Sun Aries or Ascendant Aries
Combined with a Ray 2, Personality or Ray 2 Soul


Michael D. Robbins © 2003

II. Sun Aries or Ascendant Aries, R2P or R2S (Plus Constellationally Transmitted R1 and R7: (This, in general, is a somewhat contradictory indication. No significant mutual reinforcement of ray and astrological energies emerges either constellationally or through the rays usually considered as transmitted through the ruling planets. A rather weak reinforcement may be considered as present because the second ray is transmitted through the Sun, the ruler of the second decanate of Aries. Also, second ray Jupiter is a co-ruler of the first decanate {in esoteric, counter-clockwise order} and the third decanate {in exoteric, clockwise order}.  Perhaps the exaltation of the Sun in Aries may, indeed, reinforce second ray qualities, for those with this combination. The “Ram” must become the sacrificial “Lamb of God”, slain, for the sake of others, “from the foundation of the world”. The exaltation of the Sun can be likened to the Resurrection Initiation {the seventh}, in which the second ray energies of Love-Wisdom dominate. Perhaps, considering the sum of all the various sub-influences, we could say that the overall R2 reinforcement is mild.)

(b) (Advanced Human Being; Aspirant; Disciple)

i. Eagerness for the new, characteristic of the advancing Aries individual combines with the induced within the spiritually unfolding personality by the second ray.
ii. Exuberant positivity. Believing in the limitless potential of the human being.
iii. A winning optimism. The glass is always “half-full”. Life is positive and invites immediate participation.
iv. “Good spirits”. Jaunty cheerfulness.

[Additionally, where relevant, combine Ascendant Sign, Aries, with the second ray as either the ray of the personality or soul. For initiates under monadic impression and on the second ray in one of their periodical vehicles, if the point opposite the Sun Sign is in Aries, it may be considered here]

i.  A dynamic radiation of the Life Aspect characterises the soul-infused disciple/initiate born in or under the sign Aries, combines with a great positivity induced within the soul or spiritualized personality by the second ray.
ii. The bringer of new life and new light.
iii.  Great generosity of spirit/soul.

Ray Lord Names which may Apply to this Combination

Qualifications which Relate
to the Combination of Aries and R2

Directives for Disciples and Initiates
Equipped with Aries and the Second Ray

(On Behalf of Humanity and the One Great Work)

1.                   Accelerate the Growth of Consciousness and Understanding2.                   Act Immediately Upon Spreading the Ageless Wisdom
3.                   Affirm Comprehensive inclusiveness

Mantras for Aries and the Second Ray

Mantram for the Disciple’s Consciousness:
I seek to see and then reveal the shining Oneness of All Being.

Mantram for the Initiate’s Consciousness:
I See the Greatest Light Ablaze within the Oneness of All Being.

Proposed Symbol/Image/Scene for R2/Aries: Focussed in the center of a radiant Lotus, the Scholar/Teacher heralds to an ignorant and darkened world a vigorously new, inspiring all-inclusive vision of the Oneness of the Whole.

Discover Potentials to be Derived from
Energetic Contrasts Between Aries and R2

Discover Potentials to be Derived from
Energetic Similarities Between Aries and R2

D.     Relation to the Monad: Both the second ray and Aries have a strong connection to the monad. The monad is focussed upon the second plane of the cosmic physical plane and, by numerical affinity, has a strong connection with the second ray, regardless of what may be its particular ray quality. A monad is a “lord of ceaseless persevering devotion” (“The Monad is Life, the sustaining force, a Lord of persevering and ceaseless devotion to the pursuit of a seen and determined objective.”) (EP I 48)           

Aries, of course, is associated with the spirit of man—again the monad. The monad goes forth under an Aretian impulse, as a great sacrifice to lower life forms. Its motive is divine love. Thus, again, through the monad, we see the connection between Aries and the second ray.

E.      Related to the Resurrection Initiation: The Resurrection Initiation, most conceivably ruled by Aries, of all constellations/signs, the one most associated with the theme of resurrection, is additionally ruled by the second ray. Further, this initiation, focuses the life of the initiate upon the first plane of the cosmic physical plane, the “Sea of Fire”. It is reasonable to see this “Sea of Fire” associated with the first sign, Aries. Aries, as well, carries the “sea” symbolism, as its symbol is often the head of a ram with the tail of a fish.

Well Known Individuals Hypothesized as
Expressing this Combination of Rays and Signs




1.       Baba Ram Dass (Richard Alpert)
Author and Spiritual Teacher
April 6, 1941, Boston, Massachusetts.
(Source, LMR from Alpert’s autobiography, “The Only Dance There Is")

(Ascendant Cancer with Pluto conjunct the Ascendant and rising; MC in Pisces; Sun conjunct Uranus, both in Aries and both conjunct the NN, also in Aries; Moon is Sagittarius conjunct Vertex also in Sagittarius; Venus in Pisces conjunct the Part of Fortune; Mercury in Taurus; Mars in Leo; Jupiter in Cancer; Saturn in Capricorn, H7; Neptune in Virgo)

Richard Alpert, also known as Baba Ram Dass was one of the more popular educators, authors and teachers of spirituality during the latter part of the twentieth century. He was academically trained at various universities in the United States and became a professor of psychology at Harvard University. There, he and his friend Timothy Leary were involved in psychological experiments with hallucinogens, for which both lost their positions. Alpert and Leary continued their experimentation with psychedelics but eventually ended their partnership. Alpert travelled to India where he met a guru who influenced him deeply. He took a new name, Ram Dass, which means “servant of God” in Hindi. From his new life-perspective he began to see the use of psychedelic drugs as superficial and discontinued such experimentation. As his knowledge of Eastern and Western spirituality deepened, and as his books were published, Ram Dass, himself, became a kind of ‘guru’ to those in the West who sought a deeper meaning in life.

A Summary of Points to Bear in Mind when Interpreting
the Astrological Chart of Richard Alpert/Baba Ram Dass

a.       From the nature of his writing and teaching it is clear that Ram Dass is a soul focussed on the second ray of Love-Wisdom. His writings radiate the wisdom of the East and he speaks for deeper understanding, tolerance, service and virtues which emerge from a realization of oneness.

b.       The major distributor for the second ray in his chart is the opposition between Neptune (planet of the “Solar Flames”, in second ray Virgo) and sometime second ray Venus in the sign of its exaltation, second ray Pisces. Pisces and Virgo also distribute the sixth ray, contributing to his reputation for activism.

c.       The Venus Neptune opposition confers great sensitivity and compassion and would be a strong conduit for second ray soul energies.

d.       The second ray planet Jupiter is in the sign of its exaltation, Cancer and in the twelfth house resonant with second ray/sixth ray Pisces. While Jupiter is not rising in the conventional sense, it is fairly close to the Ascendant and as the “soul ray planet” is powerful.

e.       Jupiter is in a reasonable trine aspect with Venus, emphasizing soul consciousness. Venus is placed in a Jupiterian sign (Pisces) and in a Jupiterian house, the ninth. This aspect contributes to Ram Dass’ exploration in the realms of higher consciousness.

f.        Two planets of the heart, Jupiter in Cancer and Neptune in Virgo are in a fairly close septile aspect, uniting them in a ‘fated’ relationship.

g.       Clearly, Ram Dass is well equipped to represent the second ray of Love-Wisdom

h.       As his Sun is in Aries, there are probably strong elements of both the fourth and sixth rays in his personality demonstration. Sixth ray Mars (placed if first ray/fifth ray Leo), is the exoteric ruler of Aries and fourth ray Mercury (placed in fourth ray Taurus) is the esoteric ruler.

i.         Judging from his activism and his devotion to his guru and to the cause of enlightenment, the sixth ray is a reasonable choice for the personality ray, but it cannot be conclusively stated to be so as there are many fourth ray elements also present.

j.         Significantly, the Sun is conjunct revolutionary, experimental Uranus, contributing to Alpert’s early rebellion against conventionality (especially in matters of consciousness). He defied Harvard’s policy with respect to drug experimentation, and became a spokesperson for the transformation of consciousness.

k.       Aries is the sign of pioneering and Uranus the planet of the “new and better way”. Thus Richard Alpert/Ram Dass emerged as a leading pioneer in first the American and later the global “Consciousness Movement”. As these two planets are placed in his tenth house, this type of pioneering work became his real profession. Someone less spiritually attuned could simply have used a lower vibration of Uranus and continued with orthodox psychological experimentation. It is likely that there is quite a bit of the fifth ray in the mental body of Ram Dass. At least, it appears that that vehicle was initially focussed on the fifth ray.

l.         As spiritual progress continued and as the buddhic plane was accessed through Neptune (the esoteric rulers of the Cancer Ascendant), there would naturally be more opportunity for the fourth ray to enter the concrete mind. We note that Mercury (a planet associated with both the concrete mind and the buddhi/intuitive mind, as well as the abstract mind) is in the fourth ray sign Taurus.

m.     The Ascendant is Cancer, in Ram Dass’ case, ruled not only by the exoteric Moon (in adventurous Sagittarius) but by transcendental Neptune in Virgo in the third house. The Moon position, considered exoterically, gave him an early taste for fast cars and, in general, speed. The exoteric interpretation of Cancer leads to attachment (even attachment to the past as evidence in his early love of antiques). But the Sagittarian Moon was also present in the case of Einstein and other adventurers in consciousness and the mind. It can be read as a spiritual position, giving an innate inclination for spiritual quests—earlier interpreted in terms of psychedelic “trips”.

n.       The Moon, in this case, will be veiling transcendental Neptune or experimental Uranus, and maybe both on various occasions. It is in a kind of grand trine with Mars and Juno, and by “translation of light” the Sun/Uranus conjunction is involved. All this conferred fire and enthusiasm in Ram Dass’ pursuits—and first secular and later sacred. We do see the Sagittarian Moon very “low” by declination (the planet most “out of bounds”, i.e., beyond the highest or lowest point in declination reached by the Sun). This makes the Moon powerful and, therefore, a focus for transmutation.

o.       The “Lunar Lords” are ruled by Sagittarius and Mars. When, in an advanced soul, the Moon is placed in Sagittarius, the possibility of harnessing the Lunar Lords to the life of aspiration is very great. In the case of Ram Dass, the elevation of these energies is a strong possibility. Issues concerning the second initiation are involved in such dynamics. The revelations for which he has been responsible, however, concern more the consciousness of the third initiation.

p.       The Cancer Ascendant blended with the second ray soul is, of course, vitally important, providing a strong streak of nurturance. This has been demonstrated in Ram Dass’ attitude as a teacher (his book, “How Can I Help”, 1985) and in practical living through his nurturing care of his ailing father. Cancer is a major protective and protecting energy, especially when combined with the second ray. Neptune is usually considered a sixth ray planet, and Virgo is a sixth ray sign, so a powerful sixth ray is thereby indicated. However, on a higher turn of the spiral, Neptune is, monadically, a second ray planet and Virgo the most powerful constellational distributor of the second ray at this time. So we see that given the position of Neptune in Virgo, the second ray soul potentials have an excellent instrument of expression.

q.       The placement of Neptune in the third house is important, because the third house represents the lower mind, and Neptune, access to the intuitive plane, fourth ray buddhi. In the charts of those of small mentality, Neptune in the third can simply indicate confused perception and vague mental expression. But Ram Dass' mentality is high (in both Western and Eastern terms) and so it is likely than much buddhic-intuition energy expresses even through his concrete thoughts and statements.

r.        Virgo is usually associated with the gestation of the “Christ Consciousness”. Alpert is, perhaps, more Hindu or Buddhist by practice and persuasion (though certainly very capable of realizing the meaning of the Christ Consciousness and its relation to states of awareness promoted in the classical Hindu and Buddhist literature. When looking at some of the deeper results of his work, we can see it as the stimulation of soul-consciousness (i.e., Christ Consciousness) within many spiritual seekers in the West.

s.       The obvious stream of nurturance which runs through his life demonstration is furthered by the presence of the nurturing asteroid Ceres in Libra, the sign of peace and right human relationships, placed in the fourth house of home and parenting. Through this influence there is indicated a capacity to bring peace and harmony to the lunar realm of personality.

t.        But, clearly there were also struggles, as a powerful T-Square between the Cancer Ascendant, Saturn at the cusp of the seventh house in Capricorn, and the Sun/Uranus conjunction in Aries (as the short leg of the T-Square). It is clear that Ram Dass (presumably in his earlier days) was possessed of considerable “ego”, self-assurance, the sense of “being right”. Mars in Leo can confer personality authority and egoism and the Moon in Sagittarius, impatience with slow movement. He would have had the tendency to get carried away with his enthusiasms, moving forward without being considerate. But Cancer and Capricorn call for quite different virtues. Cancer is sensitive and receptive and Saturn in Capricorn at the seventh would give a ready tendency towards cool abstraction in relationship—a ready detachment (akin to a monkish approach).

u.       This T-Square would be hard to reconcile. Perhaps Saturnian detachment would enter and check the urgent, inspired enthusiasms of Sun/Uranus in Aries, tempering them, so that the greater sensitivity of the Cancer Ascendant can emerge.

v.       Saturn in Capricorn seems reflective of earlier incarnations of detachment. It is reported that Ram Dass has struggled with issues of sexuality, alternating between celibacy (Saturn in Capricorn at the seventh) and bi-sexuality (encouraged by Sun conjunct Uranus—planet of rebellion against the conventional, and Juno in Aries {heated by the Leo Mars and Sagittarius Moon}, inclining one to plunge into relationship). Ascendant, Pluto and Mars are all within a few degrees parallel to each other (by declination), and so a powerful complex of sexual energies is presented, but one, as well, which holds deep transformative possibilities. Surely Ram Dass knows what is to be done with the sexual energy in terms of the elevation of consciousness. Pluto rising at the Ascendant can lead one deeply into those energies, but also lead to their transmutation and elevation—their consecration to higher purposes.

w.     The “fixed stars” tell an interesting story, but one would want to be very certain of the birth time before association these factors (generally given an orb of only a degree or so) with any of the “angles” of the chart. The Sun is closely parallel Bellatrix which gives an outspoken nature and also, according to Brady, “confrontation with the shadow”—in this case, his own (as the shadows of spiritual teachers are usually considerable) and that of others. Mercury parallels Denebola, called the “Changer”, giving changes which are out of step with present social trends. This we can certainly see. Jupiter, the planet of expanding consciousness, is closely parallel to Hamal, star of strength, independence and even aggression. We can read it as forcefulness in the field of consciousness. Uranus is parallel the star Procyon—rapid action and short-lived opportunities. Added to Aries this would give a vision of possibilities and a tendency to act quickly on them. Gains, however would not abide. The MC is conjunct the star, Scheat (considered by some unfortunate) but related to free-thinkers and those who dare to think the impossible. Again this is a very suitable placement.

x.       Thus far, a reasonable working hypothesis for Ram Dass’ rays is:

          i.            Soul ray: second

          ii.            Personality ray: six sub four or four sub six

         iii.            Mental ray: five with a growing four

         iv.            Astral ray: six with growing second

          v.            Physical Etheric Ray: closer personal contact would be required to determine this. Aries often inclines towards the third ray through its activism. But all three signs holding the seventh ray are powerful and active (Aries, Cancer and Capricorn), and so the seventh ray cannot be dismissed.

y.       It is always difficult to speculate about the monadic ray (which is the primary ray). Most people are not in much position to express it, and only a Master can really be sure. But Ram Dass' revelations do pertain to monadic realization (at least in part). It is the task of the initiate of the third degree (and those who are aspiring to the third degree) to reveal oneness. This he has done, thus indicating the influence of the monad somewhat significant.

z.       The Monadic Point is found opposite the Sun-sign, Aries, thus in Libra. Libra has its third ray side, but, probably, a more advanced second ray side. Ram Dass message seems very buddhic. Really it is a function of buddhi-manas. He has transcended lower manas, per se. He is interested in the infusion of manas with buddhi, as his writings demonstrate.

aa.   The Libra position of the Monadic Point (the heliocentric position of Earth) is capable of expressing either the third ray or the second. Inherently, there is plenty of intelligence evident in Ram Dass’ life. It would seem that the deeper emphasis at this time is the expression of Love-Wisdom, or (in terms of Libra), “Divine Love” and “Understanding” (EA 333).

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2.    Clara Barton
Founder of the Red Cross

December 25, 1821, Oxford, Massachusetts, 12:00 PM LMT or 11:40 PM (rectified), LMT (Source of 12:00 PM time Sabian Symbols. Source of 11:40 PM, T. Pat Davis from Barton’s autobiography, Story of my Childhood, “just before noon”.) These two times result in either a Pisces or Aries Ascendant, and either a Sagittarius or Capricorn MC—which are most significant differences. Died, on April 12, 1912, Echo Glen, Maryland.





 

(Ascendant, either Aries of Pisces with Jupiter conjunct Saturn in Aries in H1; Sun conjunct Uranus conjunct Neptune all in Capricorn and conjunct either the Sagittarius or the Capricorn MC, with the Moon also in Capricorn; Mercury in Sagittarius; Venus in Aquarius; Mars in Virgo, a powerful singleton in the sixth house; Pluto in Pisces conjunct Chiron in Aries) There are many indications of character suggesting that the Aries-rising chart is correct.  At 11:44:33 AM the Ascendant moves to Aries, so the case must be examined very closely. Barton’s words were “just before noon”. Perhaps this means closer than 11:40 AM.  

Clara Barton was the founder of the American Association of the Red Cross. Her chart demonstrates that she had the initiative, power and compassion to do this. As so many Capricorn individuals, she followed her conscience (Sun, Moon and two synthesizing planets in conscientious Capricorn at the “dharmic point”—the MC), and undertook the necessary strenuous labor—Mars in Virgo, the exoteric ruler of her Ascendant in the sixth house of labor and duty.     

“The Tibetan Teacher interests himself very much in the work of the Red Cross, and so there must, necessarily, be a connection between Him and its founder, who, reasonably may be considered to be on the second ray of Love-Wisdom, in her soul. “He works with those who heal, and co-operates unknown and unseen with the seekers after truth in the world's great laboratories, with all who definitely aim at the healing and solacing of the world, and with the great philanthropic world movements such as the Red Cross.” (IHS 57-58)

But clearly, the first ray, sixth ray and seventh ray were also abundantly present—at least they are conferred by the astrological positions. Aries and Capricorn confer the first and seventh rays, and Mars, as a singleton, emphasizes the sixth ray and also expresses through the sign Virgo, through which the sixth ray expresses (as well as the second). This singleton Mars is unusually powerful, focusing the considerable energies of the chart into that area of the chart which governs caring for those who are sick, disabled and in need of medical attention.

Clara Barton was possessed of visionary qualities (Mercury in Sagittarius, Neptune on the MC, both in the ninth house of vision and higher understanding). The Sagittarian Mercury is the esoteric ruler of the Ascendant, Aries, emphasizing its prophetic importance. She also had the power to transform and reform (Uranus on the MC exactly conjunct the Sun). Note that two of the synthesizing planets (Uranus and Neptune) conjunct each other and the Sun—an unusually powerful blend of transpersonal, supra-personal energies, conferring both a high level of innovative executive ability as well as compassion. She could initiate activity (Aries) both carefully (Saturn in Aries) and, yet, expansively (Jupiter in Aries). Hers was also the power to produce group harmony and community (Venus in Aquarius). As well, a deep karmic factor must necessarily have been at work with Pluto in its own esoteric sign (Pisces) conjunct the healing planet Chiron, in the sign of initiative, Aries, both in the twelfth house.  

The chart is balanced between hard line and soft line reinforcements. Six major planets (Sun, Moon, Uranus, Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn) in the two signs Capricorn and Aries certainly emphasize the first and seventh ray potentials. Sun conjunct Uranus is powerfully organizational, and a Saturn/Jupiter conjunction only reinforces these executive abilities. However, the three signs which distribute the sixth ray are also emphasized (Pluto and Chiron in Pisces, Mercury in Sagittarius and singleton, sixth ray Mars in Virgo), all contributing significantly to a highly motivated and intense idealism. Behind the scenes however, and permeating this unusually potent collection of energies, one senses the presence of the compassionate ray of Love-Wisdom, presumably the soul ray, for which an elevated Neptune provides a means of expression.

All in all, this is an extremely powerful and focussed chart through which a strong and definite piece of work for humanity and Hierarchy could be accomplished.

A Summary of Additional Points to Bear in Mind when
Interpreting the Astrological Chart of Clara Barton

a.       It is possible to argue for either the Pisces-rising or Aries-rising chart. Certainly Pisces is a sign of great compassion and selflessneshs, qualities which could easily be applied to one who was known as the “angel of the battlefield”. And there would still be plenty of the sign Aries to give her the dynamism required for the strenuous life she lead.

b.       In seeking the Aries-rising chart, however, one must bear in mind that the time loosely given, as 11:40 am, and producing a Pisces Rising Sign, would change to Aries in just a little over four minutes. And she herself was known to speak of her time of birth as “a little before noon”. The margin therefore, is very slight.

c.       Both Virgo and Pisces and signs of healing and nursing. It is clear that Clara Barton as a dynamic force in the field of battlefield nursing owed much to the placement of a singleton Mars in Virgo, in Virgo’s own house, the sixth. This placement contributed to her capacity for tireless, unrelenting labor (greatly reinforced by her Capricorn and other Aries planets).

d.       If Aries were her Rising Sign, Mars would be the exoteric ruler and the connection between soul orientation (as found at the Ascendant) and her singleton Mars would be complete.

e.       As well, Chiron, a planet of healing, conferring direction and mission upon those it influences strongly would be on the Ascendant and in the sign of the Ascendant, strengthening it. Like Chiron, she was indeed one who “went her own way”.

f.        From the very first, Clara Barton was an educator, linking her to the second ray of Love-Wisdom even before she began her work of seeing to the needs of those wounded in battle. The fact that her particular focus was the battlefield, of course, emphasizes the importance of Aries, with Scorpio one of the major signs of battle.

g.       In 1852 she established a free school in Bordentown, New Jersey. It was so successful that the powers that be decided no woman could be in charge of it. She resigned rather than subordinate herself to a male principle. This seems far more an act of defiant Aries than more accommodating, self-effacing Pisces.

h.       As well, later in her career, once she had established the American National Red Cross she was apparently difficult to work with, and “jealous of any interference”. She supervised the work so closely that charges of authoritarianism were brought against her by members of the executive council. Again, this seems to be typical behavior related to Aries, which so often seeks to do everything by itself. One could argue that the Sun in Capricorn and Mars in Virgo could account for this behavior. Surely they would contribute to it, but Aries on the Ascendant, with Mars in Virgo as the ruler would add the “edge”. People do not usually find it difficult to work with a Pisces-rising person. Apparently, however, relations became very confrontational in this incident. She was known for the “arbitrariness “ of her way.

i.         There is also the question of stamina. She had stamina in abundance and worked with great forcefulness. Is this more typical of Pisces on the Ascendant, ruled by Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto, or of Aries ruled by Mars, Mercury and Uranus?

j.         Another point worth exploring is the sign on the MC. Should it be Sagittarius or Capricorn? Given the intensity of her labor and her organizational ability, Capricorn seems the correct choice. But the solution is not so simple, as Jupiter, the exoteric ruler of Sagittarius and Saturn the exoteric and esoteric ruler of Capricorn are conjoined in Aries. The optimism and “can do” attitude of Jupiter in Aries would be regulated by the Saturn conjunction. Further, Saturn is also the ruler of the Capricorn Sun, giving it weight even if Saturn were not the ruler of the MC. But given the tremendous organizational work she performed, and the great assumption of responsibility involved, a Capricorn MC seems the better (if not decisive) choice. Let us remember that the MC would change to Capricorn just a little after four minutes from the 11:40 pm time suggested in the biography. One wonders at this 11:40 time. While it might be correct, it almost seems as if it were placed there by someone determined to see Pisces on the Ascendant. Really, no reasoning of this kind will be conclusive. Only a study of chart timing will determine the most probably truth.

k.       If Pisces were the sign ascending, we could say that the chart of Clara Barton would not belong in the midst of these Aries charts. But even so, Aries is so strongly represented through Chiron, Saturn and Jupiter, that it would not be entirely out of place.

l.         Our problem is further complicated by the fact that the Ascendant is rising relatively fast in late Pisces and early Aries. A short period of time can account for the rather fast passing of degrees. But, perhaps we can use this fast passage as a discriminator.

m.     It should be noted that even if Pisces is the Rising-sign, the last decanate of Pisces (in the chart of a persona traveling on the spiritual or counterclockwise wheel is Mars.) Again Mars. It becomes clear that the ‘breath of Aries’ can already be felt in the final degrees of Pisces.

n.       Two events which might be considered as speaking strongly for the Pisces-rising chart are the eclipses in September 1903 and March of 1904 (the year in which she retired from the organization she built.

Sun SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Sep 21 1903      13:40                27°Vi01' D       
Sun SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Mar 17 1904     00:53                26°Pi13’ D       

      These eclipses are on her Descendant first and her Ascendant in the actual year. Of course, as might be expected, another complication arises, as the Pisces solar eclipse falls exactly on Pluto, which could easily signal the termination of that phase of her work. Of course, Pluto, would be the esoteric ruler of Pisces, were it the Rising Sign.   

We also note the presence of Uranus hovering around her MC in late Sagittarius, which would not be the case in any of the Aries-rising charts.

o.       Another bit of timing which weighs in more in favor of the 11:40 chart, is the transit (at the time of Clara Barton’s death) of Pluto in the 28^th degree of Gemini very close to the IC at the 29^th degree of Gemini yielded by the Pisces-rising chart. Pluto brings death. At the same time the progressing Ascendant of the Pisces-rising chart is also in late Gemini, very close to the Pluto. If we go in this direction. We might even want to make the birth slightly earlier than 11:40 in order to make transiting Pluto coincide with a slightly earlier IC and a slightly earlier progressing Ascendant.

      

 From a physiognomical point of view, we do notice a rather strong dimple in the chin. This is frequently found in relation to Taurus and Scorpio. If the last degrees of Pisces were rising, the third decanate would be rising, and the third decanate is ruled by Scorpio. These physiognomic features appear not only in relation to whole signs but in relation to signs which rule decanates.

q.       Perhaps some quite conclusive evidence arises when we consider the year she resigned her position from the free school she had started, rather than be a subordinate to a male principle, for no other reason than that he was male. On January 21^st 1852 there was a solar eclipse at one degree Aquarius, the same degree in which her progressing MC was to be found. This is most indicative, as the MC has to do with career and Aquarius with freedom. Further just a little later, on June 17^th, 1852, there was another solar eclipse at 26°Gemini34’, very near the IC. If, as stated above, the birth were even slightly earlier than 11:40 pm, the eclipse would be even closer to the IC and (as stated above) the death chart for an Ascendant of Pisces would work out even more closely.

Sun SEcl          (X)       Tr-Tr    Jan 21 1852 NS             16:11    00°Aq28' D      
Sun SEcl          (X)       Tr-Tr    Jun 18 1852 NS             02:00    26°Ge34' D      

The evidence is now weighing in for the Pisces-rising chart, as much as the author had argued (qualitatively) for the Aries Ascendant.

r.        Of course, there is no need for us to go all the way to noon to produce a chart with Aries Rising. We could have the chart we need beginning at 11:44:33 pm. But the MC/IC would still be Capricorn/Cancer, and the eclipses in late Pisces would touch the angular points acceptably, but still be “out of sign”. Further at the end of her life, Pluto would neither be touching the progressing Ascendant, which already would be in Cancer, nor would it be near enough to the to the IC angle to make the decisive difference.

s.       The author has left the argumentation (as it occurred to him) intact in this analysis of Clara Barton, in part for heuristic purposes, in order to demonstrate to readers how subtle the matter of deciding the correct Ascendant and MC may be, and how easy it is to find justifications for either or two contending possibilities. The matter is not yet solved, but there is increasing ‘cyclic reason’ to accept the Pisces-rising chart as accurate, rather than the Aries-rising chart (which has as strong a qualitative appeal, if not stronger, that the Pisces-rising chart).

t.        If, indeed, Pisces is the Rising Sign, then the angular Pluto in Pisces, the sign of saviorship, is very strong, indicating one who is willing to make all manner of sacrifices (even of life) to carry out a mission of salvation. Neptune and Jupiter will also be rulers. Neptune will confer idealism for the humanitarian organizations she supported and founded, and Jupiter, exoteric ruler, will make all things seem possible.

u.       Of course, these placements would still be effective no matter what the Ascendant, but Pluto, Neptune and Jupiter are given greater weight in the case of a Pisces Ascendant. As far as the exact extent of quantitative weight, that cannot at this time be determined.

v.       The feel of this chart speaks of an initiate. There is something here which resembles the life of Dr. Albert Schweitzer (almost certainly an initiate of the third degree). As in the case of Schweitzer there is the assumption of extreme responsibility followed by great renunciation and selfless sacrifice.

w.     We can easily view Clara Barton as a “world disciple”. Even in her day (when communication and travel was not so easy) she made her impact not only in the United States but abroad, and was even awarded by the conservative German government and the Kaiser for her selflessness and bravery. This represents a tremendous evocation; there was a response even from that group around Bismarck and the Kaiser which was responsible, a bit later, for ‘opening the door where evil dwelt’.

x.       If we think of Clara Barton as essentially a second ray soul, and choose Pisces for her Ascendant, we see an easy flow of second ray energy through the soul-orienting Ascendant.

y.       If that is the case however, the personality ray is almost certainly the first, and it would not surprise the author if the mental ray were also the first. She was so determined, so practical and so executive in her approach to the humanitarian responsibility she had undertaken. A close study of her writings, perhaps, would reveal the story. Mercury in “straight shooting” Sagittarius would contribute some first ray straightness to the mental process, but the situation is complex as there are harmonious aspects to Mercury from Venus, Saturn and Jupiter. No doubt she could be very persuasive.

z.       The astral body would appear to be the sixth, especially in consideration of the vigilance of her life, and the “jealousy” with which she guarded her prerogatives and her control of the organization she founded.

aa.   The physical body would seem to be on the seventh ray, giving order and executive ability, but strengthened by the first ray personality to withstand the rigors of the battlefield.

bb.   One senses the presence of some form of greatness here, and yet of humility. There is courage, sacrifice, a very strong will, persistence, compassion, selflessness—in short the makings of an initiate.

cc.   It would be reasonable to view this chart and the life it represents in the same way one views the life of Albert Schweitzer. It is the chart of a great humanitarian who contributed immensely to the alleviation of human suffering. It is very probably the chart of an initiate, not just of the threshold, but an initiate in fact.