Astrology: Art and Law

by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry

As the times become more and more uncertain, it is our natural inclination to seek predictability. Astrology has long been one way for the Family of Man to find a meaningfully clear and efficient path through life. Frequently people ask how astrology can help them. Why and how does astrology work? Many people wonder, ‘is it the same as fortune telling’? The sources for insight are celestial bodies, but the interpretation part of astrology is very much an art.

Consider some interesting facts from the history books. For ages, astrologers were soothsayers mainly to royalty and or the wealthy. Respected and leaned people had the advantage of this fine system of stellar assistance. The list of possible guidance that one may glean from astrology is varied and long. Some people look for and get validation of their life path, along with a clearer vision of what is appropriate at the time. Astrology often helps a person refine that which they already know; and provides details on timing by addressing actual calendar time. It gives a handle on which tools to use, and puts a spotlight on places where one might be resistant. Just like in the story of Rapunzel, the very act of naming the witch takes away her power. Our unconscious is brought into light by identifying situations as well as personal qualities in ourselves. With guidance and conscious choices, we can adjust our course as we sail into life.

British Law

As a profession, astrology suffered from the same ill wind that eradicated millions of healers in Europe- religion combined with socio-economic class struggle. Astrologers were regulated by law in 16th century England. Prior to 1700 in England there wasn’t much of a middle class, rather just the very rich and the very poor. Many of the poor people were transients who stole from the rich in order to survive. In addition to theft, many of them also took to telling fortunes using any method the consumer wanted; i.e. – tea leaves, crystal ball, or a horoscope.

The British Vagrancy Act was legislated to make it harder for these transients- the gypsies- to earn a living. In the Vagrancy Act, (c.1730) the terms ‘Astrologer’ and ‘Horoscope Reader’ first appeared as explicitly illegal. By the 1800’s, gypsies wandering throughout the United States appeared on the scene, practicing their craft of prediction as one means of livelihood. Along with many other British laws, the Vagrancy Act was adopted by the United States colonies, effectively naming ‘Astrologer’ as an illegal or regulated profession.

One of the most famous early American Astrologers was Evangeline Adams; born (approximately) 1868 and died in 1933. (She was apparently not forthcoming in revealing her true date of birth). Evangeline Adams came to early professional notoriety by accurately predicting a hotel fire, and she later became famous for her predictive accuracy in a New York City court room. She also incorporated palmistry as part of her intuitive repertoire.

American Law

Adams was consulted by famous clients such as singer Enrico Caruso and financial wizard JP Morgan. It was her relationship with JP Morgan that was the basis of her being framed and subsequently place on trial in an American court of law- for ‘fortune telling’. Allegedly, personal enemies of Morgan managed to have her set up in a sting operation, in order that she be prosecuted for that old law stemming from the British Vagrancy Act. Adams was summonsed to preserve her career in court. And, in a coup famous in modern astrological history, Adams successfully defended her profession by accurately interpreting the natal chart of an associate of the judge. Some sources say it was the judges son, others infer a close friend.

Evangeline Adams was for a time also a close personal friend of occultist Aleister Crowley. They reputedly collaborated on either one or two of her first books, but the writing credits went only to Adams. Her first book is ‘Astrology, Finding Your Place in the Sun’; the second is ‘Astrology, Finding Your Place Among the Stars’. I have read them both, and they are very different. It’s the writing style that was most telling. Both style and content of the first book remind me of Crowley’s tarot manuscript, ‘Book of Thoth’; full of long drawn out sentences with nebulous images. Her second book, ‘Finding Your Place Among the Stars’ is descriptive and passionately written; it’s like reading a novel with thrilling tales of sex, death, intrigue, and love. Adams’ first book may be a reflection of her short lived attraction to an individual, but the second one is an expression of her love for her craft.

Natural Law

If astrology is a predictive art that can pinpoint trends in an individual’s future, is it possible to foretell earth changes as well? The shock of disaster caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami from the December 26 earthquake will be with us for a long time, and the heart of humanity has been opened even more. Amazingly, this natural disaster was predicted by a team of geological research scholars affiliated with the University of Madras, India. The research team, headed by N. Venkatanathan, presented their prediction in New Delhi on December 22, 4 days before the event. The team states that by observing planetary positioning and correlating earth geology of a certain area, placement as well as magnitude of earthquakes can be predicted with accuracy at least one month in advance

The prediction was remarkably precise as to both time and place. Mr. Venkatanathan predicted a 6 to 7 magnitude disaster would occur on December 26th at 00:30 GMT near Banyak Island, Sumatra, Indonesia. (The actual event was a magnitude 9, it was 28 minutes later, at 00:58 GMT; and located off the west coast of northern Sumatra, only 157 kilometers away from the predicted epicenter). The earthquake predictive team did not anticipate the subsequent tidal wave and destruction caused by this tragedy.

The Indian geologic research team also wants to establish recognition protocol for earthquake precursors such as fore shocks and changes in ground water level. When two or more planets, including the Sun and Moon are exactly aligned with the Earth, the Earth is caught in the middle of a huge gravity struggle between the Sun and the planets. These gravitational stresses actually change the orbiting speed of the Earth. When the orbit speed changes, the tectonic plate also is affected; just as people standing on a moving bus would collide with each other if the driver were to suddenly apply the brakes. This momentum and subsequent gravitational halt is predictable and can be calculated using available scientific software. Certainly this is a brilliant example of how modern advances combine with an ancient art.

Even in India, where astrologers are respected and known for their accurate predictions, the geologic research team was not taken seriously until after the earthquake event. Certainly, this type of research promotes a major advance in blending physics and metaphysics. Astrology is a reminder that we are interwoven not only with others of our species, but also with the stars and our lovely home planet Earth. Think of astrology as a vessel that helps us sail through life with a supportive wind; one that helps us get even better at going with the flow.

Magic Bus: The Mutual Reception of Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius

by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry

In the name of keeping up with current events, I again postpone Part II of the Astrolocality discussion. There’s another intriguing astrological ingress (or time when a planet makes a change of sign) to discuss; January 2004 marks the month Uranus enters Pisces where it stays until March of 2011. Uranus, the Facilitator is now leaving his electrically charged domain in Aquarius and entering the magnetic mysticism of Pisces.

Mutual Reception

Uranus was discovered in 1781, the first planet to be found with a telescope. With an 84 year orbit, Uranus opens the doorway to the ‘modern’ or outer planets: those which symbolize humanity’s grasp for personal freedom and higher consciousness. Next in line, Neptune came to light 65 years later, in 1846. Neptune’s orbit takes 165 years. Uranus has been passing through Aquarius, his sign of astrological rulership for the past eight years. In Pisces, Uranus must again learn to speak the feeling language of deep water and waves. Part of what makes this change of Uranus into Pisces so intriguing is that Neptune, planetary ruler of Pisces, remains in Aquarius. This relative positioning between the two planets and signs is called ‘mutual reception’ and is part of what makes the upcoming years ever more filled with unknowable potential.

Old and New

Both planets are inspirational. Uranus’ motivation is expression of power and personal freedom to be One; that of Neptune and Pisces is dissolution of boundaries in order to blend into unity with the One. Neptune infuses heart and soul into the ethers of Aquarius. Astrologer Evangeline Adams (1868 – 1932) eloquently describes Neptune in Aquarius as the ‘flame of conscience’ with spiritual courage, idealism, and vision. Adams cites the French Revolution as well as the fighting spirit of American Civil War soldiers as examples of Neptune in Aquarius- being willing to give one’s life for a humanitarian ideal. These days we have suicide bombers. Uranus can be thought of as a planet of individualized will; part of Neptune’s function is a willingness to surrender to a higher ideal. In keeping with this urge to blend, Neptune also has great healing powers, and surely as this planet continues its transit through Aquarius we will benefit from ancient therapeutic modalities being given new recognition. With complement, as Uranus enters Pisces, old systems develop new methods of delivery; especially when assisted by the effect of mutual reception.

Roaring 20’s

The Jazz Age. For clues about the seed energy of Uranus in Pisces, one place to search is the history books. Uranus last entered Pisces in January of 1920. At that time, Neptune was at 10 ° Leo. This time, January 2004, Neptune sits just opposite, at 10 ° of Aquarius. Aided by objectivity of time and experience, a marked contrast emerges between the dark and light side of the 20’s. Art Deco, dance, and creative expression are part of the memory bubble; but so are prohibition, race riots, and the rise of the Nazi party which held its first Congress on January 27th, 1923. In keeping with the Piscean aspect of surrender one can look back on the rise of fascism as a movement that surrendered individual will (Uranus) in hope for redemption (Pisces) through a charismatic (Leo) leader. (Pluto in Cancer lends the archetype of a ‘bad’ parent.) Unfortunately, many of the redeemers (Neptune) of the 20’s were self serving despots. Not all, though. In August of 1920 the US congress passed the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. And, by November over one million people were out of work because of labor disputes. This is an example where the workers organized (Uranus) and demanded to be part of (Pisces) the company’s profit plan.

Intuitive Technology

November 1920 brought the first live radio broadcast, and by January 1923, the first wireless telephone call was sent from New York to London. Clearly Uranus the Creator likes invisible energy transmission, especially those that inform or awaken us. Knowledge is power; and now we take the technological strides gained as Uranus transited his domain in Aquarius, while adding the watery merging qualities of Pisces and Neptune. Inevitably, these energetic transmissions will become more and more sophisticated, especially as scientists look deeply into the natural world filled with mystery. What new creations step out of Neptune’s watery primordial matrix? Thinking computers; reasoning robots? At what point does consciousness imbue persona into man made machines? It seems the message of our age is one of accepting our mantle of co-creators and true children of ‘the One’, call it spirit, creator, or God. Truly, we are becoming empowered, and as we learn to accept responsibility (gotta have that Saturn) our creative abilities will grow. It’s the ultimate redemption.

Artistic Originality

I find it a bit sad that the mass media feels a need to air re-runs of sit coms from the 70’s. Even music is sadly lacking in inspiration. Contemporary artists who want a ‘sure hit’ often go back to performing earlier songs that assure acceptance. Another change I see on the horizon as Uranus enters Pisces is true originality in art and music. Again, it goes back to that primordial creative spark. The 20’s were a renaissance with shortened skirts and lowered hemlines part of the memoir. Ouranos (Uranus) is Father of Saturn and consort of Gaia; the original ‘wild man’. He may be a bit awkward with the arts, but cut him loose in Pisces, and wow, watch for the fireworks. Inventiveness, expression, and acceptance now become viable parts of the artistic world.

Fantastic Voyage

How can this ingress not be just one of the most exciting events of the year? A most powerful image for Uranus is that of lightening over water and the resulting rain that pours down; the essential force of creation meets divine matrix. Indeed, we are setting sail today into a world filled with trepidation but also wonder. Realistically, we know all is not rosy in the world picture, either; humanitarian concerns must be addressed. Little tests prepare us for big tests. Magically, if we each give a little, the results increase exponentially. And, what better place is there to begin than at home and in our everyday lives? Yes, the world grostyle increasingly impersonal and complex, but our true needs remain simple. Shamanic journeys and trips around the world all begin and end at the same place; with love and a pure heart.

Venus: Goddess of the Morning Star

by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry

Venus has been waiting patiently for her turn to speak. Rising silently from her scallop shell in the foamy ocean, the Goddess of Desire invites us to explore her multi faceted beauty. According to Greek legend, Venus /Aphrodite was conceived of scattered semen from Ouranos after he was castrated by his son Saturn. As a child of the sky god and the fertile sea womb, Venus emerged fully mature from primordial waters which mirror our instinctive desires to merge with love; be it the subjective desire of our imagination, or a real life object of our pursuit.

Venus has a deep mystical side, but she also symbolizes basic attractions. Even her astrological symbol looks strikingly like a hand held mirror, reminiscent of the maiden who admires herself. By necessity, her playing field is the realm of relationships, but Venus rules all aspects of love and attraction. The root definition of love is “fond desire” which has many aspects, including religious devotion as well as brotherly love. Venus’s domain is Eros, the quality of sexual passion and romantic love. Eros also contains a quality of relatedness. We most often think of falling in love with another person; but what about that of shoes you just have to own? The insatiable need comes from you, the buyer. Enticingly, though, the hypnotic power of attraction is fueled by perfectly styled smooth black leather shoes, the object of desire.

In modern astrology, Venus helps identify what is pleasing to us, as well as our style of drawing it in. Venus attracts primarily by magnetism. Mars, the red warrior planet reaches out in active pursuit, chasing after what he desires. Mars is related to our vital energy, enthusiasm, and the impulses to protect ourselves. Venus identifies with the object of her desire and works primarily to meet the needs of affection. Love fuels our sense of beauty, as well as appreciation for others; hence, the other representatives of Venus’ domain – art, music, and literature.

The arts are well tempered in Libra, one of the signs ruled by Venus. Balance, equality, sensibility, and relationships are all key words for Libra. Taurus, the sign so easily associated with spring fertility and nature is her other expression. Is it surprising that the apple is one of Aphrodite’s fruits? Most of us grew up with the story about Eve partaking of her forbidden delight. Venus is also represented by the tortoise, swallostyle, and cooing doves. Doves were symbolic of the female sexual organs to early pagans, and have been associated with feminine lore in countless other traditions. Swans were also sacred to Aphrodite. Zeus (father of Venus) took the shape of a swan when he made love to the mortal Ledo. Visualize the long graceful neck of a swan and its majestic white body. Metaphysically swans teach us how to open to our inner beauty and express it to the outer world. Swans are noted for their trait of choosing life long mates.

The Venus of Greek mythology was wedded but not committed to fidelity. This mother of Cupid ruled sexual love and instinctual behavior. Venus was married to Vulcan, a god of fire and metalwork who labored tirelessly to create perfectly manufactured objects that would please her. However, Venus was never able to honor Vulcan’s need for monogamy. She is linked to a succession of lovers, and was especially attracted to the fearsome god of war, Aries.

One often repeated story of the escapades of Venus and Aries tells of how Vulcan trapped the two lovers in bed with a magic net forged of gold chains. Once the helpless pair was secured in his palace on Mount Olympus, Vulcan called upon the other deities to witness the sight of the chained lovers. His intent was to embarrass Venus as punishment for her infidelity. Much to Vulcan’s dismay, most of the other gods were not swayed by this humiliating spectacle. Mercury stated that he would willingly change places with Mars to be allowed the pleasure of Venus’s company. And, the female goddesses, in solidarity with Venus, gave no support to Vulcan. In keeping with Piscean qualities of compassion and mystical love, Venus and Aries were finally released at the insistence of Neptune.

Venus shines prominently in the night sky, and even progresses through phases similar to the moon. She is almost equal to Earth in size and mass; but rotates clockwise, as opposed to earth’s counterclockwise movement. Given her visibility, it’s not surprising she plays such an important role in ancient cultures. The Mayans aligned their temple pyramids to the rising of celestial bodies, and used Moon/Venus cycles to calculate their interlocking sacred and secular calendars. Venus shines brightly in the sky as a morning or evening star but there are also periods of time when she is not visible from earth. This cycle holds a key to deeper understanding of how feminine power has been diminished as male dominated warring cultures gained ascendancy.

Some of our earliest surviving myths come from the Sumerian culture (approximately 2000 BCE) in the area known today as Iraq. The Sumerian goddess Inanna, is an early Venus archetype. Inanna of the Morning Star had to journey to the underworld where she was trapped and rendered naked and defenseless. Only by her cunning and strength does she gain release. Another early Venus-star deity is Ishtar, who also travels in the underworld to bring back her lover Tammuz. After a terrifying ordeal, she is returned to the land of the living because the other gods cannot abide even their utopian existence without a goddess of love. Ishtar returns to reign as the Queen of Heaven, though without her lover, Tammuz.

Sadly, our early mother goddesses have lost some strengths as they were assimilated and diluted through Greek and then Roman world view. Early Venus-star goddesses were strong willed queens who integrated their power through a heroic descent to the underworld. Venus has retained her allure and sexuality, but Queen Ishtar has been fatally boiled down to Marilyn Monroe; a vision of beauty, but not of personal strength. The “heavy lifting” still gets brought to the table, but now by other personifications of human struggles, such as Pluto and Persephone. Isn’t it telling that both Ishtar and Inanna were stripped naked while in the underworld? Love surely has the power to reveal our true essence. Common to all ages, the need for love is one of our most powerful human drives. The transformational power of love remains eternal, and of course we enjoy the fruits of Venus as we know her; in relationships and other pleasures that make the world go ’round.