When moving beyond simple sun sign horoscopes, astrological interpretation is generated from the relative positioning of planets within a 360° circle. Another tool in the astrologer’s bag is the ‘Sabian Symbols’, a collection of 360 messages, one for each degree of the zodiac. Traditionally one reads a message for their Ascendant, Sun, and Moon as offering insights into the personality, life path, or emotional makeup. It’s also important to clear up one area of confusion at the start of this discussion. Because the zodiac starts at 00.00 degrees, and the Sabian Symbols start at 1 degree, you must round up to the next degree. For instance, if your Sun is at 15° Pisces, read the message for 16° Pisces because of this rounding up rule.
The Sabian Symbols were ‘birthed’ on a single day in 1925. Astrologer Marc Edmund Jones spent the afternoon in a San Diego park with clairvoyant Elsie Wheeler. Jones had a blank pack of 360 previously marked index cards, one for each degree of the zodiac. (For instance, Aries 1, 2, 3, etc.) The cards were pulled at random, and Ms. Wheeler gave her psychic impression as each card was presented. Together, they tapped into a matrix of universal consciousness and the images generated that day are a powerful addition to the art of astrology.
Jones felt the messages tapped into ancient Chaldean teachings maintained by a group of early occultists, the Sabians, who lived in what is now Iraq from the third millennium BC to the thirteenth century AD. After their inception in 1925, the images were taught only to a group of his private students until 1953 when he published ‘The Sabian Symbols in Astrology’. His book is still used as the primary source for text on the subject.
In addition to Marc Jones, there are two other major contributors to the Sabian Symbols. Astrologer Dane Rudhyar defined and refined the images in 1973 in his book titled ‘An Astrololgical Mandala- The Cycle of Transformations and Its 360 Symbolic Phases’. Rudhyar expanded the Sabian symbols to present them as a contemporary I Ching, or oracle.
In 1995, Australian Astrologer Lynda Hill released her contribution ‘The Sabian Symbols as an Oracle’. Again based on original text by Wheeler and Jones, Hill radically expands the possibilities for sources of relevant messages. Jones and Rudhyar more or less kept the messages within the confines of planetary or natal chart degrees. Hill has released one edition of her book with a deck of cards, and makes a case for receiving Sabian messages as a pure oracle, much like picking a tarot card. Though not limited to pure astrology, her techniques do have a solid foundation there. I recommend her book as an innovative and well researched offering.
For examples of the amazing synchronistic messages inherent in the Sabian Symbols, here are widely differing portraits of two men born the same year. Between the two, they have impacted the consciousness of much of the world. They were each born into the most humble conditions; and both can be described as ‘liberators’, though of differing genres. Following are the Sabian oracle messages for the Dalai Lama (born Jan 6, 1935) and Elvis Presley (born Jan 8, 1935).
Elvis and the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is an inspirational spiritual leader, yet describes himself as ‘a simple monk’. His flame of leadership and wisdom has shone steadfastly throughout a life of momentous challenges. Even today, as we enter into a New Age of equality and enlightenment, the Dalai Lama leads with the wisdom of ancient teachings. He is truly a light bearer and guide for the world; a spiritual liberator.
The Sabian message for the Dalai Lama’s Ascendant (*10° Cancer) is: ‘A large diamond in the first stages of the cutting process; the arduous training for perfection in order to fully manifest an ideal’. The venerable Dalai Lama has been in arduous training since he was taken from his parents as a youth to be schooled by lamas. And, that was just the early years. The Chinese government added death and destruction to his role as spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Shaped by heat and pressure, diamonds are one of the most highly prized substances on earth and valued for their hardness, clarity, and quality of reflecting light.
The message for his Sun (13° Cancer) is: ‘A flexed hand with a prominent thumb is held out for study; the power of the will in shaping character’. In palmistry, the thumb signifies will and strength of character. This outstretched hand also symbolizes sharing knowledge. As a world educator, and one who has overcome unimaginable difficulties, the Dalai Lama is a brilliant example of both his Sun and Ascendant oracle messages.
Elvis Presley lives posthumously in the hearts and minds of millions of adoring fans around the world. Born also of humble beginnings in a shack in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to monumental heights of fame and popularity. This ‘King’ generated excitement through the ecstasy of adoration and sexual liberation.
It is interesting to look at Elvis starting with the message of his karmic condition which is revealed by the degree before his Sun (**17° Capricorn): ‘A repressed woman finds psychological release in nudism; the escape from bondage to social inhibitions and a reliance upon the wisdom of the body.’ Elvis had a twin brother who died at birth. Perhaps his survival left a legacy of repressed guilt. With a flair for foreshadowing, the King of Rock and Roll appears on the scene as a soul with nothing left to lose.
The next degree, his solar expression (18° Capricorn) is: ‘The Union Jack flies from a British warship; strength and protection afforded by powerful institutions in charge of maintaining order.’ The institution that helped create and drive Elvis’ empire was his manager and even surrogate father, Colonel Tom Parker. The relationship between Elvis and the Colonel had an undeniable dark side of manipulation and deception, but history also portrays the two as inseparable.
Fittingly, Elvis had a fiery Ascendant (13° Sagittarius): ‘A widow’s past is brought to light; the karma of past actions as it affects opportunities presented by a new cycle’. In the recesses of mass consciousness, the ‘King’ lives on. It’s interesting to note that after he died in 1977 his wife and daughter stepped in to keep his legacy alive through strategic management.
For additional insights into astrology, the Sabian Symbols are invaluable. All three books mentioned in this article are readily available, and you will be intrigued by what is revealed.
Birth data sources:
- The Dalai Lama- July 6, 1935, Taktser, Tibet 4:38 AM (AstroDataBank)
- Elvis Presley- Jan 8, 1935, Tupelo, MS 04:35 AM (Astrodienst online)
