GODDESS
A Solar Writer Report
for
Claudia Schiffer
Written by Brian Clark & Stephanie Johnson
Compliments
of:-
Christine
Bennett
Spit
Junction 2088
Tel:
1300 880 448
Email:
cb@ittakes2.com.au
Web:
www.ittakes2.com.au
Key
|
Abbr |
Asteroid |
|
Cer |
Ceres
|
|
Pal |
Pallas
Athena |
|
Jun |
Juno
|
|
Ves |
Vesta |
|
Hyg |
Hygieia |
|
Ari |
Ariadne |
|
Eur |
Europa |
|
Pan |
Pandora
|
|
Mne |
Mnemosyne |
|
Hec |
Hecate |
|
Cas |
Cassandra
|
|
Med |
Medea |
Astrological
Summary
Chart
Point Positions: Claudia Schiffer
|
Asteroid |
Sign |
Position |
House
|
Comment |
|
|
Cer |
Ceres |
Taurus |
7°Ta34' |
6th |
|
|
Pal |
Pallas
Athena |
Pisces |
6°Pi12' |
4th |
|
|
Jun |
Juno |
Taurus |
19°Ta02' |
7th |
|
|
Ves |
Vesta |
Libra |
1°Li13' |
11th |
|
|
Hyg |
Hygieia |
Cancer |
25°Cn54' |
9th |
|
|
Ari |
Ariadne |
Cancer |
24°Cn56' |
9th |
|
|
Eur |
Europa |
Aries |
17°Ar49' |
5th |
|
|
Pan |
Pandora |
Virgo |
11°Vi38' |
10th |
|
|
Mne |
Mnemosyne |
Capricorn |
2°Cp44' |
2nd |
|
|
Hec |
Hecate |
Libra |
12°Li12' |
11th |
|
|
Cas |
Cassandra |
Virgo |
24°Vi48' |
10th |
|
|
Med |
Medea |
Capricorn |
15°Cp09' |
2nd |
|
Introduction
The
Goddess is the custodian of life's mysteries and the primal world of archetypal
forces. As representative of the world soul she engages us in the sacred rites
of nature and reanimates life though the cycles of birth and death. Goddess
culture flourished in the prehistoric period when magical consciousness
prevailed, supernatural forces were deified and natural forces were revered. As
consciousness developed through its phases the wisdom of the goddess was buried
beneath the rational constructs of a scientific knowledge that erased the
mysteries from life and excluded the magical processes.
With
the advent of the asteroids the wisdom of the goddess is once again available
to consciousness. Goddess wisdom revels in the ancient wisdom of cycles, the
intelligence of the inner life, the sanctity of divination, the mystery of
healing and the necessity for sacrifice and ritual. The ancient feminine wisdom
of the goddesses embraced all phases of life, celebrated its mysteries,
ritualized its passages and knew the power of the natural world. The Solar
Writer - Goddess report celebrates twelve goddesses and heroines and seeks
their wisdom and guidance.
The
maxim 'as above, so below' underpins the philosophy of astrology. Inner and
outer lives are woven together through investing the celestial sphere with
meaning. Therefore when astronomical discoveries are made astrologers find new
meaning and revelation in them. Astrological tradition suggests that with the
major discovery of a planet the collective is confronted with the conscious
awakening of an archetypal force that may have previously lain dormant or been
repressed. As the 19th century dawned a discovery of a small planet would be
made, heralding the reawakening of feminine power and the wisdom of the Goddess.
Late
in the 16th century Johannes Kepler first suggested
that there might be a planet between the orbit of Mars and Jupiter. Nearly two
centuries later the publication of Bodes Law reiterated this possibility. Based
on the theory that all the planets were in a harmonic distance from the Sun the
law suggested there should be a planet orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. When
Uranus was discovered in 1781 its distance from the Sun conformed to the law
giving greater weight to the theory of the missing planet. Finally on New Years
Eve 1800 a Sicilian astronomer spotted a new body in the region and named it
Ceres after the patron goddess of his homeland. To the Sicilians Ceres favored
their island and it was here they claimed Hades abducted her daughter.
One
year later its orbit was confirmed and although small in comparison to the
other planets the missing planet had become visible. But early in 1802 another
body was sighted between Mars and Jupiter and named Pallas Athena. Astronomers
wondered if a planet had exploded in this region and therefore more would be
discovered. And they were. More than four hundred of these small planets had
been named as the 19th Century drew to a close.
It
was not until the early 1970's as the woman's movement began to accelerate that astrologers began to take note of the significance of
these new bodies, which were named asteroids. In 1973 an ephemeris of the first
four discoveries was printed and the astrological community began to experiment
with these new archetypes. The first four asteroids were named after the
Olympian goddesses who had been previously unnamed in the astrological
planetary pantheon: Ceres, Juno and Vesta were the
three sisters of Jupiter while Pallas Athena was his daughter. All four were
prominent in Greek myth and their cults predated their male counterparts.
Previously in the astrological pantheon only the Moon and Venus were available
to represent the lineage of the feminine traditions. Renewed images of the
feminine had now appeared in the astrological tapestry. As astrologers began
using these potent images of the asteroids the cults of the ancient goddesses
were rediscovered, paralleling the cultural reclamation of feminine power. With
the discovery of the asteroids and their use in astrology the ancient feminine
wisdom of the goddess was brought to consciousness.
Each
goddess in your personal Solar Writer - Goddess report has a specific function,
being emblematic of an important sphere of your life. Every one embodies a
different aspect of the Goddess herself. However, all twelve are involved in
the handiwork of the Goddess. Therefore underlying each individual goddess is
the sanctity of being, the awareness of the seasonal
cycles of our life cycle and the acceptance of inner intelligence, signs,
symbols and dreams. All twelve honor the instinctual wisdom of nature and
follow her guidance.
These
twelve goddesses preside over the three spheres of Heaven, the Earth and the
Underworld. Being Olympians the goddess Ceres, Pallas Athena, Juno and Vesta are the goddesses of heaven who oversee the important
initiations and transitions of the life cycle. These four goddesses were also
the first named asteroids and the ones most frequently referred to in
contemporary astrological literature. They personify four potent feminine
functions or orientations to life. The goddesses of the underworld are
powerfully insightful and understand the deep waters of the unconscious, the
complexity of feelings, the power of mystery and magic and the uncertainty of
life. These goddesses may reveal themselves through a healing crisis, the
psychic senses, loss, betrayal or a myriad of other mysteries that arise in our
lives. Hygieia, Cassandra, Hecate
and Medea are the four goddesses who plunge the
depths of the unconscious realm. Finally the goddesses who rule the Earth
symbolize our worldly concerns and attitudes. Ariadne,
Europa, Pandora and Mnemosyne
are the influential representatives in the world who watch over our loves and
labors, as well as our trials and triumphs.
The
Solar Writer - Goddess report is a celebration of twelve of the numerous
asteroids. Below the asteroid goddesses and heroines have been listed by their
order of discovery. Each asteroid has its unique cycle and position in the
horoscope. Keywords are listed below to introduce you to the meaning of each
goddess as well as other astrological correlations that have a similar essence
to the asteroid archetype. Each goddess will be explored through her myth and
cult to appreciate her ancient role and contemporary meaning. The oracular
meaning of the asteroid goddesses and heroines is based on the individual cult
of the goddess. Once familiar with the presence of each goddess or heroine we
will petition them for an oracle based on their position by sign and house in
your horoscope.
Ceres,
Asteroid No 1, was discovered in 1801. Ceres is closely aligned with the
archetypes of Pluto and the Moon and especially strong when the Moon aspects
Pluto. Her process may enter our lives when Pluto transits the Moon or the 4th
house.
Pallas
Athena, Asteroid No. 2, was discovered in 1802. Athena is sympathetic to
the air signs especially the justice and strategy of Libra and the intelligence
and objectivity of Aquarius. She is aligned with the masculine archetypes of
Mars and Uranus and close to Jupiter, her father's realm.
Juno,
Asteroid No. 3, was discovered in 1804. Juno is the goddess of marriage and
social customs. She reverberates with Libra and the 7th house. Her passionate
side is reflected through the 8th principle of Scorpio and interchanges between
these two astrological principles reflect the goddess.
Vesta, Asteroid No. 4, was
discovered in 1807. Vesta is the spirit of the 6th
house, the domain of the sacred in the everyday, the rituals of work and well
being. Planets in Virgo respond to the archetype as do inner planets aspecting Saturn, the need for authenticity.
Hygieia, Asteroid No. 10, was
discovered in 1849. The axis of health in the horoscope is the 6th-12th
polarity. The Sun symbolizes the vitality and the ascendant suggests how we
conduct that vital life force. Chiron is the archetype of healing. Hygieia is very much concerned with these principles.
Ariadne, Asteroid No. 43, was
discovered in 1857. Ariadne's story plumbs the depths
of the water houses. She leaves the familial terrain of the 4th house to be
abandoned by her lover in the labyrinth of the 8th but awakens to her divine
connection in the 12th.
Europa, Asteroid No. 52, was
discovered in 1858. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn and their rulers Venus, Mercury
and Saturn represent the earth instinct. Of all three signs Taurus is the sign
most closely aligned with Europa's passions and
power. Planets in Taurus or the second house constellate the mythic pattern
while transits through the second house or to Venus may evoke issues concerning
values and resources
Pandora,
Asteroid No. 55, was discovered in 1858. Pandora is a change agent and
therefore may be sudden and unexpected like Uranus. Her curious nature and
marking of threshold change is Mercurial, linking Mercury and Uranus. As an
agent of transformation she has a Plutonic essence as well. Planets in Gemini
or Mercury aspects to Uranus or Pluto highlight the nature of Pandora.
Mnemosyne, Asteroid No. 57, was
discovered in 1860. The Moon records, reflects and reveals every heartbeat,
breath and nuance of primitive life. Therefore the progressed Moon evokes
memory as it progresses through the horoscope. Aspects between the Moon and
Mercury as well as other planets aspecting these
planetary archetypes reveal the process of feeling and rational memory.
Hecate, Asteroid No. 100, was
discovered in 1868. Aspects to Mercury may signal how we might manage
crossroads, our facility for change and adaptability. Crossroads in the life
cycle are mapped out by the cycle of the slower moving planets while personal
crossroads are reflected in the transits of the transpersonal planets to the
personal ones. Note the South Node of the Moon.
Cassandra,
Asteroid No. 114, was discovered in 1871. Cassandra revels in the world of
Medea, Asteroid No. 212, was
discovered in 1880. Medea is similar to the
archetypes of Pluto and Scorpio, as she understands the process of metamorphosis.
Planets in the Eighth House or in aspect to Pluto may conjure up the potent
magic of Medea.
Goddess
Mythology
Mythology
serves as a psychological record of human development recording the imagination
and symbols of the culture. Mythic stories speak to the inner life as they deal
with universal themes and truths illustrating the archetypal forces that
influence the course of the human drama. In archaic societies myths offered an
explanation of the world and its creation, the cycle of birth, growth and
death, how things came into existence as well as how they disappeared. In
contemporary times we have scientific explanations for many of the ancient
mysteries, but myth is just as valuable to help us to imagine our own origins
and invest our lives with meaning. Mythic themes stir the imagination and
broaden the horizon of the individual's story placing it in a context of a
larger story.
Mythology
is the link between the magical phase of being when consciousness participates
in nature and the rational phase when we are separated from the natural world.
The magical phase embraces the culture of the Great Goddess when life is full
of mystery and wonder and we are one with the natural order, not separated or
expelled from it. In this phase all nature is sacred as all life is invested
with the divine. The asteroids are surrogates of the Great Goddess and
reconnect us to her culture. As emissaries the asteroid goddesses and heroines
invest life with the sacred, value imagination and mystery and inspire ritual
and sacrifice in order to reconnect to the wellsprings of her magical forces.
Following
is a summary of their genealogy and mythic tradition. Let the myths resonate
with your imagination and speak to you in their own way.
The
Roman goddess Ceres is also known as Olympian goddess, Demeter. She is the
daughter of the Titan Cronus and Rhea and mother of
Persephone. She is the Corn Goddess who personifies the agricultural cycle of
fertility and harvest, as well as loss and renewal through her daughter
Persephone.
The
Olympian goddess Pallas Athena was a daughter of Zeus, born from her father's
head after he had swallowed Metis. The Romans
referred to her as Minerva. She is revered as representing the wisdom of
reflection and strategy.
The
Roman goddess Juno is also known as the Olympian goddess, Hera.
She is the daughter of the Titan Cronus and Rhea and
mother to Ares, Hephaestus and Hebe. She is the
goddess of Marriage and Social Customs who oversees the seasons of a woman's
life.
The
Roman goddess Vesta is also known as the Olympian
Goddess Hestia. She is the daughter of the Titan Cronus and Rhea and is the goddess of the Hearth who
embodies sacred space.
Hygieia was the daughter of the Greek god of healing, Asclepius and the beloved goddess of Health. She is the
sister of other minor healing deities and heroes including Panacea, Machaon and Podalirius. As the
goddess of Health, Hygieia is the giver and preserver
of well being whose function is to maintain a healthy relationship between body
and soul.
The
Cretan goddess Ariadne was from the Minoan dynasty.
She is the daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë, granddaughter of Helios and Zeus. She is sister
of Phaedra and half-sister to the Minotaur. As the wife of Dionysus, Ariadne embodies the sacred marriage having endured the
trials of betrayal and abandonment.
Europa was a Phoenician princess, sister to Cadmus and matriarch of the Minoan dynasty, mother to King Minos and grandmother of Ariadne
and Phaedra. She represents the creative and earthy process that supports and
guides worldly success.
Pandora
was the first woman, shaped by Hephaestus, to be the harbinger of a new age.
She was married to Epimetheus and was the mother of Pyrrha. As a representative of the ancient ways of the
goddess, Pandora brings the gift of hope.
Mnemosyne was a Titaness,
a daughter of Gaia and Uranus, known as the goddess who personified the faculty
of memory. As the mother to the Nine Muses she represents enchantment,
inspiration and the power of remembering.
The
goddess Hecate was the daughter of Perses and Asteria, the
granddaughter of Phoebe, and a powerful goddess revered by all the gods. Later
she became an attendant to Persephone. As an underworld goddess she was
represented in her three-fold nature and was worshipped at the crossroads and
as the guardian of transitions.
Cassandra
was the daughter of Priam and Hecuba,
the regents of the powerful dynasty of
Medea was the Princess of Colchis,
granddaughter of the Sun god, Helios and niece of the sorceress, Circe. Medea is the great witch of the Greek myths, knowledgeable
in herbs, healing and the art of metamorphosis.
Ceres
- The Earth Mother
'I
died to mineral and plant became
Died from the plant and took a sentient frame
Died from the beast and donned a human dress
When by my dying did I ere grow less?'
Rumi
Ceres
is the Roman agricultural goddess whose gift of grain, 'cereal', was distributed
to mankind as thanksgiving for the release of her beloved daughter from the
underworld and also as an eternal symbol of the
continuity of life. Ceres is the goddess of agriculture who instinctually knows
the cycle of loss, death and rebirth through her attachment to her beloved
daughter.
The
Roman goddess was modeled on her Greek counterpart Demeter whose central myth
focused on the loss of her daughter, Persephone. It was this myth, which
inspired the greatest initiation rites in the ancient world - the Eleusinian Mysteries. These mysteries re-enacted the terrifying journey
of Persephone into the underworld and through these rituals both male and
female participants faced their terror of death and became thankful for the
gift of life.
Ceres,
corn goddess, patron of farm life and vegetation is both an agricultural and
underworld deity. She is an earth mother who presides over the cycle of
fertility, birth, harvest, decay, death and rebirth. From the archaic period
the goddess protected and insured the fertility and propagation of the crops
and livestock. Her sanctuaries were placed near arable land, outside cities,
where pilgrims would come to petition the goddess for a fertile crop and feast
on the abundant gifts of food that the goddess provided.
Her
myth was more ancient than her male contemporaries and reached back to the
epoch when deities of the underworld (death) and the earth (life) were one.
Ceres represents both loss and harvest and her classical story embraces each
aspect in the myth of her daughter who becomes the Queen of the Underworld.
The
myth of Ceres/Demeter and her daughter is a heartbreaking narrative of
closeness, separation, grief and reunion, the motivation behind the
establishment of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The brutal
breaking of their attachment is the impetus that allows each woman to develop
independently of one another into sovereignty over their own sphere. Since
antiquity this poignant portrait of the mother-daughter bond has probably been
the most cherished of all the Greek myths. The classical myth is also
remarkable as it places the feminine characters at the heart of the narrative
with the male gods on the periphery honoring a sacred and profound feminine
story. The Ceres myth was first told in a hymn to the great goddess Demeter.
Kore, the innocent maiden Persephone, was playing in
a meadow gathering flowers when the earth rumbled beneath her and broke open.
Suddenly from the chasm in the earth a chariot drawn by four black horses
appeared. In the chariot was Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, who seized her.
As she struggled to break free the chariot carrying them disappeared into the
black hole. Demeter wandered aimlessly in search of her daughter. No mortal or
god could help her with information about her daughter's disappearance. Finally
after nine days she met Hecate, the goddess of the
crossroads. Hecate heard Persephone screams, the only
clue to the abduction.
Demeter
raged and withdrew the gift of fertility from the earth causing a great famine.
She also withdrew herself from the company of the gods and in disguise wandered
amongst mortals unnoticed. Grief-stricken, depleted and withered, Demeter
wandered to
However,
Demeter was still furious at the abduction of her daughter and withheld the new
crop's seed so the earth continued to be barren. Zeus intervened and demanded
Demeter return to
Demeter
and Persephone's reunion was ecstatic and both rejoiced at the sight of one
another even though they knew they would not be together as in the past. As the
mother, Ceres indicates the necessity to nurture a creative project even though
that means letting it go. By relinquishing an attachment a phase of the cycle
ends and prepares us for a new beginning.
Astrologically
the goddess Ceres represents the feminine wisdom that acknowledges loss. Loss
is intricately woven into the tapestry of life; attachment, separation and loss
are part of life's greatest mystery. Feminine wisdom knows that grief is only
one phase of the great wheel and mourning allows the process to be complete so
that life may be renewed. Following is a portrayal of the goddess Ceres in your
natal horoscope.
Ceres
is in the 6th House
You
have a strong instinct to nurture your colleagues. This could simply be helping
them get organized for a big event or by making sure that your office is clean,
fresh and pleasant. You are also able to offer a shoulder to cry on when your
co-workers are going through times of loneliness and loss. You have a warm and
open heart. Your own suffering and loss has taught you to be very observant and
sensitive.
You
are sensitive to changes in your daily life and could develop allergies to
everyday products. You need to take more care than most with poisonous
substances in your workaday life. You may develop an interest in nutrition,
herbs, natural remedies and other products. In fact health plays a prominent
role in your life, either because you experience ill health or because you work
with the sick or dying. You are understanding and empathetic, with a tendency
to do too much for other people. You need to learn to look after yourself
first.
You
are able to reduce stress by being close to the natural world. You would
benefit greatly from living close to nature, either in the countryside or
surrounded by trees and flowers. You may enjoy tending to plants, animals and
children on a daily basis, as you need to focus your urge to nurture. However,
it is most important to find time in your busy routine to nurture and care for
yourself. Find a ritual that supports and sustains you and make it your daily
practice.
Ceres
is in Taurus
Your
mother plays an important role in teaching you values. You share a strong bond
with your mother, or another important woman, in your youth. As you grow and
mature you reassess your personal beliefs and in the process separate from your
mother. Nevertheless you are likely to maintain many of the valuable lessons
that she has taught you. You appreciate the practical advice and the good solid
start that she has given you in life. As a result you are able to build on the
foundations of your early life, earning other people's respect and a reputable
place in society.
You
are likely to be drawn to traditional aspects of society, perhaps inheriting a
skill directly from your mother, or her side of the family. Perhaps you enter
the family business. Nevertheless you need to develop your own set of values.
These are likely to include a love of beauty, nature, tradition, and family
structures. As you are innately connected to nature, you are likely to be drawn
to the animal and plant kingdom, perhaps developing an interest in animal
farming, growing herbs or other plants, protecting endangered species or
something connected with products from nature.
At
some stage in your life you may take on the role of caretaker of your family,
as you have a pragmatic and down-to-earth sensibility about what needs to be
done in the family unit.
Pallas
Athena - The Wisdom Of The Warrior
'I
celebrate the powers of Pallas Athena, the protectress
of the city:
Dread, as Ares, She busies herself with the
works of war,
With the sack of cities,
with the battle-cry and with the combats.
It is She also who
saves the fighters that go to war and come back alive.
Hail, Goddess, give us good fortune and
happiness Pallas.'
Homeric
Hymn 11
The
architectural masterpiece, the Parthenon, was dedicated to the goddess whom the
classical Athenians cherished. Pallas Athena was their advocate for law and
order, the teacher of household arts like spinning, weaving, and cooking, as
well as their protector and defender.
As
their goddess of war she helped the Greeks defeat Troy, the Athenians repel the
Persians; as their goddess of useful and decorative arts she inspired them to
build exceptional monuments and temples. The goddess of merciful justice
transformed the law courts and at the dawn of the fifth century she inspired
the democratic shift in Athenian politics. Athena was the revered goddess of
the Athenians who celebrated her birthday each year with a great festival and
procession through the Agora up to the Acropolis.
As
a multi-tasked goddess many images are associated with Pallas Athena but it is
the owl that reminds us of her wisdom. Her intelligence is 'bright-eyed' and
sharp, focused on the immediate, located in the present, aligned with the head
and not the instinct. Pallas Athena embodies the rational and encourages
left-brain thinking. Her wisdom controls the instincts, learning to direct them
into heroic pursuits to eradicate what is dark and primitive. She is civilizing
and organizing, bringing culture and cultivation to mankind. Justice and law
are part of her new order replacing retaliation and revenge.
Strategic,
reflective and controlled her craft and skill is mirrored in the multiplicity
of devices she offered man, the fertility of her ideas and the usefulness of
her inventions and techniques. As Pronoai she is
'before knowing' embracing forethought and strategic thinking. As a warrior
queen she was born from the forehead of her father Zeus, fully armored and mature, suggesting that the wisdom of goddess had been
reborn into a new order. As father's special daughter Pallas Athena mirrored
the rational intelligence and counsel of Zeus. Metis,
the mother of Athena, was an ancient goddess of wisdom known as Wise Counsel or
Cunning Intelligence. She knew the feminine mysteries, the intelligence
articulated by the heart and the inner world of instinct and intuition. From
her Pallas Athena inherited another kind of wisdom: the wisdom of intuitive
knowing often experienced in the belly as a 'gut instinct'. It is a knowing
that may speak through symptoms or disease, through creativity or craft, or
radiate through stillness and tranquility or even erupt in anger or hostility.
It is a wisdom born out of an intimate connection between mind and matter, a
fluid way of being that the ancient Greeks knew as Sophia.
Athena
is a proud daughter born from a power struggle between her powerfully dominant
father and her intuitively wise mother. Consciously Athena only knows her
father's way and the new order. Born of man, like Eve, this myth is often cited
when tracing the emergence of 'father-right' from the long held tradition of
'mother-right'. The daughter is now aligned with the sky father who colludes in
rejecting the earth mother. The tables have turned in the familial pattern and
now it is father and daughter colluding against mother, no longer mother
conspiring with her youngest son against the father. When Athena emerges she
reflects the need for logic and rationality rather than feeling and instinct.
Her path follows the reason of the head, aligned with her father, not the
impulse of the heart, the vulnerable feminine side that she has not been
nurtured by.
Like
Eve, Athena's feminine legacy is not so easily erased. Both their myths contain
the image of the snake, a sacred symbol of their legacy of feminine wisdom,
healing and regeneration. By the classical period Athena's wisdom became
subjugated to Zeus. Shaped by the masculine wisdom becomes linear, logical and
rational. Metis is no longer acknowledged as her
other parent. The internal wisdom of cycles, intuitive knowing and the
complexity of intrapsychic understanding becomes
concealed under Athena's armor.
Athena
is also associated with the arts of healing, health and regeneration. As Athena
Nike she was the goddess of Victory, first victorious in war and later a victor
on the sports field. Athena signaled victory and as a patron of heroes she was
also known as the goddess of the near, as she was always close to the hero and
a staunch supporter of the heroic. As the goddess of war and defender of her
father's realm Athena became aligned with the hero as his guide and protector.
In mythic portrayals of the hero, Athena stands behind or beside him as his
staunch ally against the monstrous and dark forces. When Pallas Athena appears
prominently in a birth chart she encourages us to be heroic and battle the
regressive forces of our instinctual nature. It is necessary to reflect on the
situation and not react emotionally, detaching enough to formulate a decisive
plan of action.
In
astrology the goddess Pallas Athena represents the reflection and meditation
that develops out of the turmoil of chaos and uncertainty, helping us to become
more strategic and deliberate in our actions. Metis
is the valued intelligence that guides our instincts and plans strategically
and arises into consciousness at exactly the right moment. Pallas Athena
discerns and through reflecting on emotionally entangled situations allows
consciousness to develop. Following are the house and sign descriptions of the
goddess Pallas Athena in your horoscope.
Pallas
is in the 4th House
This
prominent placement of the goddess Pallas in the fourth house of your astrology
chart shows the importance of your father in your early childhood. It is most
likely that your father played a dominant role during your childhood, guiding
you with a firm hand, believing that he knew best. He may not have realized
that his own unrealized dreams were being forced on you. Nevertheless as a
young child you knew no better. You accepted, willingly or unwillingly, that
daddy knew best. In some cases, depending on other aspects of your birth chart,
your father may have been missing from your early childhood development. Either
way the role that your father played early in your life has colored your adult
life. This could literally mean that you follow in your father's footsteps, entering
the family business or pursuing the same career path. On the other hand it
could mean that you spend many years planning how to overcome your father's
strong influence. You find it harder than most to be your own person and may
spend some of your life in a restless state, searching for a stable sense of
self. This is your challenge - to escape from living under your father's
shadow. You need to listen to your own instincts and forge your own path.
You
are likely to champion the values of family life and a loving home, even if
this is an unorthodox family unit. You are an even-handed parent with a strong
sense of fair play that you like to see established in your own family. You may
even work as an advocate in family law. Your home is an important focus in your
life. You enjoy working around your home, particularly in the domestic arts -
cooking, cleaning, gardening, home renovating and decorating. Your practical
skills are considerable on the home front! You may enjoy teaching household
arts like knitting, spinning, weaving, and cooking. You may have an interest in
setting up your home in a way that does not drain the world's resources. In
other words a working vegetable garden, solar power, recycling and other such
methods may appeal. On the other hand you are not averse to also utilising the latest in computer technology to enhance your
home life. Your strong affinity with your home may also prompt you to set up a
home business. This could mean setting up your home as a Bed and Breakfast
facility or establishing a home office for your own business. Your main goal is
to be useful to your family, immediate and extended. If you can also make your
home useful in some manner then you are likely to be very satisfied with your
lot in life.
Pallas
is in Pisces
The
goddess Pallas is not entirely comfortable in the sign of Pisces, as her strong
thinking function is required to be more imaginative and non-linear. Forced to
switch from left brain logic to right brain magic may indicate that you often
feel torn between your rational mind and your unpredictable emotions. You may
make logical decisions only to discover that you are distracted by strong
feelings. The tendrils of this quandary can creep into all areas of your life -
simple daily decisions, choice of friends, work place relations etc. Everyday
practicalities can become quite a chore simply because you can't decide which
to tackle first.
Bigger
decisions weigh you down because part of you demands logical choice and the
other part yearns for whimsy. Your friends may not realize just how much you
long to build your castle in the sky. Your dreams and reality just don't seem
to match. You are a perfectionist with a real fear of failure. Your
expectations of yourself, and others, may be too high. It is impossible to
reach the lofty heights that you aspire to when daily life holds so many
practical demands. If everyday demands become too burdensome then your great
escape can be communing with nature or listening to music. Hymns and arias may
hold particular appeal, but for you most music sooths your soul. You are a
mystic with a longing to be of practical use to humanity. Charitable works may
also offer an outlet for your altruism.
Where
you can excel is in artistic expression. You are likely to have a real gift for
practical art - graphic design, musical composition, architecture, interior
decorating or jewelry. You may also excel in the softer arts of counseling,
religious education, social work and teaching. In these areas your
compassionate nature has a practical outlet. It is in these areas that your
soul can really sing and you feel that you are making a worthwhile contribution
to humanity as well as following the calling of the goddess.
Juno
- Socializing The Soul
'And
wheresoever we went, like Juno's swans,
Still we went coupled and inseparable.'
As
You Like It, Shakespeare
Juno
Regina shares the honor of the highest deity in the Roman pantheon as queen
next to her husband-brother Jupiter, king of the gods. Each woman had their own
guardian spirit named Juno, who guided their transitions into the stages of
motherhood and marriage. As a light bringer she was also invoked for protection
during childbirth. As the goddess of marriage her Roman name Juno was the derivative
of June, the season of the bride. Women celebrated her annually in the festival
of Matronalia. By the Roman period Juno had become
emblematic of the woman as wife and citizen presiding over social customs and
duties. In earlier Greek myths Juno was a powerful goddess in her own right
known as Hera, the adored feminine deity of many
powerful city-states.
The
derivation of Hera's name may be related to Hora or season, as she is custodian of the seasons of a
woman's life. On the Olympian pantheon she was the goddess of marriage and
embodied social ritual and custom. At her cult in
Epithets
of Hera such as 'cow-eyed' refer to her earlier
association with the earth and agriculture, while her epithet 'of the white
arms' may link her to an association with the Moon. She is often depicted in
three phases as the maiden, the fulfilled and the solitary, a trinity of
aspects represented by Hebe, Hera
and Hecate. Hebe was the
daughter of Hera and the cupbearer to the Gods who
became married to Heracles after his ascension to
Hera was indigenous to
Another
mythic fragment, which suggests Hera is a powerful
ancient goddess, is her link to Heracles. Even though their relationship is
estranged Heracles is named for the great goddess. His name literally
translates into the glory of Hera. Hera whose name closely resembles hero is aligned with the
greatest of all heroes, Heracles and plays a potent role in many heroic sagas.
Their antagonistic relationship ironically spurred him on to become the
greatest hero and ironically myth depicts Hera as his
mother-in-law. No longer the object of her scorn Hera has challenged Heracles to become the hero. As
mother-in-law she models a strong and uncompromising woman who demands the hero
be the best man for her daughter.
Juno
and Hera are the composite that portray the seasons
of a woman's life as well as the evolution of woman's roles. The spirit of Juno
in contemporary woman has new power and possibilities and the placement of the
goddess in our horoscope is an invitation to challenge the constructs of the
social roles that are inhibiting for us. As a partner and equal Juno is
supportive, enterprising, challenging and confronting helping shape
potentiality into reality.
In
astrology the goddess Juno represents the status and achievement in the world
that are intricately aligned with social customs and tradition. Equality in
relationship is necessary at all stages of the life cycle to insure both inner
and outer fulfillment. Juno's ancient legacy is equal relationship and through
her archetypal experience you can become aligned with your heroic self.
Descriptions of the goddess in your astrological chart follow:
Juno
is in the 7th House
The
goddess Juno is the guardian spirit of the marriage sector of your birth chart
indicating that your marriage is likely to shape your destiny. For this reason
you need to choose your life partner very carefully. Other aspects of your
birth chart determine the nature of your matrimony, whether traditional
marriage or a modern de facto or same-sex union. Whatever your preference, you
are seeking commitment. Once you have made a pledge for all of the right
reasons then it is unlikely that you will let go of this union even under great
duress. You demand loyalty, fidelity, intimacy and monogamy. US Senator Hilary
Clinton is a prime example of this placement of the goddess Juno. Her marriage
to former
On
the other hand if you discover that perhaps you have made a mistake in your
choice of spouse then you are likely to try to adapt your own behavior rather
than relinquish your union. You take your marital commitment seriously and
expect reciprocity. An ill-fated union is likely to end badly, particularly if
betrayal is the theme. Infidelity or deceits are likely to attract your wrath.
Emotional rage is not uncommon in the event of a partner's lack of loyalty,
whether this has been momentary or constant. You will find it a real challenge
to rise above the volcanic eruption of emotions that are part of this goddess'
influence. You would be well-advised to seek a more objective counselor in
order to help you work through your feelings of rage and betrayal. Allow the
goddess' influence to empower you for greater good, enabling you to protect
yourself from your spouse's actions and move forward with your own life. Learn
your lessons so that you can choose your next partner more wisely, because you
are likely to seek another partner. Marriage and commitment are cornerstones of
your life, whether this is a traditional marriage or a more unconventional
union.
The
goddess Juno is challenging you to break the social norms in your marriage and
to find your true soul mate. Therefore equality is important. You seek love and
equal status in your marriage, a sharing of responsibilities and freedom. The
goddess Juno and her husband Jupiter (Zeus) fought battles for supremacy within
their union. If you are fortunate then you enjoy a marriage of equality, a true
meeting of hearts and minds. As a team you are impressive. Your marriage
provides bounteous rewards for you personally and professionally. However, if
you are not so fortunate then you could fall prey to struggles for parity
within your marriage. It is important that you both have equal opportunities,
and you are likely to experience anger and resentment if your spouse does not
treat you like an equal partner. Any lack of fairness is likely to result in
your marriage resembling a battlefield, with both of you struggling for supremacy.
If separation or divorce is the ultimate outcome then you may be reluctant to
marry again, preferring to be alone rather than give someone such power to
shape your destiny. Your goal then becomes to ensure both inner and outer
fulfillment on your own personal journey.
Juno
is in Taurus
Are
you stubborn as a mule when it comes to relationships? This can be a positive
trait giving you the strength of character to carefully assess any potential
marriage partner. You weigh up the pros and cons,
review your lover's positive and negative personality traits, their morals and
their value in your life before making a firm commitment. Once you have made up
your mind either for or against a marriage proposal then you are unlikely to
change it.
You
watch incredulously while your friends pursue inappropriate liaisons or waiver
in their intentions. You offer advice and wonder why your words of wisdom are
rejected. You are wise in the ways of love and marriage, and usually your
predictions are correct. Nevertheless your friends do not possess your
insights, and you need to develop tolerance for their foibles. In the meantime
your stubborn ways can also be a problem. You are so determined that you are
right that you fail to see problems when they arise in your marriage. This is
particularly true if any change is suggested that may compromise your sense of
emotional or material security. You are likely to dismiss your partner's needs
in favor of a path that offers you the greatest comfort.
The
goddess Juno is challenging you to use your wisdom to support your spouse's
needs as well as your own. Sometimes it is better to listen to your heart
rather than your sensible head, which is counseling caution, fiscal security
and stability. Fortunately you are likely to choose a fairly stable partner and
therefore you are able to enjoy a comfortable, sensual and secure marriage
based on mutual love and support.
Vesta - The Inner Life
'Leave
those vain moralists, my friend, and return to the depth of your soul:
that is where you
will always rediscover the source of the sacred fire which so often inflamed us
with love of the sublime virtues;
that is where you
will see the eternal image of true beauty, the contemplation of which inspires
us with a holy enthusiasm.'
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau
The
cult of the Roman goddess Vesta was connected to the
Greek Hestia. However, the Roman archetype had
considerably altered from her Hellenic counterpart. By the Roman period the
sacrament of virginity was liberalized, no longer conceptualized as a psychic
state but now institutionalized as a spiritual way of being. Priestesses of Vesta, known as Vestal Virgins, served the goddess for a
period of thirty years. While the position was privileged it also was one of
great piety, devotion and responsibility. Vestal Virgins tended the sacred
flame and guarded the Palladium, the secret objects brought from
In
ancient
Few
Greek myths remain of Hestia; she is rarely
personified, no statues or temples remain, yet at times in the archaic period
she was the most honored goddess, worshipped at the center of the city and the
center of the Greek household. By the classical period Hestia
was not included as one of the twelve Olympians having been replaced by Dionysus.
Hestia and her brother Hades are the only two
siblings who remain detached from the Olympian family dramas and feuds. Unlike
their brothers, Poseidon and Zeus, or their sisters, Hera
and Demeter, they are not identified with their family of origin or their
siblings. Their places are internal, interior and introverted. Few images or
alters survive as reminders of their worship or importance in cult. There were
virtually no temples erected to them and they were seldom represented in art,
sculpture or vase painting. Neither were they parents to heroes like their
siblings. As gods of place both Hestia and Hades have
been re-placed and dis-placed which are potent clues
as to what we culturally and psychologically have done with these archetypal
energies. In a modern context this place of Hestia,
as a metaphor for the hearth of inner life, has become dis-placed,
re-placed by the rush and busyness of the outer world. When the inner life is
sidelined and banished to the fringes of society, anxiety, terror and panic can
no longer be constrained in the community. Hestia
reflects the need for solace, quiet and retreat into the inner sanctuary of the
Self.
As
an image of center, Hestia is not personified or
remembered by statues or temples but manifests through the sense of peace. She
is the central point; the meeting place the fires of
the home, the hearth, the Omphalos as the symbol for
the center of the Earth. In antiquity her sanctuaries were non-warring zones,
places of political peace. Plato remarked, 'when the Gods warred, only Hestia did not take part' that characterized the
goddess' propensity to non-involvement. In the earlier myths of Hestia she resisted the advances of both her brother
Poseidon and her nephew Apollo and was honored with remaining eternally
virginal, symbolic of her attachment to the inner life. She is the aspect of
self, which can never be violated or abused and always able to access the soul.
Hestia is central to psychic life and expressions
like 'can't settle down', 'off center', being off base' remind us of being out
of touch with Hestia. As the hearth she is a guide to
the inner life and the central image around which soulful images can
constellate. She represents sacred space, the meditative moment the soul of
place and the feeling of home.
In
astrology Vesta is the inner instinct that honors soul
by giving it a sacred place, an altar, a quiet moment. She represents hospice
and offers hospitality to the aspects of self that feel displaced and
dislocated. As the hearth light she offers stillness, quietude, meditation and
solitude in the midst of the everyday. The inner life is the container for
anxiety and despair as well as a refuge from the pollution of daily life. Below
are descriptions of where Vesta is to be found in
your horoscope, the spheres where she seeks to be honored in your life.
Vesta is in the 11th House
On
a personal level you may have many friends. You are popular, enjoying a wide
and varied social life. In your social circle, you are loyal, devoted to
supporting your friend's and colleague's creative ideas and projects. Sometimes
your social life can become a little too hectic. Yet no matter how devoted you
are to others or how much you enjoy their company you have a great need for
solitude. An aspect of Vesta's lesson is how to
balance your need for privacy with your urge for social participation. On a
larger scale you are committed to humanitarian ideals, the power of groups to
achieve what individuals cannot. Unionism, environmental groups, and community
activist groups can provide a vehicle for your energetic pursuits of improved
living conditions for everyone. Anthropology, sociology, and urbanization are
topics that may fire your intellect and ideals.
You
are willing to sacrifice your own personal creative projects in order to help
others, both on a personal and communal scale. However, you need to be careful
to take time out to define your personal beliefs and visions. Otherwise you
could become a little too fanatical, miss the point and lose yourself in the
process of always helping others.
Vesta is in Libra
Fairness
and equality are strong motivating forces in your personal and professional
life. You are an inspiration to those around you in the way that you advocate
calm and respectful interactions. In your personal life you strive to
understand your loved one's inner desires, encouraging each person to express
themselves in a way that is respectful to other people. You are a good
listener. In your professional life your talents for negotiation, understanding
and diplomacy are greatly appreciated, and inspire your co-workers.
You
may choose a profession that directly requires these skills such as counseling,
social work, family therapy, teaching, diplomacy or
workplace advocacy. You experience a deep sense of satisfaction when you feel
that you have achieved a sense of harmony in the lives of your clients or loved
ones. The challenge is to recognize and accept the ephemeral nature of your
talents. Conflict is a reality of many situations. You may sometimes feel that
you are putting out spot fires that keep sparking in various places. If this is
the case then you need to reflect on the bigger picture. You cannot always
control the outcome. As long as your love and motivation stays true then you
are on the right track. Be as fair to yourself as you are in your dealings with
others. Sharing experiences with other people is often more significant than
the outcome.
Don't
forget that the goddess Vesta in the sign of Libra
also indicates that you have artistic talents of your own which need
expressing. These could include fashion or graphic design, painting, drawing,
singing, acting, dancing, quilting or photography, to name a few. Beauty
inspires you. Listening to emotive music, a visit to the local art gallery, a
ballet performance or a serene botanical garden could all help spark the
discovery of your talent or at least help you re-establish a sense of
equilibrium and peace. For it is in the sanctity of beauty that you find the
core of your spiritual self.
Hygieia - The Soul Of Health
'Health, greatest of all the blessed gods, may
I live with you for the rest of my life'
Hymn
to Hygieia, Ariphron
In
the ancient Greek sanctuaries of healing statues of Hygieia,
the goddess of health, reminded the pilgrim of the archetypal quest for
wholeness and well being. Adorned with a simple garment Hygieia
was often represented as youthful, radiant and smiling, attributes that are
companions of health. Either she is holding or feeding a snake. Carrying a bowl
of food or water Hygieia is generally represented
tending the sacred snakes that were housed in the temples on the sanctuaries of
healing. Sometimes she is presented holding a wreath of laurel, combining
victory with health, or other plants known for their medicinal properties, a
motif that links her to an ancient tradition of woman healers, herbalists and
midwives.
Hygieia's intimate relationship with
the serpent recalls her link to the ancient goddesses of healing and nature.
Earth and Mother goddesses were accompanied by
serpents and the ancient belief was that they transmitted the power of healing
and prophecy. As a symbol of both regeneration and divination serpents were
sacred to the goddess who gave them sanctuary in the bosom of the earth. Later
the cult of sacred snake was adapted and serpents were included in the rituals
at the sanctuaries that offered healing and spiritual guidance. The ancients
also saw the sacred serpent dwelling in the body and when awakened it could
offer illumination, vitality and the radiance of well being. As nature became
less mysterious snakes became demonized, no longer transmitting the ancient
wisdom of healing but transporting demonic and darker forces.
Hygieia nurtures and tends the snake revering its
sacred power to rejuvenate and shed its old ways. She celebrates its dark,
earthy force and recognizes the divine mystery of illness and health. Like her
ancient ancestors, Hygieia honored the union between
the natural and supernatural worlds knowing that health and well being depended
on bringing them both into a cohesive whole. Goddess wisdom also knew that all
of nature was animated by spirits that could be petitioned through magical and
religious ritual in an attempt to restore equilibrium and well being. Hygieia is the modern surrogate of the ancient goddesses
who honor the great mystery of healing.
To
the Greeks Hygieia personified health, that
mysterious amalgam of well being, wholeness and happiness. She emerged in the
classical period when the cult of Asclepius became
widespread and flourished throughout the Graeco-Roman
world. Hygieia was mainly represented as the daughter
of Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, although
sometimes known as his wife. Her numerous statues equal those of Asclepius and in the cult of healing she was revered and
equal to the god himself. Interestingly the popularity of temple medicine
practiced at the sanctuaries of Asclepius paralleled
the growth of rational medicine that had emerged through the teachings of
Hippocrates. Hygieia stands at the crossroads of magico-religious healing rituals and contemporary medical
practice, holding the tension between the two but allowing each to co-exist.
She embraces wholistic healing in every manifestation
as she is dedicated to the pursuit of health.
In
the ancient community disease was portrayed as a possession by a demon, the
intrusion of a spirit or the curse of a god. In the cult of Asclepius
illness was seen to be more the call of the divine, the voice that echoed the
split between body and spirit. It was the illness that called the pilgrim to
the temple to restore equilibrium and well being. At the temple the patient
would prepare for an encounter with the god often by fasting, bathing or
meditating. Then the patient was escorted into the temple where they would lie
down and fall into a deep sleep wherein the god would appear to them in a
dream. Once contact with the god had been made through the inner process of the
dream the patient would be restored to health. In the healing sanctuaries of Hygieia health was evoked through contact with the divine
in the inner sanctuary of the soul. Yet synchronous with these practices were
medical doctors who suggested that disease was a natural occurrence and not of
the god's making. Hence Hygieia eventually became
associated with mental health and well being as rational medical doctors gained
a stronghold on the health of the physical body.
When
Hygieia is strong in a birth chart we are reminded
that health is the alignment of body and soul, heart and mind, outer success and
inner peace. One at the expense of the other constellates dis-ease
in the temperament that may manifest as a physical symptom, mental anguish or
emotional pain. Hygieia is the personification of
Health who calls us into the inner sanctuary of the soul to restore health and
regain equilibrium. On a divinatory level Hygieia
will be chosen when the healing of a situation is imperative. Rational healing
is not the only answer. It must be accompanied by attending to the root cause,
which ultimately is the illness in the soul. In a psychological sense Hygieia is soul of health, the urge to attend to psyche and
its needs by nurturing our deeper urges and impulses. Feeding the snakes is a
metaphor for nurturing the dark and mysterious aspects of the soul and attending
to the unconscious.
In
astrology Hygieia represents health that is forged
through the alliance of the natural with the supernatural, the right brain with
the left, the inner world with the outer, the serpent
with the soul. Hygieia reminds us that health is an
archetypal image embedded in the psyche. When the soul is not nourished or
attended it speaks through illness and disease. The placement of Hygieia by house and sign that follow are where the goddess
seeks her expression in your life.
Hygieia is in the 9th House
The
concept of health and well being is an integral part of your belief system. In
fact practices that incorporate both physical and mental vitality may play a
major role in your philosophy of life. Therefore systems such as Yoga and Tai
Chi that promote healthy energy while also feeding the spiritual life would be
of great interest and value to you. Along with this you would also be
interested in the way healthcare is practiced cross-culturally adopting a
spiritual perspective or physical regime that has been inspired from an exotic
philosophical or ethnic background.
Your
interest in health may guide you into a deeper study of physical and mental
well being perhaps pursuing a degree in psychology, a diploma in healthcare or
a certificate in physical education. Because you instinctively understand that
health and happiness are intricately woven into the search for meaning you may
be drawn to the study of natural medicines, pain management, herbalism, diet or one of the many fascinating disciplines
in the sphere of holistic healing. However, mental heath is also of interest
and may lead into the study of one of the many disciplines that promote the
power of the mind.
Being
inspired about health could lead in many directions but the need for a
healthily life will certainly be at the heart of your personal growth and
healing journey. You are mindful of the need to be positive and optimistic
about the healing process and have strong beliefs and concepts about how to
live a healthy and balanced life. Planets in the 9th house play a prominent
role in the search for meaning and therefore Hygieia
in this domain suggests the importance of maintaining a lifestyle with enough
time and focus for the inner life as well. The healing crisis may be a call
from the inner self to readdress the spiritual direction of your life, and with
your positive attitude you will embrace this invitation to heal.
Hygieia is in Cancer
No
doubt the combination of Hygieia, the goddess of
health, in Cancer, the sign of care taking, emphasizes the need to take care of
your health. It may also suggest that the route to your well being is not only
the care of the self, but also through your innate capacity to mother and
nurture others. You may feel called to one of the health care professions, especially
through caring for others when they are vulnerable. Whether you work in
physical or mental health fields your interest in healing and caring for others
was forged out of your own familial experiences. You also have an instinct and
interest in early child development and the health care of the young. For you,
a healthy family life is a priority.
For
women this placement may address the instinct to mother and the healing that is
constellated through this experience. While you were pregnant or during the perinatal period a health crisis may have developed,
alerting you to a larger issue of health. Perhaps pregnancy or being a mother
altered your attitudes to health and well being, or simply being a mother has
thrown you a new lifeline and you are radiant in your role as mother. While it
suggests that well being is akin to mothering it may also imply that your own
healing journey was literally connected to your mother or the familial legacy
of the feminine. Caring for others was a theme in the familial environment but
how fate arranged this in your own experience will be unique. On a
psychological level your healing journey may have started in the role of
daughter or son to a mother who herself needed care taking. Or your own
sensitivity to caring for others was borne either out of your own feeling of
neglect or, to the other extreme, watching your mother administer to those in
need.
The
goddess Hygieia draws your attention to the
fluctuation of your feelings and moods as there is a strong connection between
the way you feel and your own physical and mental health. Your tendency to
absorb the feeling atmosphere around you and not express your own feelings,
especially when hurt or offended, leaves you weakened and prone to feeling
unwell. The unease or bloating in your stomach alerts you to the need to
express your feeling in order to regain balance. Weight and water retention are
another way the goddess draws your attention to caring for yourself and urging
you to express your authentic feelings.
Ariadne - The Labyrinth Of The Soul
'To
be always fortunate, and to pass through life with a soul that has never known
sorrow, is to be ignorant of one half of nature.'
Seneca
Daughter
of the great dynasty of
Poseidon
cursed Ariadne's family when her father Minos refused to sacrifice his most magnificent bull to the
god. Spurned, the god aroused Pasiphaë's shameful
lust for the impressive bull that became embodied in her bull-son, the
Minotaur, human from the shoulders down. Banished into the labyrinthine blackness
below the palace Ariadne's half-brother, the Minotaur, fed on sacrificial children sent from
When
Theseus arrived to participate in the bull games Ariadne's passions were ignited when she saw him for the
first time. Beguiled by the handsome hero, Ariadne
devised a plan for Theseus to slay the Minotaur and
return safely through the dark tunnels of the labyrinth. For her complicity Theseus promised he would marry her and take her away to
Through
the dark labyrinthine tunnels Theseus crawled,
quietly, mindful not to make sounds that would waken the sleeping Minotaur.
Wrapped around his wrist was a ball of yarn, tied to the pillar at the entrance
of the maze, which unravelled as he made his way
through the dangerous tunnels. Ariadne's thread was
the umbilical cord that connected him to the outer world and guaranteed his
return after he killed the Minotaur. That evening Ariadne
escaped with Theseus. In the dark Mediterranean night
they set sail for a victorious return to
Blinded
by her passions Ariadne had been complicit in her
abandonment. In betraying her family to follow her hero she had set the cycle
of betrayal in motion. Projecting her heroic self onto Theseus
had left her separated from her own center. Alone Ariadne
was forced to connect with her internal world. At this threshold Ariadne experienced an epiphany of Aphrodite the goddess
who ignited the passionate fires that led to her suffering. Appearing to Ariadne the goddess revealed her true fate: she would wed
her real soul mate, the divine Dionysus. Dionysus celebrated their sacred
marriage by offering Ariadne the crown as the symbol
of their intimacy and eternal union.
Ariadne's myth portrays the heart's
painful journey when connection to the inner self is severed and sacrificed to
the lover. Ariadne followed her lover's course rather
than her own internal labyrinthine journey, losing her genuine direction. Using
the thread, the symbolic connection to her inner core, to serve the hero Ariadne lost contact with her own inner wisdom. Abandoned
she was no longer able to define herself exclusively through a partner;
therefore a more authentic sense of self could emerge. The painful process of
confronting her naďve trust and blind faith in Theseus
enabled her renewal and redemption. In psychological terms a more divine sense
of union is possible when projections onto the other are consciously
relinquished. Dionysus embodies a woman's masculine spirit enabling her to
define herself in terms of her own needs and not through someone else.
When
Ariadne is prominent in the birth chart she reveals
the course of the heart encouraging the individual to acknowledge that the
threads to their inner self are tenuous and must be honored in relationship. Ariadne celebrates a more intimate connection with the
heart, whether that is through a personal relationship, a new creative endeavor
or a new course of life.
In
astrology Ariadne represents abandonment as an
archetypal process that strips away the mind's illusions in order to hear the
calling of the true self. Confronted by the painful reality of being left the
individual is forced to relinquish their hopes and fantasies in order to awaken
to the authentic path of the heart. Ariadne embodies
the soul in relationship that must first experience the painful course of the
labyrinth before a divine connection can be realized. Following is the
astrological thread that Ariadne weaves through her
house and sign in your horoscope.
Ariadne is in the 9th House
You
journey far from the origins of your birth in pursuit of meaning in your life.
This could mean that you travel to the shores of foreign lands, seeking
cultural meaning or that you live your life based on a very different
philosophy to that of your childhood family. Perhaps you go so far as to reject
the religion of your upbringing. You may marry someone from a different
culture, adopting his or her religious beliefs and losing your own cultural
identity. Your pursuit of meaning is a valid one; however, you run the risk of
losing all meaning if you reject your own creed. You need to listen to your
heart in order to gather the grains of truth. Famous author D H Lawrence
states, 'it is a fine thing to establish one's own religion in one's heart, not
to be dependent on tradition and second-hand ideals. Life will seem to you,
later, not a lesser, but a greater thing.'
Your
challenge is to pursue your passion for meaning without losing your own
identity. Travel, academic study and teaching, prayer, meditation, mythology
and other uplifting pursuits are likely to help you stay connected to a sense
of purpose, therefore bringing peace.
Your
call to wake up to a greater understanding of life may be first heard through
the pain of a broken heart. Ironically in following the call to adventure you
leave the pain behind, often finding your soul mate and your vocation far from
your place of origin. Therefore you have a story to tell, a book to write or a
lecture to give on the mysterious forces that lead us to our destiny.
Ariadne is in Cancer
Your
destiny is strongly linked with your family and your home. A strong network of
family members influences your childhood. Whether this is mostly positive or
negative depends on other aspects of your birth chart. Either way you are
likely to feel a little lost amidst the maze of interactions within your home.
You love your family members but it is likely that you need to strike out on
your own in order to discover your own sense of self. Ironically the more your
feel supported and loved the easier it is to leave. How you leave home will be
an important metaphor for how you are able to separate later in life.
Ariadne's fate was overshadowed by
the curse that plagued her family. She was compelled to leave her home with a
lover, and then ultimately face life on her own. Alone Ariadne
was forced to connect with her internal world. This may be similar to your
lesson: to learn how to remain connected to your own sense of self no matter
what is happening in your immediate and extended family and the world at large.
As
an adult you may build many homes and start your own family, but until you come
to peace with yourself these will not satisfy your need for comfort. You are
being asked to contemplate your spiritual home. Perhaps you sometimes
experience a sense of longing for a peace that does not seem available in daily
life. As John Cheever said in 'The
Stories of John Cheever, 1978, 'homesickness is...
absolutely nothing. Fifty percent of the people in the world are
homesick all the time. You don't really long for another country. You long for
something in yourself that you don't have, or haven't been able to find.' The
goddess Ariadne asks you to find that sense of peace
and belonging. This is your quest.
Europa - The Soul Of The Earth
'On a beach in
He
shuddered, the way he did when a gadfly got him.
But this time it was a sweet shuddering.
Eros
was lifting a girl onto his back: Europa'
The Marriage of Cadmus
and Harmony, Robert Calasso
Underneath
the Cretan
Europa had been playing in a field gathering spring
flowers to make garlands when she became enthralled by a large charismatic bull
that meandered into the meadow. Possessed with desire to know the bull, she
moved closer. Zeus, the bull-god, knelt before her gently beckoning Europa onto his back. She dared to climb upon him, and then
slowly he took her step-by-step across the meadow towards the sea. With the power
of a great god, the bull strode the waves across the sea to
Europa's father summoned his sons and instructed them to
search for their sister and not to return home until the task had been
accomplished. Cadmus set out on the quest, eventually
journeying to
Europa's son Minos claimed the
throne of
Throughout
the myth of Europa the bull image reoccurs. It is a
multi-dimensional symbol of earthy passions, desires, magnetism, wealth and
potency whose shadow is greed and lust. The Great Bull of Heaven was an image
of archaic power, fertility and enterprise. The appearance of the heavenly bull
of Taurus heralded spring when the bountiful Earth became carpeted with
wildflowers and the cycle of courtship began. The great bull is engaging and
charismatic constellating the generative power of the feminine. Aphrodite who
symbolizes the beauty, sensuality and attractiveness of this archetype is the
persuasive erotic power that draws Europa, Pasiphaë, Ariadne and Phaedra
into her domain. Europa embodies the wealth and
majesty of the bull, its earthy passions and its worldly triumphs.
Europa, as the bull-goddess, reclaims the power to
construct and direct the course of her own life. When she is prominent in a
birth chart it suggests the individual's present course is to construct a solid
foundation that will secure the rapid growth of resources.
In
astrology Europa embodies the ability to ride the
bull, harness its power and give birth to its resourceful creativity. Innately
she is the image of feminine power, guidance and direction. Embodying earthy
instincts she knows how to cultivate the earth and create abundance through her
passionate, attractive and commanding nature. How she finds expression in your
life is explored through the goddess Europa's
placement in your horoscope, as follows.
Europa is in the 5th House
The
lovely goddess Europa was gathering spring flowers to
make garlands when she becomes enthralled by a large charismatic bull that
carries her off into the sunset. You share this goddess' love of romance. You
are likely to fall in love and follow your lover to the ends of the earth at
least once in your lifetime. You believe promises made by lovers rather than
relying on your own intuition. Europa dares to climb
on the bull and he takes her across the meadow towards the sea. The only
problem is that the bull is not really a bull, but a tricky god in disguise.
Does this ring any bells? Your lesson is two-fold. You need to learn the
difference between long-lasting true love and respect as opposed to infatuation
with an inappropriate partner. Value yourself as much as you regard your
potential partner.
Your
main lesson is to learn to discover your own passion. What really stirs your
creative fires? What would you be doing with your life if you were not chasing
romantic liaisons? Are you inspired by beautiful music, great works of art or
moving theater performances? Do you have any talents in these artistic fields
or others? Do your talents lie in more earthy pursuits such as creating
beautiful floral arrangements or designing and working in gardens. These are
the questions that you need to answer in order to discover the source of your
own passions. If you keep pouring your ardor into amorous liaisons then you are
likely to feel very isolated each time the passion fades.
Children
may also be a key component of life, stirring deep emotions and a strong
protective instinct. Perhaps you consider the birth of your children to be your
greatest creative contribution to society. If so, then you are likely to enjoy
your children's company. As a parent you will keen to give your children a
strong foundation in life, providing them with empowering resources and
opportunities. However, you also believe that developing a good sense of play
is vital to their growth and your own satisfaction.
Europa is in Aries
You
have an innate sense of independence, a love of your own company and a need to
develop your creative gifts in solitude. Therefore you are likely to thrive by
creating an environment in which you can spend long hours writing, gardening,
studying or some other solitary pursuit. You may enjoy working in the open
spaces on an isolated farm or undertaking a spiritual retreat in the mountains.
Time spent alone helps you stay in touch with your soul purpose.
You
enjoy a challenge. Good fortune comes through your own efforts. Therefore you
need to ensure that you are earning your living independently and in a field
that offers plenty of freedom. You are a self-starter who needs to initiate
changes. Boredom is your enemy. You are not bored with your own company. You
become bored when the challenge has dissipated. You need to remain focused on
how you can use your talents to be of service to others rather than how to
stroke your own ego. The more than you concentrate on compassion, humility and
service the more you will fulfill your purpose.
At
some stage in your life you may become emotionally attached to someone who has
the ability to inspire new horizons. This person challenges you to take risks;
however, you need to remain true to your own self. If you become too dependent
on this person then you are likely to lose your way for a while. Europa, as the bull-goddess, reclaims the power to
construct and direct the course of her own life. You also reclaim this power.
Pandora
- A Gift Of Hope
'Hope
sole remain'd within, nor took her flight,
Beneath the vessel's verge conceal'd
from light'
Hesiod
Pandora's
story was written eight centuries before Christ in the epoch when gender roles
were rigidly defined. Yet the mythic plot echoes timeless motifs, even ones
used in contemporary science fiction. In Greek myth Pandora is the first woman,
mother of all mortal women, created by the gods to assert their superiority
over mankind. Cast as a femme fatale, a 'beautiful evil', she possesses a jar
filled with toxins designed to pollute the race of mankind. Alluring, yet
dangerous, Pandora represents a vestige of the ancient goddess culture
threatening the emergent patriarch. Yet she also transports an indelible gift
from the goddess embedded at the bottom of the urn.
Three
centuries later her myth was carved on the marble base underpinning the
spectacular cult statue of Athena. When designing the Parthenon and its
decorations the Athenians chose the myth of Pandora to be the motif at Athena's
feet. On the pedestal of the colossal statue suppliants to Athena were reminded
of the creation of the first woman and the plagues she brought to bear on
humanity, a striking contrast to Athena who brought victory and pride to the
Greeks. Like Athena Pandora's birth was unusual. Fashioned out of the earth at
the command of Zeus, Pandora was the instrument designed to punish mankind for
the unsanctioned possession of fire stolen by Prometheus.
Zeus
was furious when Prometheus stole fire from heaven, smuggling it in a fennel
stalk and distributing it to mankind. With the theft the distance between man
and god narrowed, as fire was the alchemical agent that would refine raw
materials and promote the development of mankind. As the human race developed
there would be less need for the gods. Zeus' revenge was to send a 'gift' to
man that would counterbalance the profit mankind gained from using fire. To
date men had lived without evil in a golden age, which now would come to an end
through the guile of a beautiful woman.
Zeus
instructed the smith-god Hephaestus to fashion a beautiful maiden resembling a
goddess out of clay and water. Athena was to teach the phantom how to weave a
web, Aphrodite was instructed to make her seductive and Hermes, the
trickster-god, was to teach her how to be deceitful. Adorned with beautiful
garments from the Charities, Zeus breathed life into Pandora, who was given as
a gift to Epimetheus, the brother of Prometheus. In
her hands she carried an intricately designed urn, the dowry Zeus had given her.
Shut inside it was all the evils, storms and plagues that bring misfortune to
mankind. Instructed not to accept any gifts from Zeus, Epimetheus
became enchanted by the beautiful Pandora and forgot his brother's warning.
Pandora opened the jar and before she could close the lid disease, old age,
pain, toil, death and all the other ills that plague humanity spilled out. When
she was finally able to seal the jar nothing remained except Hope, trapped at
the bottom. In their benevolence the gods had insured an antidote for
suffering. Pandora offers hope when all else has failed.
The
myth of Pandora was included in Greek literature synchronous with the time that
the myth of Eve appeared in Jewish writings. In both myths Pandora and Eve
become the patriarchal scapegoat for all of humanity's troubles aligning
feminine power with evil. This mythic misogyny defines the time when masculine
values were dominant and feminine values were denigrated, even demonised. Pandora and Eve became the composite projection
of evil, blamed for their lack of foresight, chaos and feelings. Underlying the
mythic stratagem was a motif from an earlier period when goddess culture was
dominant.
In
Greek Pandora translates into 'all gifts' and her entry into Greek myth
suggested this name because the gods of
Pandora
emerges at a critical time historically and psychologically. She enters Greek
myth when the goddess culture has waned and been rejected and man is no longer
in favor with the gods. Psychologically Pandora appears to offer hope in
devastating times. She brings a powerful gift that cannot be destroyed by
life's ills. Hope is the life force that survives the disaster evoking images
of healing and improvement. When Pandora is prominent in a birth chart she
confronts us to delve into the deepest part of ourselves to tap the reservoir
of faith. Having survived the projections and denigration of the other, Pandora
resurrects life once again through the auspices of hope.
In
astrology Pandora reminds us that embedded in every disaster is the gift of
renewal through the auspices of faith and hope. Illness, destruction, old age
and pain are part of feminine wisdom and this knowledge stands in direct contrast
to masculine fantasies of a Golden Age and Garden of Eden. How she enters our
life is reflected in the placement of the goddess. Descriptions of the goddess
by house and sign in your horoscope are next.
Pandora
is in the 10th House
There
is no doubt about it - you are ambitious! You are eager to make your mark in
society, to contribute in a meaningful way. Your career is paramount. From the
moment that you enter the workforce you are a force to be reckoned with.
Professional qualifications and certificates adorn your work environment.
Awards and trophies line the shelves. Those in authority welcome your work
ethic, although your co-workers may be somewhat overwhelmed, perhaps even
resentful and jealous. You are unlikely to notice any ill feeling, because you
are on a mission, determined to leave no stone uncovered in your efforts to
achieve your professional ambitions.
Marriage
is also like to feature strongly in your life, contributing to your social
status. You may marry a colleague, someone who recognizes and supports your
position in society. Alternatively you may marry someone who enhances your
public life. Children are a consideration only if this suits your life plan.
Professional
zeal is admirable but at some point in your life's journey you are likely to
realize that you have concentrated on your public life without paying head to
the consequences for other aspects. Your private life also needs attention.
Your career may come to a sudden and unexpected halt as a result of ill health
or at the behest of a loved one. Alternatively you may start to feel tired,
weighed down with responsibilities and tasks that no longer hold any meaning.
When this happens the time is ripe for a reassessment. You need to pay
attention to the warning signs. Is your heart really in your career? Are you
following your true dream? Do you have the right balance between career success
and personal satisfaction? Are you including your loved ones in your plans?
Once you can answer 'yes' to these questions then you are filled with renewed
energy and hope. Your faith in yourself and your goals is an inspiration. This
is a prominent placement for the goddess Pandora and so you are able to inspire
all who work with and for you.
Pandora
is in Virgo
My
goodness you do set such high standards for yourself. Are you aware that you
also demand perfection from your colleagues, friends and family members? You
don't mean to be picky, but somehow you just can't help noticing the faults of
those closest to you. Of course, you are just as self-critical. In fact you are
much harder on yourself that anyone else. Once you start to find fault then you
don't seem to be able to stop.
This
personality trait does have a positive side. You can have a very successful
career in any vocation that requires something or someone to be pulled apart
and put back together again. For instance you could be an excellent mechanic,
engineer, psychiatrist, surgeon, police officer or private detective. However,
you do need to learn not to be so critical if you want to enjoy a fulfilling
private life. Criticism can drive loved ones away, which is not what you want.
As
US psychologist Dr Phil McGraw says, 'instead of focusing on your partner's
shortcomings, remember the qualities that attracted you in the first place.
Perhaps some of these idiosyncrasies were part of the attraction? Just because
a behavior isn't mainstream, doesn't mean that it's toxic to the relationship.'
You can apply this advice to any relationship in your life and therefore save yourself
and those around from a lot of angst. Once you learn to temper your
perfectionist streak you can inspire others with your wise advice and by
setting an example. You become a strong and reliable source of comfort with
your store of practical advice, offering hope to others.
Mnemosyne - The Soul Of Memory
'Thou
fill'st from the wingčd
chalice of the soul
Thy lamp, O Memory, fire-wingčd to its
goal.
Dante
Gabriel Rossetti
The
faculty of memory was so important to the ancients that it was personified as a
goddess. In Greek cosmogony Mnemosyne was the
daughter of Uranus and Gaia, a pre-Olympian goddess who characterized Memory.
Being one of the original deities Mnemosyne is the
custodian of memory before the advent of writing, literacy, books, recordings
and computers. She embodies the voice of an oral culture that communicates from
the soul through stories, pictures, metaphors and body language. Mnemosyne finds her voice through the poetry of images
revealing her memoirs through a dream, a feeling, a response, a longing or a
sudden thought that darts into consciousness. Embedded in the fragments of a
song, a myth, or a fairy tale linger ancient truths that awaken the goddess. Dwelling
in the soul Mnemosyne unexpectedly arouses memory
through our senses and bodily reactions.
To
the ancient Greeks memory was a goddess residing in the heart. Memory was soulful, an aspect of psyche that was creative and evocative
and the ancients also saw the goddess as mother of the Muses. Goddess culture
honored her form through three phases and originally Mnemosyne
was celebrated through the Muses of meditation, memory and song. In early myth
the Muses were the triune aspect of memory who inspired
poetry and song. As rational science and beliefs began to emerge the seat of
memory began to shift to the brain, aligning memory with a more logical and
calculating experience rendering Mnemosyne a passive
goddess who collected and stored life's impressions. Later myth suggested there
were nine muses. Zeus visited Mnemosyne for nine
nights and was the father of her nine daughters, the Muses, the inspiration and
manifestation of the soul of memory. As mistresses of healing and prophecy the
Muses inspired and taught others to contact a deeper knowing through their
imagination and creativity which guarded the wellspring of memory. As
custodians of the arts each had a sphere of influence which they inspired and
animated with ancient images and recollections. History, Music, Comedy,
Tragedy, Choral Dance and Song, Lyric Poetry, Religious Dance, Astronomy and
Epic Poetry were the personifications of the ancient goddess of memory. Apollo,
lord of the rational sphere, became their guardian and leader.
Memory's
daughters are the muses, the ones who inspire and enchant the soul. Through her
and her daughters we are able to engage in weaving the fragments of memory
together to evoke meaning. Mnemosyne reminds us to
remember the ancient ways. The goddess of Memory is not just a passive recorder
of experience and events but a poetic and heart-rending process that inspires
the imagination. Mnemosyne re-collects the emotional
experiences, feelings and impressions of our life. She is the archive of all
that we have tasted, touched, wanted, smelt and felt. Her memories are stored
in the psyche as images, symbols, feelings, impressions and instincts or become
imprinted in the body, in the adrenal or olfactory glands, the tension in the
muscles, allergies and illnesses. Mnemosyne is
rhythmic and reflective, not linear, evoking dreams, images, songs that give
continuity to our life's narrative. Memory and imagination are woven together
when Mnemosyne and her daughters are aroused.
To
the ancients the sacred sanctuary of Mnemosyne and
the Muses was the museum. These ancient shrines dedicated to the goddess ceded
to the structures we know today as museums where we house the great works of
the imagination. On an inner level the museum is the sphere of Mnemosyne where impressions and feelings from the past are
evoked in the present situation.
In
astrology Mnemosyne, the goddess, helps us remember
images and impressions from previous phases of our life in order to give
meaning, context and insight into these experiences. She acts as a loosening
agent, allowing buried complexes, taboo feelings, repressed memories to breathe
again to find some place in the sunlight of consciousness. She connects
passages of time together. Links can be made back to times in the previous
cycle allowing space for the process of reflection and musing. Following is a
report of how Mnemosyne brings the muse into your
life experience.
Mnemosyne is in the 2nd House
You
are blessed in that you are able to live according to your values. The material
world is simply a means to an end. You are able to live a simple life, should
you so choose. You do not understand how other people can become so attached to
material success at the expense of other values. You may very well accumulate
wealth and possessions during your lifetime, but you are not attached to them.
You know the value of objects lies not only in their use, but also in their
stories and their ability to give joy. Photographs, handcrafted gifts, and
family heirlooms all hold value in your life. You are grateful to own any
object that holds memories for you or your loved ones.
You
are also likely to appreciate pieces of art, musical instruments, dance
costumes, songbooks and musical CDs. Why? You are a culture buff, enjoying the
inspiration that comes from either your own or other people's works of art. You
may have artistic talents in music or dance, or you may enjoy other people's
talents. Either way you are likely to spend money (and perhaps earn some, too)
on musical instruments, cultural objects and artistic events. You treasure the
memories that come from inspirational moments in your life.
The
goddess Mnemosyne was said to have invented language
and therefore had the responsibility for naming all objects. You are also
likely to have a love of language, perhaps even earning your income through
teaching, writing, editing, singing, dancing or counseling. If you don't earn
money through your gifts, you are likely to receive recognition for your
efforts in other ways that you value - such as industry awards, accolades from
your peers or superiors or letters of appreciation. You may even decide to join
or form some sort of non-profit organization for the benefit of others. You
have a gift for talking people into volunteering their money, time or goods for
a good cause. You know that money is not the only thing of value in society.
Nevertheless you do like to receive recognition for your efforts. Gratitude is
your key to dissolving any ill feelings and earning you the respect or monetary
rewards that are of true value to both you and society. You will know when the
mother of the muses is really singing to your soul, your heart will swell with
gratitude for all of life's blessings and you will know that you are
contributing something of value to society.
Mnemosyne is in Capricorn
Are
you always reading historical stories? Do you prefer fact to fiction? Do you
regale your friends with interesting and useful tidbits? You are a veritable
wealth of information, understanding the value of history, both personal and
cultural. You know that humanity needs to bear in mind past mistakes in order
to move forward. You like to understand things in context, and history helps
you do this. As the ancient philosopher
On
a personal level you are also very sensible, learning from your mistakes. This
can mean that you are levelheaded and wise. Other people confide their problems
knowing that you are a good listener and are likely to offer good advice. You
may choose a profession that makes the most of these skills such as counseling,
psychology, psychiatry, advocacy or social work. You are willing and able to
offer good advice where applicable, but you need to be careful of worrying too
much. You have the capacity to retain other people's stories, to take
responsibility for their troubles. You need to learn to let go, forget your
troubles and escape with a good book, an entertaining film, a fun dancing class
or a visit to an artistic event. Prayer and meditation may also help you relax,
and add to your sense of peace. You are likely to be cautious by nature,
although this can depend on other aspects of your birth chart.
You
consider your actions carefully in light of past events, and weigh up the pros
and cons before making any big decisions. This is particularly useful when it
comes to investing in property or the money market. In fact money, security and
stability may be key deciding factors in any major decisions. You are well
aware of the importance of words, of what is said and what is left unsaid, the
power of silence. You choose your words carefully in conversations, reverting
to silence rather than expressing emotions that may hurt someone's feelings.
When the time is right then you express yourself in a thoughtful and
considerate manner. You are indeed a peaceful and wise person, even as a
youngster. The goddess Mnemosyne is encouraging you
to share your wisdom with others, without judging their mistakes. You may be
skeptical about people's motivations, often wondering why they keep repeating
mistakes. Don't they remember the consequences last time they took a particular
path? Eventually you learn to give your colleagues and loved ones the freedom
to follow their own path, knowing that they are likely seek
your advice whether they follow it or not. Your memory and experiences are
invaluable and your wisdom can be shared, but not enforced on others. This is
your gift.
Hecate - The Soul In Transition
'Leave
those vain moralists, my friend, and return to the depth of your soul:
that is where you will always
rediscover the source of the sacred fire
which so often inflamed us with
love of the sublime virtues;
that is where you
will see the eternal image of true beauty,
the contemplation of
which inspires us with a holy enthusiasm.'
Anthony
Robbins
Hecate became associated with the dark phase of triple
goddess who embraced the spheres of heaven (Selene),
earth (Artemis) and underworld (Persephone). Her initial association with the
underworld was as an attendant to Persephone. It was Hecate
who heard Persephone's screams when Hades dragged her down into the
netherworld. Hecate was also present when Hermes
escorted Persephone out of the underworld. As a guardian of the threshold Hecate witnessed Persephone's descent and release. Her cave
is located between the earth and the underworld confirming Hecate's
role as an intermediary, bound to neither world but in between both.
As
a threshold goddess Hecate is encountered when the
paths of our lives converge and we are uncertain which fork in the road to
follow. Throughout antiquity she was worshipped at the intersection of roads
and by Roman times she was known as Hecate Trivia,
the goddess of the three ways. On the night of the New Moon pots of food were
left at the crossroads as votive offerings to the goddess. 'Hecate's
suppers' honored the transition of one lunar cycle to the next on the night
that the old month ended. Statues with three bodies and three heads were
erected at crossroads for travelers to leave offerings and say prayers to Hecate for guidance across an important threshold.
At
transitional spaces where paths converged travelers would pass from one world
into another, therefore crossroads became associated with spirits and shades. Hecate became aligned with ghosts and hallucinations as the
ancient Greeks attributed the power to conjure up the dead and the phantoms of
the imagination with her. Known as the leader of souls she was associated with
magic, divination and contact with the shades of the dead. By the classical
period Hecate had become affiliated with witchcraft
and magic, known as the goddess of ghosts and night terrors. Her companions
were dogs. As guardians of thresholds and instinctually able to trace a scent
hounds represented Hecate's instinctual wisdom. By
later antiquity Hecate had become the patroness of
witchcraft.
Hecate's triple aspect was also reflected in the phases
of the Moon. As 'Mistress of the Moon' Hecate
governed its dark phase. Sappho called her the 'Queen
of the Night' and as a light bearer she often carried two torches. Knowing the
wisdom of cycles and their triune phases of birth, death and rebirth the lunar
goddess also represented the menstrual crossroads in a woman's life cycle. As a
birth goddess she was an intermediary figure not only for souls departing their
body but also for souls entering a new one. Hecate
appears at the threshold of change in women's lives as she enters a new phase
of the life cycle. As a lunar goddess associated with fertility rites she is
aware of the richness of the dark and hidden treasures. In her dual role as
guardian of the threshold and Queen of the Night she knows that every decision
taken at the crossroads must come from a deeper level of soul.
Since
her early depiction in epic Hecate has become
denigrated, often portrayed as a negative and a dangerous demon of the dark.
Disassociated from the totality of the lunar cycle she has become identified
only with its dark phase. Fear of the dark, death and the underworld were
projected onto Hecate who represented the dismembered
connection to the feminine wisdom of cycles. Her ancient myth reminds us of her
perpetual role as an intermediary and attendant at the crossroads. We meet her
on the precipice of change, at crossroads, on doorways, in transition. During
these times of initiation Hecate helps us to accept
our disorientation between two ways of being.
When
the goddess Hecate is prominent in a birth chart she
depicts the area in which we are at crossroads in our lives. Time can sometimes
seem suspended while we reorient ourselves to a new way of being. Confusion,
loss and disconnection are natural moods during this phase as we let go of what
has been in order to greet what may be. By house position Hecate
would suggest where you will encounter her in your life; by sign she colors
your life with magic and mystery. Following are the astrological descriptions
where Hecate enters your experience.
Hecate is in the 11th House
The
goddess Hecate was the only Titan to be accepted into
the new reign when the Olympians took over. This gave her special status, but
must have also been somewhat isolating. How did she feel when she was with the
Olympians? Perhaps she felt different and alone? Or maybe she felt special and
privileged? It is possible that she felt a mixture of both. You have a similar
theme running in your life. On the one hand you enjoy the company of friends
and work colleagues. On the other hand sometimes you feel out-of-step. You are
thinking along completely different lines, or you just don't feel empathy with
those around you.
At
times, you don't feel as though you belong. You feel a responsibility to take
part in group activities when necessary, and may be thrust into leadership
roles, but at heart you are a recluse. You like to make your contribution and
then leave. The Olympian God Zeus did not share power easily with the female
goddesses, but Hecate was special. Zeus shared the
power of granting wishes to humanity. She could decide whether or not to
intervene. Like the goddess you are a powerful influence in any group, whether
social or professional. You also have the capacity to be influential on
humanity, perhaps through volunteer work, something that inspires your passion
for a cause. The state of the environment, child poverty or
unfair political imprisonment are just some of the global issues that
may prompt you to take action.
Hecate also had special powers in the spirit world.
Hence she was a highly influential goddess, often mediating for other
goddesses. Perhaps this is why you are somewhat reticent in group situations.
You are well aware of your influence on your friends and colleagues and like to
sit back and observe their interactions. You are a good listener and an astute
observer of human foibles. Luckily you are also a mediator and diplomat.
Otherwise your observations could land you in hot water, upsetting other
people's feelings. However, you are well aware of the plight of the downtrodden
and your conscious urges you to help rather than oppress those less fortunate
than yourself. Because of your deep concern for the welfare of others and
knowledge of threshold crossings you could be a psychologist, political
diplomat or strategist, mediator, or spiritual counselor. Astrology and other
spiritual pursuits may also attract your attention and fulfill your need to be
in touch with the deeper levels of human experience.
Hecate is in Libra
The
goddess Hecate was the ultimate diplomat, negotiating
the tricky waters of Hades' underworld to intercede in the triangular tussle
between Demeter (mother), Persephone (daughter) and Hades (abductor). Hecate was successful in negotiating a deal that satisfied
all three parties. This was no mean feat! Hecate's
intermediary powers are accentuated in the sign of Libra. Therefore you, too,
have the ability to intercede in crisis situations. You are a powerful advocate
on behalf of the downtrodden and outcasts in society, a great protector of
other people's rights.
Justice
is a subject close to your heart. The sign of Libra is often linked with the
scales of justice bringing about peace, harmony and tranquillity.
You are committed to things, but you are no gentle advocate. You can use
gentility when it is required, but you can also be a powerful force to contend
with. You are a strategist with a firm belief in your ability to manage other
people's differences. You would be a wonderful addition to the United Nations
team.
Hecate was said to have three faces, symbolizing her
power over the underworld, earth, and sky. You, too, have this power. You
meditate, pray, dance and perform any ritual that calls on the spirit world to
help you bring peace and harmony in crucial moments. You may also make your
point through the arts. You believe in the healing power of beauty. You are
likely to be involved in theater, music, art, dance, opera, or photography as a
means to inspire others in times of trouble. You may be in the audience or taking
an active part. Either way the goddess Hecate urges
you to find an avenue through which you can inspire others to compromise and
co-operate. You have the capacity to free people from their personal underworld
and remind them of the beauty of the universe.
Cassandra
- The Prophetic Soul
'And
though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge,
and though I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.'
I
Corinthians 13:2, Bible
Cassandra
stood on the walls of
Cassandra
was one of the daughters of the royal family of
Having
the gift of sight Cassandra entered the temple to serve Apollo being called to
her vocation as his Pythia, the voice of the oracular
god. However, Apollo fell in love with her and demanded she reciprocate his
desire. But Cassandra refused to consummate the relationship preferring to
worship the god in spirit, not body. Enraged Apollo found a way to avenge her
rejection. Knowing he could not retract the gift of prophecy that he had given
her when she was so young he cursed her so no one would ever believe her
prophecies. The god begged her for one kiss and Cassandra consented. As she
opened her mouth to kiss the god Apollo breathed his curse into her insuring
others would no longer value her prophetic vision. He turned his back on her,
condemning Cassandra to see the perilous future yet never able to be understood
or believed. Cassandra, cursed by the narcissistic god for rejecting him, was
later violently assaulted by
Cassandra
personifies the medial woman whose intuitive faculties and understanding of the
unconscious patterns are not welcomed in an ordered rational society. She sees
what others are too fearful to see and exposes the inevitable patterns that
underpin the situation. In an atmosphere of control and denial Cassandra is
marginalized and demeaned becoming the projective reflection of the fear of
chaos and uncertainty. Disbelief and ignorance render her wisdom impotent. When
dark feelings, dread or grief are repressed in the atmosphere Cassandra is the
medium of their expression. Her curse is that she is not identified with her
feelings leaving her misunderstood and marginalized. Her feelings, identified
by others as autonomous ravings, isolate her. Cassandra is able to sense what
is taboo and unlived but unable to remain separate from it.
Cassandra
represents the archetype of medial knowledge. Unlike the ancient world there
are no longer sanctuaries or sacred places to honor her way of knowing. She
reflects the need to be aware of our medial skills and intuitive knowledge and
seek training to help strengthen the ability to use this skill and not be
overwhelmed by it. When Cassandra appears prominently she encourages the
individual to find a voice for the medium through understanding the symbols,
images, signs and omens of unconscious language. She embodies the ancient ways
of knowing in a culture that no longer values prophecy and divination. Her
knowledge is not objective but oracular. To embrace Cassandra we must abandon
logic, separateness and rationality and enter into the irrational world where
meaning is revealed through feeling and connectedness. However, Cassandra
reminds us that in a scientific and ordered society our knowing may be
rejected. Cassandra encourages us to have the strength of our convictions and a
strong and healthy identity about our beliefs.
Oracular
knowing springs out of the collective through an unconscious and unbound
participation with everything in the environment. When boundaries are blurred
and the veil between the worlds is lifted we enter into a participation mystique
with the spirits of the world beyond us and may be called to act as a vessel
for their message. Cassandra in your horoscope reveals where you are sensitive
to the pattern of the goddess. Following are the placements of Cassandra in
your horoscope by house and sign.
Cassandra
is in the 10th House
This
is a prominent placement of the goddess Cassandra in your birth chart
indicating that you possess a unique skill that needs to be expressed through
your chosen profession. This talent is perhaps an inherited one from your
mother's side of the family. As a direct result of the bond with your mother
you have developed a unique aptitude. Your mother's influence and subtle
unspoken values has indirectly shaped your professional choices. It is most
likely to be a deep understanding of human nature, which can be utilized on the
job. Perhaps you are an advocate, orator, writer or actor using words to convey
powerful messages. On the other hand your strong intuitive powers may be used
to foretell economic or political trends. These powers may also influence your
life path in other ways, such as prompting you to move in a completely
different direction when others are asking why you would consider such a move.
Your motivations may baffle other people, but you need to listen to your own
truth.
At
times your colleagues may be impressed with your powers of deduction; however,
beware of professional traitors. The goddess Cassandra was both gifted and
cursed. Her curse meant that others refused to listen to her prophetic claims.
Make sure that you use your powers of discernment to learn who is with you and
who is against you in your job. This will save you much heartache and help you
to be truly able to reap great rewards from this prominent placement of the
goddess Cassandra.
If
this placement is in a woman's chart then you may feel the conflict between
your need to be successful and your need to be in relationship. Perhaps you
fear, rightly or wrongly, losing your ability to be mistress of your own
destiny. You need to be aware that your partner is able to respect your right
to express your unique gifts.
If
this placement is in a man's chart you may marry an influential woman, who
supports your professional life. This union is likely to bring great rewards as
long as you respect and listen to her words of wisdom.
Cassandra
is in Virgo
You
have a sharp mind and a sharp tongue. These can serve you well, but they can
also be a blight if not kept in check. Ideally you
channel your incisive and enquiring mind into study, research or a pursuit that
challenges the intellect. You are then able to write respected and insightful
works on your study and research subjects. Your mind is particularly suited to
medical research, as you have the ability to combine intellect and intuition.
As a result your research can be ahead of its time. Here lies your biggest
challenge.
The
very qualities that enable you to focus and eliminate distractions are the ones
that lead to you being misunderstood by your peers and loved ones. As the
saying goes, you "don't suffer fools gladly". You don't mean to be
unkind but you forget to soften your words. Others see you as critical and
judgmental. Hence the very qualities that help you excel in a field of study,
work or research can mar your personal relationships. You need to learn to
value the feminine qualities of personal interactions. Feelings are as important
as the intellect. If you can remain open to the intuition and the intellectual
then you can enter the realms of magical thinking - a potent force in your
life, indeed. It is the challenge of being analytical about the intuition that
shapes your ability to think magically. There you are drawn to the intuitive
sciences such as astrology, homeopathy and alchemy.
In
a woman's chart the goddess Cassandra in the sign of Virgo can mean that you
are a powerful and intelligent woman who uses her intuition and rational
faculties. In some ways you are able to explain what seems unexplainable or
know what appears to be unknowable. In a man's chart it indicates that you are
likely to attract an intelligent woman who challenges you world view and ways
of thinking. You need to respect her and still hold true to your own worth.
Medea - Herbalist And Healer
'Of
all things upon earth that bleed and grow, A herb most
bruised is woman'
Euripes, Medea
Medea, a princess of
However,
Medea was unable to withstand the unholy alliance of
the goddesses Hera and Athena who petitioned
Aphrodite to conspire with them and cause the princess to fall in love with
Jason. Medea became enchanted by Eros and fell in
love with the Greek hero, who had come to
On
their flight from Colchis Medea
visited her aunt Circe who absolved her of her betrayal and eventually Medea arrived at Jason's birthplace, at the foot of Mount
Pelion in
Having
been responsible for the murder of the king Medea and
Jason once again were forced to escape. While fleeing Medea's
herbal bag broke open, spilling her drugs seeding the plains of
In
later myth Medea is usually remembered, not as the
skilled healer, but as a revengeful and spurned partner, a woman caught in the
grip of jealousy for which she had no antidote. By the classical period the
playwrights depict Medea consumed with rage,
murdering her own children to avenge Jason's infidelity. However, Medea is more a reminder of the great respect and knowledge
of healing, herbs and magic that was brought to the West and then subtly
ignored and eventually demonized. Underpinning the myth are fragments of an
older tradition. Jason's name means 'healer' and his partnership with Medea complements the old ways of healing before the
emergence of rational medicine and the demonization
of magic.
As
botany evolved away from gathering herbs and digging roots of the pastoral
communities to empirical and detailed research, purification ceremonies and the
use of herbs became replaced by manmade drugs and prescriptions. The
connections to the more instinctual, earthy and natural ways of healing were
left behind. Traces of magic, ritual healing and evoking the spirit of the
disease began to disappear in the Western medical tradition. Left to carry the
ancient process of magic was Medea, the embodiment of
the archetypal witch. As a heroine Medea champions
the feminine wisdom that knows intuitively knows how to cooperate with nature
and her cycles. She instinctually knows the right time to perform rituals and
ceremonies to evoke the healing spirits or exorcize the demons.
When
Medea is prominent in a birth chart she reveals the
need to explore the ancient feminine traditions of herbalism,
witchcraft and magic ritual. Intuitively we know the natural cycle of the body
and what it needs to be well. Medea reminds us to
honor the ancient custom of relating to the plant world, the wisdom of nature
and the powerful healing and transforming properties embedded in the natural
world. Instinctually the witch is the impulse that draws us to remedies and
potions at the right time and is the urge to create ritual and ceremony to
evoke the powers of the goddess. Following are astrological account of how the
force of the goddess may be revealed through your horoscope.
Medea is in the 2nd House
How
do you value a goddess called Medea? This is
important for you to reflect upon as the goddess in your chart is grounded in
your 2nd house, the vault where your resources and personal values are kept.
This suggests the need to value her sovereignty, as it directly impacts upon
your sense of security, self-esteem and personal assets.
Medea's wealth is in her knowledge of the traditional
ways of harvesting and producing medicinal remedies, transforming raw material
to substantial produce, reinvigorating what is weary and recycling what is past
its use by date. All these skills can be used to produce income through
investing in Medea's powerful magic. Honoring the
value of this archetype is to recognize natural cycles, know your own psychic
timing and instinctive rhythm, along with the power of intention and the
confidence that you're worth it. In this realm of your horoscope the goddess is
powerful, providing you with opportunities to be resourceful and prosperous,
especially in areas where others have not been successful or were uninterested.
You bring knowledge to an area that others do not have and this is what makes
your approach valuable and worthwhile.
Another
strong asset is your sixth sense and intuition, which needs to be honored and
trusted. You have an innate ability to know what is worthwhile and what is not,
who can be trusted and who is unreliable. But when you were a child you may not
have been valued for your second sight, your prophetic feelings or your strong
reactions are now casting doubt over perceptions. You're an individual who
senses the truth in their bones, smells it in the air
or feels it in their stomach, as the body and its senses are finely tuned to
picking up undercurrents and hidden agendas. You have intense feelings about
things, are passionately involved in what you do, therefore when you have a
defensive reaction it is worth considering if you have picked up something that
you need to be aware of. Your security depends on this strong ability to sense
what is right even though it may seem irrational or lack logic. What is locked
in your safety deposit box is one of your greatest assets and that is the
unique skill you have at sensing the truth and being able to engage in the
mystery of what is occurring.
Medea is in Capricorn
No
doubt Medea broke the rules. Certainly she disobeyed
her father in order to forge her own path into the world. Medea
in Capricorn may bring this theme into your life in a unique way. Being the
sign that is most elevated in the natural wheel of the zodiac Capricorn is
about the overt rules, customs and standards of society. Its path is
traditional, upholding the structures and principles of the authority of the
land. Archetypally Medea
opposes the hierarchy and by nature is non traditional and chooses to live
outside the system. Herein lies your dilemma, to be
able to forge a life according to your own rule and regulations without feeling
outcast and unacknowledged.
Psychologically
this suggests you have an innate desire to be your own authority. This is your
life vocation. To forge your own path commands nerve and spirit and an inner
conviction that this is what must be done. Without this fervor to be autonomous
you fall under the enchantment of everybody else's expectations and unlived
lives. You need to cast a spell upon yourself not to get enchanted by the
values and ideals of the world outside yourself, so you can remain true to your
own persuasion.
In
the Tarot Medea chooses the Major Arcana
card of the Devil to remind us of the feelings of imprisonment when we are
stuck in an unfulfilling job, bound to an endless cycle of despair, trapped in
a loveless relationship or driven by compulsions. All arise from trying to
honor the futility of control or the pointlessness of perfection. This image
confronts your creative possibility of breaking loose from the chains that
bind. Medea also suggests that unexpressed creative
possibilities may manifest as depression and lethargy. To restore well being
these creative potentialities need to be nurtured and supported. In order to
break the cycle of being bound to doing the right thing and following other's
rules, you need to be inspired by the belief that something exists beyond the
materialistic or perfectionist reality you might be stuck in.
In
medical astrology Capricorn focuses on the skeletal system of the body and
especially on the knees and the hamstrings, which remind the spirit of the need
for flexibility. Therefore Medea's herbs remind us of
this pattern. Comfrey when used in a salve or poultice relieves the pain
associated with fractures and knee reconstructions. Sarsaparilla root is
helpful for relief of arthritic pain; the soul's ache when we have become too
unyielding and inflexible, while wintergreen is a remedy for rheumatism. In
this sign the goddess reminds us to not get caught in the rigid need for
control or the futility of perfection, but to enjoy the world as it is in the
moment. A ritual of time out is magic enough.
Conclusion
When
using this report, please bear in mind that, inevitably, every chart will
contain some contradictory influences. Usually it is the responsibility of an
astrologer to synthesize these apparent contradictions in order to present a
cohesive and meaningful interpretation of the dilemmas of the chart.
Please
also be aware of the fact that each person has positive and negative influences
in the chart, and therefore in their lives. The challenge is to accept and
overcome the negative influences, so that we can successfully focus on the
positive traits. This report outlines both influences, and therefore parts may
be difficult to accept. Any advice given is meant to be an aid to people taking
responsibility for their own lives. The ultimate decision rests with each
individual. The authors and publisher accept no liability for any adverse
effects of this report.
This
report is meant more of an introduction to the wonders of the asteroid
goddesses rather than a complete course in its intricacies. Further studies, or
a consultation with a professional astrologer, are encouraged to explore this
most ancient scientific and philosophic tool. We hope that you will discover a
common thread that gently winds its way through the 12 Goddess placements in
your chart, a thread that inspires you to continue to follow your dreams and
discover the Goddess or God within.
The
text in this report has been written by Australian astrologers Brian Clark and
Stephanie Johnson.
Brian
Clark is one of the main tutors of a four-year program in applied astrology for
Astro*Synthesis. He has been active in astrology
since 1972, having served as National President for both The
Fraternity for Canadian Astrologers and The Federation of Australian
Astrologers FAA. He has twice received awards from the Canadian astrological
society, received the Education Award from the FAA and been nominated three
times for the International Regulus Award. Brian also
lectures on myth and conducts tours to sacred sites in
Stephanie
Johnson is co-director of Esoteric Technologies Pty Ltd., the company behind
astrology software Solar Fire, Solar Maps, Solar Writer, Solar Spark and JigSaw. In 1994 Stephanie, and her partner, were awarded
the Federation of Australian Astrologers' Southern Cross Award for Research and
Development, and in 1998 they were awarded the Southern Cross award for
Community Service and Research. Stephanie holds a Federation of Australian
Astrologers' (FAA) Practitioner's Certificate and was awarded an FAA Diploma
for her share in designing and developing the Solar Fire suite of programs. She
is a student of Medieval Astrology and the Ancient Wisdom teachings, holding a
Masters of Science degree in Esotericism from the University of the Seven Rays,
Kay
Steventon is a
If
you would like further information please contact Esoteric Technologies Pty Ltd
PO Box 578 Magill SA 5072