| Mercury through the Zodiac Signs
First Track: A systematic and incremental approach to the study of the esoteric (and even hierarchical) meanings of the planets in the "signs". From an energy perspective, this is equivalent to the study of the energy of the planet when it combines esoterically with the energy of the constellation as mediated through the "signs" (whether we consider these "signs" as a solar transmission of constellational energy, or as a terrestrial adaptation of constellational energy). Second Track: The proposal of some core astrological questions as proposed by a number of the group members. I would suggest that we allow two weeks for the examination of each core question and one week (as previously suggested) for the examination of the esoteric meaning of the planet in the "signs" (taken two signs at a time). I would also stress that in the use of this model, the group members are under no obligation to respond to these questions, but do so by their own free will and accord. I would also suggest that those who choose to respond to such a question as, "What is the esoteric meaning of Mercury in Aries?", do so on their own before reading what other group members have said. Thus, each individual will learn by his or her own efforts and can then respond to or comment upon what other group members may have thought in this regard. Below I have some statements on Mercury in general. They are a mixture of what the Tibetan has said and what I have thought. Unfortunately, in some cases, I do not have the page numbers, in Esoteric Astrology from which they were taken, but I thought it was better to offer them to you (such as they are) than withhold them because I do not have the time at the moment to find all the page numbers. (148) Mercury spreads the light of the soul--intuitive and illuminating-- upon the situation, to interpret for us, through our own illumined minds, the significance of events and to relate the old and the new, the past and the future through the light of the present. (357) Mercury, the star of conflict, is also the major planet of relationships, for it governs and 'engineers' . . . the interplay between our Earth and its conditioning constellations. ( ? ) Mercury illumines the mind and mediates between the soul and the personality, being the Messenger of the Gods. This mediatorship, in the first instance, produces an inevitable opposition between the pairs of opposites, and a long drawn out conflict. This conflict finally works out into victory and the dispelling of illusion through the illumination of the lower mind. (436) Mercury brings in that quick and intuitive mind which interprets experience, fosters the growth of the intuition and relates the inner spiritual man to the outer human being in such a way that their future unity of purpose, plan and effort is answered. (191) Mercury, which is the expression of the fourth ray and also the God of the mental processes. . . . ( ? ) Mercury governs the intellectual faculties. (353) Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods or the "divine intermediary" carries messages between the poles with speed and light. (353) Mercury is the expression of the dual aspect of the mind as it mediates between higher and lower. The mediation falls into two stages; the use of the concrete mind as the mediator within the personality, conditioning the personality life, analysing and distinguishing between the self and the not-self and emphasizing the "me and thou" consciousness as well as that of the personality and its environment. (353) [Mercury]. . .carries messages between the soul and the brain and establishes right relations between the lower self and the higher self . It is, therefore, the illumined mind, relating the soul and personality. This process of the higher relationships is carried forward with rapidity upon the Path of Discipleship. (353) There is a third aspect of Mercury which begins to function when the other two are perfected or in the process of rapid perfecting. Mercury, in this case is the abstract mind --removed from all outer form contact as we understand it - and relates soul to spirit, and this again in two stages. Mercury is the revealer of the Spiritual Triad (atma-buddhi-manas or spiritual will, spiritual love and the higher mind) to the soul, and this carries the disciple to the stage of the third initiation. It is then the revealer of the life aspect during the processes of the higher initiations, but upon these it is not necessary to enlarge. (132) Through Mercury the mind is illumined and relation is established between personality and the soul. (272) . . . Mercury, the divine Messenger, the principle of illusion and the expression of the active higher mind, has performed his mission and "led humanity into the light" and the Christ-child out of the womb of time and of the flesh into the light of day and of manifestation. . . (281) Mercury is the synthesis of manas-buddhi, mind-wisdom which expresses itself through the human soul; Mercury rules the bridge or the antahkarana. (436) Mercury brings in that quick and intuitive mind which interprets experience, fosters the growth of the intuition and relates the inner spiritual man to the outer human being in such a way that their future unity of purpose, plan and effort is answered. (281) Mercury, being the Messenger of the Gods and the Agent of their applied control, is therefore the agent of the third aspect (active intelligence) from one point of view, and of the second aspect (love-wisdom) from another. He is regarded as embodying in himself these aspects of the mental principles, the expression of the concrete and the abstract mind of God. (127) Mercury indicates that the line of least resistance for humanity is harmony through conflict, for Mercury expresses the 4th ray energy which is buddhic, intuitional and expressive of the Christ, as Mercury and the Sun are one. (662EA, from SD): Mercury is called the first of the celestial Gods, the God Hermes. . . to which God is attributed the invention of the first initiation into Magic. (663EA, from SD):. . . Mercury is Budh, Wisdom, Enlightenment or 'reawakening' in the divine science. (663EA, from SD): Mercury is the Lord of Wisdom. (663EA, from SD): Mercury heals the blind and restores sight, mental and physical. (663EA, from SD): Buddhi and Mercury correspond with each other and both are yellow and radiant golden-coloured. In the human system the right eye corresponds with Buddhi and the left with Manas and Venus or Lucifer. MDR: To the soul, Mercury presents a channel for the reception of insight, and for the relating of that which is above to that which is below; it provides the method of correlating the abstract with the concrete; it provides the means of correlating experience so that its meaning becomes clear. MDR: Mercury presents the personality with the opportunity to become more intelligent about, to receive ideas about. . . When asking about Mercury in the various signs, some kinds of questions which may be useful ask are the following: 1) What type of messages are carried from soul to personality? 2) What are the qualitative and quantitative dynamics characterizing the 'carrying' and reception of such messages. 3) Qualitatively and quantitatively what is the nature of the 'dialogue' between soul and personality? 4) What is the specific type of right relation or 'bridging' which Mercury establishes between soul and personality? 5) In what way does the individual with Mercury in a particular sign give 'voice' and 'word' to higher realizations. 6) In what manner does Mercury in a particular sign contribute to the building of the Rainbow Bridge--the Antahkarana? 7) What is the nature of the individual's intuitive process and access---its strength, its quantity, its quality? 8) What is the nature and quality of the thoughtform-building process? Etc.---You can devise other questions which pertain to the esoteric functioning of Mercury in the lives of disciples and initiates. Mercury in Aries: Evolutionary Mantram of the Sign Aries: "And the Word said: Let form again be sought" Spiritual Mantram of the Sign Aries: "I come forth, and from the plane of mind, I rule" (548-9) Mercury . . . is the esoteric ruler of Aries (hence it "leads into the mysteries" . . . ) (95) Through the lesser fire of mind, the "jungles of illusion are set on fire and dissolve in flames and then the Path stands clear and unobstructed vision is achieved". (Old Commentary) (96) This same purification [as in the case of Mars], but this time through vision, comes to the developed man through the activity of the subjective ruler of the planet, Mercury, who is the illuminating principle which releases the mind, directs the way of man through life and enables him to be aware of the divine Plan which underlies all his fiery experience. Some Thoughts on the esoteric meaning of Mercury in Aries. (The usual exoteric and psychological interpretations are purposely not here emphasized). 1) The kind of mind that discovers 'new' Archetypes, (i.e., those which are on the point of revelation). It is a mind open to that which is as yet unrevealed. Shedding the light of the Archetypes, especially of the "Idea whose time has come". 2) The bringer of 'New Light' via the intuition. 3) Soul messages arrive with a 'blast', augmenting the conflict between soul and personality. A vigorous, interactive soul/personality dialogue. Sharp and 'argumentative' exchanges between soul and personality providing creative ferment and possible mental stress. 4) The pioneering, demanding mind, penetrating into the formless worlds by the force of will. 5) Willful and assertive 'bridging'. Bridging with strenuous effort, 'throwing' or 'hurling' strands of substance across the "gap in consciousness" during the Projection phase in the building of the Antahkarana. 6) Mentally, "taking the Kingdom of Heaven by storm". 7) The intuition which reveals the Will and Plan of God. The mind is unusually responsive to the Will Aspect. 8) Rapid reaction to new ideas and the tendency to act upon them rapidly. 9) Mental fertility, and the pouring forth of creative ideation. The creation and propelling of "seed ideas". 10) Soul messages are authoritative. 11) Great mental energy. The raging fire of mind is pronounced. 12) The soul/personality conflict (brought about by increased soul/personality communication) centers upon whether the personality is willing to live according to the new archetypes which the intuition reveals. 13) A mind useful in discovering 'First Principles', 'Causative Principles'. 14) The mind which rejects that which is pre-established--rejecting thoughts which have gone before. Under this influence, the individual must "see for himself". 15) A mind conducive to the achievement of mental synthesis. 16) The tendency to think in and respond to 'mental fiats', commands. "I come forth and from the plane of mind I rule". 17) A mind contributing to the willful regulation and suppression of the emotional, and physical-etheric vehicles. 18) A mind given to thinking in terms of absolutes. (Of course this will vary with the nature of the mental ray). 19) Daring mind, forcing the issues mentally. 20) A mind particularly responsive to the power aspect of ideas. 21) A mind (at a certain point in evolution) characterized by the 'Will to Identification', determined to weld subject/object into a sameness. (The higher mind of India is, I think, qualified by Aries). Etc. Let the group see what qualities are suggested when then contemplate amalgamating the energies of Mercury with those of Aries. Mercury in Taurus: Evolutionary Mantram of the Sign Taurus: "And the Word said: Let struggle be undismayed" Spiritual Mantram of the Signs Taurus: "I see, and when the eye is opened, all is illumined" I can find no references from the Tibetan which deal specifically with the position---Mercury in Taurus. Some Thoughts on the esoteric meaning of Mercury in Taurus. (The usual exoteric and psychological interpretations are purposely not here emphasized). 1) Shedding the Light of Wisdom 2) Buddha-mind, which "buddhic" access. Noteworthy capability of achieving still mind (the "mind held steady in the light); thus a mind which can thus reflect the "clear, cold light". 3) Constructive mind, 'building-mind'. That which is built mentally abides in the mental body. 4) The intuition reveals that which is considered desirable and valuable from the perspective of the soul. Mind sheds light on that which is worth having. 5) The work of the Antahkarana is stable and constructive. The mental 'cables' are emphasized and strengthened through repetition. The mind goes over the same ground, thereby strengthening the range of the thoughts it thinks. 6) The mind is especially adapted to the stable reception of soul light. Soul light is particularly brilliant. Ideas are often of a practical nature and lead to the practical application of soul light. 7) Mind susceptible to intuitions of the "Beautiful"---(correlation with the R4 Taurus emphasis.) 8) Since Mercury is "mind-wisdom", and since Taurus is the sign especially associated with the Buddha, Mercury in Taurus is a position much associated with the reception and distribution of the Light of Wisdom. 9) This is a mind which can shed much light through speech. 10) Willfully, tenaciously holding to higher principles. 11) Aspirational mind, ever oriented to the Light. (cf. p. 332, EA) 12) The mind which can (at a very high stage of development) understand and receive to some extent the "unfettered enlightenment" of Shamballa. (Note, I am not distinguishing in these characteristics between the various 'levels' of mind, as Mercury has at least co-rulership of all of them.) 13. Mind with unusual access to the mathematical aspects of the Light of Pure Reason. R4 (the "ray of mathematical exactitude") 14) Likely with special facility for comprehending the geometry and structuralism of buddhi-manas. 15) A mind sensitive to detecting the light in substance, and which knows how to increase the illumination and radiation of substance. 16) Intuitions from the soul/Triad take into consideration the material structure of the personality. It is wisdom well-suited to the material plane. Right relations between soul and personality easier to achieve because of Taurean respect for the material plane. Wisdom gathered from the light of earthly experience. 17) A mind especially adapted to using the light of the intuition to detach from desire. 18) The transmission of light and vitality via the word (the pranically- charged word). 19) Brooding, ruminating, pondering mind---facilitating intuitive reception, at length. 20) The soul/personality conflict arising because of increased soul/personality communication centers around whether the personality owns and offers the treasures of soul wisdom and light or whether it owns and offers merely the treasures of personal experience. 21) The mind as an adept carrier of Spiritual Will (via Atma and the Jewel in the Lotus (Vulcan association). The formulations above (very sketchy) are meant to be suggestive only. If time permitted me, I would go searching through the charts of really advanced people for Mercury in Aries and Mercury in Taurus positions. For instance, I can report that Rene Descartes, brilliant R3 Soul philosopher and mathematician ("I think therefore, I am") had Mercury in the 30th degree of Aries (about 29.5). Albert Einstein (March, 14, 1979, time may be slightly disputed) had Mercury in 3+. Immanuel Kant, Apr 22,1 1724, R3 Philosopher (Mercury 21+ Aries) Also, both David Hume and Bertrand Russell, well known materialistic and skeptical philosophers (Russell--also a great mathematician) had Mercury in Taurus (3 degrees+ for Russell, 22+ for Hume). More associated with our work, Jeddu Krishnamurti has Mercury in Taurus (28Taurus40). Mercury in Taurus: The mind can function by analysis and by intuition. These two compliment each other, though a truly functioning intuition is rare, and even a good analysis is not so common. But Mercury here indicates the potential for intelligent synthesis. When intuition ignites the mind, thought is forged in rainbow tents of a creative fire, and a new spirit finds expression in the mind directed to beauty. The intuitive and the beautiful are as one perception. Thought and meditation are necessary to measure up to the potential of this placement, otherwise it remains unmanifest. "I am the spark in the stone, the gleam of gold in metal." (Rumi) "In the commerce of speech use only coin of gold and silver." (Joseph Joubert) Mercury in Relation to Gemini - from the Tibetan (EA 185). . . through the influence of Mercury. . . the conflict which is the distinguishing characteristic...of the human family can be instrumental in resolving dissonance into harmony. (364) [In relation to Gemini] The effectiveness of Mercury is also enhanced in its interpretive aspect because the Gemini person can always find points of contact with people on nearly every ray. (353) The orthodox ruler is Mercury who, as the Messenger of the Gods or the "divine Intermediary, carries messages between the poles with speed and light." In this most potent and important planet the idea of duality is again to be found, enhancing and enhanced by the influence of Gemini. (354) In a peculiar way. . . Mercury increases in the Gemini subject the latent sense of duality in its various stages and also the sense of distinction, leading to that mental agility and that fluidity of mind which is one of the major assets as well as one of the major difficulties of this sign. This agility has, however, to be rightly understood and handled. When there is facility of mental approach in any direction and in connection with the many opposites in manifestation, you have the emergence of the divine Messenger in his true character, able to comprehend extremes and to relate them divinely to each other. (365) Through the activity of Mercury, the man whose Sun is in Gemini is aided to attain the synthesis of soul and form. Some Thoughts on the Esoteric Meaning of Mercury in Gemini 1. Shedding the light of intelligence 2. “facility of mental approach in any direction and in connection with the many opposites in manifestation”. Thus the mind easily links the many opposites 3. The mind establishes ‘brotherly love’ between the pairs of opposites soul and personality. 4. The mind which characterizes those who can be called the ‘Messenger of the soul’. The mind which makes it possible for the individual to speak with two voices the voice of the personality and the voice of the soul. 5. The mind which can establish a fluid and natural dialogue with the Soul on its own plane (or with the contents of the causal body). The dialogue is relatively easy and mutually responsive. Such ‘conversation’ becomes the means to illumination. There is, thus, a facile and frequent mental interplay between what has been called the “pair of opposites” (in this case, soul and personality). 6. The mind speaks the words of the soul. The fluid, verbal mind becomes an excellent verbal interpreter of that which is ‘spoken’ by the soul. 7. The mind which is competent to relate and synthesize aggregations of factors in the field of consciousness. 8. The mind which especially facilitates the development of “Pure Reason” or “Inclusive Reason” (concerning which, see Esoteric Psychology II [late 300s] under the “Techniques of Fusion”). This section on “Inclusive Reason” beautifully describes the intuition at its most ‘reasonable’. 9. Bridging (the ongoing building and utilization of the Antahkarana) occurs through constant and easy use of the ‘Bridge of Light’. There is much going ‘back and forth’, ‘up and down’ (figuratively speaking). The bridge is built through the frequency of use. Many ‘strands’ are created through many ‘trips’ over the so-called “gap in consciousness”. There is the ability to use the ‘intuitive elevator’ with adroitness. 10. The light shed on human situations via the intuition, is particularly the light of intelligence. Soul ‘messages’ are, to a great extent, intelligent. One quality of this light, is the light which reveals the relationships between all things. 11. The content of soul ‘messages’ ‘lightens’ the life of the personality. There can be an uplifting quality and many otherwise heavy conditions can be taken ‘lightly’. 12. The mind of the one who learns easily. The soul becomes the teacher and the personality the student, the learner. Actually, in this relationships, there is a facility of mutual rapport, and both learn from each other. 13. The mind which transforms adept intellect into intuition, thus moving from the apprehension of the many relations to a realization of the patterns which unite the many relations. 14. The mind which establishes right (or, at least, better) relations between soul and personality by keeping the channels of communication open and unobstructed. 15. The mind which reveals the ‘modes of unification’ characteristic of the Christ Energy. This would be Mercury in relation to the second ray which is transmitted through the constellation Gemini. Soul-light reveals unsuspected lines of unification existing between contents of consciousness (whether sensory or cognitive contents). 16. The capacity for intuitive ‘leaps’ pronounced; earlier evidences of this are tendencies towards discontinuity of thought. 17. Mental detachment facilitated through the perspective provided by humor. 18. Capable of understanding the nature and value of paradox, because of the capacity and tendency to entertain valuable but apparently contradictory thoughts. The soul/personality conflict brought about by increased soul/personality communication centers around whether the personality is the messenger of the soul or a messenger of its own personality nature. Phillip Lindsay: "Gemini forms a point of entrance for cosmic energy from Sirius" (EA349); Sirius represents the "fourth Path", therefore Mercury as ruler of the 4th ray has a direct resonance. Mercury is the direct emissary of our Solar Logos, who is an incarnation of the Sirian Logos. Mercury ("that most occult planet") is Thoth, Hierophant of the Mysteries who escorts the candidate for initiation through the (Gemini) pillars of Jachin and Boaz. (Gemini governs the FC degree in Masonry - EA64) Ray 2 (heart) is the only ray coming through Gemini (so far given by DK), hence Mercury as exoteric ruler is one of its most potent vehicles (more the wisdom than love aspect of ray 2), especially being on the "even" ray line. The conflict inherent in one of the most dual signs of the zodiac, The Twins, is reflected by Mercury, ruler of the 4th ray of Harmony through Conflict. This links Mercury to some of its other rulerships Virgo (strong ray 2 and ray 4 via Moon), and Scorpio (ray 4) - both signs associated with heart unfoldment through service and sacrifice. Mercury in Gemini is one half of the equation Hermaphrodite – Hermes (Mercury), Aphrodite (Venus). Venus as esoteric ruler of Gemini hints at the "divine marriage" of humanity, also ruled by Gemini, and the synthesis of the 4th and 5th kingdoms. Venus is ruler of the 5th ray, hence resonates with cosmic Manas from Sirius (and perhaps expresses more the love aspect of ray 2), yet "Mercury is still more occult and mysterious than Venus." (EA663) So, even though Mercury is exoteric ruler of Gemini, it still has a lot deeper implications. Consider also, for instance that "Mercury is the elder brother of the Earth" (EA663) - perhaps this relates to Mercury's influence via Earth's hierarchical rulership of Gemini. Mercury in Gemini Mercury here stimulates thought leading to intuitively apprehended wisdom. It develops both that quality of mind that perceives the parts and interrelations of a subject, and the subtle intuitive faculty which is conscious of the whole and can "reads between the lines" to the inner meanings of things. The position indicates a bridging, relating, and mediating faculty. It symbolizes illumination, the result of intelligent bridge building between the higher and lower self. In developed souls it indicates a special clarity and quickness of perception, and is an indicator of a light-bringer, of one who reflects Mercury's mythology of "Messenger of the Gods." This Mercury-message is always rooted in the love and wisdom aspect of divinity, and so associated with healing and beauty. "I was lifted high, In sun-bright healing winds--desiring now A greater beauty..." (Marion Wentworth) Mercury in Cancer Some Thoughts on the Esoteric Meaning of Mercury in Cancer MDR: 1. Shedding the light which irradiates the form. 2. An unusually retentive mind; that which the mind receives from the soul it retains. (Since the Third Ray, partially ruling Cancer is the “Lord of Memory”). 3. Facility for thinking in relation to the Law of Economy. 4. A mind perhaps more ‘receiving’ from soul than dialoguing with soul. It may have the tendency to receive more than it penetrates. This type of mind may be considered relatively more passive to soul messages. 5. A mind which is a faithful reflector of all that transpires in the soul realms. 6. A mind which broods until intuitions occur. 7. A mental attitude of comprehensive, all-embracing receptivity. (Discrimination may be required). 8. Imagination is used particularly in the construction of the “Bridge of Light”. Imagination and fantasy lead to intuitive revelation. There will be an emphasis upon ‘anchoring’ the bridge within the personality. 9. The capacity to ‘give form’ to ‘that’ which travels ‘down’ the Antahkarana. 10. The mind which may have a tendency to ‘incarnate the light’ rather than penetrate into the abstract realm from which the light emanates. Whereas Mercury in Gemini is the ‘shuttle’ Mercury in Cancer receives, anchors and illuminates the form. 11. The mind may be peculiarly adept at receiving the energy of “Buddhi” (since Cancer is esoterically ruled by Neptune, a co-ruler of Buddhi). Mercury, itself, is a co-ruler of the buddhic plane, thus, this position emphasizes the receptive capacity in relation to Buddhi. 12. The mind with facility for understanding the astral nature (with which Cancer may also be associated). 13. The mind with facility for understanding the “mass mind”, and thus a mind useful in the task of spreading ‘enlightened spiritual propaganda’ and, consequently, influencing public opinion. This kind of influence was very much on the Tibetan’s mind. 14. The mind as interpreter of the four lunar elementals (i.e., of the personality and its states). Intuition reveals ‘dark’ or hidden areas within the form; intuition sheds its light to illuminate the form, revealing the ‘person’ to himself “in the light”. 15. The use of the Antahkarana as a means of ‘adding light’ to the “Lighted House” which Cancer labors to build. The light which eventually renders the form translucent. 16. The ‘in-corporator of the Light’. 17. A mind adept at divining subtle feelings and giving mental/verbal expression to such feelings. 18. A mind which is an illuminator of mental forms; a creator of light-filled mental constructs 19. A mind useful in revealing the mode of right embodiment of soul-design; the light from ‘above’ receives proper embodiment ‘below’ 20. The mind which stimulates and nurtures the “dark light” within the form. This light becomes the ‘Illuminator of the Mass’, and the ‘Illuminator of the Masses”. There is a mental facility to build ‘lighted habitations’ as a service. 21. A mental process which is adept at bringing integration and fusion to the many aspects of self. We remember the mantram associated with the advanced Cancerian individual: “The Whole is seen as One”. Thus this is a mentality which is adept at ‘unifying the field’. 22. The intuitive process by means of which each person or individual becomes an ‘embodiment of the light’. 23. The mind which facilitates the establishment of right relations between soul and personality by assisting the personality to become a translucent reflector of the light. 24. The mind which brings the instinctual nature into the “light of day”. 25. A mind adept at appreciating or creating “feeling-toned thought”. 26. A mind adept at retrieving the reincarnational past; this would imply a special facility to tap the content of the “permanent atoms” as the repositories of memory. 27. The soul/personality conflict brought about the increased soul/personality communication centers around whether the personality is a true vessel for the embodiment of soul light. The “new wine” of soul influence can all too easily be poured into the “old bottle” of an unredeemed, opaque personality. Mercury placed here is an open door whereby one may pass through any image to the soul of meaning. Cancer in this context is word, symbol, face, and form; while Mercury is the link to the world of light, and illuminates the archetypal reality veiled by nature. Thus, Mercury, "messenger of the Gods," illuminates the face of things, and the highest reaches of imagination bring the sensitive soul to the threshold of light. Then, meaning shines through, and all things become doors of illumination. To incorporate this archetype into one's life, an educated response to symbol is essential, otherwise light does not penetrate the veil. About one-twelfth of all gorillas are born with this position, and though some may respond to light more than others, no one expects them to write treatises on illuminated philosophy, or poetry about luminous dreams. Access to meaning is individual, and depends on work and evolution. "So long the city I desire to reach Lay hid; when suddenly its spires afar Flashed through the circling clouds; you may conceive my transport. Soon the vapours closed again, But I had seen the city..." (Robert Browning) Illumination inspires creativity. It gives a voice and demands activity in accordance with fresh perception. Thus light takes a body in the mind and heart. "What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining, elusive element which is life itself." (Willa Cather) "The house of the Lord is to be built not of stone but of the spirit of song." (Oracle) SYMBOLS: Voice of a shell. Sleeping beauty wakes. |