Esoteric Astrology
Upon reading Esoteric Astrology it soon becomes apparent that there are references to certain topics that do not feature in other schools of astrology, namely:
• The Seven Rays
• Sacred and Non-Sacred Planets
• The Earth, and
• Vulcan
Before we go further I just want to re-iterate that the study of Esoteric Astrology is by no means a 'compulsory' part of our journey of spiritual awakening. Remember the Buddha became enlightened without studying Esoteric Astrology!
That said, because these topics were intentionally introduced into Esoteric Astrology by the Tibetan Master, I feel it is important to discuss them, to perhaps discern what their deeper meaning may be, and how they might be helpful to those of us who are committed to a sincere spiritual journey.In reading
Esoteric Astrology, I always ask myself what does it mean? To the best of my ability I try and understand the deeper essence of what The Tibetan Master is trying to convey: is it helpful? relevant to spiritual practice? and in what way(s) is it meaningful to those of us on a committed journey of spiritual awakening?
So with those questions in mind, let's begin our journey today by first looking at who The Tibetan was...
Who Was The Tibetan, Master DK?In order to understand who the Tibetan was it might be helpful to consider some background to give our discussion relevant context. In the Tibetan tradition, yogis, lamas and spiritual masters are often said to have special ‘powers’ which are a natural result of their great clarity. In other words as a result of going ‘beyond’ the conditioned, karmic mind (which we often refer to as brain wiring) and abiding in the clear light beyond, extraordinary abilities become possible.
These abilities include telepathy, teleportation (the ability to transport oneself from one location to another), the ability to make impressions in solid rock with one’s hands and/or feet, the ability to run and cover vast distances at unimaginable speed, levitation, and even the power of flight!
Although we might think such events are myth, or only happened in ancient times, there are modern day accounts of yogis and high lamas who are still able to demonstrate these extraordinary abilities. We don’t have the space here to go into many examples of these but one recent verified first-hand account from a living master is described in the documentary “
Yogis of Tibet” where Choje Togden Rinpoche describes his own feet making an impression in solid rock. This was witnessed by the monks and nuns who were with him at the time.
In the Tibetan tradition these special abilities are known as the “Five Ngönshes” or the five higher forms of awareness, the third of which is the knowledge of the minds of others, which we might call telepathy. You can read more about the Five Ngönshes and real-life examples in Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s book “
The Crystal and The Way of Light”. Of the five higher forms of awareness, telepathy is not the ultimate capacity. The fifth (and highest) capacity is known as
real knowledge of miracles.
As far-fetched as some of these abilities might seem to Westerners, it is important to realize that such capacities are an accepted part of the Tibetan tradition among yogis, lamas and spiritual masters of high capacity. The knowledge of how to attain these high spiritual capacities, up to and including the
Rainbow Body, was handed down verbally from master to disciple and recorded in precious ancient texts, which were stored in the great libraries of Tibet's monasteries.
The early 20th century was a volatile time in Tibet with many monasteries being destroyed, together with the precious ancient sacred and esoteric texts contained therein (some were thousands of years old). It was a matter of extreme urgency that the precious wisdom be saved. It makes sense then, that someone with a capacity for telepathy would use it to ‘transmit’ the ancient wisdom so it could be received, recorded, and preserved for future generations.
The Tibetan transmitted his teachings through a Western woman, Alice A. Bailey who once said(1), “I have been strictly his amanuensis and secretary … I do not change what he has said in any way.” In a statement first published in 1934 The Tibetan described himself as “
a Tibetan disciple of a certain degree” . He said he lived in a physical body, on the borders of Tibet, and at times presided over a large group of Tibetan lamas.
The Tibetan is also known by the name Djwal Khul. It is believed that his name first appeared in H.P. Blavatsky’s “The Secret Doctrine” His name is variously spelled Djwhal Khul and Djwal Kul. Alice Bailey once referred to a friend of hers who traveled to Shigatse in Tibet and met the Tibetan in person. In Shigatse there is one large well-known monastery, and that is
Tashi Lhunpo.
And so it seems, that the master whom we know as the Tibetan Master, DK (Djwal Khul) was actually a Tibetan lama, based at or near Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Tibet, with a capacity for telepathy (not an uncommon ability among high lamas).
In earlier issues I mentioned the capacity of the great Kalachakra Masters whose capacity for clear light mind enabled them to perceive the movement of the Universe directly. The Kalachakra Tantra is still practised in some schools of Tibetan Buddhism (in fact the Dalai Lama himself has offered Kalachakra initiations to large groups of people) and it is certainly possible that The Tibetan was a Kalachakra Master himself. During volatile and troubled times in Tibet, it appears that he found a way to transmit some of that precious wisdom so that it could still be received and applied for the advancement of human consciousness. The Seven RaysThe volume Esoteric Astrology from which I often quote the Tibetan Master, is part of a series known as “A Treatise on The Seven Rays”, which was transmitted by the Master DK to Alice Bailey. The concept of The Seven Rays was first introduced in H.P. Blavatsky's book "
The Secret Doctrine" in relation to seven
Divine Buddhas (Dhyani Buddhas). The Seven Rays were later expounded upon in the five volumes (including
Esoteric Astrology) that make up Alice Bailey's "A
Treatise On The Seven Rays".
"We shall find, as we study, that words will greatly handicap our expression of the realities involved, and we must endeavour to penetrate beneath the surface meaning to the esoteric structure of truth. These rays are in constant movement and circulation, and demonstrate an activity which is progressive and cyclic and evidences increasing momentum.
They are dominant at one time and quiescent at another, and according to the particular ray which is making its presence felt at any particular time, so will be the quality of the civilisation, the type of forms which will make their appearance in the kingdoms of nature, and the consequent stage of awareness (the state of consciousness) of the human beings who are carried into form life in that particular era."
The Seven Rays are rays of conscious light (Divine Impulses and/or Intelligences) and, just like the different colors of the rainbow, each Ray has a special quality that makes it distinct from the other rays. We may think of them as fields of awareness, each holding a specific pure intention for the spiritual advancement of our Solar System (see the section on "
Seven Creative Forces" in
Soul Astrology,
Chapter 6). As we become more advanced in our consciousness (beyond the intellect and the realm of language) we will become increasingly able to discern subtle qualities of energy, light and, eventually, the Seven Rays. With practice, as we become more attuned to
clear light mind, we will be able to perceive the consciousness of the seven "Divine Buddhas" in other words, the Seven Rays.
One of the highest teachings in the Tibetan tradition is that of Dzogchen where the true nature of reality has been simply described as "the richness of dancing activities". In Dzogchen and other spiritual traditions, there are practices that involve sky-gazing or even sun-gazing, to attune one's attention to increasingly subtle qualities of light. In the Tibetan Bon tradition there are spiritual practices that involve raising awareness by focusing on the 'five lights' (these are associated with the five Ngönshes that we mentioned above). So we can see that attuning to 'light' is considered an important practice in many of the different schools within the Tibetan tradition. As we progress in our own journey of spiritual awakening our experience becomes less attached to the mental realm of words and language, and more attuned to the subtler qualities of light.
"I cannot too strongly reiterate the constant necessity for you to think
in terms of energies and forces, of lines of force,
and energy relationships…
The whole story of astrology is, in reality,
one of magnetic and magical interplay
for the production or externalization of the inner reality…"
Characteristics of The Seven RaysRay 1. The Ray of Power or Will
Ray 2. The Ray of Love-Wisdom
Ray 3. The Ray of Active Intelligence.
Ray 4. The Ray of Harmony, Beauty and Art.
Ray 5. The Ray of Concrete Knowledge and Science.
Ray 6. The Ray of Devotion end Idealism.
Ray 7. The Ray of Ceremonial Order or Magic.
Of the Seven Rays the Master DK pointed out that not all of them are in manifestation at this current time: • Ray One - Not in manifestation.
• Ray Two - In manifestation since 1575 A.D.
• Ray Three - In manifestation since 1425 A.D.
• Ray Four - To come slowly into manifestation after 2025 A.D.
• Ray Five - In manifestation since 1775 A.D.
• Ray Six - Passing rapidly out of manifestation. It began to pass out in 1625 A.D.
• Ray Seven - In manifestation since 1675 A.D.
"You must remember that only a few of the planets are the bodies of expression of the Lords of the rays. There are ten "planets of expression" (to use the term employed by the ancient Rishis), and only seven ray Lives are regarded as the Builders of the system. The great mystery, which is finally revealed in the higher initiations, is the relation of a ray to a planet. Therefore seek not full information at this time."
There are also associations of the Seven Rays to planets and zodiac signs which we don't have the space to discuss here. Interested readers may contemplate further by studying
Esoteric Astrology and the remaining four volumes of "
A Treatise on The Seven Rays".
We do not yet have the spiritual capacity to perceive these rays directly and, until we do, our attempts to understand them intellectually can lead us further into confusion. Before we continue let's once again consider this light-hearted caution against overthinking: The Centipede's Dilemma
A centipede was happy – quite!
Until a toad in fun
Said, "Pray, which leg comes after which?"
Which threw her mind in such a pitch,
She laid distracted in a ditch
Considering how to run.
- Anon. attributed to Katherine Craster
It is important to remember that the evolution of consciousness passes through stages: instinct> intellect> intuition> illumination > emptiness, and to know that we cannot possibly grasp the nature of the Seven Rays from the intellect. We may get some hint of understanding through intuition, but we will really only know the Seven Rays fully when we reach
the highest wisdom of emptiness. The Tibetan emphasised the importance of experiential awareness over hearsay or even theoretical knowledge:
"I deal not basically with theory but with that which may be known, provided there is growth and intelligent application of truth. I deal with possibility and with that which is capable of achievement. Many these days like to talk and think in terms of that One Life, but it remains but speech and thought, whilst the true awareness of that essential Unity remains a dream and an imagining. Whenever this reality is put into words duality is emphasised..."
It is to be noted in Esoteric Astrology how often the Tibetan prefers the term 'disciple' (as in one who practices a discipline) to student. This indicates the importance of personal practice and experiential learning over theoretical knowledge. Remember, reading a book about driving doesn't equip you to drive a car! The Seven Rays themselves are to be known and understood in experience as energetic realities, once we have the capacity to perceive them, not merely imagined as abstract intellectual concepts from the lower mind (intellect).
In introducing the topic of the Seven Rays The Tibetan himself was aware that he was introducing a level of complexity but felt this was acceptable as a temporary measure to lead the student to a deeper level of insight, through spiritual practice and personal experience:
"I am aware, therefore, that in giving out this relatively new teaching upon the rays I may, in my endeavour to shed fresh light, temporarily increase the complexity of the subject. But as experiment is made, as people are studied in the laboratories of the psychologists and the psychoanalysts in connection with their ray indications, and as the newer sciences come into wise use and their proper sphere, we shall gain much and the teaching will find corroboration.
We shall see emerging a new approach to the ancient truths, and a new mode of investigating humanity. In the meantime let us concentrate upon the clear enunciation of the truth anent the rays, and seek to tabulate, outline and indicate their nature, purpose and effects."
In approaching the study of the Seven Rays it is therefore important to remember that it is experiential knowing that will bring us the highest wisdom. We need an intellectual framework to begin with, hence the Tibetan introducing the subject, but
we must then work diligently to ensure theory is always integrated into our spiritual practice. It would also be wise to receive transmissions / initiations from living high lamas wherever possible, to deepen our capacity for integrating wisdom beyond the intellect.
By itself, a highly developed intellect can actually be an obstacle to spiritual awakening, so we must at all times be mindful that we are not getting caught in analysis, and that our actual meditative and spiritual practice balances and grounds any intellectual study of the subject.
Sacred and Non-Sacred PlanetsIn Esoteric Astrology there is also the concept of sacred planets and non-sacred planets. According to Esoteric Astrology, not all planets are considered equal! The sacred planets carry the power to transmit higher energy and elevate consciousness.According to the Tibetan non-sacred planets primarily affect life in our everyday world (we might associate them more with karmic conditioning), while sacred planets "
aid in the processes of affecting the fusion of soul and body, of consciousness and form; it will also produce the quickening of the intuition" (The Tibetan,
Esoteric Astrology, p.506).
We can think of the non-sacred planets as denser and more likely to perpetuate our karmic conditioning (unless we become extremely mindful). We can think of the sacred planets as purer, lighter, and as providing conditions and circumstances that are more conducive to our spiritual development.
"The Logos of a sacred planet … is occupied with the task of synthesizing
into one unit of conscious response and activity,
the higher divine aspect … the will aspect.
When this is accomplished, will, love and intelligence are blended
and spirit, soul and body are at-one.
Then the quality of divine expression will be divine purpose,
impulsed by will, motivated by love
and carried forward with intelligence."
The Five Non-Sacred Planets: 1. The Sun
2. The Moon
3. The Earth
4. Mars
5. Pluto
The Seven Sacred Planets: 1. Vulcan
2. Mercury
3. Venus
4. Jupiter
5. Saturn
6. Uranus
The EarthOne of the many things that distinguishes Esoteric Astrology from other branches of astrology, is the placement and consideration of the Earth. In conventional Western Astrology the Earth isn't normally factored in, but in
Esoteric Astrology it is taken into consideration because it shows the conditions that are present to support your Soul's growth and development.
Your Rising Sign indicates the spiritual energy that is wanting to flow into the world through you; your Sun and Moon signs tell us how this will play out
in the 'theatre' of your life; and the Earth tells us the condition of the stage
upon which the play of your life gets acted out.
The Earth is the stage, the scenery, and all the other actors. They provide the causes and conditions for your Soul's highest expression.
"There is one aspect of energy for which the modern astrologer makes very little allowance, and yet it is of paramount importance.
This is the energy which emanates from or radiates from the Earth itself.
Living as all human beings do upon the surface of the Earth and being, therefore, projected into the etheric body of the planet (for the reason that "man stands erect") man's body is at all times bathed in the emanations and the radiations of our Earth and in the integral quality of our planetary Logos as He sends forth and transmits energy within His planetary environment.
Astrologers have always emphasised the incoming influences and energies
as they beat upon and play through our little planet,
but they have omitted to take into adequate consideration
the emanating qualities and forces which are the contribution
of our Earth's etheric body to the larger whole."
If we think in terms of the stages of evolution of consciousness (mentioned above) we can see how important our time spent incarnated on Earth is, which affords us the conditions and experiences to pass through the stages of instinct and intellect and on to intuition. The Earth in your chart will therefore tell you much about your own 'path' in life in terms of both the experiences that you will be presented with that provide opportunities for you to develop skills and refine your talents, while at the same time using those same skills and talents to be of service.
According to Esoteric Astrologer Alan Oken, the position of the Earth is symbolic of our 'journey' both in terms of the external 'path' that we walk through this life and the simultaneous inner journey that we experience along the way. In this way he suggests that The Earth in a horoscope can also be an important indicator of one's
karma and '
dharma' (sacred path) for this incarnation:
"The polarization and the eventual synthesis of the animal nature and the Presence of the Soul, the battle and the fusion, takes place on the Earth.
The position of our planet in the natal chart thus reveals two things:
the area of one's life where Active Intelligence [Ray 3]
anchors into the form of our daily existence; and
the place where the work of the present incarnation
has to be expressed,
via our physical presence and influence on others."
Locating The Earth in Your Chart
It's easy to find the Earth in your chart because it is exactly 180º opposite the Sun, so if you have Sun at 12º Cancer for example, the Earth will be at 12º Capricorn in your chart. You may then find that you attract Capricorn people, places and situations into your life to broaden your experience and 'set the stage' for your ongoing development.
" All I seek to do is to point the way towards a new science and towards those esoteric combinations of energies which will, when recognised,
enable humanity to make more rapid progress ...
and transform our Earth ... into a sacred planet."
The Earth Through The Twelve SignsRemember the Earth is the 'stage' upon which the play of your life is being acted out. So what does that mean? It indicates the way through which you may best anchor your soul-light into the Earth. It is often reflected back to you through the people and circumstances that surround you, and those conditions that you experience that become catalysts for your growth. So for example if you have Earth in Aries you may find that the Arians in your life have inspired, supported, motivated, and/or even provoked you!
If you are not fully embodying your Soul's essence you may find that people, places and situations akin to your Earth sign will show up outside of you to provoke and catalyze you into awakening to your highest power. You may then find a way to be of service to the Earth and all sentient beings through this path.
If your Earth is in:ARIES you may best anchor your soul-light by inspiring others with your intuition and Divine ideas.
TAURUS you may best anchor your soul-light by dispelling illusions and revealing the light within the form.
GEMINI you may best anchor your soul-light by teaching right human relations.
CANCER you may best anchor your soul-light through emotional intelligence and compassion
LEO you may best anchor your soul-light through creative self-expression.
VIRGO you may best anchor your soul-light by flowing Divine Love through your work.
LIBRA you may best anchor your soul-light through right relationship and harmony.
SCORPIO you may best anchor your soul-light through personal healing and transformation.
SAGITTARIUS you may best anchor your soul-light through the revelation of truth and wisdom.
CAPRICORN you may best anchor your soul-light through right use of your spiritual energy.
AQUARIUS you may best anchor your soul-light by dedicating your personal energy to humanitarian endeavors.
PISCES you may best anchor your soul-light by flowing Universal Love through your heart.
Because your Earth sign is the opposite of your Sun Sign, you can see how balancing the energy of these two signs by expressing the highest 'octaves' of both, will bring you in closer alignment with your Soul's path and purpose, indicated by your Rising Sign (also see Chapter 4 in Soul Astrology, "The Integration Process"). It is through your Earth sign that your Soul's essence (Rising Sign) is connected to your vitality/ life force energy (Sun Sign). So if you are feeling unmotivated, listless and disconnected from your deeper sense of purpose connect with your Earth sign energy to hook yourself up again!
The Earth through The Houses:House 1. Your journey in this life is rooted in self-understanding through personal experience. Your life experiences will guide you towards self-awareness and ultimately self-realisation, through which you may then be of service.
House 2. Your journey in this life is rooted in your own personal resources. Your life experiences will center around the development of a firm foundation of both material and inner resources, through which you may be of service by offering support to others.
House 3. Your journey in this life is rooted in learning and communication. Your life experiences will bring you learning experiences and language to be of service through communication with others.
House 4. Your journey in this life is rooted in your sense of home, family, ancestry and personal history (including your psychological roots). Your life experiences may bring you opportunities to be of service in some way through your home and family. Either by providing a secure psychological base for the nurturing and growth of others and/or by transforming traditional concepts of 'family' to include our wider human family.
House 5. Your journey in this life is rooted in your own creative self-expression, through which you may then be of service to humanity.
House 6. Your journey in this life is rooted in your approach to your vocation or daily work as 'love-in-action', which is how you may be of service.
House 7. Your journey in this life is rooted in right-relationship as a spiritual path. Your life experiences will guide you towards the art of right relationship, through which you may then be of service to others by bringing greater balance and harmony to all our relating.
House 8. Your journey in this life is rooted in the path of power and re-balancing power dynamics through personal transformation. Your life experiences here will bring you greater awareness of potential uses and abuses of power, through which you may be of service by modelling the power of self-transformation.
House 9. Your journey in this life is rooted in the search for meaning and higher wisdom. Your life experiences will guide you towards seeking the highest wisdom, through which you may then be of service by teaching others.
House 10. Your journey in this life is rooted in your worldly position. Your life experiences will guide you towards achievement, career or worldly status, through which you may then be of service by using your position to influence better outcomes for all.
House 11. Your journey in this life is rooted in group work and social connections. Your life experiences will guide you towards working with groups of like-minded people, through which you may then be of service through the power of networking and organising collectively towards a shared goal.
House 12. Your journey in this life is rooted in your inner world. Your life experiences will guide you towards greater insights, perhaps through transcendental meditative experiences, through which you may then be of service by sharing your experiential knowledge of your true spiritual nature.
Vulcan: Master of TransformationAnother unique feature of Esoteric Astrology is the use of the planet Vulcan. In the 19th Century French Mathematician Urbain le Verrier was given the task of explaining Mercury's erratic orbit around the Sun. Verrier had successfully predicted the existence of Neptune by applying Newton's laws of
motion and
gravitation to calculate that a planet must be distorting the orbital path of Uranus. He applied the same laws to suggest that a small planet, which he named "Vulcan", would account for the anomalies in Mercury's orbit.
The Discovery of Vulcan - Now You See Me, Now You Don'tOn 26 March 1859 French physician and amateur astronomer Edmond Modeste Lescarbault described a small black dot on the face of the Sun, which he thought at first was a sunspot. However, as time went by he realized that it was moving. Because he had experience of observing planetary transits he thought that is what he was seeing. Le Verrier was satisfied that Lescarbault had seen the transit of an unknown planet. On 2 January 1860 he announced the discovery of Vulcan to a meeting of the Académie des Sciences in Paris. However, another astronomer who was observing the Sun from Brazil at that time, failed to see anything that could be a transiting planet. So the 'discovery' was unconfirmed.
18 years later, during the total solar eclipse of July 29, 1878, two experienced astronomers, Professor James Craig Watson and Lewis Swift both claimed to have seen a Vulcan-type planet close to the Sun. Unfortunately the measurements from both astronomers did not match, so again it could not be confirmed. Despite many searches, to date no-one has ever confirmed a definitive Vulcan-type planet. In 1915 Albert Einstein explained the motion of Mercury with his theory of relativity, and people dropped the idea of Vulcan. However, it still has not been established what it was exactly that the previous astronomers were observing, and as recently as the 1970's astronomers were still looking for asteroids or planetoids that could lie between Mercury and The Sun.
Observing Transits across the face of the Sun was and still is an important astronomical technique for gathering information about the Universe (For example see transits of
Venus) and it can be hundreds of years before such transits repeat. Transits of Venus occur every 243 years, with pairs of transits eight years apart separated by long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years.
These days, with sophisticated telescopes, minor planets are numerous and are discovered with great frequency. According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
Minor Planet Center, 323 Minor Planets have been discovered
this month alone (at the time of writing it is only the 17th of the month!) and as recently as 2017 astronomers observed an unknown
object passing the Sun.
Vulcan may be a small asteroid that occasionally transits the Sun. The issue is one of definition. Le Verrier's proposed Vulcan would have been a planet that orbited entirely within Mercury's orbit, which is unlikely in the light of current scientific data. Asteroids, on the other hand, like
2007 EB26 do orbit the Sun and at times are closer to the Sun than Mercury, but since their orbit is not entirely within Mercury's orbit they are not considered to be Vulcan.
However, as we shall see, perhaps it is not so much the physical embodiment of Vulcan that is of the greatest significance in Esoteric (Inner) Astrology, but rather the symbology, and whether that is meaningful and helpful for you or not, in your ongoing journey of spiritual awakening.
The Tibetan on VulcanWhat follows are some pertinent quotes from the Tibetan Master that may be helpful to contemplate, to see whether Vulcan resonates for you, in your own journey of self-exploration:"At present the mechanism of the majority of the human family is not tuned to the reception of the rays from Vulcan ... Vulcan is never an exoteric ruler and only comes into real activity when a man is on the [spiritual] Path"
"Vulcan [is] the forger of metals, the one who works in the densest, most concrete expression of the natural world (from the human angle). He is the one who goes down into the depths to find the material upon which to expend his innate art and to fashion that which is beautiful and useful. Vulcan is, therefore, that which stands for the soul, the individual, inner, spiritual man; in his activity we find the key to the soul's task upon the eternal round of the wheel of life. You will remember how Hercules upon the Fixed Cross had to fashion his own weapons before he succeeded in the struggle. This is in reality a reference to the art of Vulcan who rules the inner man and guides his fashioning."
"Vulcan controls the anvil-like processes of time and strikes the blow which shapes the metal into that which is desired ... he will be destructive because "bull-headed" and because the hammer aspect of Vulcan will be dominant."
"When we come to a consideration of the esoteric ruler of Taurus, we find ourselves confronted by Vulcan, one of the veiled and hidden planets and one which is, therefore, little known or understood. I have earlier referred to Vulcan as the Fashioner of divine expression. In a peculiar sense, the energy which streams from Vulcan is fundamentally the strength and potency which sets the world evolutionary process in motion; it embodies also the energy of the first ray, that force which initiates or begins and that which also destroys, bringing about the death of the form in order that the soul may be set free ... Vulcan is the ray or planet of isolation for, in a peculiar sense, it governs the fourth initiation wherein the depths of aloneness are plumbed and the man stands completely isolated. He stands detached from "that which is above and this which is below."
"There comes a dramatic moment when all desire is renounced; the will of God or the Plan is seen as the only desirable objective but as yet the man has not proved to himself, to the world of men or to his Master whether he has the strength to move forward along the line of service.
There is revealed to him (as there was revealed to the Christ at the fourth great initiatory crisis in His life) some definite, active undertaking which embodies that aspect of the will of God which it is his peculiar function to appropriate and make possible of expression. This has been called in the Christian phraseology, "the Gethsemane experience." The Christ, kneeling beside the rock (symbolic of the depths of the mineral kingdom and of the activity of Vulcan, the fashioner), raises His eyes upward to where the light of revelation breaks forth and knows at that moment what it is He has to do.
Such is the test of Vulcan, ruling Taurus, of the soul, ruling desire, of the Son of God, fashioning His instrument of expression in the depths, grasping the divine purpose and so bending the will of the little self to that of the greater Self. The depths have been reached and there is no more to be done. The light from the eye of the Bull, which with ever increasing radiance has guided the struggling soul, must give place eventually to the light of the Sun, for Vulcan is a substitute for the Sun; it is spoken of sometimes as being veiled by the Sun and at others it stands for the Sun itself. It stands between the man and the Sun, the soul. Therefore, we have in this connection three symbols of the light:
1. Taurus.—The eye of illumination or light. The Bull's eye. Illumination. Exoterically—the physical Sun.
2. Vulcan.—The one who reveals that which is deeply hidden and brings it up into the light. Esoterically—the heart of the Sun.
3. The Sun.—The great Illuminator. Spiritually—the central spiritual Sun. Thus from every angle, illumination remains the theme of this sign."
"Vulcan stands for the glorification, through purification and detachment,
of matter ... in order through form experience
to achieve release and the "uplift of matter" in Vulcan."
"the success which is incident to proved discipleship
and consequent readiness for initiation,
[which is] the seeing of the vision
with which Jupiter rewards the disciple,
and the experience which Vulcan confers."
So in contemplating Vulcan we see a strong connection to earth generally and specifically the mineral kingdom - molten rock, lava, volcanic eruption from deep underground. There is also an association with direct experience (see above where the Tibetan refers to 'experience' conferred by Vulcan). We can imagine a baby as it first begins exploring the world, learning by touch, taste and experience:
"what does this do ... ouch"! So we are coming to 'know' the nature of our existence initially by touch with our hands, feet and mouths, and eventually through the entirety of our physical existence.
It is through the influence of Vulcan that we begin to experience our own creative power as we shape, forge and thus 'materialise' that which we desire, and by so doing we get to reap what we sow. We get to experience the results of our desire: that which is beautiful or useful, and that which is helpful or harmful. Either way, we learn from our experience.
"It is the stimulating Energy of Vulcan which creates the need to penetrate through our material existence – indeed, through the use of matter and form– in order to detach ourselves from identification with the form life."
At the personality level Vulcan's influence has led to the exploitation of minerals (metals) to forge weapons of war. For the majority of people who are still spiritually 'sleeping' the planet Vulcan will act on a subconscious level as a powerfully destructive undercurrent, like a volcano ready to 'blow'. It will bring challenges to the ego-personality (crises, losses and troubles that appear to come from outside oneself) to 'wake up' the individual to the presence of Soul.
Once you begin to awaken, you first enter what Esoteric Astrologer Alan Oken calls a 'transition period' (see below) and these 'Vulcanic' challenges appear to get worsebefore they get better! Just like you can't build a peaceful home and sleep easily on an active volcano, neither will you be able to remain complacent and spiritually 'asleep' once you have experienced the activity of Vulcan in an area of your life.
As Vulcan is a catalyst for our detachment from form (possessions and people) we can experience a great sense of isolation and loss which, in turn, becomes a catalyst for our search for 'something more'. Our 'desire' itself is transformed from desire for people and things, to desire to be reconnected with our own true nature as we reunite in wholeness with all that is.
Vulcan's main function is to release humanity from the attachment to physical form. The main message of Vulcan is therefore:
you are not your body. You are not your possessions. Raise your anchor and set sail to find your true spiritual nature. Vulcan in our horoscope will therefore be showing us, through personal and practical experience, where we need to release attachment to the form of something so it can change (trans-form), go beyond form, and support us in recognising ourselves as being of the nature of light.
“Awakened heart comes from being willing
to face your state of mind”
-Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Calculating the Position of Vulcan in Your ChartVulcan is always located within 8º 20' of the Sun. Due to it's largely esoteric nature, very few astrology software programs will calculate the position of Vulcan. Those that do include
SolarFire for Windows and
Kairon for Mac. (IO by Time Cycles does not). In terms of free online charts, Astrodienst will calculate the position of Vulcan however the process is not straightforward: you must first choose the
Extended Chart Selection - then enter your details (or log in) - scroll down to
Additional Objects > and under '
manual entry' enter h55 (the code for Vulcan) > then click '
show the chart'.
To make life easier I have prepared a Full Color Natal Chart which indicates the position of Vulcan, which you may purchase HERE [scroll down for more details and/or to view a sample]
As with any planet the effects of Vulcan are contingent upon other chart factors especially aspects to Vulcan itself, The Sun, your chart ruler, and the angles of your chart. Because Vulcan is always conjunct the Sun, for most people the effects of Vulcan will not be felt because they are synonymous with the activity of the Sun. This is what The Tibetan means by the Sun 'veiling' Vulcan.
It seems as though Vulcan's role, once we begin our journey of spiritual awakening, is to prevent us from falling back asleep by constantly agitating our ego, until we eventually awaken to the truth of our own being, and finally release the illusion of our ego once and for all.
"from the ego's point of view spiritual progress
is 'one insult after another'"
- Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Very few astrologers have studied Vulcan to any great degree. Vulcan is not included in Western Astrology in general, and even in
Esoteric Astrology the Tibetan Master speaks about the activities of Vulcan only in general terms, with the exception of a small number of signs such as Taurus for whom Vulcan has particular significance. He does not give meaning specific to all twelve signs and houses. That is up to us to determine, as we awaken more fully into our intuition enough to be able to discern the effects of Vulcan.
What follows then, are some thoughts as to how we might begin to interpret Vulcan in our chart. Vulcan Through The SignsSoul-Centered astrologer Alan Oken describes Vulcan in terms of the three crosses that symbolise three defined stages in the evolution of human consciousness. (For a reminder about the role of the three crosses in human evolution and spiritual awakening see this
earlier newsletter. For a more detailed explanation you can also read "
Personality-Soul Fusion and The Three Crosses" in Chapter 1 of
Soul Astrology)
He suggests that, because we are unaware of Vulcan while we are solely personality-driven, we only become aware of his influence when we enter a transitional stage, as we become ready to 'mount the fixed cross' of spiritual awakening.
I have included some of Alan Oken's ideas on Vulcan through the signs below, and then added some of my own thoughts on how we might begin to consider Vulcan through the houses. This is clearly not conclusive, and is intended only as a springboard for the insights you may receive from your own study, contemplation, intuition and meditation upon the effects of Vulcan in your life.
Below are excerpts from Alan Oken's descriptions of Vulcan through the signs. For a deeper understanding you would be well served by reading the full descriptions in his book: Aries
"When in the transitional state, this position of Vulcan often indicates a person with a very strong but highly self-righteous mind. Once the transition to the Fixed Cross is accomplished, the mind of the individual is then focused on service to humanity ... [and] can help to break down other people’s resistance to higher consciousness."
Taurus (Soul Ruler)"In the transitional phase, the individual is presented with main, often painful, tests of detachment. This may manifest as loss of either objects of people. Once the Fixed Cross is mounted, the Soul-centered individual then becomes a vehicle for the 'redemption' of matter, so that it (as well as the individual) may serve some larger, impersonal function."
Gemini"In its initial phase, Vulcan in this position gives rise to a very critical mind, yet once a person secures them self on the Fixed Cross, this would lead them to create those interventions and scientific discoveries that evoke the hidden Light contained within matter. "
Cancer"Vulcan’s placement in this sign points to those tests of release from past patterns of attachment, especially relative to the expressions of the emotions and the astral body. ... When on the Fixed Cross, this position would tend to stimulate the creation of those mental and physical channels and structures that would be most appropriate to the unfolding of the [Divine] Plan."
Leo"Vulcan in Leo indicates those tests which serve to free the individual from a self-centered attachment to the creative potentials of the lower self. Egocentricity now must yield to a focus of group consciousness. ... Once Vulcan is externalising through the Fixed Cross, all the potency of the Will and the Concrete Mind ... can be utilised as expressions of group consciousness and channels for the Second Ray energy of the Sun."
Virgo"This placement of Vulcan creates a great conflict, because the attachment to the nurturing process is quite intense ... The individual would have to allow the healing and cohesive life force of the Universal Mother to sustain the objects of her caring. ... When the Fixed Cross has been mounted, the individual with Vulcan in Virgo is aligned with the Mother, and can then be a conscious vehicle, co-creating the force for any necessary healing."
Libra"During the transition from the Mutable to the Fixed Cross, a person with Vulcan in Libra is apt to experience a deep change in the scope of his personal relationships ... once the individual has made the necessary transition to life on the Fixed Cross ... Uranus then overshadows Vulcan, and group will and purpose emerge."
Scorpio
"One could say that in Scorpio, those situations necessary to bring forth the required results for mounting the Fixed Cross are intensified. The First and Fourth Rays are brought into play through Scorpio, Pluto, Vulcan and Taurus, while Mars and the Sixth Ray lead to the cultivation of the one-pointedness required for maintaining one’s focus of soul orientation (Discipleship) on the Fixed Cross."
Sagittarius"Vulcan in this position breaks those attachments to the personal mental body, allowing the Third Ray influence of Sagittarius’s ruler, the Earth ... to function from the level of the Higher Self. ... in the present incarnation, the individual may encounter some crisis of disillusionment with his previous belief systems. This leads to the acceptance of those higher concepts and broader ideas that can be communicated to others for the benefit of all."
Capricorn"Non-regenerative thought processes are challenged and broken down as the lesser self finds that it can no longer maintain its place or status in the outer world. ... Such a transition requires a person to restructure their will and broaden their awareness so that new mental patterns are created. These structures are aligned to the needs of the collective, and serve to anchor the evolutionary Plan for humanity."
Aquarius"The function of Vulcan in Aquarius is to shatter all human attachments that do not serve the purpose of the Higher Self, and hence the needs of the collective. In initial phases, the individual with this placement may find that there is a crisis in the life brought about by gradual detachment from friends and associations. ... When the Fixed Cross has been mounted, the motivation for relationships becomes increasingly centered in the urge for World Service."
Pisces
"An individual with this placement would experience a crisis of releasing any blocks to the power of Love as it seeks to express in the outer world. Personal prejudices would thus ... be replaced by a gradual expansion of loving devotion to the [Divine] Plan, and ... the urge to be of service to the expansion of Love/Wisdom in the world of humanity."
Vulcan Through The HousesRemember - because Vulcan is always conjunct the Sun, once Vulcan becomes active in your life there is always a sense of releasing attachment to your identity (The Sun), and eventually completely releasing the habit of self-identification through attachment to your life experiences and activities (Sun in the Houses).House 1. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the destruction of concepts and illusions that form the egoic sense of self, while allowing the formation of an authentic expression of Higher Self in alignment with Divine Will and Soul Purpose.
House 2. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to personal wealth and possessions allowing the awareness and development of one's inner resources.
House 3. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the destruction of mental concepts and release of all forms of familial and societal conditioning that do nor reflect the truth of who you are as a spiritual being. Allowing the construction of thought forms that lead to mental clarity and the development of the rainbow bridge to Higher Mind.
House 4. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to your home and family of origin, including the transformation of your psychological roots and belief systems, to allow for centering of your being in your true 'home' - your intuitive open heart.
House 5. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to 'your creations' (including your children) and the re-forming of creativity as a dancing expression of Divine Will. The transformation of egoic will into the expression of Divine Will.
House 6. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to work as a form of simply supporting yourself (your ego needs) and a transition to your daily activities being a form of service to others.
House 7. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to relationship (partnerships, marriage) as a form of obligation or contract, and a transition to freedom, liberty and harmony in unconditionally relating to our wider human family, without strings attached.
House 8. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to external power (money, other people's resources) and/or power over others, and a transition to using one's inner power for the purpose of self-transformation.
House 9. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to external forms of higher knowledge and a transition to following the path of deeper meaning and inner wisdom.
House 10. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to one's worldly position as a source of authority and status, and a transition to spiritual ambition and/or discipleship, through the recognition of one's inner authority derived from one's spiritual lineage.
House 11. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to group or peer conformity, and the transition to shared experience and humanitarian intentions through the higher collective consciousness of humanity.
House 12. The detaching, de-constructing, power of Vulcan may be experienced here as the release of attachment to one's inner fears, addictions, dreams and fantasies, and a transition to experiencing the reality of illumination through an open heart and the mind of clear light.
In closing our brief exploration of Vulcan, what seems most apparent, is that Vulcan brings us experiences of changing form,
that may result in a transformation of consciousness. Vulcan therefore ignites our transition to the next stage in the evolution of human consciousness.
And so this also concludes our brief tour of some of the distinguishing features of Esoteric Astrology namely:
• The Seven Rays
• Sacred and Non-Sacred Planets
• The Earth, and
• Vulcan
I trust that this discussion has been helpful and meaningful to you on your journey and, if not, just let it go. Remember, you are the custodian of your mind on this journey of spiritual awakening.
It is always much more beneficial for your spiritual growth to spend five minutes resting in clear light mind, than to agitate your mind trying to grapple with intellectual complexities that could keep you 'stuck' at the 'intellect' stage in the evolution of human consciousness.
Your intuition will always be your best guide!
