Astrology

Introduction to Spiritual Astrology

The Sun is in Libra from approximately September 23rd to October 24th and represents the period of the autumnal equinox. Harvest and summer have given fruit and heat, respectively. Now the trees and bushes gradually become bare of their leaves as autumn advances. The land will soon have an opportunity to enrich itself by the falling foliage and to rest during the sleep of winter. Man turns his attention to self-cultivation as the days grow shorter and the temperature decreases. He will have a chance to balance himself by devoting time to his interior development.

Libra stands for equality and reveals the human struggle with polarity and dualism. On one scale he is striving toward the bliss of a conscious reunion with Divinity. On the other he is working for mastery and power in the earthly sphere of personal desire. The essence of Libra will teach man how to balance these two urges within himself in conformity with the conditions of his earthly situation. Libra has rulership over the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract, as well as the diaphragm, the muscular partition that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. In the balance glyph we see that the lower line represents the waist while the upper line designates the convex diaphragm.

Libra is a cardinal turning point in the evolutionary process with the birth of cooperative relationships. This is the union or marriage sign of the zodiac and the ego can no longer function in a merely me-consciousness mode. It has to develop the capacity for we-consciousness. The Ego now has to balance the world of appearances, the personality, with the world of inner reality, the soul. Venus is the ruler of this sign, for only through love can true union be attained.

The development of relationships is the most important attainment for the Librans. They have a great desire to be liked by everyone and will not take a resolute stand on an issue, even when they know it to be right. "Peace at any price," is their motto. Librans are diplomats for they are friendly, outgoing, and interested in living life to the fullest. In group associations they shine because they are tactful and conscientious, have a strong sense of justice. and the will to do good. Typically, they best express their nature in the legal profession, public relations, the performing arts, music, and business or or other forms of partnerships.

Those born under this sign are intellectual and actively seek knowledge, new ideas, and mental stimulation. They are adept at analyzing what is occurring in the society around them. All matters pertaining to psychology and human relationships are of deep interest to them. For this reason they make good counselors and often seek to help people with their personal problems. They frequently play the role of peacemaker.

Librans have learned to be neither king nor servant. They are naturally disposed to democratic systems and prefer enterprises involving cooperative effort. If Libras learn to polarize themselves they will be completely fulfilled and capable of serving their highest purpose as a focusing point through which the divine rays of peace and harmony are expressed so that all mankind can be united in love.

The Sun is in Scorpio from around October 24th to November 23rd. Scorpio represents the power of regeneration. During its phase of influence the leaves die and wither, but only to enrich soil as compost that nourishes fields and forests. Deciduous trees will produce healthy leaves the following year based in part on the "death" of the previous years' leaves. Many animals seem to disappear from the forests at this time, but only to preserve the strength they will need to raise their young come spring. While the land also goes through a kind of hibernation, this rest enables it to be more receptive and to provide a fertile medium to coax new life from the seeds which are planted in its depths. At this time man must internalize his energies. Scorpio encourages balancing the outer life by cultivating one's inner being.

Scorpio is a sign veiled in mystery. Concealed within its nature are the great secrets of sex, death, and rebirth. The glyph depicts the coils of the serpent with its poisonous fangs ready to strike an adversary.

Scorpio is the only sign composed of three symbols, indicative of the tests that embrace the threefold personality. Mental, emotional and physical levels are all involved. The Scorpion is the symbol for the lowest manifestation of this sign. Like the martyr, it may as likely inflict death on itself as use its venom on another. A second symbol for Scorpio is the Eagle, symbol of the bird that can fly closer to the Sun (Spirit) than any other. The third symbol is the Phoenix, the mythical bird capable of resurrecting itself from the ashes of its former body. Wherever Scorpio is found in the birthchart is where transfiguration and resurrection must take place.

Scorpio natives are secretive and not easily known. Much lies hidden beneath their often implacable surface. They command respect from acquaintances due to their strong, quiet exterior. They are usually very creative and resourceful. They have a great need to guard against sarcasm for the Scorpio's tongue can be deadly if used vindictively. They are apt to run into difficulties with co-workers and employees because of a supercritical nature and the tendency to pass sharp judgment on others. Scorpios would rather be loners than involved in partnerships. Scorpios possess power, will, and intense desires and emotions. Their life is likely to be a constant struggle to conquer desire through the creative use of the will. No sign can be so potent for good or evil as Scorpio.

Scorpio is the sex sign of the zodiac and its natives may have strong passions that need regenerating. There is a tremendous pride in this sign that will not allow any emotion to show outwardly. "Don't judge a book by its cover" is truer of Scorpios than any other sign. When they have risen above personality reactions their tremendous strength and power enables them to be potent healers and to confer blessing. Their goals are reached by service, purity, compassion and humility. When they serve others and forget themselves they are truly dynamic and majestic. Their regeneration lies in learning to be cooperative and outgoing toward others.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from approximately November 23rd to December 22nd. Sagittarius is the last sign to complete its passage before the beginning of the new year. It is a period of long nights and short days. Sagittarius is rich in promises for soon the winter solstice will come and the days will gradually grow longer and humans will become more active. This is, therefore, a time of preparation for the celebrations which the solstice will bring. It is a social period during which families gather together in order to enjoy the bounty which has been collected during the growing seasons. This is the month of Thanksgiving. Religion now takes on a more prominent position in everyday life as man reflects upon his past blessings. This is a time of contemplation, a time for taking vows and making resolutions.

The Sagittarian is represented by the immortal Centaur. Individuals born under its rays are endowed with the higher mental and creative attributes as well as the physical power, embodied in the horse, to project and establish their ideas. The arrow glyph illustrates that while Sagittarians often aim their sights on divine targets, their high aspirations may be destabilized by a misdirected enthusiasm, boisterous animal spirits, resulting in an active battle between constructive and destructive forces. On the physical plane Sagittarius rules the haunches, loins, thighs, and the upper legs.

Sagittarians are born under the sign of honesty and straightforwardness, represented by the arrow that flies swiftly to its goal. They deeply love liberty and freedom. They are energetic and naturally outgoing, achieving their goals through the power of positive thinking. Since the beneficient Jupiter rules and preserves Sagittarians, help always appears when they need it, even if only at the last minute.

Sagittarians are naturally serious thinkers concerned with the well-being of society as a whole, as well as with their own lives. They place spiritual law and the ethics to which they subscribe above personality. They are honest, just, and generous because of their concern for the approval and harmony of the society in which they live. They may tend to be narrow-minded and bigoted if the social standards they espouse are limited.

Sagttarians do not have a subtle approach to life. They often jump to conclusions without taking all factors into consideration. They are direct and unambiguous, so if one associates with Sagittarians, he had best be wearing a thick skin because he will hear what at least purports to be the undiluted truth.

Sagittarians naturally expand into previously undreamed-of realms because they have a lofty desire to know, to experience, to spread their wings and soar in search of excitement, knowledge, and adventure. They travel far and fast, both geographically and mentally. They like people to acknowledge their qualities and work, and they enlarge their egos through creativity.

Sagittarians may try to avoid personal responsibilities and would rather have several uncommitted relationships than one which would exact any limitations on their freedom. Sagittarius is the bachelor's sign.

--Barbara Joiner