First, the disciple has definitely to cease identifying himself with either his own human personality and processes or with the human kingdom, prior to taking initiation. His emphasis is, for the future, to be upon the spiritual soul and the fifth kingdom in nature; in Sagittarius he begins to express this first stage. This involves a complete withdrawal, in the personality sense, from the form side of life. This again entails (at a certain point of crisis) a point of balance.

Secondly, the power of the mind, having been developed, tested and found true in the sign Scorpio, begins to wane in its activity and the intuition begins to take its place. This is essential before the sign Capricorn is entered by the disciple and preparation for initiation begins...

Sagittarius is powerfully affecting the world aspirants and leading them towards those attitudes of mind which will produce an unswerving allegiance to the spiritual values and an unalterable adherence to the good of humanity."

In earlier newsletters we explored how, according to the Tibetan tradition, everything manifests from source, through the light realm into the physical realm.

On our Soul's journey out through the stages of Aries, Taurus, and Gemini, our Soul was in the light realm. In Cancer, Leo, Virgo, and Libra the Soul was in the physical form. Scorpio was the point of transformation, where Soul and form become one. Now the Soul is beginning the return journey, yet a true path has still to be found... 

So what does this mean for us personally? Let's explore!

Homeward Bound

Having emerged victorious from the battle in Scorpio, the Soul in Sagittarius now seeks a true path that will lead to home.

Even though the trials in Scorpio are complete, the journey is far from over. There are many pitfalls along the way. From here the way becomes increasingly subtle. There is a realization that the more involved we are in worldly concerns, the more likely we are to become distracted from our path of spiritual awakening.

This is why in ancient times, yogis and sages would retreat from the world, to focus on their spiritual path.

It is thought that in ancient mystery schools, Sagittarius was known as the sign of silence. This is in recognition of the fact that the key to spiritual awakening lies in the silence.

The Sound of Silence

The silence of which we speak here, is not an absence of sound. In fact, there can be sound, but rather it is a way of drawing our attention to a greater reality: the dynamic, living, silent space within which all sounds and phenomena appear. Without this backdrop of 'silence', we couldn't experience sounds.

At this stage of spiritual awakening, the true 'goal' of Sagittarius is to remain aware of the living reality: the Divine space within which all existence happens. Keeping one's attention there in a relaxed way, without 'fixating' on it, or grasping after it, or trying to make something happen in a contrived way IS the path of Sagittarius, and it isn't easy!

As we first embark on this journey of spiritual awakening, it is necessary to find a path. Therefore we need to seek until we find a way that will lead us to our own true nature. But seeking itself can become a habit.

The sign of Sagittarius is associated with truth, freedom, and goals. As we turn away from the path of worldly concerns (driven by ego) and turn our attention towards spiritual awakening, we are less concerned about personal truth, freedom and goals and more concerned with the ultimate truth of our nature, freedom from bondage and suffering, and spiritual goals.

It's the job of Sagittarius to stay focused on the higher goal: spiritual awakening. To keep seeking the truth that will align us with this goal, and to recognise and keep returning to the authentic paths that can lead us to this ultimate awakening.

It is in Sagittarius that an authentic path to enlightenment will be found, ready to walk the path in Capricorn.

Sign of Service

The Soul in Sagittarius is now fully grown. We might think of the Soul's journey as similar to stages of human development:

As the Soul journeys out through Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer, it is similar to an infant or young child. Not fully developed, our main purpose is to grow and take shape. Esoterically these are known as the signs of preparation.

As our Soul journeys through the signs of Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio, it is similar to a teenager and young adult. Fully formed but as yet, unskilled and unaware of our power, our purpose here is to meet Life's challenges and become skilful in wisdom and compassion. Esoterically these are known as the signs of crisis.

As our Soul journey's through the signs of Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, our Soul is fully grown. As we make the return journey back to our Divine Source, our purpose is to continue maturing and realize how we may be of benefit to all sentient beings. Esoterically these are known as the signs of service.

As the first of the signs of service, our newly-matured Soul in Sagittarius not only has to find the correct way home, but also has to realize how we may benefit others along the way.

Stages of Consciousness

As we continue to awaken, we pass through various stages of consciousness, growing in compassion, power and wisdom, as our capacity to benefit others grows exponentially. At each stage of consciousness we realize new and different ways to be of benefit.

The journey of Sagittarius not only involves seeking and finding a true path, but it also means having the wisdom to know when it is time to stop seeking, and how to continue being of greater benefit to planet Earth and all sentient beings. This is when the spiritual seeker begins to transform into the spiritual teacher.

When we have some insight into how our capacity to be of benefit is constantly growing, then we begin to understand the deeper meaning of the Tibetan's keynote for Sagittarius: