginnings. The veils of Samhain reveal the mysteries of those ancestors and loved ones who have passed from human form. The call is one of receipt of wisdom and the awakening of the intuitive waters to hear the messages gifted.

The veils of Beltane welcome those soul’s that seek incarnate life and the realms of the greater Earth. The fecundity and revelry of Beltane often produces the offspring that enter this world of human form having passed through the veils and become the seeds of conception.

We have crossed the mid-point in the Solar Year and the 12 Houses of the Astrological signs. Each prior to this point has concerned itself with those aspects of our being that cultivate sense of self (Aries); sense of others (Taurus); expression of ourselves (Gemini); nurturing what we hold close to our hearts (Cancer); moving into our place of power (Leo) and claiming responsibility for taking a closer look at who we have become (Virgo); and finding that place of refinement through interaction. Scorpio marks the advent of self-knowledge and re-forming what has come before as the utterly transformed Being rises from the ashes of that self-analysis.

As we move through each of the Solar Temples in the coming year, it will become more apparent how interconnected they are. The story that is woven is one of growth and evolution that is just as relevant today as it was to the ancients. We learn from these natural cycles and their application is profound mundanely and spiritually.

Resources
Other Posts to Re-read:

Temple of the Sun: Scorpio

Sun in Scorpio- Open the Flood Gates and Lift the Veils
Full Moon in Scorpio (May 2014)
Fiery Waters- New Moon in Scorpio (2013)

Temple of the Moon:
Day Ten: Rise Like the Phoenix-New Moon in Scorpio
Day Nine: Entering Deep Waters-Waxing Moon in Scorpio

Next Post
Saturday, October 22.2014
Temple of the Sun: Transit into Sagittarius
New Moon in Sagittarius

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

San_Miguel_de_Allende_Mexico_137

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

7004631149_dedac0395a_b

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 Pisces: The Analytical Heart

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

Image Credit: Sadness of Gaia by Josephine Wall

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

Sun in Virgo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon Conjunct Neptune 5:09am

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

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

Lifting the Veil: Neptune Retrograde

The Analytical Heart

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

Resources and Reflections

Pisces in Related Posts:

Full Moon in Pisces- 2013

The Temple of the Moon:

Waning Moon in Pisces

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

Day Seventeen: Looking for Compassion – Waning Moon in Pisces

Next Post:

Temple of the Sun- Virgo

The Magick of Virgo

Full Moon in Aquarius-Breath of Liquid Flame

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

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

Sun in Leo

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

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

(Photo taken as I was driving home tonight)

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

Something to Fix-ate On:

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

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

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

Mars and Saturn both in Scorpio

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

The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in Leo’s Fires

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

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

The Three Outer Planets are Watching!

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

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

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

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

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

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting the Light

Lifting the Veil: Neptune Retrograde

Pluto’s Extremes

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

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

An Image of Transformation

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

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

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

The Breath of Liquid Flame

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

Resources and Reflections

Aquarius in Related Posts:

Sun in Aquarius
The Lion’s Share

New Moon in Aquarius
The Speed of Light

The Temple of the Moon:

Waning Moon in Aquarius
Day Sixteen: Looking Further

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

Neptune Retrograde
Lifting the Veil-Neptune Retrograde

Uranus Retrograde
Deflecting the Light

Next Post:

Temple of the Sun- Leo
The Magick of Leo

The Magick of Cancer

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

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

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

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

There’s No Place Like Home

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

The Healing Waters

Image: Elena Ray

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

Read More About these Waters at:

Finding My Compassionate Self in the Waters of Creation

Solar Month Magick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunar Magick: The Intelligence of the Heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More About:

The Intelligence of the Heart

Some Additional Astrological properties of Cancer

Keywords: Determination, Self-Discipline, Persistence.

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

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

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

Color:

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

Connection and Flow: Gemini to Cancer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Posts to Re-read:

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

Full Moon in Cancer: Where Waters Flow

Temple of the Moon: Dark Waning Moon in Cancer

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

Next Post

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

Full Moon in Capricorn- Earth Waters

Posted in Auspicious Days, Esbat, Full Moon, The Temple of the Sun with tags capricorn, earth, Full moon, Lunar, Magick, Water on July 11, 2014 by themagickalpen

Full Moon in Capricorn
July 12.2014
7:25am (EDT)

Sun in Cancer

The Moon waxes full tomorrow morning (7:25 am EDT) in the astrological sign of Capricorn. The Full outpouring of moonlight lights up the landscape of our physical world and being and our feelings about our place within them. As with every Full Moon the astrological sign of placement is that which lay directly in opposition to the placement of the Solar Month on the zodiacal wheel. We have been exploring the energy of the solar month and Cancer’s focus towards nurturing and healing. Capricorn, as an Earth sign provides the tools and physical reality through which the realized potential of what love, loyalty and strength of home have the power to create. Its intent is one of slow and steady progress in manifesting the lengths and breaths of its dreams and desires. The point of tension between these two energies is one of nurture vs. nature. The nurture here is that of Cancer and the nature that of the responses of the greater world and community to what we have learned from the experiences of loving support. This is the definition of ourselves and the ability to be loved by those who are not part of our home life and offer their support based upon those lovable qualities we have successfully cultivated. These are the flowing waters (Cancer) of the persistent river that with time move the boundaries of earth (Capricorn) and move out to the Sea.

The image associated with Capricorn is that of the mythical sea-goat; equally at home in the depths as well as being able to deftly and precisely scale the steepest cliff. All the while, the primary source of stability emanates from the central space of physical landscape and earth’s support. Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn. Saturn is the Lord of Time and the energy of structure as held by the Gates of Time. This gives Capricorn a seemingly expansive perspective on time and using that broad view to set goals and with organized deliberation go about achieving them. This intent can also produce inertia and the fear of moving into unknown territory. The trick here is to recognize the opportunity that is arms reach away and then be unwavering in the intent to seize the day.

The Sun is mid-point in its energy of cycle and holds the wisdom of the parent in the maturity of Cancerian outpour. The energy of this parent is one of offering reassurance and providing the emotional support that enables the recipient of this love to move strongly and sure-footedly through the adventure of life. We have felt the flowing waters of Cancer as we have moved through this solar month and everyone has had difficulties of one sort or another that have provoked deep responses and emotional reaction.

Both Cancer and Capricorn are of the Cardinal Modality; meaning that each has a natural predisposition towards getting things started and paving the way using this energy in a catalytic way. Capricorn as an Earth sign provides a space of central point from which things may expand towards future aspirations or submerge into the safety of those full and ripe waters of the lunar tides. Using this energy in conjunction with the healing waters of Solar Cancer keeps those waters as a source of renewal and revitalization that can only be found within the space we call home. Capricorn offers the necessary strength and agility to navigate life’s hurdles and when applied to the waters of the Full Moon, this agility is that which can carefully navigate the turbulence of a rocky sea.

Energetically, this Full Moon is ripe for workings that are directed towards making optimal use of those opportunities that allow our feelings to remain anchored in the strength of those concrete realizations that keep us on the daily path while we explore how resilient we can make them as they stray further from that center of surety. Add the strength of the Solar Month and the “mothering” of Cancer and the recipe is one that will bring comfort and support to all endeavors.

Additionally, we have some other astrological refinements that make this Full Moon one that allows us to dive deeply into those waters that run below the surface and ultimately provide the sustenance that is required to support the natural greening of our physical state of being. These are the Retrogrades whose influence we have been feeling at the depths of our emotional and physical selves and for many have created drama where normally there was smooth sailing:

Saturn (Scorpio) Direct on July 20th
Neptune in the astrological sign of Pisces
Pluto in the astrological sign of Capricorn

The intensity and building up of what has out-pictured as emotional release for the past few months has had the stimulus of Saturn exacting its structure to what has needed to be drawn up into the light. This energy was directed through waters that lie submerged and often become the undertow. Scorpio has churned those waters and the healing of Cancer’s Sun has warmed what was cold and enlivened what was dead within. This re-defining and re-shaping moves forward with the product of its efforts on July 20th.

Neptune adds another level of intensity as compassion and empathy continue to carve out new modes of expression with Pisces’ intention of “feeling” your way through the life experience. And with each of these layers of watery expression added to the waxing of the Full Moon’s flow a higher level of understanding has been reforming who we believe ourselves to be.

The Moon pairs up with retrograde Pluto in Capricorn and what lay at the furthest reaches of our awareness of self now has opportunity to manifest from the deliberate and calculating energy of Capricorn. The caution is one of trusting the process and trusting that we are truly deserving of reclaiming those pieces of our true nature that have waited at the periphery for us to call them back to us.

As I write this, the rain is coming down in torrential downpour, the ending to a bright and sunny day. I am in my home, secure and surrounded by the years of love that are held in every space of it. Sheets of water are running down the streets and their shape is being changed by the boundaries and border of curb and grass that mark the sidewalks. For anyone who is out walking, there is no way of avoiding getting wet (even with an umbrella) as it is a driving and windy rain that holds no respect for shelter or cover.

For me personally this month as been one of my emotions taking the reins. For on who normally proceeds strongly under the guidance of mind, the over- abundance of water has been overwhelming at times. The lesson I have gained in this is that of my being more fully in touch with my physical state. Eating well, exercising and having fun and unstructured time have helped me to navigate some of these emotional challenges from a more human place.

This process has been neither comfortable nor comforting, but I have reminded myself of the Mother’s tough love at times and that being the only way that her child will stop, look and feel the weight of their non-productive actions. The waters that are continuing to find ways of new expression are moving out from a place of love and these are the waters of Cancer and Mother Moon. This is the gift of Carpicorn in creating those boundaries within fertile and life-giving earth that can withstand the gentle flow of calm waters and the torrential downpour of a storm of emotional upheaval.

Resources and Reflections:

Capricorn in Related Posts:

New Moon, New Year!

The Temple of the Moon:

Day 13: Rise to the Occasion: Waxing Moon in Capricorn
Full Moon : Ritual of Anchoring

Neptune Retrograde

Lifting the Veil-Neptune Retrograde

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

Sun in Cancer – A Home on the Tree

Posted in Magick, Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, cancer, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, Pisces, Qabalah, Water on July 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

I welcome you with open arms
And the expanse of my branches
Shades and protects you from all
That would call you to harm
And these gifts ebb and flow
From the dreamscape of time
As you settle into the Cosmic
Home that carries you to
Your hidden inner shores.

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

Cancer and the Moon on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Cancer is ruled by the grand luminary-The Moon. Her energy flows through our mundane lives in a very physical way as we can see the efforts of her waxing and waning in her monthly cycle and feel the pull of her watery tides in the waters of our emotional bodies and the waters that comprise much of our planet. Within the Qabalistic Tree, Cancer and the Moon hold sway in the Sphere of Yesod and the Paths of the Tree – 13th, 18th and 29th. When we speak of the energy of Cancer providing a home within the Tree we are speaking to the ability of this potent astrological sign to connect at the depths of emotion, to have a very specific flexibility of expansion and contraction and to provide the precise space in which creative process may be quickened and nurtured. The pure energy of the Moon Herself is expressed in the sphere of Yesod – Foundation.

Yesod: The Sphere of Foundation

Yesod is the ninth (9th) sphere on the Tree. The number nine, itself, holds great meaning in the energy of this sphere to transform and bring to a state of ending what will be reborn anew and forever changed. In Hebrew, the word Yesod means “foundation” and the “sod” portion alone means “mystery”. This should give clue as to the energies of the Qabalistic sphere of Yesod. It is the stuff of dreams, fantasies, memory and the dwelling place of true magick. This sphere holds the key to the unknown and the unknowable. Physical form and manifest product reside in the descending connecting sphere of Malkuth, but the focus and energy which makes it “living matter” is contained within the essence of Yesod. As we descend from the higher spheres and move through the varied energies of each of the preceding and come to rest in Yesod, we have arrived at the plane of the astral. This is the working field of the “dream” of creation that creates the thoughtform of the manifest expression. Yesod serves as the storehouse of these images only, without the benefit of the life energy needed before these images can move into a realized state of manifestation in Malkuth.

Yesod is considered the sphere of the Moon. And, just as the physical moon of our world goes through its tides and cyclical changes and has great effect on our physical earth; this principle is also true within the sphere of Yesod. Dreams and the subconscious provide the building blocks that move through layers of murky water before they may be seen in clarity and their true form. This is the testing ground, so to speak and until assurances are received as to the viability of these fleeting images, action is not taken towards growth and moving forward. What we have learned of Cancer is similar in nature. Without the assurance and affirmation from those we love and trust, the fledgling individual is unsure as they progress out into the world in search of their own future and destiny.

Although Yesod is assigned the element of Air and what we have found of Cancer is watery in its presentation this is the breath of current that becomes the ephemeral experience of sensing what surrounds you, yet being unsure of where it has originated and where it is going (much like the vastness of the sea). You are simply caught in the airiness of its path. The ebb and flow of Cancer’s application is much like the breezy day, that begins with gentle caresses that move into a frenzied state of blustery conditions and finally quiets back to a state of calm. Opening these flood gates of memory stimulated by the subconscious and collective unconscious can often leave the dreamer in a state of feeling as though they just weathered a potent storm. This is the undercurrent of energy flowing through Yesod.

The Power of the Moon

The Moon was man’s first timekeeper and generated awareness of the seasons, the water’s ebb and flow, evolution and change. It also gave light to the awareness of the cyclic nature of life and the natural surroundings. On the Tree, moving through the energies of Yesod is to move in accord with the Cosmic Law of Rhythm; the natural cyclic nature of all things and the evolution and transformation at the level of the Soul through these waters of higher life. The Moon is placed on the 13th, 18th and 29th Paths of the Tree. Each iteration of its energy is informed and changed by the spheres of connection and the dynamics of the flow needed to continue the process of emanation.

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

Yesod (Moon) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Yesod and Tiphareth

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 storehouse of memory that is the sphere of Yesod.

The 18th Path: Cancer and the Moon

Open your flood gates that
The birthing waters may
Cleanse and heal.

Release the power of your
Might and transform the
Wrath of injustice.

All is not viable
And into all vessels
The understanding of
Right action flows of
Its own accord.

The 18th Path provides the energy of synthesis of archetypal form and the action of individualizing. Binah offers the flow of promise of the potential of Divine form drawn into a space of selective shaping of what will ultimately be matter that has its own identity within that of its spiritual nature. This energy is dynamic in both receipt and return and the goal is one of greater understanding of the process of creating the manifest from what is the ephemeral image and conception of that form. Binah forms its concept of what the attributes and energy of its Divine child will be and Geburah offers the active energy that can bring that concept into a form more closely resembling that of a manifest being.

These energies require adaptability on the parts of the connecting spheres. If the archetypal image remains rigid in its desire or the individualized product insists on its final outcome, neither pure essence will have sway and nothing productive will come of the exchange. The adaptability required forms the basis of re-alignment of the intentions of each that are feeding into the mix and this re-alignment enables form to become actualized.
Cancer’s Ebb and Flow

The Moon is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Cancer. The watery landscape, intuitive flow and flexible wax and wane of the emotional tides are held within the structure of the 18th Path. This is the primary need for the soothing waters of healing (Binah, the Dark Mother) to temper the sword of wielding (Geburah-the space of “tough love”) that offers as product a tool that holds its own. These are the waters that heal any wound that has been opened and carries the wounded to a place of safety and ease of rest. As the tides of healing recede what is left in their place is newly leveled ground that is ready to receive the next inrush of life affirming energy. This is the goal of coming together as community and family. This is the product of realization of being fully supported in your efforts of outreach and trusting that there is always that support to return to when healing from life’s exacting measure is required.

The 13th Path: The Path of the Moon

The Sun rose in the reflection
Of its own grand nature
And the brilliance of the
Benevolent One smiled down.

Magick flowed as prism of light
Within the sacred column of
The steadfast seeker and the
Sun-filled breath of the Divine
Spoke the words of power
As the seeker offered up
The sacrifice of devotion.

The Moon is placed upon the 13th Path and the placing of this adaptable movement of flow within the path of connection between the Crown of Kether and the harmony of Tiphareth gives the needed support of expansion and contraction towards reaching its goal of manifestation. The measure of downpour from the Source recedes and expands in its downward reach as the distributive effort of Tiphareth takes what portion is needed and carries it back to inform and enlivening its process of distribution. Think of the ebb and flow of the tides and their action of pulling in towards the shore the debris and treasures from the expanse of the source of ocean. When the tide retreats it leaves behind some of what has managed to be firmly entrenched in sand and carries incrementally back out again a combination of what is contained on the shoreline. Each working in turn with the other and each changing the landscape, even if only minutely from what it was.

The 13th Path is one of realization and the revelation of the mirror reflection of Tiphareth’s strength of will amplified, yet part of the ultimate brilliance of Kether’s downpour. This becomes the refining tool of cultivating self-consciousness. Not simply self-awareness, but the deeper gnosis of affinity and the understanding of the nature of consciousness and its connection to Spirit. The synthesized product of this interaction is one of unification. It is the unified and realized individual that can leave the safety of home and make his/her mark on the greater world creating new homes and new families of experience as product of this ease with self.

The High Priestess

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key II -The High Priestess sits in the Temple of the Moon and takes on the triune form of catalytic energy and transformation. She sits in the space of action as the Middle Pillar incarnate as synthesized balance of male and female, force and form. Her knowledge of the mysteries is honed in the waters of deep intuitive knowledge and her persona is that of the cycle of the moon. Placed upon the 13th Path, the High Priestess serves as reminder of the need for spiritual devotion and discipline as guardian of the great mysteries of life itself. In her feminine form she represents the power to sustain newly quickened life and stands as the ultimate gate of passage towards return to the source of creation. This Tarot key exemplifies the action of spiritual family and spiritual home. Within those energies the seeker may raise to the exalted form of catalyst. This is the space of balance that is achieved as we unify Spirit and matter within. And, this is the revelation that this home is opened only by the key that we hold as member of this spiritual family.

Another Path of Expression: The Moon on the 29th Path
The Moon/Pisces

My soul seeks the beauty of
Your refined and elegant grace.

My body yearns for the wisdom of
Love and the heat of the creative fires.

My Spirit hungers for the lessons
Found in the bliss of exquisite form.

The 29^th Path connects the spheres of Netzach (Victory) and Malkuth (Kingdom). This is the path of drawing down into the manifest and physical realms (Malkuth) the creative expression of what is defined by love, refinement and aesthetic beauty (Netzach). This is the path of feeling (Netzach) descending into matter (Malkuth). The Moon is placed upon the 29^th Path. Pisces is the astrological sign placed upon this path and represents the completion of the zodiacal wheel. Both of these energies are the fullness of emotional expression and intuitive sight. We are all familiar with the energy of the Moon, the waxing and waning of her phases and the power of her tides. Pisces adds the intensity of compassion and a grace of flow that signals the endings of one phase and the birthing waters that will signal the next.

This energy is what will stir the passions towards greater and deeper expression of what is refined and beautiful. This is the energy that fuels the soul’s need and inspires the outpouring of this emotional state of pure joy into a state of victorious expression.

As we learned in previous posts, Pisces is the third of the water Triad that includes Cancer and Scorpio as well. And, as we have also seen, there is interaction – by relation – kind of like Cancer and Pisces being third cousins with the common relative of the Moon. The home that is created here within the Tree is one of all loving and unconditional compassion. The yearning of Cancerian energy for the loving home and family is realized in the refined expression (Netzach) of a love that is pure of heart and focused on the best interest of what is in manifest form (Malkuth).

In Conclusion:

As we consider the attributes of Cancer and its ruling planet the Moon and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of honing the intuitive and healing nature that promotes unconditional love. Cancer brings a desire to love and to be loved and the sense of community that fosters this energy. The Moon shines in Her wisdom bringing the feminine polarity that is both creation and destruction of what does not serve and unconditionally will not thrive. The abundance of water that is reflected in Cancer and in Pisces as partners to the Moon’s energies upon the paths speaks to the natural flow of involution from the Crown and Spirit of Kether down into the manifest form of Malkuth. And, the place of filter for disbursement of this divine elixir is that of Yesod, the sphere of the Moon and the gate where the dreams of a stable and supportive home may come into manifest reality.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this light of opening is the contracted response of embrace and closing in to hold near and dear what is drawn lovingly into that embrace.

Next Posts:

TUESDAY, JULY 8.2014

BONUS: PATHWORKING – THE HALL OF CANCER

July 13.2014

Temple of the Sun: The Magick of Cancer

Resources:

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

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Foundation of Yesod

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

Mercury Stations Direct Today! Go Slowly!

Posted in Auspicious Days, Mercury with tags Air, esoteric writings, void of course, Water on July 1, 2014 by themagickalpen

Mercury stationed direct today at 8:50am. Breathe into this release of pressurized communication, but go slowly as you open up the gates that have held at bay what you “really” wanted to say. Although, Mercury is Airy in elemental quality, its natural tendency towards expression moves in bursts and flow, much like water. Think Water of Air and its quality of ebb and flow, contraction and expansion as it carves its way through the atmosphere. This is also the application of air is creating the tsunami that overtakes everything in its path.

The moon moves into the astrological sign of Virgo at 5:24pm, so emotions will be put under the scrutiny of Virgo’s earthy analytical order through Friday at 12:21 am when the moon transits void. Virgo’s action is to create the solid ground that has been crafted and tested to ensure its viability. These are the points of anchor and the bouys that keep you afloat in the turbulence of the sea. And, we continue to navigate these seas as there is still an abundance of watery energy with the Sun in Cancer, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn Retrograde in Scorpio and Neptune Retrograde in Pisces.

So, go slowly as you navigate these varying levels of seascapes lest you get caught in the undertow. Think before you speak. Feel your way through the loosening up of communication’s back log and ease into the flow of expression and style that typifies the best you can communicate.

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

Analyze This! Full Moon in Virgo

Posted in Esbat, Full Moon, Uncategorized with tags Aries, Esbat, esoteric writings, Water on March 16, 2014 by themagickalpen

March 16.2014
Full Moon in Virgo
1:10 p.m

Today the Moon is in Her Full glory in the astrological sign of Virgo. Virgo is of the Earth element and mutable modality. Sun and Moon are in opposition as the last stages of Pisces’ emotional outpouring is preparing to transit into the Fiery sign of Aries and begin the cycle of the Zodiacal wheel anew on March 20th. Virgo, as the sign placed in opposition to that of Pisces heralds the opportunity to bring the Virgoian energy of greater clarity and detail to the all compassionate all giving Pisces. The brilliance of the Full Moon pulls into the spotlight the emotional attachments and habitual behaviors that become the heavy anchors that do not productively hold firm, but instead dig deeply into sandy floor and cause uprooting as they are pulled along. Virgo demands that this anchoring be cut free and order is maintained from the careful sifting through the emotional rocks that bind.

I am currently presenting at the Sacred Space conference in Laurel Md. And the days prior have served as a reminder that the energy of this full moon has been building and the need for directed and focused compassion and loving-nature is at hand. A conference of this sort requires interactions with others and the ability to finely tune what emotional connections and intuitive flow will be established in that space. The Sun in Pisces supports the strength of a compassionate listening nature and Virgo steps in to provide structure through scrutiny to the expression of our emotions and heart felt connections.

The watchful Full Moon Eye focuses its light in precisely the correct way to illuminate the way and to give greater clarity to the ebb and flow of human discourse. What bubbles to the surface is meaningful exchange that is mutual in its understanding of what the other needs without disregard for your own needs. In moving forward, the application of Virgo’s sorting and sifting helps to break down the most heart-felt and mature energy of Pisces’ giving nature in preparation for renewal as the strength of the Sun crowns in birthing a new turning of the Zodiacal Wheel in Aries.

Let Me Break it Down, Gentlly

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 reweave the tapestry
Of frayed emotions and
What emerges is more
Beautiful than what was
Thought able to conceive.

I see with the eyes of
One who has not been
Jaded and corrupted by
Pre-conceived assumptions.

And when the heart has need
I take to task and provide my
Finest work of creating a
Space of comfort and solace
So that what is birthed from
Its loving grace will see with
Freshness and vibrancy.

So, next you have need
Of one whose hand moves
With meticulous grace
Seek me out.

And let me
Break it down
For you.

Re-worked from original poem: Let Me Break It Down
The Inner Chamber Series: Volume One. It’s Written in the Stars. R. Fennelly.2013

And

New Moon in Virgo- Analysis and Building

Join me in the Temple of the Sun next week on March 20th as we embark on a year-long exploration of the Solar Light through the Zodiac.

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for Water

The Magick of Scorpio

The Mysteries of Fertile Flow: Full Moon in Taurus

Full Moon in Pisces: The Analytical Heart

Image Credit: Sadness of Gaia by Josephine Wall

Full Moon in Aquarius-Breath of Liquid Flame

(Photo taken as I was driving home tonight)

The Magick of Cancer

Full Moon in Capricorn- Earth Waters

Sun in Cancer – A Home on the Tree

Mercury Stations Direct Today! Go Slowly!

Full Moon in Scorpio

Analyze This! Full Moon in Virgo

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