ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY

AQUARIUS 2010

Labor of Hercules
Cleansing the Augean Stables

Turn back on Light and give it to others, as in Capricorn [saving animals in bulk]. King Augeus, son of Neptune god of sea, kept stables uncleaned for 30 years; Hercules breaks down outer walls, makes holes on either end for 2 river waters to flow through; suspicious King rewards Hercules with death threats. (Sound familiar?)

Motto: Water of Life am I, poured forth for thirsty men.
(Aquarius releases Virgo from her load)

AQUARIUS 2010 – Year of Decision
What drew my attention to 2010 in particular was the theme of Decision to be found with the United States’ Saturn Return in Libra, and in the many Aries and Libra emphases this year. There are additional fine points to consider, for example how Libra tends to resolve or culminate squabbles and crises that tend to arise when Saturn is found in Leo and Virgo, historically speaking. This Leo-Virgo sequence (lower and higher mind in relation/conflict) represents the situation of the vast majority who proceed through the signs in reverse order, preparatory to personality integration and prior to treading the Path of Probation. The Leo-Virgo sequence also represents the work of those who proceed forward through the signs and their responsibility to engage that relatively inert majority.

Also, it is my opinion that the chart for America is composed of about 20 years of events, which create its unique collective signature as an Aquarian soul and Gemini personality. (I do not agree that nations are best represented by a single event. Bailey tends to agree. (EA 70) It is interesting that Libra trines both Aquarius and Gemini. This trine harmonic suggests proffered Opportunity that is very positive. But we all know how trines can simply roll out a chaise-longue for the lazy. However, the Libran theme of a point of pause and balance before Decision is enhanced by Saturn’s basic theme of facing up to the past to prepare for the future and a new cycle of Right Effort. We will see this year how the American Public and its bought-and-purchased Representatives will react, since the 50% inertia of the ignorant public always provides opportunities for pols who prefer to sit on the fence until their parochial interests win out. Some of the few hopes for our future lie in a reformed media which abjures its obsession with the conjured (and faux) appearance of 'even-handed objectivity' in servitude to 'unconditionally special' (*wwtppe, pac, $$) interests, in a basically-regulated banking system which treats self-interested corporations as likely predators rather than as ‘persons,’ and in a return to proactive citizenship from the consumer addiction-society wallow. The Mars and Neptune emphasis is interesting in this regard.
* (wwtpe - 'unconditionally special' "wealthy white-trash parvenu predator elite" or perhaps ‘Orcs’?)

Generally speaking, Sagittarius/Capricorn (constellation/SIGN) demonstrates the crystallization and death of forms, dropping the old and outworn trends and habits in the interest (or necessity) of a new cycle of effort.
Capricorn/Aquarius represents a new cycle of effort combined with new ideas for social and self-improvement (or social/self-aggrandizement) for those actually moving forward (or unfortunately backward) through the signs.

The Aquarian Year 2010 is framed by the Mars-Opp. (heliocosm) and Neptune Heliocosms in Leo-Aquarius and the Mars and Neptune Heliocosms in Aquarius-Leo of February 2011 — both exceptionally close to Aquarius/Leo Full Moons — to Mars in 2010 and Neptune in 2011. Symbolically this should speak for itself to an esoteric astrologer who recognizes the United States is ruled by Aquarius (and to the orthodox astrologer who can see Neptune ruling the orthodox Cancer Sun and American Addiction Society in general).

Aquarius — Saturn-Uranus and Jupiter-Uranus
The United States is ruled by an Aquarius soul and this is borne out by the importance of Saturn aspects with Jupiter OR Uranus. Given Aquarius’ esoteric rulers Uranus, Jupiter and the Moon, the Moon veils Saturn for the unevolved and Uranus for planetary affairs. This monadic or ‘hierarchic’ rulership of the Moon (with regard to group form) is associated with the two main groups on the planet — those identifying or working with the material or substance/force aspect (Saturn), and those working with the spiritual nonmaterial energy/ray aspect (Uranus). It is also associated with 6th and 7th Ray groups and the transition from the Piscean to the Aquarian Age. It is exemplified by those who focus on outer authority associated with parental and gender (Freudian) psychological projection on to deity, the world and others — as opposed to those who recognize universal and human laws, seek to embody them in the interests of self and societal improvement, and subjugate transient human laws to the most universal and inclusive principles. This is the difference between ethics based on force and sanctions, versus Higher Ethics based on spiritual imperatives and recognition of the Energy of Life Itself which pervades all forms and sentient beings.

This ‘hierarchic’ or planetary-level rulership of Aquarius (Moon veiling Saturn vs. Uranus) is further illustrated by aspects of Saturn with either Jupiter (the soul ruler of Aquarius) forming the 20-year cycle of the Grand Trigon governing any given social status quo establishment, or with Uranus which exacerbates polarization of the above-mentioned two groups. Uranus on this ‘hierarchic’ level can also form aspects with Jupiter on the ‘soul’ level, which two planets govern the 5th initiation of mastery which is the high and benevolent goal of this solar cycle for humanity.

The following chart (at bottom) is a list of all the Heliocosms of 2010 and a few in 2011 (to include the repeat of Mars-Neptune effect). It also contains the last two Saturn-Uranus Oppositions, which end in 0° Aries-Libra, about where the three Jupiter-Uranus Conjunctions begin at 0° Aries.

To the esoteric astrologer this would suggest a strong Ray Six influence for the year, modified by the last three sign tenancy of the three outer planets in Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. It is also a period that emphasizes a move or transition from Mars to Neptune, and from Leo to Aquarius — both highly favorable in the long run. The first half of the year is also conditioned by the Mars Long-Tenancy in Leo, occurring on either side of its retrograde station at 19° Leo (the longitude of the star Merak in Ursa Major). Ray Six, anyone? (Occultly, the Sun and Earth are astrally polarized, and hence “divine will/willingness” would trump “self-will” associated more with the lower mind [conditioned by Sirian Kama-Manas, cosmically speaking]. While Venus and Ray Five govern the Soul of Earth, and supervise transference of kama-manas to buddhi (through the soul composed of manas), and solar plexus force to heart energy, it may well be otherwise on solar and cosmic levels. [For instance, the Pleiades governing the Seven Types {form} are united on the cosmic buddhic plane with seven Rishi representatives governing the Seven Rays {spirit} — the mystery of the union of Vishnu and Brahma aspects.) The Triangle of Neptune, Jupiter and Venus rule the second initiation, and also supervise Soul development (along with the Pleiades) in this solar system, and supervise Mars-Pluto for the Path of Probation. Remember it was Krttika (the Pleiades) who nursed Karttikeya (Mars) and the barhishad pitris associated with a previous solar system. Hence on cosmic, solar form levels, the eight manasic chakras of twelve petals each inherited from the previous solar system through the 'mental unit' on the fourth subplane. The chariot of Karttikeya (Mars) was drawn by eight 'fire-born' horses (Vishnu Purana), that of Poseidon (Neptune) by eight 'immortal' steeds.

The Full Moons conjuncting Pleiades, Polaris and Regulus from 11/21/2010 to 2/18/2011 also suggest a heightened state of tension that should prove positive in reorienting Leo’s self-will, egoic force and personality expression toward Leo’s higher-order emphasis on pure Being in the context of the evolution of human consciousness. Let us hope that the US manages to demonstrate some improvement along these lines during the next 12 months — and that it impacts the blind masses at large, as public awareness trumps deaf attitude and opinion.

Another esoteric positive is the presence of two Venus Heliocosms this year (January and October) which present the challenges of Capricorn and Scorpio respectively. Capricorn grounds the Ideas of Deity (Aries) in Plan and Form (Capricorn) with its emphasis on the shattering of outworn forms and the necessity of a new cycle of Right Effort. Scorpio will show up near the end of the year to test how far the US and the world have managed to conquer astralism, delusions and gross addictions through the constructive use of the higher and lower minds (Venus and Mars) working together. This is an interesting example of the Wheel moving backward through the signs. Of course, this retrograde motion is found in the two Heliocosms of the Soul ('inner planets' Mercury and Venus) associated with the Heart of the Sun (Neptune) and Spiral-Cyclic motion — however, more importantly in the context of fourth-dimensional motion in the Cardinal Cross. We recognize that Spiral-Cyclic motion is associated with the Wheel moving forward through the signs in the case of the Fixed Cross and discipleship (discipline in meditation and action). This can be visualized as the easy cliché of “backward motion” from the point of view of one planet (Earth), or be substituted by the image and fact of Spirit driving its will and Plan into matter through reversal of the Wheels, generating fourth-dimensional radiation.

The two Venus Heliocosms are also associated with the first and second halves of the year.
The first half of the year is dominated by the last two (of 5) Saturn-Uranus oppositions (April, July 2010) — revanchist warfare of retrenchment and hysterical-addictive attachment to what “has been” and the drawing of clear battle lines between past and future, retrogressive and progressive, self-interested versus improvement-oriented, status quo stasis versus evolution. These lines of conflict will serve just as well as terms for clear and intelligently cooperative diplomacy (in an economic “survival” situation which pits utilitarian cooperation against ignorant, narrow and parochial self-interest and self-will). Perhaps we can only hope for utilitarian cooperation in the present (US) situation of polarization-inertia, forgoing a purely rational Kantian society until higher education extends to the actors in political 'parties' and the schemes of corporate 'persons.' Let us be mindful that it is Neptune that rules buddhi, or 'pure reason' on this planet and in this solar system.

The second half of the year is dominated by three Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions (June & September 2010, January 2011). The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction comes in on the 0° Aries Point in June, as the Saturn-Uranus opposition finally fades out at the 0° Aries-Libra Equinox Points at the Full Moon in July. The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction arrives two weeks before the Summer Solstice, the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse conjunct Pluto, and the Mercury Heliocosm in 6° Cancer, virtually conjunct the US Jupiter position (5°) and close to the United States solar position (13°) for the Sagittarian Declaration of Independence chart. This should make orthodox astrologers happy, but it is the Mars-Neptune and Leo-Aquarius factors, with Neptune in Aquarius, which should draw the attention of esoteric astrologers who recognize that a nation is built over a generation — not on one day.

It is interesting that the orthodox charts swing back and forth between favoring Sagittarius or Gemini, while esoteric astrology recognizes Gemini as the Personality ruler of America (Aquarius its Soul). This identification of exoteric astrology with Sagittarius exhibits a preoccupation with the Shadow side (Sagittarius) of America’s Gemini personality. This makes sense for a focus on Descriptive and Predictive astrology over Diagnostic and Preventive/Purposive interests. Decisions arising from predictive versus purposive approaches tend to be quite distinct. Perhaps it is overstatement to state that a Diagnostic approach is proactive and ideational, while a Predictive approach may be more passive, fatalistic, and sensational in nature. However, it is clear that we learn a great deal about ourselves and others by examining the Sign Opposite the Sun-Sign. We cannot claim to be self-possessed and fully individualized until we consciously and constructively utilize the energies of the opposite signs together. This goes for nations as well. Sagittarius may well be the best way to investigate the ‘Problems’ of the United States. Gemini may serve much better as an indicator of our instincts as a nation of historically progressive and broad-minded people.

Saturn in Libra in the US Past
Saturn as esoteric hierarchical ruler of Libra is significant. It indicates a balance and an ideal that can only be attained collectively through right relations on a planetary basis. Saturn was in Libra from the time the first Provincial Congresses were formed in 1774 to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation later in the month of the 1776 July signing. It briefly re-entered Libra in 1777 when Lafayette arrived at South Carolina, and the Stars and Stripes were adopted as the US flag by the US Continental Congress.
Later, from 1833 to 1835 during the Jacksonian era, The American Anti-Slavery Society was founded, slavery was abolished in Canada and the British colonies, and the ‘Indian Territory’ was established by the U.S. as some sort of “final solution” in Oklahoma. Anti-abolitionist rioting reached its crest in 1835.
The next Saturn Libra episode 1863-1865 saw the 1863 application of the Emancipation Proclamation to 10 states and the 1835 surrender of General Lee to Ulysses S. Grant.
In 1892 Ellis Island was ready to receive immigrants in NY Harbor, replacing the earlier Castle Garden Depot, the NY Stock Exchange Panic of May 1893 created a depression, while Annie Besant addressed the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in September. The Panic precipitated the 1894 Commonweal in Christ (Coxey) March for employment, the May Day Riots in Cleveland, and the May Pullman Strike in Illinois where Pres. Grover Cleveland used federal troops to suppress the Chicago strike in July and the Columbian Exhibition buildings of 1893 Chicago burnt to the ground that same month.
Saturn was in Libra (1921-1923) just after the 1921 Emergency Quota Act and the Immigration Act of 1924. The Tulsa Race Riots took place in May 1922. This period 1921-24 was when Alice Bailey had rented rooms on Madison Avenue and was writing articles for The Theosophist, particularly Alice A. Evans-Bailey, “Cosmic and Systemic Law” (Nov 1921), which became incorporated into her 1925 Treatise on Cosmic Fire. On the other hand, Calvin Coolidge took the place of Pres. Warren Harding who died of food poisoning during this Grand Trigon year.
H.H. the Dalai Lama was enthroned just as Saturn entered Libra near the end of 1950. Elizabeth II was crowned monarch as Eleanor Roosevelt retired to travel the world with her message of international peace. Washington DC was buzzed by UFOs as the government promoted films such as “The Man from Planet X.” Then in 1953 Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mt. Everest.
And what can we say of 1980-1982? Solidarnosc was founded the day Saturn entered Libra, Voyager I passed and took detailed photos of Saturn and its rings, the Storm King Mtn. preservation controversy helped anchor the Scenic Hudson Preservation Coalition, AIDS and El Nino hit the news media, CD technology developed in Japan (in Libra) was released next year in the US (Scorpio), and while an assassin attempted to create a martyr of Pope John Paul, H.H. the Dalai Lama visited The Olcott Library at the TSA in Wheaton IL.

While the world is focused on the years 2011 and 2012 associated with the long cycles of Venus in the Mayan Calendar, let us hope that year 2010 utilizes the best energies of the Jupiter-Uranus Conjunctions with Saturn hierarchically ruling Libra to produce the most broad, clear and wise Judgment and the most progressive and benevolent Decisions along with their Results for the coming years.

We preoccupy ourselves with the mundane world and its events, and our consciousness of individual and group experience. Aquarius governs the group consciousness that knows that the true reality of our lives resides more in the thousands of aware and autonomous humans and sentient beings silently focused on meditation and prayer, determined to help open the World's Wisdom Eye, to gaze down into the open depths of the World's Heart, and see the Unity of all Life superceded by the Identification of One with one.

Inspiration: Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, and her 24 books on esoteric studies. NY: Lucis Publishing Company – website (http://www.lucistrust.org/en/publications_store).