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4. Seasonal Astrology
The astrology we in the West use has its origins in ancient Mesopotamia, so to better understand it, it would be helpful to understand the mythology of the ancient Egyptians.
The Creator Re (or Ra), the Sun god, was the most important god of the New Kingdom (1560 – 1070 bc) in ancient Egypt. Sometimes he was identified with Amun-Re, known as the ‘hidden’ god because of his mysterious nature. Re was also believed to be the creator of the universe. The Egyptian creation myth is related as follows:-
At the dawn of time, Re gave birth to himself. Feeling he was alone, Re spat, and from his spittle were born Shu, the light, and Tefnut, moisture. From the union of Shu and Tefnut came Get, the earth god, and Nut, the sky goddess.
From Re’s tears came the first human beings. He knitted together the mountains, he made mankind and beasts, and heavens and the Earth.
Each morning he rises and sails in his boat, Sektet, across the sky. At night, Nut swallows him, and in the morning he gives birth to him once more.
The serpent Apep is his foe, born from the spittle of the Great Mother, Neith. Re spends each night in combat with Apep, the chaos serpent.
Some believe that one day, Apep may succeed in the devouring Re, and then the world will end. Others say Re will grow old and tired, and he will forget whom he is. All he has created will come to nothing. And then, perhaps, Re will give birth to himself again.
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Osiris, god of the Underworld, was tall, handsome and dark-skinned. His followers looked forward to a life of eternal bliss. He was also the god of creation and the fertile Earth.
According to myth, Set had pale skin and red hair – which indicated an evil character to the Egyptians. Set is the eternal enemy of the life-affirming Osiris.
Anubis, the Egyptian god with the head of a jackal presided over funerals and was known as ‘Lord of Mummy Wrappings’.
God of the sky, Horus, is depicted with a falcon’s head. Many Egyptians believed the sky was a vast falcon; its two eyes were the Sun and the Moon.
Fertility and cultivation were very important components of the Egyptian civilisation. Their corresponding myth is as follows:-
The sky goddess Nut and her husband, the Earth god Geb, were so close that nothing could exist between them; nor could Nut’s children be born. So Shu, their father, separated them, holding Nut’s body aloft so living things could exist on the Earth. Nut brought forth two sets of twins: Osiris and Isis, and Set and Nepthys. Isis and Osiris loved each other, but Nepthys hated Set because she too loved Osiris.
At the birth of Osiris a voice was heard all over the world, saying ‘The Lord of all the earth is born!’ Osiris became King of Egypt and ruled wisely with Isis as his queen. He established the laws, taught the people how to grow food and how to worship the gods.
Osiris had only one enemy: his jealous brother Set. Set secretly measured Osiris’s body and made a painted coffin to fit him exactly. Then he gave a feast, to which he invited his brother. He showed of the magnificent coffin to his guests and said that he would give it as a present to whoever fit inside it.
All the guests took turns to lie down in the coffin, but they were all too small. At last Osiris himself lay down; his body fit perfectly. Set and his friends then nailed down the lid, pouring boiling lead over it to seal it, and set the coffin adrift on the River Nile.
When Isis heard what had happened to her husband, she was stricken with grief. She cut off her long hair, dressed in mourning, and set off in search of his coffin. No one she asked could tell her what had become of it; but at last some children playing by the river told her where it lay.
Isis brought the coffin back to her palace and summoned the jackal-headed god Anubis to embalm Osiris’s body. First she turned herself into a sparrow hawk and, hovering over Osiris, fanned breath into his body with her wings. She revived him for long enough to conceive a son, Horus. Then she hid the child from the wrath of Set.
Set, hunting in the moonlight, came upon the opened coffin and, in his rage, tore the body of Osiris into pieces, which he scattered all over the country. Thirteen cities received a piece of his body. Isis travelled all over Egypt in a boat of papyrus reeds, gathering up the corpse of Osiris and burying each piece where she found it.
Osiris went to rule the other land, where he judges the souls of the newly dead. But when his son Horus grew to adulthood, Osiris momentarily returned to ask him to avenge his death. So Horus and Set began their eternal struggle of good and evil. Sometimes one seems to win and sometimes the other, but neither can be vanquished. It is said that when Horus finally overcomes Set, Osiris will return to the land of the living to rule as king once again.
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The ancient Egyptians focused heavily on the four elements, which are a part of almost every esoteric thought system in the present and past. The four elements are fire (light), earth, air (gas, sky), and water (moisture).
Their primary gods were representative of the four universal elements: Shu ruled fire or light, Tefnut ruled water or moisture, Geb ruled earth or firmament, and Nut ruled sky or air. So transcendental is the concept of the elemental forces, our Earth even corresponds quite dramatically to them on a seasonal basis.
In astrology, the ecliptic is the apparent great circle annual path of the Sun in the celestial sphere, as seen from the Earth. It is so named because eclipses occur only when the Moon is on or near this path. The plane of this path, called the plane of the ecliptic, intersects the celestial equator at an angle of 23 degrees 27 minutes. This angle is known as the obliquity of the ecliptic and is approximately constant over a period of millions of years.
The two points at which the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator are called equinoxes. The Sun is at the vernal equinox at about 21st March and at the autumnal equinox at about 23rd September. Halfway on the ecliptic between the equinoxes are the summer and winter solstices. The Sun arrives at these points at about 21st June and 22nd December respectively. The names of the four points correspond to the seasons beginning in the northern hemisphere on these dates. The equinoxes do not occur at the same points on the ecliptic every year, for the plane of the ecliptic and the plane of the equator revolve in opposite directions. The two planes make a complete revolution with respect to each other once every 25,868 years, which is referred to as the great year. During the great year the movement, or precision of the equinoxes, traverses all twelve of the zodiacal signs, visiting each individual sign for little more than 2,000 years.
The four major astronomical events that occur on the Earth each year are the spring and autumnal equinox, and the summer and winter solstice.
During the spring equinox, the Sun enters into the sign of Aries. It then moves into Taurus and finally into Gemini. During the spring, the days become longer and the frozen Earth begins to thaw and flower, refreshed after a long period of dormancy. It is also during this time that people plant their crops for the coming year. The spring period is most appropriately associated with the element of Earth.
During the summer solstice the Sun enters into the sign of Cancer. It then moves into Leo, and finally into Virgo. It is during this time the climate is at it best and people cannot help but to enjoy themselves, regardless of their position in life. The summer period of Cancer, Leo and Virgo is most appropriately associated with the element of Fire.
During the autumnal equinox, the Sun enters into the sign of Libra. It then moves into Scorpio and finally Sagittarius. During the autumn, the days become shorter and people begin preparing for the death of the Earth, which is soon to come. The autumn period of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius is most associated with the element of Air.
During the winter solstice, the Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn. It then moves into Aquarius and finally into Pisces. During the winter months people stay indoors because they want to shield themselves from the cold, windy precipitation that is so much a part of this season. It is also a time of festivities, which is a way for people to forget about the dismal weather they must endure. The winter period of Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces is most closely associated with the element of Water.
It is important to keep in mind the ancient Egyptian thought processes that formed their mythology when considering elemental compatabilities. Shu, ruler of Fire or light, mated with Tefnut, ruler of Water or moisture. Geb, ruler of Earth, mated with Nut, ruler of Air. This indicates Earth is compatible with Air, and Fire is compatible with Water.
By now, the student of modern Western Astrology may be in a state of shock horror, revelling in the fact that ancient Egyptian elemental analogies bear little resemblance to what has been traditionally considered by the modern Western astrological system that so much of us have been taught. The reason for this is because the ancient Egyptians were concerned primarily with seasonal changes; as such changes affected their farming methods, and designed their astrology to work around it. The astrology of the ancients was much more simplistic because they had not yet incorporated mathematical accuracy into their calendars and interpretations.
Modern western astrologers, although well meaning, designed their astrological reasoning to add symmetry and harmony to the horoscope, and it is for that reason newer souls working on modern themes may very well benefit from the newer astrological and elemental principles that have been put into place. Older souls who are working on ancient themes, however, may very well benefit from using the ancient Egyptian symbologies. They will receive greater clarity of mind that will help them to successfully manoeuvre though their karmic obligations and receive their dharmic gifts, as they gain a greater understanding of their place in the universal web that we are all a part of.
If we study carefully the Star of David, it will become immediately evident this symbol expresses the synthesis of Fire and Water. Split up, the Star of David consists of the following parts:-
Fire is opposite Water, Air opposite Earth. The creatures at the four-corners of Card XXI (the World) in the Tarot likewise symbolise the four Elements.
Elphas Levi gives the Eagle as Azoth (Air), the Man as Mercury (Water), the Lion as Sulphur (Fire) and the Bull as Salt (Earth).
According to the Vedanta, the elements are light or Fire, Air, Water, and Earth; these being respectively, the World of Brahma, Casual World, Subtle World, and Gross World. Aristotle’s elements were in the same order. The elements play a very important part in Mahayana Buddhism. In Tibet, China and Japan little devices are put above graves on the anniversary of a person’s death. At the base of these devices is a cube, representing Earth, above this is a sphere for Water, next is a triangle standing for Fire; and a crescent betokens the element of Air.
Among the symbols that expressed the deepest knowledge of man is a winged creature comprised of four forms: a bull, a lion, an eagle and an angelic human figure. This symbol is also found in the Bible, both in the Old Testament as Ezekiel’s vision, which Raphael depicted in his famous painting, as well as in the Revelation to St John where these four creatures bear the throne. Traditionally, as seen in early paintings, these four archetypes represent the four writers of the gospels: John as the eagle, Mark as the lion, Luke as the bull, and Matthew as man.
Lucrectius postulated the theory based on the earlier conclusions of Anaximander, that in the process of creation the origin of the other elements was Fire; which gave birth to gases, and these to Air. Heat breathing forth into Air produced Water; this slowly coagulated, thus forming all solid matter along with the Earth.
To persist, as some do, that Aquarius does not symbolise Water is to ignore the fact the root of Aquarius is Aqua, the Latin word for water.
It is important to keep in mind the astrological signs of the zodiac have no actual agreement with the astronomical constellations. The latter are always gradually shifting their position with regard to the Earth, so in the stage before the rise of Babylon (5000-2800bc) the Sun stood in the zodiacal signed called the Twins, or Gemini. The names of the months were originally indicated by their meteorological conditions; thus the rain season was symbolised by Capricornus, Aquarius and Pisces.
The Babylonian Ninib, which corresponds with Saturn, preserved Water attributes; the first-born of Ea, he was known as ‘lord of wells’. Ea, the Babylonian water god, was represented as carrying a vase of water and standing upon a Capricorn, which was not originally a goat, the sea-monster Hippocampus guttalaus. As Aquarius follows Capricorn, and is governed by Saturn, Ea was evidently the first-named; there was at that time no idea, in the minds of most people, as to Aquarius, or Ea, having any relation to Air. Aquarius was so called because at that time of the year the Nile was overflowed its banks, and was thus the promise of an abundant harvest and fresh life.
In the Biblical interpretation of the Great Flood, the rain falling from heaven relates to Aquarius; the waters upon the face of the earth to Pisces; and the subsiding of the water, with the appearance of dry land, to Aries. This sequence of events also refers to the descent of Spirit into Matter, the consequent clash of opposites, and thus disharmony; then the commencement of the return journey from Matter, of Spirit to its source. As the rain comes from above, it is obvious that Air must take precedence over Water.
It should be noted the Eagle has always been associated with Jupiter; who, the Sun god of Heliopolis, dwelt upon Olympus in the region of the upper Air. The Man, on the other hands, fits in with Hermes; the cup-bearer of the gods, who was continually travelling to and from earth and heaven, and formed the link between the gods and mankind; just as Christ does between God and humanity. Hermes is the same as Thoth of the Egyptians, and his name was associated with Logos, or ‘the Word’. The man who is located on card XXI of the Major Arcana is also given wings, which again is a connection to Mercury, or Hermes to the Greeks.
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In the western world we identify with the four basic elements, which help us relate to concepts, people, places and things. Elements were used as the principle building blocks when Tarot, astrology and other esoteric sciences were initially designed. The four elements the western world currently identifies with are Fire, Earth, Air and Water.
Fire
Fire is considered to be a life force, which gives zest to our lives. Fire is active, adventurous and aggressive, as well as playful, creative and loving. Fire wants to dominate and it should therefore come as no surprise to discover that many people with a preponderance of Fire in their birth horoscopes tend to think primarily of their own wants, needs and desires. In matters of love, Fire is conquesting, exciting and romantic. Fire is associated with the season of summer, and therefore corresponds with the astrological signs of Cancer, Leo and Virgo.
Earth
Earth is the stabilising force in our lives, which reminds us of our duties, responsibilities and obligations, and thus helps us to achieve our worldly ambitions. Earth helps us to work, earn money and advance in our careers. Because of this emphasis on materialism, Earth can at times appear boring or greedy, but it can also be very sensual and enjoys good food, drink and pleasurable entertainment. In matters of love, Earth tends to be more analytical, practical and sensual, and will choose a partner based upon what he or she can bring into the family unit rather than allow infatuation to get in the way of making a logical decision. Earth is associated with the season of spring, and corresponds with the astrological signs of Aries, Taurus and Gemini.
Air
Air is intellectual and wants to think, communicate and socialise. Air is responsible for the development of acquaintanceships, close relationships and marriages. Air prefers to be surrounded by friends and needs a wide variety of intellectual stimulation or it will soon become bored. In matters of love, Air tends to prefer any commitments to be cemented with a legal contract because it knows all too well that verbal arrangements can easily be misunderstood. Air is associated with the season of Autumn and corresponds with the astrological signs of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Water
Water gives us feelings that can range from pure, to intense, to spiritual in nature. Without Water, we cannot feel, as this element is often highly intuitive and can easily escape into a fantasy world of addiction if other stabilising forces are not present. Water is an elusive element and is often responsible for delusion in our lives. In matters of love, Water seeks soul-mate relationships, which are intense and spiritual. Water is associated with the season of winter and corresponds to the astrological signs of Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
How the Elements Relate to One Another
When one element is combined with another, these two elements form a reaction, which can result in either a positive, negative or neutral effect.
Fire Combined with Fire
Fire coupled with Fire has somewhat of a neutral effect on most occasions. When the elements of Fire are combined, this indicates much energy is put forth into business matters. Although Fire, when combined with itself, is said to be beneficial, too much Fire can become explosive. For this reason it is essential to properly focus the vast amount of energy inherent in the element of Fire so it is directed into positive endeavours.
Fire Combined with Air
The element of Air tends to strengthen Fire. The creative energy of Fire coupled with the mental agility of Air brings much mental creation in the form of visions and ideas. When a touch of air is blown onto a burning ember, the flame will intensify and strengthen. However, if a huge gust of Air overpowers that same ember, it will extinguish the flame. Therefore, it is always necessary to temper Air and Fire so these two elements can enhance each other.
Fire Combined with Earth
When Fire is coupled with Earth, these two elements have the effect of complimenting each other. The energy inherent in Fire mingled with the practicality of Earth helps us to achieve our materialistic goals through diligently applied work. As with the other elements, Fire's energy needs to be properly directed so it doesn't scorch the more stabilising potential of Earth.
Fire Combined with Water
When Fire is mixed with Water, much care needs to be taken to ensure these elements do not weaken one another. When emotions are mixed with energy, a melodramatic emotional outburst can occur if a proper balance is not maintained. The activators inherent in Fire can generate much creativity when combined with the sensitivity of water.
Earth Combined with Earth
When Earth is combined with itself, it has somewhat of a neutral effect. The two Earthy elements have a tendency to reinforce each other's practical qualities so money, property and other basal concerns predominate. Although Earth coupled with it is usually neutral, too much Earth can lead to excessive materialism, possessiveness, greed or lust.
Earth Combined with Water
The element of Earth combined with Water has somewhat of a neutral impact when coupled together. The practicality of Earth generally has the effect of stabilising Water's deeply flowing emotions. Earth helps Water to keep its deep emotions in check. Although the astrological sign of Capricorn is considered in the traditional sense to be of the Earthy element, the fact that the symbol is half fish and half goat indicates this sign, at least on an esoteric level, has deeply buried emotions that have somehow been transcended to form more highly rationalised thought processes. Excavations from ancient oriental drawings also suggest the Earthly sign of Capricorn was at one time a Water element. Additionally, our modern zodiac was not in its present form until about 2,000 years ago, when it is said Julius Caesar carved Libra and Virgo out of the former great snake-like constellation of Scorpio in an effort to make the calendar more accurate. With this in mind, Capricorn may well have been considered more emotive than present day astrologers give it credit for, and these ancient influences may still lie dormant in our zodiac's most serious sign. When Earth is combined with Water the creativity channelled through is more useful. These two elements combined together tend to focus on realistic emotions and feelings toward family and possessions.
Earth Combined with Air
When Earth is coupled with Air, the influence of these two elements can be weakened. The intellectual influences of Air combined with the solid practicality of Earth can produce a conflict of material versus mental concerns, or analytical thought processes versus reality.
Air Combined with Air
Quite often the element of Air is associated with mental discord. This relates to the fact the honing of communication skills is of paramount importance to prevent misunderstandings. Most wars, arguments and other such conflicts occur simply because people are not able to communicate their needs effectively. When Air is coupled with itself it generally has somewhat of a neutral effect. Because Air is mentally agile, the combination of these two elements stimulates a great deal of cerebral activity. This mental activity can take the form of correspondence, writing and decision-making. Since Air generally dictates verbal activity, misunderstandings and discord can sometimes occur.
Air Combined with Water
When Air is coupled with Water, these two elements have a tendency to strengthen one another. The intellectual characteristics of Air mingled with the emotional sensitivity of Water tend to produce many new creative ideas. A touch of Water mixed with Air can form a fine mist, which creates a sense of refreshing coolness on a warm, sunny day. However, if that same Water becomes too heavy, the mist will give way to heavy humidity or showers. For this reason, it is essential that just the right amount of Water should be mingled with Air to ensure a positive outcome.
Water Combined with Water
When Water is coupled with itself, it tends to have somewhat of a neutral effect. Water mixed with itself highlights intense emotional sensitivity. If this emotional sensitivity is positive, much joy, love, fun and creativity can come from the combination. However, if the emotions are low, then excessive fantasy or depression can result.
