Tarot: Major Arcana: Astrology (2 of 2)

Mars is force and energy that breaks through similar to The Tower. Jupiter, as the planet of expansion and luck, is appropriate for The Wheel of Fortune. Meanwhile, the principle energy of Uranus is liberation which matches The Fool. Judgment and Pluto both focus on transformation.
 

 What puzzled me the most was the connections of Cancer, the Crab to The Chariot, Sagittarius, the Archer to Temperance, Neptune to The Hanged Man, and Saturn to The World. As a reader, I need to know the reasons for these particular couplings. Is there a hidden aspect to each card that these astrological concepts focus on? Am I missing something? If so, what?

 Cancer knows where they are going and how to get there, which is appropriate for The Chariot. However, Cancer changes moods like the wind. This points to any conflict that needs to be examined while reading The Chariot. Also Cancer stabilizes The Chariot since this Sign is selective in what it does.

 Sagittarius is restless and high spirited, lending movement to Temperance. The subtle message is that Temperance should not be stagnant, but instead keep flowing. Sagittarius gives the warning to the reader of the tendency of Temperance to remain static.

 Saturn is the planet of limitation and fate. Paired with The World, it cautions the reader to beware of wishful thinking. Saturn grounds The World from flights of fancy. The World is to be earned, not handed to someone is something that the reader should know.

 This leaves Neptune and The Hanged Man, both difficult to understand. Neptune is the mystic, whose principle energy is transcendence. The Hanged Man is in limbo, perhaps in a chrysalis much like the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The two are mystics, detached from the world. Therefore, Neptune reinforce the otherworldliness of The Hanged Man.

Part One: tarot: major arcana and astrology

Tarot: Major Arcana: Astrology (1 of 2)

Astrology and I have been at odds with each other for a very long time. I only study it to gain a deeper understanding of the various magical systems that incorporate astrology. Since the Tarot used today is based on concepts from the Golden Dawn, I need to know astrology for the deeper meanings.

Some of the connections between the Zodiac Signs and the cards of the Major Arcana make sense. Also, some planets do intuitively match certain cards. However in other cases, I was baffled as to why the pairing. My knowledge of the more arcane aspects of the Tarot is not as deep as I would want. 

Aries, the Ram matches well with The Emperor. They are both leaders with strong masculine energies. Aries’ fire strengthens The Emperor’s authority. Meanwhile, the fixed energy of Taurus, the Bull centers The Hierophant. Stubborn Taurus reinforces traditionally-orientated Hierophant.

 Virgo, the Virgin reveals the introvert tendencies of The Hermit. Both reflect the need for solitude for questioning minds. Meanwhile, Libra, the Scales seeks balance as does Justice. Both stress tact and objective thinking. 

Some Signs associated with the Major Arcana are linked by animal symbolism. Since the venomous scorpion kills, Scorpio, the Scorpion is coupled with Death. Other Signs which represent animals associated with the Major Arcana are Capricorn, the Goat and Leo, the Lion. Capricorn is paired with The Devil while Leo with Strength. Goats are reputed to be stubborn reflecting the bondage aspect of The Devil. Meanwhile, the lion is well-regarded for his strength. 

In regards to the planets, having the sun coupled with The Sun makes obvious sense. Venus, the planet of harmony and love, matches the essence of The Empress. Quicksilver Mercury embodies The Magician, who is an alchemist.

 The remaining parings required further investigation on my part. Because The Lovers focus on two people and their choices, Gemini, the Twins seems to be the logical choice. Reflecting The Lovers’ dilemma, Gemini are opposing twins. This Sign indicates the pull on The Lovers to go into different directions as individuals. 

In seeking future goals, Aquarius, the Water Bearer is guided by the stars. The Star has elements of Aquarius in its essence. Meanwhile, Pisces, the Fish are dreamers governed by the ebb and flow of life. The Moon, the card of dreams, governs the tides, therefore the combination of Pisces and The Moon make sense.

 I did wonder why the moon was not paired with The Moon, and was instead paired with The High Priestess. The clues for me is that both are feminine, receptive, and imaginative. But neither dwells in illusions like Pisces and The Moon. The moon of The High Priestess underlies her intuition.

Part Two: tarot: major arcana:astrology-2

Archeoastronomy: Babylonians

Noted for their complex astrology, the Babylonians (the peoples of ancient Mesopotamia: Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria) were also accomplished astronomers. From their seven story Ziggurats, these astronomers watched the rising and setting of the stars, as well as, the five bright planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). By keeping meticulous records of lunar and solar events, the Babylonians were able predict the next eclipse. Some of their contributions to astronomy are the discovery of many of today’s constellations.

Using their based-sixty numerical system, the Babylonians set circles at 360 degrees. Stemming from this, came the measurement of angles. With their degree system (similar to longitude and latitude), the astronomers could pinpoint the position of various stars. Using their records, they developed formulas to predict the next celestial event. Their observations were so accurate that some modern people wonder if the Babylonians had invented a primitive telescope.

 Starting their month with the New Crescent of the Moon, the Babylonian astronomers divided the period into six phases, each with its own particular meaning. They measured synodic months to be the period between full moons. To insure that their year started on the first day of spring equinox, the Babylonians devised a nineteen year cycle (235 synodic months), that contained leap years. Six of the nineteen years had a month added called Addaru, and another year at the seventeen year mark had the month Ululu added. This cycle of 235 synodic months, known as the Saros cycle, allowed for the repetition of celestial eclipses at defined periodic intervals.

Since the Gods resided in the heavens, the Babylonian rulers had to understand the stars. Their power came from correctly interpreting the desires of the Gods. In fact, the dynasties of each city state and later empire were tied to particular Gods. Therefore before any decisions of State could be made, the Gods had to be consulted.

According to the Babylonians, the Gods communicated with humans through various celestial events. They built their Ziggurats to reflect this belief. Each of the tower’s seven stories represented the bright planets, the sun, and the moon. Using’ their careful records of correspondences of local and celestial events, the Babylonians astrologers could interpret the will of the Gods. The Babylonians used their astronomy/astrology to aid their rulers in the affairs of State.

 Full-time astrologers became the intermediaries between the ruler and the Gods, by translating the will of the Gods. Some of their predictions were “when the Moon occults Jupiter that year a King will die.” On that particular day, the king would have a substitute king be killed. “When Jupiter goes out from behind the moon, there will be hostility in the land.” When the ruler was informed of that, he prepared his armies.

 The Babylonians watched the skies to understand what their Gods were telling them. Since their ruler acted by the consent of the Gods, he had to know what They were telling him. His astrologers not only informed him of the will of the Gods but also what the future would be. In this way, Babylonian astrologers ensured a well-ordered society.

 Works Used:
Aveni, Anthony, “People and the Sky.” Thames and Hudson: New York. 2009. Print.
 Halsall, Paul, “The Reports of the Magicians and Astrologers of Nineveh and Babylon, c. 2500 – 670 BCE.” Ancient History Sourcebook. March 1999. Web.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/bablylonian-astrology.asp .
 Kolev, Rumen, “Some Reflections About Babylonian Astrology.” Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Astrologie. 2001. Web. http://cura.free.fr/decem/09kolev.html .
 Lendering, Jona, “Kidinnu, the Chaldaeans, and Babylonian Astronomy.” Livius.org: Articles on Ancient History. 2014. Web. http://www.livius.org/k/kidinnu/kidinnu.htm.
Magli, Guilio, “Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy.” Copernicus Books: New York. 2009. Print.
 White, Gavin, “The Exaltation System in Babylonian Astrology.” SKYSCRIPT.co.uk. May 2009. Web. http://www.skyscript.co.uk/exaltations.html .

Astrology: Virgo (3 of 3)

Other astrologers have constructed non-traditional correspondences for Virgo.  In “auz astrology”, Ann Williams-Fitzgerald has the echidna as Virgo’s animal representative.  The echidna is an ancient montromene living in Australia.  Also called “spiny anteater”, the echidna lives by herself, and needs no one else.  An egg layer, the echidna also has bird and reptile characteristics as well as mammal ones.  Virgo, an Earth Sign governed by Mercury, has quicksilver qualities like an Air Sign.  Like the echidna, Virgo has a combination of elements that ensures her survival.

Sometimes when something gets too close, the echidna will lift her spines.  In establishing her boundaries, this animal exemplifies Virgo’s tendency to find fault with others.  When the female echidna is bothered, she withdraws further into the brush, leading a train of male echidnas wanting to mate, behind her.  Virgo does the same when she finds people to be too much.  To counteract this tendency, Ms. Williams-Fitzgerald counsels Virgo with “I move forward and welcome growth.”

Meanwhile Linda Star Wolf and Ruby Falconer in “Shamanic Egyptian Astrology” associate the Goddess Nekhbet with Virgo.  The Goddess of the White Crown of Egypt (Upper Egypt), Nekhbet guides the Pharaohs since they were her children.  Nekhbet, the Ancient Mother, offers counsel in the difference between service and servitude.  Nekhbet’s attributes are reflected in Virgo’s sense of judgment and service, and well as her desire to counsel.  Ms. Star Wolf and Falconer tell Virgos to look to the Ancient Mother to purify themselves of their need to be responsible for everything.

The Sign of Virgo does have a broad range of traits that does include the major aspects of my friends’ personalities.  The differences amongst my friends could be because of other astrological influences, since we were born on different days and years.  That would probably explain the non-Virgo aspects of my personality.

In general, Virgos are creative and dependable, but can easily become cold and detached.  With their quick minds, Virgos are lovers of knowledge.  Virgos can offer order and structure to others but also can fall into ruts themselves.  Like all people, Virgos have their good and bad sides.  They strive to be of service to others and for perfection at the same time.

Works Used:

Hall, Molly, “About Astrology”, About.com, http://astrology.about.com/, 2011,

Hartman, Tori, “Color Wisdom Cards”, Jupiter Press: Los Angeles, 2009.

Kosarin, Jenni, “The Everything Astrology Book”, Netplaces.com, http://www.netplaces.com/astrology/,

Ridpath, Ian, “Virgo, the Virgin”, Ian Ridpath’s Star Tales, http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/virgo.htm

Star Wolf, Linda and Ruby Falconer, “Shamanic Egyptian Astrology”, Bear & Company: Rochester (VT), 2010

Williams-Fitzgerald, Ann, “auz astrology”, The Oracle Press: Queensland (Australia), 1999

Zell-Revenheart, Oberon, “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard”, New Page Books: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, 2004

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Astrology: Virgo (2 of 3)

According to astrologists, various Star Signs are better compatible with some than others.  Virgos make good companions for Cancers, Scorpios, and Pisces, which are all Water Signs.  Meanwhile, the Air Signs especially Gemini and Libra make life more difficult for earthy Virgo.  Their airy qualities are too much for grounded Virgo.  Because Taurus and Capricorn are both Earth Signs, they are too alike to Virgo’s personality.  Because of this, people of these Signs tend to pick at each other.  The Fire Signs Aries and Leo generally misunderstand Virgo.  Known as the “friend of the Zodiac”, Sagittarius, a Fire Sign, could be a companion of Virgo.

The personality keynote or phrase associated with Virgo is “I analyze.”  This statement reflects Virgo’s qualities of criticism, discernment, exactness, and reflection.  With her inquiring mind, Virgo loves to research just for the fun of it.  Since she likes to get into the workings of concepts and ideas, Virgo could be considered a “nerd”.  

This keynote statement also points out the shadow side of Virgo.  People of this Sign have a propensity to overanalyze.  In her constant striving towards perfectionism, Virgo forgets that “the perfect is the enemy of the good”.  Her continual analyzing can lead to paralysis.

In fact, Virgos can drive people crazy with their fussiness and preciseness.  Their methodical ways can turn their lives into a rut.  Turning inwards, Virgos often let their imaginations run wild.  Because of this, they are more prone to suffer from imagined illnesses, melancholia, and depression.  To move out of the morass, the Virgo sense of discernment needs to be encouraged.

During the time period of this Sign, the Constellation of Virgo reigns.  The figure usually identified with the Virgo Constellation is Dike, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Justice.  According to the Greek myths, Dike walked amongst people during the Golden Age of Man.  During this time, She gladly dispensed wisdom and justice to all.  However as the Ages of Man deteriorated to the Iron Age, humans became more petty and quarrelsome.  Dike tried to continue to teach people but became discouraged since they ignored Her.  Finally in disgust, She ascended into the heavens next to the Scales of Justice (Libra).

This Greek myth speaks to Virgo’s love of wisdom and order.  Like Dike, Virgo wants to counsel others.  Because of her sense of order, Virgo tries to settle disputes.  However like Dike, when Virgo is discouraged, she withdraws in disgust.  The shadow side is Virgo’s remoteness from humanity.

The colors associated with Virgo are navy blue and dark grey.  According to the “Colors of Magick”, grey stands for the mastery of lore.  Study in this area of magick suits the Virgo temperament.  Virgos are happiest when mastering arcane knowledge found deep in lore.

The closest color to navy in the “Colors of Magick” is indigo.  Although indigo is a deep blue mixed with purple, it does have the dark blue common to navy.  Indigo is the color of wizardry.  This area of magick pushes the boundaries of the known world further.  Using truth and imagination, a wizard sees beyond this world into the next one.  This meshes well with Virgo’s personality of detecting patterns and seeing a whole picture.  However Virgos have the propensity to conjure up imaginary fears and dark corners.  This can lead to Virgos entering a period of lethargy.

Navy is blue mixed with black.  This color combines communication with darkness.  Navy reflects Virgo’s consummate communication skills, and as well as her propensity to nit-pick and be overcritical.  Meanwhile, grey combines the enlightenment of white with black.  This means that Virgo’s tempered judgment can be used for good or ill.  However, grey remains neutral, but offers the release from the darkness of thought that Virgos need.

Astrology: Virgo (1 of 3)

Writing about my own Sign of the Zodiac has been difficult for me.  I know five people who are Virgos, and each of them is quite different from one another.  I had trouble in understanding how all of us could be Virgos.  Also, I was afraid that I will start to believe all that is written about Virgos will be entirely true for me.  However after researching this Sign, I was surprised at the wide range of characteristics that this Sign encompassed.  I was relieved to discover that there was enough latitude to include me and my friends.

The time of year that Virgo covers is from August 23 to September 23.  This is the clove time between summer (which is ending) and fall (which is beginning).  The Sign Virgo depicts a woman with a sheaf of wheat.  This image speaks of careful husbandry which ends in a bountiful harvest. The time of Virgo is the start of the harvest season.  

Virgo is the last of the six Signs of the Zodiac associated with individual development.  As an Earth Sign, Virgo examines what works and what does not in social relations.  Under Virgo’s direction, an individual learns what constitutes a healthy relationship.  Now a whole person, they can enter any relationship as an equal.

The trees that correspond to this Sign are nut trees.  These trees require time and attention to bring forth fruit.  They symbolize Virgo’s relationship as individual with the whole.  Like the Virgin, nut trees are nourishing and self-contained.  Like nut trees, Virgo is whole and complete.  

In Astrology, Virgo is an Earth Sign.  This means that Virgos are grounded and practical.  People of this Sign prefer order and structure.  As an Earth Sign, Virgo is also considered to be a Negative Sign as well.  This means that Virgos are more introverted and sensitive than the Fire Signs such as Aries.

Also in Astrology, Virgo is a mutable Sign.  This means that she is flexible in her interactions.  But, Virgo’s earth element helps to keep her grounded in her focus.  Virgo does desire order and structure in her life but is adaptable in how to achieve this.  However, people of this Sign are more willing to change than are people of Taurus, a fixed Earth Sign.

The planet Mercury governs Virgo, thereby enabling her to weave facts into a whole picture.  Moreover, she uses the creative urges of Mercury to form a work of art.  A typical Virgo trait is to separate the wheat from the chaff, and bake it into a whole loaf of truth.  Under Mercury’s influence, Virgo employs a strong sense of logic.  In addition, Mercury enhances Virgo’s analyzing skills with concise thinking.  Because of Mercury’s quickness, Virgo’s earthiness comes out as commonsense.  

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Astrology: Mercury in Retrograde

Often times when people talk about miscommunication on a large scale, some of them will mention Mercury in retrograde.  Mercury is the planet of communication. 

 Example:

There has been an awful eruption among churchgoers in the local congregation. Some people are blaming other people, there is a breakdown in communication and things are getting fairly hot under the collar with the church elders. Mercury is retrograde in Gemini. The time of year is the second week of August. Can you explain how the elements and planets might be influencing this situation? 

    Mercury influences communication, and under Gemini, that communication will be far reaching.  Mercury in retrograde in Gemini would make communication among groups difficult, and more prone to misunderstandings between people.  The second week of August is ruled by Leo, a fixed fire Sign that is governed by the Sun.  Moreover, this period of August is in the sector of “fire of fire” when Leo’s influence is the strongest.  Since the Sun rules the ego, tempers among people at this time would flare up and remain inflamed.