Our increasingly mobile culture and lifestyle options open new vistas for life experiences. Astrolocality is a specialized branch of astrology that in essence, takes one’s natal chart and superimposes it on a map of the earth, revealing individualized places of planetary archetypal energies.
Travel, once reserved for the ruling class or camel merchants, is now available to all. What can be more magical than entering the bowels of a giant metallic bird and traveling through time and space to arrive into a previously unexplored environment? Indeed, the very fabric of time seems to be rapidly expanding these days, ever changing, growing, and rushing onward. With all of our power and freedom, we remain quintessentially similar to our ancestors as a species seeking unity with a divine creator. And, we still struggle with issues of ‘fate’; the time and place when a power much larger than ours deals a hand in the card game of life.
The true nature of time and space remains on the forefront of modern physics as a topic that entices some of the most brilliant minds on our planet. A scientific description of time and space, one which measures the qualities of such, results in an objective reality. We accept certain facts of the physical world, such as the measured distance from New York to Boston. And, we generally agree on objective perceptions of time; allowing that it takes one hour to move 60 miles when traveling at 60 MPH. So, objectively, we live in a world where the travel time from New York to Boston is dependent upon our rate of travel to cover the distance. The time of course is variable upon the rate of speed, but the distance remains constant – all objective measurements.
Astrology is an art which attempts to define subjective reality, or one’s personal experience of the mysterious world in which we live. The natal chart is an objective measurement of time, and the astrologer helps by facilitating the subjective qualities of experience. Subjective qualities are perceived and measured on an internal level. In keeping with the objective nature of a natal astrological chart, we cannot change the circumstances of our birth. However, as we move into expanding power and mobility, we can change our life experiences; and that is the basis of relocation astrology- that we can change the subjective nature of our life by invoking the planetary energies associated with geographical location.
Astrolocality has roots in sacred geography which related places on the earth to corresponding areas of the heavens. Sacred geography always required a cosmic center to link the material and mystical spiritual worlds. This sacred center, also known as the omphalos, symbolized an earth location as the center of the cosmos with heaven rising above and the underworld below. This naval or sacred center served as an origination point for life.
The naval center, or omphalos was also the site of what is known as the ‘cosmic axis’, a vertical point of reference running above and symbolically below the earth. The cosmic axis served as a kind of umbilical cord linking the sky gods to the under world and has many different cultural manifestations. One example of a cosmic axis known to most of us is the Maypole. This relic of pagan tree worship originally represented the cosmic axis and the phallic power of the sky god. In any form, the axis represents a magical place where opposites come together and time and space merge.
On a practical level, the sacred center remained a constant for measuring the seasons to help ancients know when to plant or harvest; necessities for survival. Once the navel or earth center was established, it became crucial to establish cardinal directions of north, south, east and west in order to measure and predict reliable solar and lunar cycles. (Some cultures such as the Quechua Indians in Peru aligned to inter cardinal directions such as northeast and southwest.) Cardinal and inter cardinal directions also had a symbolic purpose in the sacred scheme. Directional orientation became the genesis of healing threads allowing for travel and expansion to safely explore both inner and outer worlds. Similarly; the astrological Local Space chart radiates out on the earth horizon giving a visual picture of our individual planetary pathways. Some paths urge exploration and expansion, others may stress growth through responsibilities.
Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the center of the world, and medieval European cities were often built around naval stones. The naval is one thing we all have in common! Male or female, regardless of skin color or race, we all share a fundamental biology that brought us into this world. Sadly, it seems today that our sacred earth center is the office coffeepot, the cosmic axis- a tall cold bottle of beer, and our directional healing threads are data bytes inside the World Wide Web. However, even in this era of technology, we still seek to control, or at least understand our existence on earth.
I propose as part of our awakening to an age of enlightenment that every individual has the potential to be a cosmic axis with a sacred center; and that we can use personal planetary influences to help us each weave a web of power. Local Space has both micro and macrocosmic implications. We can move or travel to actual places on the earth that express qualities of our unique planetary signature. More conservatively, we can empower planetary influences in our daily environment. Always, though, we must express respect for our abundant home in a way that honors her contribution to our well being that is outside of time and space.
Next time, we’ll continue with a deeper look into Astrolocality, and add Astro*Carto*Graphy, a modern locational system that takes us far above the planet. Wishing you all a joyous journey.
There are many different systems of measurement and teachings of astrology. Most of them are based on measured observation of the movement of celestial bodies in relationship to the earth. The two structures most widely used today are Western astrology; and the East Indian system known as Vedic astrology. The Vedic system is renowned for accuracy in prediction of events as well as relationship compatibility.
The two have many similarities, but also some broad differences. Western astrology is oriented to the Sun and its movement through the signs of the zodiac. The Sun, however, has not always been seen as the most powerful celestial being. In ancient Sumer, China, and India, the Sun was viewed as a destructive entity die to its intense heat which scorched the earth and left the land parched and dry. The Moon, on the other hand, was revered as a creative power which brought the cool night air and promoted growth. This quality was important to early farming communities which depended upon reliability in predicting seasonal changes and growing conditions for success of their crops.
Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology is based on the Moon and its 27 Lunar Mansions known as the Nakshatras. The Nakshatras are a fundamental feature of most lunar based astrological systems, such as Chinese, and of course, Indian. Also, this powerful ruler of the night (named Soma) in Indian astrology and mythology was regarded as a male deity; a god and not a goddess. According to Hindu lore, Soma considers the 27 Lunar Mansions as his resting places as he journeys through the zodiac.
Each Nakshatra spans just over 13º, starting at zero Aries and ending at 30 degrees of Pisces, so they do not exactly follow the 30º sign and house system of Western astrology. They are referred to as the Lunar Mansions because the Moon moves approximately 13.20 per day, and therefore, resides in one Nakshatra per day each month. The Lunar Mansions can also be thought of as centering on one’s birthstar, and is an important factor in determining the characteristics of an individual. Each mansion is centered on a different fixed star in the sky, often, but not always a central part of one of the 12 signs of the Western zodiac.
Other legends personify the mansions as Soma’s amorous wives- one lover for each day of the Moon’s cycle. Several of the Nakshatras have qualities similar to the zodiacal signs they occupy, or to one of the fixed stars contained within that particular sign. A perfect example is the Lunar Mansion named ‘Rohini’; known throughout Indian mythology as Soma’s favorite and most jealous wife.
Rohini, meaning ‘Red Cow’ spans the mid degrees of Taurus the Bull, the most sensual and possessive sign of the zodiac. The zodiacal or actual night sky location of this nakshatra centers on the fixed star Aldebran, the red eye, and brightest of 5 stars which form the head of the bull in the constellation Taurus. So, here, in Taurus, the sign of the Moon’s exaltation and greatest strength, resides his favorite partner, Rohini.
Each Nakshatra has a ruling planet, male or female animal, a symbol, and a primary power. For instance, Rohini is ruled by the Moon, and her animal is a male serpent. Her symbol is a chariot. Rohini is described as * ‘lightly built, soft spoken and popular. She has delicate features and a gentle nature, and most admires honesty and loyalty.’ People born under the influence of this Lunar Mansion are further depicted as ‘witty and intelligent and with excellent persuasive skills. They quickly gain others’ confidence but must take care not to abuse their trust. And, as the most favored wife among 5 jealous sisters (the other stars forming the head of the bull in Taurus) these natives may experience family problems due to being misunderstood sometimes. The romantic and marital life, however, is blissful’.
Both Vedic and Western astrology use the planets and signs; but with a different system of measurement. Western astrology is which is based on a Tropical Zodiac. The Tropical Zodiac is movable because the vernal equinox, which occurs on March 20-21st in the Gregorian calendar, is always considered to be 0° Aries- despite the fact that the actual vernal point has not fallen on that constellation degree for about 1700 years. As of 1950, the sidereal zodiac was 23° behind the tropical zodiac. So, indeed, our system of Western astrological measurement and interpretation is not based on the actual positions of the planets in relationship to the constellations. It still works; perhaps due to an evolution of consciousness and the human quality of synchronicity rather than actual planetary movements. Vedic astrology is based on the Sidereal zodiac, or actual movement of the earth in relationship to stationary stars in the sky. This creates a ‘fixed’ zodiac because the beginning of the astrological year is always the first degree of the actual constellation of Aries.
The difference in degrees between where the vernal equinox point is actually placed is can be easily calculated to arrive at the sidereal positions. Remember, the sidereal zodiac is 23° behind the tropical zodiac. The easiest way to determine the sidereal degree of your Moon or any planet is add 7° to the tropical measurement, and then subtract 30º; or simply go back one sign. For instance, if your Moon is at 20º Libra, to find the degree of your Moon in the Vedic system- add 7 to 20, which equals 27° Libra, and then count back one sign- to Virgo. The Vedic sidereal position of the Moon by sign and degree would be 27° Virgo; and the Nakshatra is Chittra- a female tiger ruled by Mars.
Researching your personal Moon Nakshatra, will take some time, but is worth the effort. First, you need to have the Tropical degree of your Moon. (You can do this with all the planets, but start with the Moon.) If you do not know, there are several free web sites to get this information. I recommend www.astrodeinst.com as a reliable and professional source. Remember the rule: take the degree of your natal Moon; add 7º; and then go back one sign. Next, we rely again on the internet or a book for interpretation of your nakshatra. See the sources listed below. I guarantee this will be a thought provoking exercise, and here is my toast to a wiser and more insightful you!
* www.vedicpredictions.com (for Rohini’s characteristics listed above)
other good sources: www.dirah.org; www.komilla.com
‘ The Nakshatras- the Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology’ by Dennis Harness, PhD
Our vast world offers many models for understanding basic precepts that help us fulfill our potential as co-creators of our realty. One of the easiest yet most powerful teachings is that of Huna, the Hawaiian shamanic tradition. The powerful engine that drives Huna energy is one we all possess, our own breath. Through use of breath, we can clear energy blockages, release fear, and open to Universal love and light energies.
Huna is an ancient teaching that offers a philosophy of life with simple but strong techniques of manifestation. Archaeological research traces Huna back to the earliest reaches of civilization, with the first historical presence traced through hieroglyphic images to ancient Egypt. The legends of the secret teachings of Huna predate our recorded history, and reveal links to the original 12 tribes of Israel. When the first missionaries arrived in Hawaii, they were amazed to find the natives knew all of the main stories of the Old Testament, but nothing from the New Testament, suggesting this tribe had indeed migrated from Egypt, and lived in relative isolation for at least 2,000 years.
Huna can be thought of as a non – exclusive spiritual teaching based on human psychology. In Hawaii, Christian missionaries began to obtain political influence over local chiefs as early as the mid 1800’s. Eventually kahuna practices were outlawed, driving the ancient teaching into secrecy. The Polynesians kept their teaching hidden from missionaries and other authorities by a clever code language.
The person who first revealed the Huna code to the West was Max Freedom Long, a one – time member of the Theosophy movement. Long, who originally went to Hawaii as a teacher, was fascinated with the powers of the native medicine healers and shamans. They had techniques of healing people and controlling their environment but refused to reveal their secrets to a non – native. Through determined study and inspiration, Long came to understand the Huna code language and published his first book, “Recovering the Ancient Magic” in 1936. He authored many other publications throughout the years; his last book was published in 1983.
The Three Selves
According to Huna teachings, a human being consists of three parts living in a physical body. With the Basic (or childlike) self being in charge of the physical functions, you could say the other selves are guests inside the body. During waking hours, we spend most of our time with the Middle self or conscious mind. This time spent in the Middle self programs the Basic self by what we think and how we react to the feelings and thoughts that rise from the solar plexus. Following are details of each Huna self.
Basic Self
Similar to subconscious mind. It resides in the body, low, in the solar plexus, or “gut”; in charge of the physical body as well as the astral body. Having no faculty of choice or self determination, our Basic self is always conscious and never loses awareness, not when asleep or even under anesthesia. It always lives in the now and thinks deductively. This one has a stronger will than the middle self. Each reaction of the Base self stimulates a feeling that generates energy. If the feeling is not suppressed, it rises to the mind of the middle self.
Middle Self
Similar to conscious mind. Centered in the head, in the left hemisphere of the brain, the Middle Self is charged with the duty of programming the Base self. The Middle self is conscious except when the physical body is asleep. Perceptions received by the Middle self are distorted by beliefs held by the Basic self. (As in the person who diets and loses weight, but gains it back because the low self has not accepted the new body image).
High Self
The superconscious, or High self of Huna is called aumakua in Hawaiian. It is also known as the Guardian angel and has both male and female qualities. The source words of aumakua are – AU, which caries the idea of a “parental spirit” or “guardian”. The root MA has a translation of “by means of. KUA refers to processes such as carving a statue out of wood, or creating forms on an anvil. The root word MAKU means “to harden, gel, or solidify”- in other words, the High self really makes thing happen!
Although having divine qualities, the High self is thought of as an inner being rather than as a spirit that lives in the sky someplace. It gives guidance, information, and inspiration, but does not give orders; rather, it is your constant companion ready and anxious to help you on your way to perfection. The High Self does not intervene in your life unless you ask it to.
Mana
The Huna selves work their magic using the vital force of life which is called Mana. It can be compared to electrical energy. Mana can be generated, held in storage (as in a battery) and then discharged to perform work. It also has positive and negative poles. Unlike electricity, however, mana can pass through any substance with no decrease in energy level. This term is also represented by the Biblical “manna”, as well as the Indian word for vital life force, “prana. It is expressed through ability and confidence, as well as physical vitality. Mana energy flows through the aka bodies in a figure 8 shape starting in the solar plexus and moving down the legs and up to the shoulders.
Breath is a vital part of helping the Base self generate mana to communicate with the High Self. In addition to oxygen, the Base self also creates mana from food and water we consume, as well as energy from the Sun and Earth. Strong emotion also helps to generate mana, and sound vibrations such as chanting help to organize it.
In Huna, as in many other philosophies, water is used as a metaphor for mana. It flows, has waves, permeates substances, and brings life. In the Hawaiian language, the word for prayer also means ‘to divide the waters’. The kahunas also knew how to use mental pictures to assist their base selves in generating energy. One of these is contained in a Hawaiian word that means ‘to rise up like water in a fountain until the water overflows’. To use this mental picture stand or sit, and breathing deeply, imagine a build up of mana water, beginning at the feet and rising like a fountain that overflows. This ‘fountain rite’ is one way to exchange mana energy to the Higher Self, so that it can manifest the answer to a prayer.
Prayer
An important fundamental belief in the Huna system is that ALL PRAYER IS TELEPATHIC and telepathy is made of messages sent in picture form by the low self. Also, it is noteworthy that the kahunas used the word “seed’ interchangeably with the term “Prayer”. The High Self answers the prayer by “materializing” the picture thought forms for you. The important secret is to be sure to visualize and pray for what you do want, not what you do not want! (i.e., if you want good health, do not include your picture of illness)
Prayer is the vehicle for contacting the Higher Self which will in turn manifest desires. Huna has specific philosophies and instruction regarding prayer. Since it is the middle self that can think and reason, it must formulate the prayer and transmit ideas using words, emotions, and pictures to the Base self. However, the Middle self cannot contact the Superconscious or High self directly. One of the most profound secrets of the Huna teaching is that we must reach the High self through the subconscious mind or Base self. This can explain why some prayers are not answered. They were just not ‘prayed’ in the right fashion, coming from the mind and not from the heart and soul of our basic childlike self. The High self responds to emotion, vitality, and organization of our energy. The Middle self performs a valuable function in organizing the wishes of the prayer, but it is the energetic and passionate side of out nature which communicates our heart’s desire.
Huna breathwork takes us beyond the mind through the power of the heart. There are many resources available on Huna practice and philosophy. The best one, though, is inside of us. Take a deep breath, and give life to your dreams.
The word Myth is an ancient Greek term descended from the idea of speech itself. By the fifth century BCE, the term myth had come to mean a narrative of events. Keep in mind that only every one had the benefit of literacy, so myths come also through an oral tradition. Herodotus in his account of Greek war legends was admittedly unsure of the factual accuracy of his stories, but left it up to his readers to decide on believability. Myths became acknowledged as traditional stories which embodied the collective heritage of a culture. Observed from this point of view, one cannot help but examine sacred texts such as the Bible in a new light.
Of course, it is not just the Ancient Greeks who developed a unique cultural lineage told in relevant stories. Stories of collective wisdom and morality are common to every culture. It is wondrous that so many of the same stories and characters reappear time and again. Many or our astrological heroes and heroines of today can be traced back to the second millennium BCE Babylonian culture. Marduk, the administrator charged with creating order of the universe is an early identification of the Greek god Zeus, and also known by the Romans as Jupiter. Zeus reigned from a special throne atop Mt. Olympus, with his two ravens, Thought and Memory. Similarly, the Norse God Odin ruled from his throne in Asgard. As a conscientious caretaker, Odin went so far as to pledge one of his eyes in return for a drink which could give him wisdom. Modern astrology assigns Jupiter rulership of the wisdom seeking sign Sagittarius.
Another common theme in mythology is the fallibility and imperfect nature of the gods and goddesses. Who can forget the image of Gaia (Earth) impregnated by her first child, Ouranos (Uranus)? And later, Chronos (Saturn) the youngest of their children castrates his father, Ouranos. The spilled seed of this violence produced our mythical goddess of love, Venus. Following in the family tradition, Venus delighted in her many sexual exploits. She favored her lover Mars over commitment to her husband, Vulcan. However, she also found delight in attraction to Adonis, much to Mars’ displeasure.
The myth or story line behind astrological characters, and how humans express these missions forms an archetype. Not all archetypes are expressed through modern astrology. Author Carolyn Myss in her book Sacred Contracts defines archetype as a “face and function of the Divine that manifests within each of us individually. . . Archetypal patterns awaken in us our own potential. They can liberate us from the limitations of our thoughts and feelings. They can help us shed light on the dark or little-known corners of our souls and amplify our own brilliance and strengths.”
Notable minds such as Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and of course Carolyn Myss have concluded there is a deep undercurrent to human psychology that links us all. We are indeed one great family, linked throughout time by stories and lessons passed down through the ages. Many of these archetypal lessons assume Divine substance- a creator, so to speak; though, belief in such is not necessary. Atheists, Christians, and Buddhists alike; we all suffer, feel joy, and age in a common human condition. Archetypes give us all a candle to light the path we walk on earth.
Carl Jung believed that all souls are connected through what he termed the collective unconscious. This form holds the energy of all who have participated in an archetype through the ages. This knowledge teaches us that everything has its role, regardless of the outcome. And, thankfully, it releases us from the Calvinistic expectation of religious perfection serving a prefabricated image of God. Rather, we strive for spiritual growth and development. Entering consciously into the personal archetypal realm we come to understand our personal mission, or the answer to the question -“Why am I here?”
Learning to work with the archetypes that are displayed in one’s astrological chart is one way to help answer the quest common to our human condition. Astrology helps in the understanding of self that leads to personal empowerment. As a member of the human race and participant in collective unconscious, you are going to act out your role. Acknowledging the archetypes that influence you, and yes, even working with them consciously is the gift of the ancient art of astrology.
One theory of earth energies suggests that there is a mathematical precision to how electromagnetic and/or magnetic energies flow in an orderly pattern across the face of the earth. Places on earth which do not behave within our expected time-space continuum, such as the Bermuda Triangle, have even been mapped.
William Becker and Bethe Hegens, a husband and wife team are credited in the 1970’s with final development in of the model called the ‘UVG 120 Earth Star’, which is a geometrically based model of earth energies. It suggests that the earth’s energies flow along predetermined and predictable patterns across the planet, and that the flow is based on mathematical principles.
Becker and Hegens were also inspired by the work of Ivan P. Sanderson, a researcher who worked on the puzzle of an earth grid throughout the 60s and into the 70s. Sanderson was mystified by how ancient mapmakers were able to plan out a full, global map. How did they break the Earth’s surface up into measurable units? And furthermore, was there anything that was physically observable and measurable in the vastness of Earth’s oceans, so that these mapmakers would actually know where they were in the middle of the sea?
Sanderson tackled huge volumes of data, mostly from reports declared by hundreds of pilots and mariners, and systematically organized them. He documented finding old maps which showed the coastline of Antartica as being green and bountiful. His results proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that some very interesting anomalies were visible in certain areas of the Earth’s oceans. These anomalies are all very familiar to us, as being those commonly reported in the Bermuda Triangle.
Using statistical analysis to crunch all the data together, concerning all the different places where these events occurred on the globe, Sanderson was able to derive twelve common points on the Earth. Amazingly, these twelve points were all equally and harmonically spaced from each other! The effects of these “vile vortices,” as he called them, included not only disappearances but apparently time-warping events as well. Below is am image of Sanderson’s original twelve symmetrically spaced vortices which graph out the earth in multiple icosahedrons
Many of these were recorded in books such as Charles Berlitz’s The Bermuda Triangle. But, Sanderson found evidence of these time-space disturbances in the other vortices as well, not just by Bermuda. For example, one of Sanderson’s vortices was located near Hawaii. He found a report of a pilot, flying with passengers very near this zone, who suddenly lost all of his instruments as well as radio communications. This is called a “dead zone,” or “flying blind,” with no ability to radio for help or to determine altitude, position, et cetera, except by “eyeballing” it. The pilot continued to fly for roughly 350 miles in this “dead zone,” without being able to connect with anyone on the radio; anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on his speed. Finally, the bizarre experience came to an end, and he was very relieved to be able to get in touch with the tower yet again.
Becker and Hagens’ were also drawn to the work of Chris Bird, who wrote his article on the “Planetary Grid” in the New Age Journal of May 1975. They were so overwhelmed with this information that they eventually set up a meeting with him to discuss the work. Soon after this, they “completed” the Grid, making it compatible with all the Platonic Solids, by inserting a creation from Buckminster Fuller’s work. See what this meeting inspired:
If you look at it just right, you will see the pyramids parading across the entire map. Notice that there is a major vortex just off the coast of South Florida, the so called ‘Bermuda Triangle’. Recent events add confirmation to that one. And, it is one of the fabled locations of mythic Atlantis. Alexandria, San Diego, Hawaii, and Tahiti are all in significant areas. Africa is such a gigantic and central continent that she has two major energy places; in the Northwest as well as the Southeast! Remember that Ivan Sanderson originally described them as ‘vile vortexes’, and look at the map- it’s revealing.
There are other earth energies, also. Energetic lines run both above and below the surface of Gaia. One example of above ground Ley lines would be the synchronistic alignments of ancient sites, well developed and documented in Great Britain and France. Other cultural temple icons such an Ankor Wat in Cambodia are also considered to be in energetic ‘hot’ spots. Many ancient sites or holy places fall into alignment along straight lines along the earth.
The man who first documented this vision in 1921 was a British businessman named Alfred Watkins. Watkins described his image as a ‘fairy chain stretched from mountain peak to mountain peak as far as the eye could reach and paid out until it reached the high places of the earth.’ He surmised that the straight tracks, or ley lines were the remnants of prehistoric trading routes and part of his vision was seeing night lanterns glowing to show the way for travelers. Watkins went on to associate ley lines with the Greek god Hermes (a.k.a Mercury, and the Norse god Woden) who was the god of communication and of boundaries, the winged messenger, and the guide to travellers on unknown paths. Watkins identified Hermes-Mercury with the chief god of the Druids.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to travel to all of the exotic locations to research if these places really do indeed hold special earth energies? Sounds like a good project; I suspect those Mayan gods want to be fed by our homage. And, somebody needs to research rainbows, crop circles and mystical waterfalls.
*Reprint credits
1.) Anti-Gravity and the World Grid, David Hatcher (Adventures Unlimited Press, Box 74, Kempton, Illinois 60946: 1987, 1995.)
2.) The Planetary Grid system was inspired by an original article by Christopher Bird, ‘Planetary Grid’ Published by New Age Jouranal #5, May 1975, pp. 36-41. The hexakis icosahedron grid, coordinate calculations, and point classification system are the original research of Bethe Hagens and William S. Becker. These materials are distributed with permission of the authors by Conservative Technology Intl. in cooperation with Governors State University, Division of Intercultural Studies, University Park, Illinois 60466 312/534-5000 x2455.
Of all the archetypical gods and goddesses, only one had the power to enter into the Underworld and return unharmed- Mercury, also known as Hermes. This busy winged messenger was able to transcend the boundaries of physical matter to travel through time and space. Astrologically, Mercury is the link between mind and matter, heaven and earth. The winged messenger’s astrological glyph consists of the cross, a circle, and a crescent; symbolizing the uplifting of humanity to receive spiritual nourishment. Mercury prefers no gender, leaving the issues of sex and sexuality to other planets.
Surely Mercury resembles its namesake, quicksilver, as she busily delivers important communications here and there. Active Mercury rules two astrological signs, Gemini and Virgo. A mutable or adaptable earth sign, Virgo is known for qualities of discernment, and rules our sixth house of health as well as how we interface with this physical realm as we express our soul purpose. As lord of the air sign Gemini, Mercury rules thinking and speech, which would include the power of language and spokenwords. Body parts assigned to Mercury and Gemini are the arms and hands, primary tools of our minds, as well as the lungs and vitalization of the body through breathing.
Mercury may seem small and insignificant as a planet, but this swift messenger plays a mighty role in the scheme of our archetypical development. Just as the planet Mercury orbits most rapidly around the Sun in our solar system, astrological Mercury is in constant motion. The planet Mercury was revered because of its position in the solar system. Of all the gods, Mercury was closest to the Sun, or solar logos, and therefore most intimate with the source of life, as the sun was viewed by ancient people.
Changing Matter through Alchemy
Reality and mythology inevitably merge when blended by the relentless waves of time, and Mercury as Hermes is no exception. Hermes was accepted into Greek mythology, and later became Mercury. Even more clues as to the nature of Mercury come to light when one looks at the role of Hermes Mercurius Trismegustrus, or Thoth, the great teacher of alchemy. This Hermes was regarded by the ancient Egyptians as the embodiment of Universal Mind. Hermes (also known as Thoth) was credited as the author of 20,000 books, as well as a great teacher of medicine, chemistry, law, art, astrology, music, rhetoric, magic, mathematics and many other disciplines. The Egyptians also credited Hermes with the measurement and recording of time.
It is doubtful that the Egyptian deity Thoth was actually a living being named Hermes, author of 20,000 books; but the archetypical qualities of these characters have merged into one. Thoth is remembered as the Lord of the Divine Books, the most important of his works being the sacred ‘Book of Thoth’, the book that taught secrets of tarot, an ancient system of wisdom and divination.
The original Book of Thoth has also been credited with containing the secrets of immortality. Distinctions between old and new, ancient and modern blend again, when thinking about the yogic teachings of pranayama breath control. The self proclaimed Immortalists of these days practice ‘Rebirthing’, which teaches that through consistent and monitored breathing techniques, one can even achieve the finest gift of continued life uninterrupted by the inconvenience of physical death.
Mercury as Hermes is also credited as a great teacher of the sacred art of alchemy. Part philosophy, science, and even religion, alchemy is considered one of the two oldest arts known to the world. (The other art, according to Manly P. Hall in his book ‘The Secret Teachings of All Ages’, is astrology.) Alchemy is most commonly thought of as mans quest to change lead, or a gross substance into gold. For this transformation to take place, alchemy teaches that matter must pass through twenty-two steps. These steps are also encoded in the twenty-two cards of the major arcana of the tarot, as well as the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Somehow, as we delve more deeply into our complex past, this ever expanding world becomes implicitly simple.
Alchemy is a tool of our desire and perhaps even compulsive drive to control our environment. Whether or not there is a possibility that Hermes actually existed, it is important now to learn how thought can be used to influence the outcome of events in the physical realm. Our basic requirements always remain the same; we need food, water, and air. And, we seem to have a need to understand and even influence that which we cannot see and only hope to comprehend; the ultimate mystery of life.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life
As ruler of intelligence, Mercury rules the mind and even reason, but not human emotion. Mercury delivers the message, yet does not internalize it. Keeping this in mind, it helps us understand why positive affirmations and visualization work, as well as why sometimes they do not. Mercury can deliver any message, so it is vitally important that the right one be sent. This is also part of another ancient teaching, the Hawaiian practice of Huna; specifically- the teaching of contacting ones Middle Self, or conscious mind which formulates the Huna prayer to the Higher Self, and delivered by the Low Self. It’s again, a simple yet so powerful teaching.
Obviously, cleaning out negative mental themes and replacing them with positive images is an early step. But remember, the Sun shines down equally on the rich man and beggar. As a neutral entity, Mercury is also lacking in emotion, the other necessary ingredient to make successful changes. Fortunately, Mercury has many other helpers to assist with this other important human quality.
A partner in transformation, Mercury greets us eagerly. Remember, Mercury is the link between ‘heaven and earth’, which may seem an old fashioned term in this new age of Hemi Sync brain wave machines and Neuro Linguistic programming. But, sometimes the old ways and terminology have a purity that speaks volumes. Think also about shamanic journeying, chanting and drumming; and even one of the simplest yet most powerful forms of communication we have with our essence of the Divine- prayer. So, thank you planet Mercury, and Blessed Be.
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They were so overwhelmed with this information that they eventually set up a meeting with him to discuss the work. Soon after this, they “completed” the Grid, making it compatible with all the Platonic Solids, by inserting a creation from Buckminster Fuller’s work. See what this meeting inspired:
