 Malvin Artley has been a practising astrologer for more than 10 years. He is an
accredited member of the American Federation of Astrologers.
Malvin is the author of Bodies of Fire: An Exploration of the Lesser Chakra System. He has authored numerous articles and was a member of the faculty of the University of the Seven Rays, a non-profit organization dedicated to the teaching of the Trans-Himalayan tradition as expressed through the books of Alice Bailey, Helena Blavatsky and others.
His primary focus over the past 25 years has been on the sciences as they express occultism and with bridging work between the two. His
special interests are the human subtle energy system and all
the chakras, or energy centres, physics and technology, astronomy and all
aspects of Chinese occultism. He has done extensive work with Chinese
astrology and the cycles they use and seeks to synthesize the great
Western and Oriental systems on such matters.
Malvin lives in Adelaide, South Australia. He also works in the engineering trades and sends out periodic emails about astrological happenings and developments. Click here to subscribe to Malvin's periodic letters.
|
|
Capricorn's Moon:
The Capricorn Solar Festival [part two]
Subtle Meanings of the Full Moon in Cancer 2007
Malvin Artley concludes his analysis of the subtle meaning of the Full Moon in Cancer for 2007. In Part Two Malvin discusses the astrological features of the Capricorn Solar Festival, noting the way the esoteric and the exoteric rulerships of Venus and Saturn interact. He also examines the meanings of the degrees. Malvin argues that the Capricorn focus should lead us to a much clearer sense of what is just and true in our lives. It should lead us to the pinnacle (the mountain top) of our essence and thus to self-mastery.
Capricorn: All That Is Best In Humanity... And All That Is Worst
Capricorn represents all that is best (highest) within humanity and all that is worst (most materialistic). That is why we see extremes of both sides of the sign during the Christmas season. I keep going on about Christmas because it is a good example, because most of the readers of these letters are Christian/Westerners and because it falls squarely within the Capricorn interlude. The entire Christmas/New Year's period is embraced by and representative of Capricorn. Other traditions have their holidays during this time as well and they probably experience similar dynamics. I simply offer Christmas as an example because it is familiar to most readers, not as an archetype of the sign.
In Capricorn we see the most spiritual and altruistic motives come out in people, and I refer to the time of the year here as well as the expression of the Capricorn type. We also see the grossest materialism. There is more money spent during the Christmas season on people's selfishness than at any other time of the year. Of course there is a great spirit of giving in that and selflessness as well, but the end result is that a huge amount of money is spent that could go to better uses. How many useless Christmas gifts did you get this year? Perhaps the better question to ask is, how much did we give to those in need this year? Christmas typically marks the greatest time of giving to social causes, too. So, we can see that Capricorn is a real mixed bag in terms of how it manifests – all the best and the worst. It is how we choose that determines where the next year takes us, so Saturn thus guides us along externally and inwardly.
Venus and Saturn
To cap off the discussion of Capricorn for this year, if we look at the archetypal ruler of the sign, which is Venus, then we see the principle of justice, fair play and right relations working out, all of which Venus represents. Ultimately, the Capricorn interlude should lead us to a much clearer sense of what is just and true in our lives. It should lead us to the pinnacle (the mountain top) of our essence and thus to self-mastery. The combination of Venus and Saturn is a most powerful combination when it comes to 'the righteous way' of living. With Venus we have the path of love. With Saturn we have the path of truth. When the two are joined and in harmony (through right-choosing and right-relating) then our success (spiritually speaking) is assured. No one ever achieves their best in life unless love and truth are one in one's efforts. If we live our truth in the fullness of love, then there is no other way than 'up' so-to-speak. Our progress takes on a life of its own and we are literally impelled forward along our way. We feel a sort of irresistible force that will not allow for anything but our fulfillment as Souls, even if that means we have to make some very painful choices and ones that might seem wrong, ill-conceived or even cruel to the outer observer. No one can second-guess the higher Self, and painful choices can and often do lead to stunning and beautiful outcomes. When 'Saturn and Venus are aligned', figuratively speaking, there is no impediment to the higher Self and we can literally and figuratively move mountains. Thus, we come to a consideration of the dynamics of the full moon figure for this Capricorn Solar festival of 2006.
 As is the case with any horoscope, whether personal or mundane (worldly/event), there are at least two distinct layers to the interpretation that comes out of the figure. On the surface, this will be a period full of surprises and turns of fate. In the 'underbelly' of the chart, we find the potential for obsessive thinking (seems to be a common theme of late), graphic resolutions of double-bind scenarios (also a common theme) and for potentially quite dramatic change. This full moon takes place on the 4th of January 2006 at 12:59 AM AEDT (3rd Jan at 1:59 PM GMT, or UT as it is now known). The tone or key note for this figure, aside from the Capricornian dynamics, is seen in the symbol for the solar degree, which reads:
“A fire worshipper meditates on the ultimate realities of existence.” – 13° Capricorn
The reference to fire-gazing or fire-scrying, as it is sometimes called, is all-too-apparent. What is it about fire that draws our attention like nothing else will? It is hypnotic, trance-inducing and carries us away to the far reaches of our being. Well, our very essence is fire. We are fiery Beings, as seen on the inner, subjective planes. Our ultimate reality – our highest Essence – is fire itself. Our universe is warmed and run by fire. We are the products of the fire of countless suns. The higher Self is a Fire that warms, nourishes, burns away and cleanses. It is a Fire that liberates and moves us forward in evolution. Without Fire, there is no life. So, anyone who has an ability to scry fire has a key to the very mysteries of life itself. The higher Self is beyond all temporal time, beyond all personal boundaries, eternal and ultimate. Fire contains within it all the keys to transformation. It is no wonder, then, that the original interpretation for this symbol was 'the subjective quest for ultimates beyond mortality', as coined by Dane Rudhyar. Therefore, we have the summation of Capricorn in this symbol in certain ways. Firstly, there is the reference to meditation-that is, interlude, pause and contemplation. And, secondly, there is the reference to Truth, Essence, our highest goals and the transcendence open to us in this season of the year (and at all times, really). Fire is our highest good.
Character and Destiny
The counterpoint to the preceding symbol is found in the symbol for the degree of the Moon, which reads:
“A hand with a prominent thumb is held out for study.” – 13° Cancer
Palmistry is both a study of character and of destiny. In the thumb is found an indication of a person's will-power. The bigger the thumb, the stronger the will. The stiffer the thumb, the more intractable and stubborn the persona. So, in this symbol we find a clear reference to willful thinking. A strong will is needed if one's spiritual destiny is to be fulfilled. We just have to be careful in the process that we do not become unbending and intractable in the process, unless it is called for to overcome some obstacle. In such a case, we have an example of what might be called 'tough love'.
Since the Moon always opposes the Sun during solar festivals, the symbol just described highlights what will be 'in our face', in a manner of speaking. It is that which we must examine, that of which we must become aware and, in many instances, overcome, since the Moon represents the past in esoteric matters. However, the Moon also represents emotions, and many people have exhibited the most stubborn and immovable emotional states in recent months, often without them even realizing it. The surfeit of Earth in the Chinese charts for the past few months has shown that very clearly. The scene is set then, for the dynamics of this full moon: personal will and transcendence, both very Capricornian qualities.
Personal Transformation
This brings us to the obvious and to the underbelly in this chart. On the surface of the chart (the obvious), the Moon trines Uranus, which is picking up speed since it is now direct. That also means that Uranus is sextile to the Sun. At its best, this augers well for personal transformation, positive experiences with the same, unusual occurrences with that and sudden twists of fate that will serve to bring that transformation about. This is a very humanitarian and broad-minded setup if we are open to receiving the wisdom. The problem is the Moon's degree and the other aspect patterns of which it is a focal point. That brings us to the 'underbelly' of the chart.
There are two types of interlaced and regular aspect series of which the Moon forms the release point. The first is a rather striking 'tetrahedron' of undecile aspects, the other three points and the base of which are outlined by the South Node, Venus and Pluto. Now, if there has been a double-bind scenario in which you have been enmeshed, you will have an opportunity to see the dynamics of it over this period and, perhaps, break yourself free from it. This is a powerfully compulsive and entrenched sort of 'love-triangle' combination. People will either break free (Pluto/Uranus) or they will become even more hopelessly enmeshed (the other three points). There are midpoints in this chart that indicate over-thinking on matters of the heart, a lot of erotic imagination (which is fine if the relationship is sound), but also illusions about love, common tragic destinies, a lack of self-control and peculiar destinies in love. It all sounds like the makings of a great soap opera. The saving grace here is that the Moon will be powerfully activated by the other regular aspect pattern – a quintile kite.
Crisis Management
The quintile is an aspect that brings 'artistic or creative use of crisis situations'. The Magi Society of astrologers has maintained for a while now that quintiles bring catastrophes with them. I have certainly seen this to be the case, especially when there are regular patterns of quintiles. Since the Moon is the release point of the pattern, the implication is that people's intractability will provoke crises that will bring about some pretty surprising results. We may not see it on a world scale, but it is very likely in personal relations. Once released, however, and once the dust settles, some very unusual and creative energy can be released that can go a long way toward a greater spiritual expression for people. I started writing these letters after such a crisis, and I had never thought of such a thing before. It just came to me 'out of the blue', but it has brought me a lot of joy since. The other three points of the kite are Jupiter, the Sun and Neptune, a powerfully creative trio of influences.
Finally, with regard to aspects with the Moon, the Moon is also the tie-point to two quindeciles – one to Pluto and the other to Venus. If you want to obsess about love, then write about it in your journals or actually write a romance novel. Quindeciles are all about obsession. If there is an actual relationship about which you are obsessing, though, it is perhaps better to take a step back from it and cool your heels until after this period passes. People can get into a lot of personal trouble if intimate personal relationships take precedence over spiritual realities right now. Let's face it: the Moon is powerfully aspected in this chart, even though most of the aspects are 'esoteric', and the tendency will be for people to focus much more on emotional matters than they do on the higher Self over the next month or so, that Self being where they actually should direct their attention. I have seen time and again that regular patterns of the lesser-known aspects do indeed manifest powerful and far-reaching effects in people's lives, and in world events. Let us be clear, then – if we focus upon the 'surface' (Sun/Moon/Uranus), then we can effect some very positive, humanitarian and far-reaching change in our lives. If we focus upon the 'underbelly' (the aspect sets to the Moon) then we could be due for, as we say in the South, a 'whole heap of trouble' – and for some time to come.
Other than that (isn't that enough?), we find Mars squaring the Nodes at the apex of a t-square. This configuration interferes with the natural flow of people's instincts, introduces disharmony into communities and causes disruption of associations. Actually, this can be a good thing in relation to this chart. Unless I miss my guess, there will be certain 'deal-breakers' for people under this dynamic. Since Mars squares the South Node, the dynamics of the tetrahedron described before will probably tend more toward resolution of entrenched double-binds than toward further entrenchment. As is the case with any solar festival, the emphasis is upon movement forward spiritually rather than staying stuck in past patterns. Mars, as the agent of the Destroyer (which is actually a beneficent Force), acts in a very positive light in this chart.
Finally, Mars is also applying toward its conjunction with Pluto, which is exact on the 13th, adding further fuel to the fire (or should we say Fire) and we should see a good cleansing energy manifest around that time. Saturn is also slowly approaching its opposition with Neptune (yet again), which is exact on the last day of February, so we are beginning to feel the effects again of that opposition, if we remember from before, which brings a crumbling of belief structures, instability in relations, killing out of worldly ambitions (this aspect is great for spiritual/meditative work), a lack of self-confidence and a dampening of will-power. Last, but not least, Jupiter is square to Uranus, which can yield brilliant insight, broad vision and visionary plans, but it also introduces an air of impracticality and the possibility of sudden losses due to that impracticality or inattention to details. So, there we have it – all the best and all the worst.
Thus we bring to a close another series of letters for the year 2006. For those who have had a difficult year, I can say the following with certainty – the 'hard yards' that you have experienced in this period will set you on a course which will eventually bring you the joy for which your heart has yearned for so long. We all see ourselves and those around us much more clearly now than we did this time last year, do we not? – and that is a very good thing. The knowledge we have gained will enable us to live our lives more fully in the years to come and-more importantly – to live our lives more in accordance with our higher Truth. Now, it doesn't really get any better than that, does it? As we have seen, this full moon period speaks to us of that very thing. To attain to our highest Essence – the Amrita of Spirit – is the goal for every seeker who has walked or will ever walk this world. Every year we are given the reminder of that and an opportunity to approach it closely in the Capricorn interval. May you choose your course wisely, my friends, for these times are fraught with karmic pitfalls. There is so much of our ancient karma that is crying out for healing in order that we can move into the future unbound by the past, and it pokes its head out at every opportunity. It is my wish for the New Year that we all have a much easier and more productive time of it. I am ready for a change myself. I enjoyed my holidays and the change gave me fresh perspectives on things. Change your routine every now and then – and for goodness sake, have some fun! May every piece of farm machinery you encounter in your life turn into a carousel, if you catch my drift. Life isn't always what it seems. A change will give us perspective that routine often kills out. I could sure use another holiday, though – you know?
Happy New Year, All! (Please be sensible in your celebrations)
Malvin.
30 Dec 2006
Recommended reading in the New Year:
The Body Never Lies by Alice Miller (a book about truth)
Controlling People by Patricia Evans (a book about love)
(Actually, they are both about Truth and Love)
Here ends the article.
Click to return to the start of the Capricorn Solar Festival.
 Malvin Artley is an accredited member of the American Federation of Astrologers. His primary focus over the past 25 years has been on the sciences as they express occultism and with bridging work between the two. His special interests in those fields are the human subtle energy system and all the chakras, or energy centres, physics and technology, astronomy and all aspects of Chinese occultism.
He sends out periodic emails about astrological happenings and developments. These letters are sent out as a gift and a service. If you wish to be added to or deleted from the mailing list please let me know. If you feel inspired to pass them on please do so, but do so without alteration or charge. They are sent to people of many persuasions, not just astrologers. Blessings. Click here to subscribe to Malvin's periodic letters.
|
| Forum | Postcards | Glossary | Links | Site Map
