Astrology: Macrocosmic Influences
Macrocosmic Body
Since ancient times mankind has looked up to the stars with awe and wonder. It was believed that the divine operated from a sublime realm beyond the reach of man, even existing beyond the sphere of the stars. The fixed stars then became a manifestation of certain qualities of the divine; a filter of sorts to the divine current of consciousness and light.
Layer after layer, the "All" was broken into fragments of light that would shine their rays to influence creation according to their station and their nature. While this may seem like an outdated view of the cosmos, it is based on the perspective that the cosmos are a larger body of creation. It sees the Universe itself as a cosmic being, of which humanity is a reflection of and is considered as a "microcosm".
Since ancient times mankind has looked up to the stars with awe and wonder. It was believed that the divine operated from a sublime realm beyond the reach of man, even existing beyond the sphere of the stars. The fixed stars then became a manifestation of certain qualities of the divine; a filter of sorts to the divine current of consciousness and light.
Layer after layer, the "All" was broken into fragments of light that would shine their rays to influence creation according to their station and their nature. While this may seem like an outdated view of the cosmos, it is based on the perspective that the cosmos are a larger body of creation. It sees the Universe itself as a cosmic being, of which humanity is a reflection of and is considered as a "microcosm".
The Heavenly Spheres
In Traditional Astrology, the model of the Cosmos is depicted in a geocentric state. In this model, the Earth is at the center, and surrounding it are the "Heavenly Spheres". These Spheres begin with the elemental, then move on to the planetary. The order of the planets were designated based on the speed in which they traversed the sky, beginning with the Moon, then Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. After the Sphere of Saturn was the Sphere of the Fixed Stars (including the Zodiac). Beyond this was what was called the "Primum Mobile", which is considered to be the Fiery source of movement of the Cosmos.
Although this may seem to be an outdated and incorrect conceptualization of the cosmic structure, keep in mind that when it comes to the Mystery Traditions, the geocentric model is less about the material structure and order of the cosmos than it is about the nature of influence and correspondence. To that end, no one will debate that we are the center of our own experiences. This means that the entire system is not merely based on a concept of the physical ordering of the planets, but built upon correspondences, observed and tested to be subject to cause and effect. These correspondences play a central role in other Arcane Arts like Alchemy and Magic.
"There are two distinct systems of astrological philosophy. One of them, the Ptolemaic, is geocentric: the earth is considered the center of the solar system, around which the sun, moon, and planets revolve. Astronomically, the geocentric system is incorrect; but for thousands of years it has proved its accuracy when applied to the material nature of earthly things. A careful consideration of the writings of the great occultists and a study of their diagrams reveal the fact that many of them were acquainted with another method of arranging the heavenly bodies."
- Manly P Hall
Although this may seem to be an outdated and incorrect conceptualization of the cosmic structure, keep in mind that when it comes to the Mystery Traditions, the geocentric model is less about the material structure and order of the cosmos than it is about the nature of influence and correspondence. To that end, no one will debate that we are the center of our own experiences. This means that the entire system is not merely based on a concept of the physical ordering of the planets, but built upon correspondences, observed and tested to be subject to cause and effect. These correspondences play a central role in other Arcane Arts like Alchemy and Magic.
"There are two distinct systems of astrological philosophy. One of them, the Ptolemaic, is geocentric: the earth is considered the center of the solar system, around which the sun, moon, and planets revolve. Astronomically, the geocentric system is incorrect; but for thousands of years it has proved its accuracy when applied to the material nature of earthly things. A careful consideration of the writings of the great occultists and a study of their diagrams reveal the fact that many of them were acquainted with another method of arranging the heavenly bodies."
- Manly P Hall
Planetary Spheres
MoonAs the closest of the Astrological Planets, the Moon serves as the final link in the chain of manifestation. As a result she is associated with birth, acting as a wandering womb. As she waxes and wanes through the different lunar phases, she also rules over the waxing and waning of all manifest things like the life cycles of things. This includes the phases of life, plans, activities, as all things have their beginning, middle and end.
As her appearance changes throughout the phases, she also rules the appearance of things, as well as seeing through the appearance of those things. In appearances, we see her in the leaves of plants as much as the facades that people hide behind. As such, she also rules illusions, glamor and delusions. Terms like lunacy and lunatic originate from the Latin name "Luna", which is also where we get "lunar" from and are ways to describe the lunar effects of illusions, glamor and delusions on the mind. However she also rules the ability to see beyond these illusions, and so also rules memory, imagination, dreams, divination & prophetic visions. |
MercuryThe essence of this planetary sphere and its influence is exchange. In Greek Mythology, Mercury goes by the name of Hermes and acts as the messenger of the gods, as an exchange of information from the above (gods) to the below (man). So naturally this planet rules communication generally in its many ways, which includes language and speaking, singing, letters, emails etc. It also governs business as an exchange of goods and services.
The fast pace of this planet is attributed to a quick witted nature and intelligence, capable of great learning, research, measuring and calculating. When combined with communication and having qualities of both above and below, it makes for the archetype we see in figures like Hermes Trismagistus, Mercurius ter Maximus, Thoth and Enoch; and so rules the Hermetic Arts of Astrology and Magic. |
VenusVenus is known as the Lesser Benefic, bringing love, joy and beauty into our lives. A fundamental quality of this Sphere is attraction. Through the influence of Venus, we are able to bring together a lover with their beloved, groups with common interests, affiliates and allies to your cause. While one aspect of this influence is felt in the effects of one's physical appetite, it is also in the quality and nature of lovingness itself. It is the enjoyment we share that brings us together, and so Venus provides the sense of enjoyment in life.
Just as Venus rules the experiences that make life beautiful, it also rules beautification in general, including art, celebrations, adornments, jewelry, perfume and make-up. |
SunAs the Sun provides the light that allows for life to occur on our planet, this Sphere rules the essential Self that fuels our identity. In Myth, whether its Apollo, Helios, Ra or any other Solar deity, they all portray the essence and quality of Spiritual "Light", which is associated with Enlightenment and takes place as the enemy of Darkness and an embodiment of Truth. Also, as the brightest light in the sky, it rules figureheads like Royalty, officials and leaders.
This Sphere helps us realize our Higher Purpose/Will, removing the darkness of confusion and obscurity. |
MarsMars is considered to be the Lesser Malefic, and rules conflict, war, tyranny, cruelty and violence. For these reasons we can see the relationship between this Sphere and soldiers, the art of war and "Martial" (of Mars) arts. While in our personality this rules our impatience, impulsiveness and aggression, it also rules our boldness, our courage, our ambition, our drive and sense dominance needed to succeed.
In its positive attribute, it can be seen in the warrior class that willingly faces the horrors of war for the sake of those who cannot protect themselves. This is the planet of virility and passion. Just as Venus is the cosmic archetype of the feminine, Mars is the cosmic archetype of the masculine, and in Myth he is personified as a god of war, but is also depicted as enjoying the indulgence of wine and women. If you are seeking spiritual protection, it is often this Sphere that you turn your attention to. |
JupiterJupiter rules growth, expansion, generosity and abundance. As a result, it is considered to be the Greater Benific. In Myth, Jupiter is king of the Gods much like the Greek Zeus and so rules the grand scheme of things and the bigger picture. This bigger picture understanding makes this the Sphere of philosophy, religion, justice and higher education.
This Sphere brings the joy that comes with abundance paired with a higher understanding of the place and purpose of things. As such, generosity and giving is an important aspect ruled by this Sphere. Teachers are by profession, an embodiment of this planetary influence, as well as philosophers. This is also the Sphere of Grace. |
SaturnFather Time, the Reaper, Lord of Death; these are some of the titles that are associated with Saturn, which is the Greater Malefic. Ruling boundaries, limits and contracts, this Sphere is usually thought of evil. While it is true this planet does rule the dark and the creepy crawly things that go bump in the night, having defined boundaries is not always a bad thing. All things come to an end, whether its our life, our plans or our realm of experience, and while one door closes, another opens.
Because this Sphere defines the beginning and end of things, it is also associated with wisdom, as well as some useful traits like discipline, hard work and an almost stoic persona. |
Zodiac Signs
Arguably the one of the most recognized features of Astrology, the zodiac signs are used as reference points when looking at the location of the planets. In Western Astrology, the signs are broken into 30º segments along the ecliptic beginning with the Vernal Equinox.
As the workings of the Cosmos were seen as an interacting of two opposing forces of polarity, described by the Greek philosopher Empedocles in the 5th century BC as love and strife. These two forces interacted and manipulate the 4 elements. Of those elements, Fire and Air were considered masculine, externally expressive and active. Alternately the elements of Water and Earth were considered feminine, internally self containing and passive. This was also the basis for the 4 humors of Hippocrates, which was seen as temperaments. Choleric temperaments are attributed to Fire, Sanguine to Air, Phlegmatic to Water, and Melancholic to Earth. |
The Elements and the Signs
By the elemental nature of each sign, certain qualities are exemplified. Fire signs in temperament are generally seen as enthusiastic, with a drive to express themselves. Air signs seek modes of communication and socialization, and enjoy conceptualization. Water signs have higher sensitivities and emotions, they are the feelers. Earth signs lean towards practicality and caution, making the perfect planners.
- Fire - Aries ♈︎, Leo ♌︎, Sagittarius ♐︎
- Air - Gemini ♊︎, Libra ♎︎, Aquarius ♒︎
- Water - Cancer ♋︎, Scorpio ♏︎, Pisces ♓︎
- Earth - Taurus ♉︎, Virgo ♍︎, Capricorn ♑︎
By the elemental nature of each sign, certain qualities are exemplified. Fire signs in temperament are generally seen as enthusiastic, with a drive to express themselves. Air signs seek modes of communication and socialization, and enjoy conceptualization. Water signs have higher sensitivities and emotions, they are the feelers. Earth signs lean towards practicality and caution, making the perfect planners.
The 12 Houses
Just like the Zodiac signs, and the clock, Astrology divides a chart into 12 segments called "houses". Each house rules a certain aspect or experience of life and is used by Astrologers to make their readings, predictions and elections. When a chart is created, the nature of each house is analyzed along with the nature of the planet(s) located in the house, in order to create a narrative of what that house governs.
The houses begin with the most immediate and constant experience, which is the individual themselves. From there it progresses to experiences that go further from individual, to inter, or transpersonal.
The 12th house traditionally governs things that are hidden, the uncertainties and fears associated with the unknown. This is the house of secrets, and so in horary is often looked to when searching for any hidden enemies, or for skeletons in the closet. In between is everything else ranging from our belongings (2nd house) to what we are passionate about creating (5th house). From the partners in our lives (7th house), whether romantically or business wise, to our higher learning (9th house). |
Celestial Placements
The arrangement of the houses are based on the rising and setting of the planets and signs along the horizon. The sign that is rising on the eastern horizon is called the "ascendant". In both Western and Eastern Astrology, the ascendant is a very important placement on any chart, and represents a person's emerging consciousness, in the same way that the rising Sun marks the dawn of a new day.
On the other end there is the "descendant", which marks the point where the planet or sign meets the western horizon. Between the two is the "midheaven" and represents the highest point of a sign or planet along the ecliptic in the sky. Just as this is the time where the Sun (for example) is at its highest at noon, and represents the full power of the Sun's influence, this position traditionally indicates a person's career, goals in life, status, and reputation as a manifestation of the full scope of a person's ambitions and how that is seen by others. |