posted August 04, 2014 05:25 AM            

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http://www.aplaceinspace.net/Pages/CandyJourneyoftheSoul.html

Esoteric astrology is the astrology of the soul. The delineation of a natal chart from the soul-centred perspective focuses on the purpose of the soul, why we are here, where we have come from, and where we are heading. Traditional or exoteric astrology is the astrology of the personality. Its focus is on the problems and potentials of the personality.

The body of knowledge known as Esoteric Astrology is drawn from the Theosophical tradition and the teachings of the Tibetan teacher Djwhal Khul, as dictated to Alice A. Bailey. It is contained in a voluminous set of books which form a large part of what is referred to as the Ancient or Ageless Wisdom teachings.

Soul-centred astrology is based on the understanding that there is a spark of divinity, or 'soul' within each of us. According to this cosmology, reincarnation and the reality of the soul are accepted as fact. Many sense this divinity. The moments of deep insight, peace, awe, wonder, grace and love that we have all experienced at some time are voices from the Soul.

Some call this divinity God/Goddess, the Higher Self, the Core Self, the Transpersonal Self, the inner voice, the Buddha or Christ. It manifests as the religious urge in man/woman. Indeed, Carl Jung, in his book Modern Man in Search of a Soul, makes the astounding assertion that in thirty years of treating patients in the second half of life, their illness or neurosis was invariably the result of a lack of spiritual or religious meaning:

"....there has not been one whose problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook on life. It is safe to say that every one of them fell ill because he had lost that which the living religions of every age have given to their followers, and none of them has been really healed who did not regain his religious outlook." [1]

This soul, or divine spark, strives towards unity and perfection, and according to the Ancient Wisdom teachings, its motivation is selfless and its purpose is service to humanity or contribution to the greater whole. It is essentially a humanitarian philosophy and is therefore highly appropriate for our incoming Age of Aquarius. According to the Ancient Wisdom teachings, the structure of man/woman can be symbolically represented as a downward-pointing triangle (the personality) linked by the Antahkarana or Rainbow Bridge to an upward-pointing triangle (the soul). See Figure 1.

The highest goal of traditional or personality-centred astrology is the integration of the personality. This is achieved by recognising and striving to overcome the limitations and problems of the personality, such as physical excesses, emotional instability and negative thinking. The goal of personality integration is to bring the body, emotions and mind into a state of harmony. The orientation of many of the personal growth techniques and healing modalities is towards this end. For example, hatha yoga, nutrition and herbal medicine work on healing the physical body. The Bach Flower Remedies and counselling work on healing the emotional nature. Positive affirmations, Christian Science and prayer work on healing the mental nature.

The integration of the personality is an on-going process. Once this has been achieved to some degree, the goal becomes one of infusing the personality with the qualities of the soul, or to make the connection with the Higher Self. There are various techniques which can assist us to connect with the Soul or Higher Self. These include meditation, some forms of creative visualisation, dreamwork, psychosynthesis, artistic and musical expression, communing with nature, compassionate service, study of the Holy Scriptures and Ancient Wisdom classics, and so on.

The soul-infused personality is symbolically represented by the six-pointed star. See Figure 2. [3]

You will notice that the triangle of the Soul has a threefold nature corresponding to a higher octave of the personality vehicles. The physical body has its higher counterpart in Spiritual Will or Purpose. The emotional body has its higher counterpart in Universal Love, while the mental body or rational mind has its higher counterpart in Higher Mind.

There are several approaches to esoteric astrology, and it is indeed a complex body of knowledge. Therefore, I would like to keep it as simple as possible. One of the fundamental differences between esoteric and exoteric astrology is that both are based on a completely different set of planetary rulerships.

Some esoteric astrologers, such as Dr Douglas Baker, dismiss traditional astrology altogether and work only with the esoteric rulerships. Other esoteric astrologers, such as Alan Oken, recommend the interfacing or juxtaposing of the personality-centred chart with the soul-centred chart.

Another important point is that esoteric astrology has its foundation in an understanding of the Science of the Seven Rays. [4] This is a system of soul/personality typology and is referred to by Bailey as Esoteric Psychology. For the purposes of this article however, I am not going to deal with the Seven Rays, although their meanings are implicit within each of the astrological factors.

What I am presenting here is a somewhat eclectic approach which can only scratch the surface of this vast body of knowledge. There are a few basic principles which we can begin to work with straight away, and which will help us to shift the focus from personality problems and potential to spiritual purpose. I am not recommending that we forget the personality. I feel that it is still important to delineate the natal chart in the traditional way. But what we can do is add a soul-centred perspective to our traditional delineations.

The Ascendant

Perhaps you have felt that there is a deeper meaning to the Rising Sign than a mere description of the physical appearance, the persona or the manner in which we project ourselves? In esoteric astrology, the Ascendant is the key indicator of the Soul's Purpose. This does not mean that the empirical evidence of traditional astrology is invalid. What we can say is that the soul's purpose is projected through the persona at the Ascendant.

It is a tenet of traditional astrology that the Ascendant is symbolic of the birth or point of incarnation, of the entry of the soul onto the physical plane or the cross of matter. Esoteric astrology merely takes this a step further. If we look to the qualities of the sign on the Ascendant, we can glean valuable information about the nature of spiritual purpose and service.

The qualities of the Ascendant sign describe the future direction of the soul, what we are growing towards, or new qualities that we are developing.

In this respect, we can see its meaning as similar in flavour to the North Node, although I would suggest that the qualities of the houses and signs of the nodal axis tell us how we can achieve personality integration, or integration of the yin and yang within the personality. The quest of the hero as symbolised by the North Node is the quest of the personality.

The sign on the Ascendant indicates how we can best express our personality gifts to extend beyond ourselves to help others, or to help the planet as a whole. The house position of the esoteric ruling planet of the Ascendant indicates where these gifts and qualities are best expressed. It points to the field of service of the soul.

The Esoteric Rulerships of the Signs

These rulerships may seem odd at first, but a deeper study will reveal their significance.

Aries - Mercury
Taurus - Vulcan
Gemini - Venus
Cancer - Neptune
Leo - Sun
Virgo - Moon
Libra - Uranus
Scorpio - Mars
Sagittarius - Earth
Capricorn - Saturn
Aquarius - Jupiter
Pisces - Pluto

Vulcan is an undiscovered or hypothetical planet, and esoteric astrologers believe that it is located near the Sun. To date, there is no officially accepted ephemeris to calculate its position, and there are varying opinions as to Vulcan's actual distance from the Sun. The astrological software package Solar Fire, developed by Esoteric Technologies, offers two options for the calculation of Vulcan's position: the method of L.H. Weston or that of Dr Douglas Baker. [5] Note also that the position of the Earth is located directly opposite the Sun. For example, if the Sun is found at 9 degrees of Sagittarius, then the Earth will be found at 9 degrees of Gemini.

Some Ideas for Delineation

While there are 'esoteric' meanings for all the signs, planets and houses, the traditional meanings can still be applied in a simplified approach to a soul-oriented natal interpretation. We are not looking at 'negative' manifestations here. That is the realm of the personality-centred delineation. Of course, any personality problems or dilemmas are relevant in the soul-centred delineation, because they offer us an idea as to what is hindering or impeding the progress of the soul. The following are some suggestions for delineating the Ascendant from a soul-centred perspective:

If the Ascendant is in Leo, then the soul's purpose is to shine, to express one's creative gifts and facilitate leadership for the benefit of others. If the esoteric ruler, the Sun, is located in the 11th house, then the field of expression for the creative and leadership qualities is through group activity.

If the Ascendant is in Aries and the ruler, Mercury, is in the 6th house, then the soul's purpose is to inspire others with ideas, through one's work, through healing, or through developing techniques for self-improvement. This person may be an inspiring writer, counsellor, healer or teacher. With the Aries emphasis, the focus would be towards empowering and enabling others through their mental and communication gifts.

If the Ascendant is in Aquarius and the ruler, Jupiter, is in the 2nd house, then the soul's purpose of pouring forth the waters of knowledge for humanity, is expressed through a spiritual approach to gathering and distributing resources. There is a facility for manifesting on the physical plane, but the purpose is to gather resources for a higher or collective purpose. For example, this person could accumulate and distribute resources in order to fund some sort of group venture.

The esoteric rulerships do not cancel the value of the traditional rulerships. For the Aries Ascendant, the position of Mars points to personality problems, tendencies, talents and gifts, while the position of Mercury points to the area of service of the soul.

Aspects between the Rulers of the Ascendant

It is important to look at any aspect formed between the exoteric and esoteric rulers of the Ascendant. The ease or stress of this aspect indicates the ease, or lack of ease, with which the soul's purpose can be expressed. Using the example of Aries Rising, a natal square between Mars and Mercury suggests that this person may experience some difficulty in manifesting the soul's purpose. On a practical level, this may be because s/he has a tendency to communicate in a sarcastic way, or is bad-tempered. A trine or sextile between Mars and Mercury suggests that there is a harmony between the personality expression and the expression of the spiritual purpose. S/he may be an inspiring and enthusiastic communicator.

The Esoteric Meanings of the Signs and Ruling Planets

The following esoteric meanings are synthesised from the available literature on the subject. [6] The traditional meanings of the signs, planets and houses may also be utilised in a soul-centred delineation.

ARIES - to inspire others with ideas
Mercury - mind, communication; the 'Messenger of the Gods'
Keynote - I come forth and from the plane of mind, I rule. [7]

TAURUS - to release personal desires and attachments
Vulcan - growth through change; illumination and enlightenment; the 'Blacksmith of the Gods'
Keynote - I see and when the Eye is opened, all is light.

GEMINI - to teach Right Human Relations, between self and others, personality and soul, anima and animus, higher mind and lower mind
Venus - intelligent love; relatedness; resolution of polarity; turning knowledge into wisdom
Keynote - I recognise my other self and in the waning of that self, I grow and glow.

CANCER - to build a spiritual home and selflessly nourish others
Neptune - unconditional love and forgiveness; devotion and self-sacrifice
Keynote - I build a lighted house and therein dwell.

LEO - to express Divine Will through the qualities of open-heartedness, warmth, creativity, leadership and love
Sun - the self-conscious I; the integrated personality; creative equipment
Keynote - I am That and That am I.

VIRGO - to heal and serve others
Moon - the past (karma); the 'Mother of all Forms'; matter; nurturing
Keynote - I am the Mother and the child. I, God, I, matter am.

LIBRA - to harmonise the opposites and choose the middle path; Transpersonal relations; perfected love Uranus - collective inter-relatedness; intuition; urge to better the human condition
Keynote - I choose the way which leads between the two great lines of force.

SCORPIO - to transform darkness into light; the battle between Soul and Personality
Mars - the desire nature; spiritual drive and idealism; the spiritual warrior
Keynote - Warrior I am and from the battle I emerge triumphant.

SAGITTARIUS - to uplift humanity through the revelation of Truth and Wisdom; fiery aspiration and one-pointedness
Earth - the physical location of a person's path; dharma; where we materialise our solar potential
Keynote - I see the goal. I reach that goal and then I see another.

CAPRICORN - to express one's true spiritual vocation and purpose for the greater good
Saturn - the Lord of Karma; the 'Dweller on the Threshold'; opportunity through crisis and pain Keynote - Lost am I in light supernal, yet on that light I turn my back.

AQUARIUS - to serve humanity through the dedication of personal energies to the collective
Jupiter - intuitive understanding blended with impersonal love; abundance
Keynote - Water of life am I, poured forth for thirsty humanity.

PISCES - to sacrifice the self through compassionate service to others
Pluto - the destruction of negativity and separateness; surrender of the personality to the soul
Keynote - I leave the Father's home and turning back, I save.

The Esoteric Meanings of the Houses

1st house - emergence of soul purpose, activities of the soul, the aura.
2nd house - spiritual values, use of life energies.
3rd house - mental energy, relating of higher and lower selves.
4th house - the foundation of the soul.
5th house - expression of spiritual will, actualization of Higher Self.
6th house - personality integration, service through healing and nurturing.
7th house - the path of inner union between the soul and personality.
8th house - the path of the awakening of soul consciousness.
9th house - knowledge of Cosmic Law and Ancient Wisdom.
10th house - spiritual purpose and responsibility.
11th house - spiritual visions, aspirations, spiritual groups.
12th house - unredeemed past karma, bondage to personality, selfless service to humanity.

Beginning a Soul-Centred Delineation

In esoteric astrology, the Rising Sign is symbolic of the soul's purpose and the path of the future. Look to the qualities of this sign as an indicator of new qualities that need to be developed in this lifetime. The house position of the esoteric ruler indicates where these 'new' qualities are best expressed. Try to also blend the qualities of the sign and house position of the North Node with these Ascendant qualities. Together, they form a picture of the future path of the soul.

The sign and house position of the Sun is symbolic of the present, or the path towards integration of the personality.

The sign and house position of the Moon is symbolic of the past or karmic conditions which have been carried over into this life and need transcending. Try to blend the qualities of the South Node with these Moon qualities to determine the path of least resistance, the negative personality tendencies which hinder progress in the present, and the gifts developed in past lives.

The signs, houses and aspects of Saturn, Pluto and Chiron, and planets in the twelfth house will also give further clues to karmic factors which are relevant in the current life. Of course, the entire chart can be viewed from a karmic perspective, but we have to stop somewhere.

The Role of the Esoteric Astrologer

The fundamental qualities required by the esoteric astrologer are the intuition of Uranus, the sensitivity and compassion of Neptune and the profound understanding of evolutionary purpose of Pluto.

I do believe there is an urgent need, on the part of astrologers, to move away from the excessive focus on the negative expressions of astrological energy and the over-emphasis on events, effects and manifestations.

The focus of esoteric astrology is on cause and purpose, and the consecration of the self to the greater whole of which we are a part. Certainly, we must not ignore the 'negative' tendencies and manifestations of the personality, for these are guideposts to the past and present suffering of the soul, and point to ways of healing that suffering.

But the focus, in esoteric astrology, must ultimately be on the positive qualities and the highest potential that the client may express. Too often, traditional and even psychological astrology, has focussed far too intently on the greatest depths that the client can reach.

As esoteric astrologers, our role is to act as a trigger or catalyst to help the client contact their own inner sense of purpose. And this purpose can most easily be identified by asking the client what gives them the most joy; what is their passion; what do they love doing the most? Joy is one of the supreme qualities of the soul, and to focus on what gives us joy is to attune to our soul's purpose.

posted August 04, 2014 05:38 AM            

Aries is active at the third initiation (p. 387-388 EA). Also Mars and the Moon (veiling Vulcan from one reasonable interpretation) are also active. The monadic will (active to some extent at the second degree) becomes an irrevocable influence at the third initiation. Aries give a strong orientation to spirit, for spirit is the “One and Only”, and Aries is the One. Vulcan is the emissary of the Will of the Spirit (sometimes called “Spiritual Will”). We can see, then, how Vulcan and Aries are prominent at this initiation, at which time, the Will of the Monad becomes irrevocable (though, at first, tenuously so). Having passed the point of no return some mid-way between the second and third degree, the now trusted disciple is committed to the initiatory regime of the Great While Lodge and cannot turn back. Vulcan in Aries represents a new appreciation of the Divine Will, and a new (though incipient) ability to wield the same. All personality inclinations and desires are burned away (another burning ground for Vulcan in Aries) in the Will of the Monad, and the beginning of real isolation takes place, for the man is never more attracted to the three worlds for what he may acquire from them.

With respect to the fourth degree, Vulcan is greatly involved, as the “depths of aloneness are plumbed.”. At the fourth degree we find the man (detached from “that which is above and that which is below”) renouncing all desire. Again, we see Vulcan as the enemy of desire per se, for will and desire (though related) are, in one sense, opposites. Vulcan confers the strength to prove that all desire except the desire to manifest the Plan has been renounced. As the fourth Degree represents an entirely new departure, and a repolarization within the vital body of the planetary Logos (and even the solar Logos) we can see how Aries, the sign of life is particularly implicated. An initiate begins truly to live at this point, and Aries inaugurates this process of living. We can see as well since the causal body must be destroyed to admit into the ‘realm of Life’, the combination of Aries in Vulcan would be most suitable to both shatter and burn the causal body. Burning takes place for all, but there are different methods of ‘causal dismemberment’; for the first ray, it is shattering, peculiarly related to Vulcan in Aries. What kind of force will “shatter the rock” (reference not only to matter, but to the Jewel in the Lotus which is also destroyed and consumed by fire at the fourth initiation). The fourth degree represents an adventure into the realm of “free souls”, and Aries inaugurates all such adventures. This is an adventure into the Realm of Will (for which the combination Vulcan in Aries is peculiarly useful). Destruction, Fire, Inauguration, Life. What can be expected of the combination Vulcan in Aries based upon the rays which are transmitted through Aries and the rays which are transmitted through Vulcan.

Aries as a constellation, transmits R1 and R7. The planets ruling Aries transmit rays (6, 1‑Mars); rays (4, 3, 5‑Mercury); rays (7, 1, 3, 5‑Uranus. Vulcan transmits (rays 1, 4, 7 and or 5 speculatively)

Some rays listed (other than the customary) are based upon various available references, and also upon speculation based upon inference. Rays 1, 7 and 3 for Uranus are given by the Tibetan, and R5 is inferred because of the close connection of Uranus with occult and orthodox science as well as with electricity. Mars’ R1 comes from the discussion of the School on Mars. Mercury’s R3 and R5 are easily inferred.

At any rate, rays 1 and 7 are prominent. Vulcan’s association with R7 arises through the Principle of Rhythm and its association with the mineral kingdom. Vulcan has a close connection with all that is concrete and dense hence its association with R5 which promotes concretion and density. A study of the Primary Lotuses in Cosmic Fire, p. 841-842, seems, by inference and some intuition to connect Vulcan with a strong R5 component. You be the judge. (But of course R5 can be considered, in one way, a subset of R1).

If we were to ask the meaning of the Aries/Vulcan R7 connection, we might think of enforced regimentation, and the fortifying of the Law, rigidly considered. But the Vulcan R7 connection is speculative, whereas Vulcan’s R1 is assured and its R4 strongly suggested through its association with Taurus and with humanity (the “Fiery Stones” and the “Living Stones”) I decided to take a ‘non-systematic’ approach to speculating on some possible meanings of Vulcan in the remaining eleven signs of the zodiac. I hope before long to give these positions the kind of attention I focused upon Vulcan in Aries, but I find that the time to do so lacks at the moment. So I will simply share in a rather sketchy manner some possible esoteric interpretations. The list of questions below is still of value, but I will not refer to this list point by point. The points shared are more a smattering related thoughts rather than a sequential development of the subject. They can be used as seed thoughts for a more systematic development of the subject. Surely, it will also be obvious that there is nothing sacrosanct or even necessarily true about these speculations; they are meant to be indicative only. Vulcan In Some of the Other Signs A Sketch What is the nature of the “divine design” being inwardly forged in the life? To what extent (and, if so, how) is the “Jewel in the Lotus” active in the life? Is there the capacity to hold an adamantine point of tension? To what extent are the seven head centers [which I infer to be ruled by Vulcan] a prominent factor in the disciple’s energy system? To what extent do they dominate the normal, ‘lesser’ centers? What is the manner in which the soul (Solar Angel) grips the personality, and bends the personality to its will and enforces that will? From a soul perspective, in what manner and with what quality does the soul’s will impact the personality? In what ways does the personality experience the pressure of the spiritual will? Has the life been one in which circumstances and things have been periodically shattered? To what extent and in what fields is the life of the individual impactful? Is the dynamic of the “hammer” noticeable in any of the energy fields or in relation to the environment? When the individual uses the energy of destruction in the life, how does the individual exercise this energy and upon what or whom? How is will (whether personal will or spiritual will) generally evidenced in the life? What qualities of will are demonstrated? To what extent is the individual capable of steadfastness and endurance? What, if anything, does the individual seek to fashion and how does he or she go about this fashioning? To what extent and in what manner is the light value of matter manifested in the individual’s energy system, especially through what we normally call the “matter aspect”? To what extent and how is the individual engaged in the process of the “uplift of matter”? How does the individual go about dominating or controlling the astral body, the body of desire? What is the nature of the interplay between sacral center and throat center, and is the will brought into this interplay in any potent or noticeable manner? In what manner and to what extent does the physical form prove obdurate, resistant and even obtuse to the will of the soul? To what extent is the individual given to self-will and stubbornness? How are ‘crystallizations developed within the personality. What role does ‘hardness’ play in the life? What are the nature and quality of the individual’s initiative? To what extent and how, does the individual “get things going”? To what extent is the individual concerned with the strength of the physical body? To what extent and how is the individual related to the mineral kingdom? In what ways, if any, does the individual will to construct? To what extent is such constructive activity utilitarian or artistic? To what extent is the individual deeply concerned with matters concerning the structure of form? How does the factor of isolation manifest in the life? For what reason is isolation pursued, if it is pursued? To what extent is the “Will-to-Love” active in the life, and in what manner is it active. (This question is in relation to Vulcan’s connection to the “Heart of the Sun”.)

How will Vulcan (when it is in a particular sign) operate with respect to the various initiations in which it is said to play a part?

Vulcan in Taurus Perfecting the structure and beauty of the form. “Burnishing the shield of Mars”; putting matter under maximum pressure until it yields its ‘light content’, and yields is ascending ‘light-form’. Willful creativity in matter. The obduracy of matter. Stubborn, resistant self-will. Tamas at its worst. The blinding light of the “Eye of Shiva”, “Wisdom’s Eye”. The capacity to command through the ajna center, or (alternatively) the “Third Eye” (These two are not the same.) Overpowering “unfettered Enlightenment”; the “Will-to-Light” Divine Will projected through the power of the “Word”. The incontrovertible Will of God in Matter. The Manu shaping the vessels of life in the three worlds. The ‘shape’ that Sound imparts; the ‘shaping’ power of vibration. Vulcan, as the sacred planet primarily distributing the first rayon the soul level can reasonably be associated with the Law of Vibration. The empowerment of the physical form; the empowerment of the radiance of the etheric body. The isolation ‘incurred’ by turning all ‘things’ to ‘light’ The capacity to overcome Taurean desire through Will and detachment; the ‘antidote’ to Taurean desire. The ‘Jewel’ (Vulcan) within the ‘Treasury’ (Taurus). The ‘Treasure Chamber’ is the causal body. The hammer blow that shatters the causal body at the fourth initiation. This might equally be said of Aries. Centralization within isolation at the fourth initiation. The power of the enlightened will to overcome glamour at the second initiation. The power to master the physical form through will at the first initiation. An energy associated with the “Heart of the Sun” and the Central Spiritual Sun; The ‘Jewel’ is, in a way, the ‘Heart’, and the Pleiades (associated presently with Taurus) can reasonably be considered the “Central Spiritual Sun”. Etc., as intuition and reason dictate‑

Vulcan In Gemini The will of Pollux, the “Elder Brother”; subduing the “Younger Brother” Thought as the conveyer of lighted Will. The “Word of Power”. The sheer force of thought and word. “Mind over matter”. Movement considered as inertia (the tendency of matter in motion to remain in motion); perpetual motion. The forging of the “lines of communication”‑both tangible and subtle. “Forging ahead” to create paths, roads, highways, links; i.e., in many ways, civil engineering‑the builder of roads. The capacity to solder. Similarly, the fortification of the nadis of the etheric body. (Both Gemini and Aquarius are particularly associated with the etheric body). Will as the animator of the etheric body. The forging of the “Body of Fire” (TCF, p. 166) The Will of God conveyed through doctrine; conversely, the “tyranny of the mind”. ‘Crushed’ by the ‘letter’. Will and Love united, considering Vulcan as the purveyor of the Spiritual Will and Gemini as the “Head of the Cosmic Christ”. The willful fusing of the two “Brothers” into one; duality overcome through will. The ‘will’ of matter, vs. The will of the soul. Great dexterity in the arts of fashioning; versatile creativity. “Golden hands”. The Solar Angel as dexterous manipulator. The power of will to oppose its opposite, desire, at the second initiation. Capacity to develop the Technique of Duality which succeeds the Techniques of Fusion (See Esoteric Psychology II, in the late 300’s)

Vulcan In Cancer The power to forge the “Lighted House”; the power to make the ‘House of the Personality’ shine with light. The illuminator of the opaque vessel; blinding light forced into the ‘body of night’. The builder of vessels; or ‘fortress consciousness’ The power to put the instinctual nature under compression. The tyranny of the Lunar Lords, and especially of the fourth Lunar Lord, the personality (See, Rays and the Initiation, p. 9) The ‘grip’ of the lunar nature rather than the grip of the soul. The obduracy of the instinctual nature and the mass consciousness. Strictly ‘personal’ will fueled by desire. Similarly, the resistance and inertia of the third Aspect of Divinity (the product of the first Solar System); the “ancient rhythm”. The power that shatters the personality life in preparation for reorientation towards the soul. The blow that crushed the Crab. The ‘driver’ of the sluggish form. Maternal ‘enforcement’ Unusual persistence and tenacity. (Both of these factors are known for their ability to endure.. Cancer is not a distributor of R1, nor are any of its ruling planets. Cancer in relation to humanity generally indicates a stage before the discovery of Spiritual Will.

Vulcan In Leo A link to the ‘Heart of the Sun”. Agent of the “Will-to-Rule”. Agent of the “Will-to-Illumine”. The Will of the Soul; (as well, the concentrated, isolated self-will of the personality.) The “Isolated Unity” of the Spirit/Soul. The “splendid isolation” of the personality. The inertia of the “Ahamkara principle” (selfhood). The Soul (or Solar Angel) as the ‘Dominant’ (the 5th in music theory). Above all, the Will of the ‘True Identity’‑the Monad. It may be said the Vulcan in Aries represents even moreso, the Will of the Monad. (Aries equates with the Monad; Leo with the Soul; and Sagittarius with the Body) The “Will-to-Love”. Will as expressed through the heart center and, on a higher turn of the spiral, through the “heart in the head” The splendor of the “Jewel in the Lotus”. The “Will-to-Centralize”. If Vulcan in Aries is related to the “Will-to-Be”, then Vulcan in Leo is related to the Will-to be the Self (at whatever level that self is functioning). Will as active in the unfoldment of the Egoic Lotus, the “Golden Flower”. The Will of the Soul (especially as related to the fifth petal which is ruled, in my estimation, by Leo and the Sun {veiling, I presume, Vulcan}). The Will to Sacrifice the Self. (Notable heights of sacrifice and service are attained by the advanced Leo individual.) The “Will to Fulfillment” (This is especially connected with Leo and with prolonged endurance, over which Vulcan rules). Other zodiacal signs may be reasonably connected with the Will to Fulfillment, but the combination Vulcan in Leo is certainly one. The dominating power of the seven head centers. (Similar to Vulcan in Aries). There is probably a strong connection between 1) the Great Bear; 2) the Solar Logos; and 3) Vulcan. Somehow there is a septenate associated with Vulcan, just as there is with the Great Bear and with the Seven Rays as distributed by the Solar Logos. The “Jewel” over which Vulcan rules is sevenfold (though, interestingly, it has eight radiations‑four atmic and four buddhic). An influence potentially active at the first initiation, when the will of the soul begins to dominate the will of form. We know that Leo (with Libra) is active at the first degree. Since “Vulcan and the Sun are one”, and Vulcan too is active at the first degree, this combination, Vulcan in Leo, is within reason an important factor in this initial confirmed step into the spiritual kingdom. Vulcan in Leo can be potent at the third degree. The soul or “subjective Sun” dominates at the third degree. Vulcan is connected with the “Heart of the Sun”; Vulcan is reasonably connected with the third decanate of Capricorn in which the Sun (which may well be veiling Vulcan in this instance) rules. And Leo/Sun reasonably symbolizes the Egoic Lotus. For the third degree initiate the soul dominates the form; Vulcan in Leo can reasonably be interpreted in this way (depending of course upon the degree of evolvement of the individual in question). I suspect Vulcan in Leo at the fifth degree. Leo is the fifth sign and the Master is a fifth degree initiate. He is one, moreover, in whom the Will of the Monad (Vulcan) dominates. The Master is taking His ‘Solar Transfiguration’; Vulcan is certainly a transmuting and transfiguring agent, working great changes in the substance aspect (whether that substance is relatively crude or subtle). Vulcan in Leo, the “Jewel” at the heart of every lotus (or ‘sun-flower’) and not only the “Jewel in the [Egoic] Lotus”. We know the Leonian affinity for jewelry; in this case a diamond within a gold setting.
Vulcan In Virgo The “Will-to-Persist” until the “Birth of the Christ” is achieved. The patience of the “Mother”. According to Morya, patience is a quality of the highly developed will. The willful intelligence of matter. The power to produce the “ascension of matter” The Solar Angel as craftsman The intelligent yet forceful handling of matter. The ‘Will to perfect the form’. The strengthening of the substance aspect; strengthening especially through the application of occult heat, but also through the heat generated by exercise. The latent heat of matter; the “heat” of the Mother; the heat responsible for germination. Refinement of the form/matter through willfully applied solar fire. The persistent will which makes the first initiation possible. The ‘Will-to-Purify’ characteristic of the second initiation. The Will of the “Christ Aspect”. The “Will-to-Serve”. The Will to submit the personal will to the Divine Will. The ‘practical will’ in matter. It is clear that if the Sun is in one sign and Vulcan in a neighboring sign (just as Mercury can be) there will be important modifications of the sun sign energy. So may people display behavior uncharacteristic of their sun sign. The planets within the orbit of earth can to a significant degree account for this, as well as of course, the position of the sun sign ruler, etc. Perhaps these thoughts will be of use to us. We may well question: “Am I responsive to the spiritual will?” If I am responsive, what is the quality of the spiritual will in my life? Am I in any respect, an exponent of the Vulcanian energy. For a long time I did not know how to relate to Vulcan. This was a planet, in my estimation, so associated with matter, and I had very little relation to matter (except in one or two stubborn areas). Then I began to recognize the vibration of Vulcan in relation to the planet Mercury in my chart, and both of them, in Aries (the Sun is 10+ degrees in Aries). This was a vibration I could identify; I could recognize it in how the will operated for me. Many of the descriptions I included in my document on Vulcan in Aries were taken from self-study. By looking for Vulcan in relation to the head and the mind and the voice, I began to recognize its role in my life, and its Aretian quality. Perhaps a number of you have methods of identifying Vulcan for yourselves. It would be interesting to read how various group members see the functioning of Vulcan in their lives, and moreover, the zodiacal quality of Vulcan in their lives. Perhaps such qualitative study could assist other members who are doing aspectual study of Vulcan, and also, orbital study.

Vulcan In Libra Expressing the Divine Will through law and legislation; the law as an expression of Divine Law and Divine Will. “Hammering out” legislation and constitutions; (like Vulcan in Capricorn in this regard). Controlling the magnetic interplay of the great Dualities; suppressing or bending to purpose the sex impulse. Linking money (Libra rules law, sex and money) and the mineral kingdom. Forging or constructing the ‘body’ of the law. Forging the “social contract”. Forging the “Royal Road”, the Sushumna, the “Noble Middle Path” along which kundalini ascends, and the Divine Will descends. A connection with the four Lipika who, as Lords of Karma, are, in many respects, first Ray Beings, and Agents of the Divine Will. Law Enforcement (along with Vulcan in Capricorn). Let us remember that the two planets associated with Jehovah are Vulcan and Saturn (planets of the Law). The Ten Commandments (somewhat Saturnian) “written in stone” (Vulcanian). This necessarily relates to Vulcan in Capricorn as well. Shamballa as the place of ‘Perfect Peace’ The ‘Will-to-Equilibrium’ The ‘Will-to-Cooperation’ The “Will-to-Peace”; the “Will to Right Human Relations” If the theme of Shamballa for humanity is “Right Human Relations”, Libra in Vulcan is the will enlisted in the manifestation of this objective. Vulcan in Libra‑the ‘Will to Decide’; “Let Choice Be Made”‑really. Vulcan in Libra is a combination in which both members are related to the first initiation (where the appetites of the physical body, in this case sexual, are controlled). Libra is related to the second initiation through the equilibrizing of the astral body, and Vulcan in this position brings the will to bear in this equilibrization. The will to raise kundalini (as directed through the ajna center). This means that the influence of the head center (Vulcan) has descended to the “throne between the eyebrows” (ruled by Venus, ruler of Libra)

Vulcan In Scorpio The control of the nine heads of the Hydra by “sheer force of will” A powerful R4 combination, just as is Vulcan in Taurus. The will of the “monster”; every head of the Hydra strengthened by self-will. The will to resolve conflict, perhaps by drastic means. Vul-Cain puts Abel to death; destruction of the errant power of the sacral center by force of will. Fashioning the weapons of war; wielding with smiting power the weapons of war. The will to “go to the depths”‑whether the depths of psyche or the depths of matter; the “fire of heaven” descending to the “depths of hell”. The power of the eighth petal; a will petal, reasonably associated with Scorpio, entailing willful sacrifice. Confrontation with the “forces of evil” through the “strong will”. The destruction which precedes the first initiation. The triumph of will over desire at the second initiation. Bringing the lighted will of the soul to the astral plane. ‘Building’ a new emotional body, and thus a force, through will, for emotional transformation. (Transmutation refers principally to the physical body; Transformation to the emotional body; and Transfiguration to the mental body). Bringing the “unfettered enlightenment” of Shamballa to the World of Illusion (ruled by Scorpio‑ “Let Maya flourish and deception rule”.) A combination which brings about the “death of the personality”. The triumph of the will of the soul over the entire aroused personality at the third initiation. (Scorpio is active at each of the first three initiations.) The mastery of the “fearful conflict” which precedes the third initiation. The “triumphant disciple” in full control of the Dweller. It is difficult to think that Scorpio is not also involved at the fourth initiation, but perhaps in a higher way. Scorpio is associated with the Fourth Creative Hierarchy, the fourth or buddhic plane, and why not the fourth degree where so much destruction is wreaked. Vulcan, with its power of isolation, would, in Scorpio, destroy the hold which form life (again number four) has over the triadally-ascending soul.

Vulcan In Sagittarius Forging the Path to God; building the ‘highway’ to spiritual Destiny. Forging the “arrows of light” (or any arrows). The metal tip of the arrow. Putting ‘horse-shoes’ on the ‘horse’ of personality. “Let food be sought”‑with weapons. Rocketry Firm control of the lunar lords (ruled by Sagittarius‑cf. p. 35, EA) The light of aspiration. The ‘Will-to-Direct’. The Solar Angel as ‘Director’ and ‘Vision Guide’; the imposition of a ‘Path to Tread’ The control of the sacral and solar plexus centers (both Martian in a way) by the force of illumined will. Forging a code of ethics. Unvarying opinion, firmly set. Inflexible orientation for good or ill.. Firm in faith. The imposition of the Teaching or the Vision. Forcing others to see. Forcing oneself to see. Undeviating one-pointedness. The will of the one-pointed disciple. The Will (the real Spiritual Will) as an unfailing guide. The ‘Will-to-Envision’; the ‘Will-to-See’. Unrelending search for Wisdom. ‘Hot coals’ upon the “Burning Ground” To travel far for mineral wealth; to travel far for treasure. The legs as weapons; the power to ‘kick’. Tap-dancing: shoes with metal toes and heals, for the purpose of tapping out rhythm. Vulcan in Pisces also. (These kinds of interpretations are quite exoteric, but demonstrate how concretely even esoteric energy combinations can manifest.) “Horse-power”, in more ways than one. Especially horses that are “work horses” and people and machines (like autos) which are “work horses”. Endurance and persistence in adventure, travel and quest. The will to persist upon the “Path” until the goal is reached; “treading the Path until the very end”. The power to “trudge forward” and plod. (This is what a one-pointed disciple must do.) The “Glorification of the Path”; Vulcan glorifies the matter of Earth, and Earth is the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius. The directive power of the ajna center and highest head center. The imposition of the directive power of higher mind (ruled in part by Sagittarius) The third-Aspect orientation of the lunar vehicles. The will to rightly orient the astral forces (lunar lords) at the second initiation; the fusion of will and desire. The will to persist in the journey to the Mount of Initiation

Vulcan In Capricorn In this combination, Vulcan in Capricorn, the power of the first ray is accentuated (as with Vulcan in Aries and Leo). Also here, the seventh ray may be reinforced (given Vulcan’s association with rhythm and Capricorn’s transmission of the seventh ray as well as the first. The third ray is not so implicated. The blazing light atop the mountain; the luminous reward of ascent The conquest of personality from the “Mountain Top” The will of the Monad experienced in the blazing light of realization. Effectively willed isolation from the concerns and inclinations of personality; all within the three worlds of personality fails to attract. Leading to extremes of isolation. (Capricorn is active at all five initiations) Divine Will, powerfully imposed. The “Will-to-Persist” in the fulfillment of Dharma. Law enforcement; the sheer power of law. The weaponry and means of control at the disposal of the ‘State’. In general, the ‘Will-to-Control’ The resistance to change and reform to be found within all crystallized structures (for instance, the personality) Crushing power, forcing conformity. The embodiment of will in concrete form. Penetration into the depths of the mineral kingdom The steadfastness and ‘solidity’ of matter. Hardening to the point of crystallization and imminent shattering. The masterful control of matter. (This is similar to but more powerful than Vulcan in Virgo) The “rock-hound” Crystalline structures and their power. The power latent in the mineral kingdom; the imprisoned power of the atom; mining. In general, the radiant perfection of the mineral kingdom. Deep connection with the “Jewel in the Lotus” and the state of “Diamond Soul” which indicates one who has achieved the third degree. Both Vulcan in Virgo and Capricorn have to do with the birth of the Christ Principle within the “rocky caves” Clear connection to the third initiation in which solar light blazes forth (especially in relation to the last or sun-ruled decanate‑sun-ruled as D.K. presents it) At a late stage of initiation, man becoming a “Fiery Stone”, not just a “Living Stone”. The “Will which Conquers Death”. The adamantine quality of the Will. Divine Will is adamantine.

Vulcan In Aquarius Divine Will functioning through the Universal Mind (which Aquarius rules). Forging the group, and the group structure. The Will of the Hierarchy (ruled by Aquarius as the NGWS is ruled by Taurus) The Will of the Ashram. The will of the group. The “Will-to-Serve” Impelling the ‘Will-to-Renovate”. Building the new society. The power of an “idea whose time has come”. Advanced ideas to exploit the energy in matter. Power over matter through advanced science. Forging the “new Heaven and the new Earth”, with the help of Uranus. The complete regeneration of the physical form. (The Moon veils three planets hierarchically, and transforms them according to the Principles of Life emanating from the cosmic etheric planes, our four systemic ethers. Vulcan’s province is the physical body, and also the etheric body. There seems to be a connection with prana, solar vitality, given this position. The empowering of the etheric body. (Aquarius with Gemini has special rulership over the etheric body.) The astral body is cleansed at of low desire at the second degree by the power of spiritual will. Group Will replaces individual self-will at the third degree. The initiate experiences the solar vitality of the buddhic plane at the fourth degree.

Vulcan In Pisces The “Will to Sacrifice” The relation of sacrifice to the “Heart of the Sun”; Vulcan has an association with the “Heart of the Sun” (exactly how, remains to be well-explained) and Pisces relates to the heart center, and probably to the heart center within the head. Obliterating the lower ego and also the individual Ego. “Not my will but Thine be done”. Again, the “Will-to-Love”. The “Will-to-Persist” until the “bitter end”, until “consummation”. The power to persist until the “Cup of Karma is drained” The “Will-to-Save” of the Monad. (Every Monad is a Lord of persevering, ceaseless devotion” The destructive power which initiates pralaya. The construction which lies in destruction. Building upon the ruins of the old. ‘Stomping out’, ‘dancing out’ the rhythm of life. Plodding onward on the “Path”; “putting one foot in front of the other” Within the Egoic Lotus, the “sacrifice petals” are petals of “will”. The second decanate of Pisces is ruled, occultly, by Vulcan. This can be understood (at a certain relatively advance point of evolution) as connected to the eighth petal Pisces marks the last experience upon the Mutable Cross immediately before the true mounting of the Fixed Cross at the first initiation. Much (from the perspective of the personality’s innate selfishness) is destroyed; much is apparently ‘lost’. Will conquers the fluid emotional nature (associated with a certain level of response to the Piscean energy). This is indicative of the second degree. The extremes of isolation when passing through the fourth degree Vulcan in Pisces: through self-abnegation, the initiate prepares to work in association with, or as a member of Shamballa. The Will of the Saviour. (Sanat Kumara is the highest of our planet’s saviours.)

posted August 04, 2014 05:57 AM            

Earth is ruled by Sagittarius. Why do we insist on thinking the earth has no influence in astrology?

Earth is the exact lexxigram of Heart. Venus is the Mind Earth is the Heart. The true ruler of Venus is Gemini, the sign exact opposite Sagittarius. So in other words, the Earth and Venus are twins and complete each other.

Pisces is ruled by Pluto. Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, just as Pluto is the last planet in the solar system. Pluto rules death and transition. The 12th house represents death and transition.

Moon rules Virgo. Why is the Hermit the ninth card in the tarot? The hermit represents things that are germinating and fertile. A womans pregnancy lasts nine months.

posted August 04, 2014 06:14 AM            

1. Vulcan veiled by moon for average man:

“The moon is a dead form; it has no emanation at all. That is why the moon is spoken of in the ancient teaching as ‘veiling either Vulcan or Uranus’. This hint or inference has always been here and astrologers would do well to experiment with this suggestion I have made anent the moon and (instead of working with the moon) let them work with Vulcan when dealing with the undeveloped or average man and with Uranus when considering the highly developed man. They would find some interesting and convincing results eventuate”. (EA13)

2. Vulcan, transmitting one aspect of Dynamic Energy and Electric Fire on the Path of Initiation:

The Great Bear Aries Second Creative Hierarchy,
Sun, veiling Vulcan (the 11th) Unknown
Libra
i. The Cardinal Cross (EA 50)

3. Taurus and Pisces related to Ray 1 by Vulcan:

“1. Taurus and Pisces, through Vulcan and Pluto, are related to Ray 1. Transmutation of desire into sacrifice and of the individual will into the divine will.
The World Saviour” (EA 67)

4. Destroying force of Vulcan at First Initiation:

“a. At the first initiation, the disciple has to contend with the crystallising and destroying forces of Vulcan and Pluto. The influence of Vulcan reaches to the very depths of his nature, whilst Pluto drags to the surface and destroys all that hinders in these lower regions”. (EA 70)

5. Vulcan and para-thyroids:

3. The Sun (standing here for Vulcan, which is a sacred Vulcan) governs a centre in the front of the throat which is related to the para-thyroids and not to the thyroid gland, which is related to the throat centre. This centre in the front of the throat falls into disuse as the creative period of throat activity begins. It acts as a "mediator" between the higher and the lower creative organs (between the sacral and the throat centres) and leads eventually to that creative activity which is consciously that of the functioning soul. Vulcan was one of the first creative workers among men. He was also related to "Cain who killed his brother." The symbolism underlying these ancient myths will be easily interpreted by the intuitive student. (EA 78-79)

6. Vulcan and glorification of matter:

“... the Moon or Vulcan stands for the glorification, through purification and detachment, of matter ...” (EA 126)

7. Vulcan and the uplift of matter:

[Relating to the man born upon the Mutable Cross who is about to mount the Fixed Cross. He comes under a number of esoteric rulers: ] “2. Through the Moon—under the bondage of form in order through form experience to achieve release and the "uplift of matter" in Vulcan. (EA 127)

8. Vulcan superseding lunar control and its invisibility:

[Speaking of the decanates in Pisces, Alan] Leo gives us Jupiter, the Moon and Mars. He indicates, therefore, the success which is incident to proved discipleship and consequent readiness for initiation, the seeing of the vision with which Jupiter rewards the disciple, and the experience which Vulcan confers. Vulcan has been hitherto hidden, but its influence has steadily superseded all lunar control, for the personality or form side of life is lost to sight in the radiance of the Sun, the soul. The light of Vulcan and the light of the Sun are one light and these three—Mercury, Vulcan and the Sun—stand for a synthesis and a radiance which eventually dims the light of Mercury and it "falls" into the background and Vulcan too becomes invisible and only the Sun remains. We have consequently, vision of the Sun, the experience of the personality and effort, which is the mode of attainment governed by Mars. (EA 132)

9. Vulcan in relation to the influences operative on the three Paths:

Path Rays Vulcans Constellations
Initiation 1 and 7 Vulcan. Uranus. Pluto Taurus. Libra. Pisces (EA 166)

10. First Ray of Vulcan only felt positively upon Path of Discipleship:

You will note also that the first ray influence, expressing through Pluto and Vulcan, is only felt in a positive manner upon the Path of Discipleship. This first ray potency has only lately been experienced by humanity as a whole as it neared the stage of being the world disciple, and vast numbers relatively stood upon the Path of Discipleship and Probation. Hence the recent discovery of Pluto and the sensed power of Vulcan veiled by the potency of Mercury and hidden behind the Vulcan. (EA 166)

11. Vulcan and Pluto as Esoteric Vulcan Custodians of First Ray:

Within our solar system, Vulcan and Pluto are expressions or custodians of this first ray energy and are, as I have told you, esoteric Vulcans. The first indication of the true spiritual will only begins to manifest upon the Path of Discipleship—hence the late discovery of these two Vulcans (late in point of time and from the angle of human knowledge) for it is only in this Aryan race period that humanity is to any large extent beginning to manifest evidence (and as yet it is no more) of a reaction or a response to the spiritual will of deity as it comes to our Vulcan and hence to us via Aries, Vulcan and Pluto. You have, therefore, the following direct line of will energy: 3. Vulcan and Pluto are related to the two Pointers and are only now beginning, in any definite and clear manner, to affect human response. Their effect has been Vulcanary in its nature up to date and has not hitherto been at all effective in either the fourth or the second kingdoms in nature. (EA 195-196)

12. Vulcan in relation to the process of “veiling”:

In this connection the Moon is given as the orthodox ruler and the hierarchical rule of Aquarius. I would here remind you that the Moon is usually regarded as "veiling" or "hiding" some Vulcan and of these there are three which the Moon may be veiling. Here the intuition of the astrologer and of the esoteric student must be called out. These Vulcans are Vulcan, Neptune or Uranus. They determine or condition the physical, astral and mental natures, thus creating the personality. (EA 221)

13. Vulcan as Esoteric Ruler of Virgo:

2. The Moon (Vulcan).—This is the esoteric ruler. The significance of this is similar to that of the orthodox ruler. The Moon (or fourth ray energy) is here seen as an expression of first ray energy, manifesting through Vulcan. The Moon rules the form and it is the will of God to manifest through the medium of form. (EA 263)

14. Vulcan and the struggle between men of goodwill and selfish and ambitious men:

“... that the energy of Vulcan is potently making its presence felt, and hence the struggles going on upon the Vulcan between the men of will—selfish and ambitious—and the men of goodwill who are desirous of the good of the whole”. (EA 264)

15. Vulcan and the “veiling” process in Virgo:

It is in this sign also that the Moon in its own right of antiquity and of ancient thoughtform control, and also as veiling both Vulcan and Neptune, connects the force of Virgo with the energies of Taurus, of Cancer and of Aquarius. This is of peculiar importance for it relates the form building aspect with the consciousness aspect which, at a high stage of development, produces the manifestation of the Christ principle or Christ-child. (EA 273)

16. Virgo related to Taurus through Vulcan:

Virgo is related to Taurus through Vulcan which brings in what might be called the endurance aspect of the will-to-be which carries the incarnated Son of God through the experiences of the dark time wherein the personality becomes the Mother in the stage of gestation, through the period of infancy upon the physical plane and through the stage of adolescence until the initiate attains full maturity. This necessitates persistence, endurance and continuity of effort and is one of the characteristics imparted or stimulated by energies pouring from Vulcan. You can realise that these are first ray attributes and are the reverse side of those usually emphasised, namely, death or the activity of the Destroyer aspect. Taurus is an expression of the third unmanifested Hierarchy and of this Hierarchy we know nothing beyond the fact that it is concerned with the light which liberates from death. Therefore, you have:
Vulcan—First ray or endurance. Third Creative Hierarchy—Liberating Light. (EA 274)

17. Vulcan and Control of Time:

“Vulcan controls the anvil-like processes of time and strikes the blow which shapes the metal into that which is desired, and this is true today as never before. He it is who is forging the way for the coming Avatar Who will—at the right moment—come forth, embodying in Himself the Will of God which is the divine will-to-good, to peace through understanding, and to right relations between men and between nations”. (EA 375)

18. Vulcan as Esoteric Ruler of Taurus:

“The esoteric ruler of Taurus is Vulcan, the forger of metals, the one who works in the densest, most concrete expression of the natural world (from the human angle). He is the one who goes down into the depths to find the material upon which to expend his innate art and to fashion that which is beautiful and useful. Vulcan is, therefore, that which stands for the soul, the individual, inner, spiritual man; in his activity we find the key to the soul's task upon the eternal round of the wheel of life. You will remember how Hercules upon the Fixed Cross had to fashion his own weapons before he succeeded in the struggle. This is in reality a reference to the art of Vulcan who rules the inner man and guides his fashioning”. (EA 385)

19. Vulcan Ruling Nations and Liberation through War:

“Vulcan also rules nations at a certain stage of embryonic soul expression, such as the present, and governs their activities, fashioning the instruments of war when war and conflict are the only means whereby liberation can come, though woe betide those through whom wars come. Vulcan then takes hold and—since the Middle Ages—has brought the mineral kingdom, ‘the depths from which supply must come’, under human control. In the present war, Vulcan is concerned along with Venus in the relation of man to man, and of man to the mineral kingdom. Venus, the mental energy of humanity, establishes relation between man and man, between nation and nation whilst Vulcan establishes relation between the fourth kingdom in nature and the first. Vulcan, as we shall see later, is governed by the first ray, and the first ray and the first kingdom are definitely bound together”. (EA 385)

20. Vulcan sets World Evolutionary Process in Motion:

“When we come to a consideration of the esoteric ruler of Taurus, we find ourselves confronted by Vulcan, one of the veiled and hidden Vulcans and one which is, therefore, little known or understood. I have earlier referred to Vulcan as the Fashioner of divine expression. In a peculiar sense, the energy which streams from Vulcan is fundamentally the strength and potency which sets the world evolutionary process in motion; it embodies also the energy of the first ray, that force which initiates or begins and that which also destroys, bringing about the death of the form in order that the soul may be set free”. (EA 392)

21. Vulcan as Vulcan of Isolation:

“Vulcan is the ray or Vulcan of isolation for, in a peculiar sense, it governs the fourth initiation wherein the depths of aloneness are plumbed and the man stands completely isolated. He stands detached from ‘which is above and this which is below.’ There comes a dramatic moment when all desire is renounced; the will of God or the Plan is seen as the only desirable objective but as yet the man has not proved to himself, to the world of men or to his Master whether he has the strength to move forward along the line of service. There is revealed to him (as there was revealed to the Christ at the fourth great initiatory crisis in His life) some definite, active undertaking which embodies that aspect of the will of God which it is his peculiar function to appropriate and make possible of expression. This has been called in the Christian phraseology, ‘the Gethsemane experience.’ The Christ, kneeling beside the rock (symbolic of the depths of the mineral kingdom and of the activity of Vulcan, the fashioner), raises His eyes upward to where the light of revelation breaks forth and knows at that moment what it is He has to do. Such is the test of Vulcan, ruling Taurus, of the soul, ruling desire, of the Son of God, fashioning His instrument of expression in the depths, grasping the divine purpose and so bending the will of the little self to that of the greater Self. The depths have been reached and there is no more to be done. The light from the eye of the Bull which with ever increasing radiance has guided the struggling soul must give place eventually to the light of the Sun, for Vulcan is a substitute for the Sun: it is spoken of sometimes as being veiled by the Sun and at others it stands for the Sun itself. It stands between the man and the Sun, the soul”. (EA 392-393)

22. Vulcan as Revealer of the Hidden; the Heart of the Sun:

“Vulcan.—The one who reveals that which is deeply hidden and brings it up into the light. Esoterically—the heart of the Sun”. (EA 393)

23. Vulcan and the Average Taurean:

“He will be destructive because ‘bull-headed’ and because the hammer aspect of Vulcan will be dominant”. (EA 394)

24. Vulcan and the Aspiring Taurean:

“He must transcend the destructive side of Vulcan and so of the first ray and instead work as a ‘fashioner of souls,’ including his own”. (EA 394)

25. Vulcan In relation to the Moon upon the Fixed Cross as the hierarchical ruler of Aquarius:

“The Moon is also present but again veils Vulcan, whose influence we have already considered”. (EA 394)

26. Moon’s exaltation in relation to Vulcan:

“The Moon is the Mother of the form and in this case veils or hides Vulcan which might be expected. The Moon, therefore, stands here for the fashioner or moulder of the form, bringing in both the feminine and masculine aspects of form-building, the dual functions of Father-Mother. This is a point for astrologers to remember. This process of interplay brings about two phases of the needed fashioning:
1. A process wherein is created a form of great potency in which self interest and personality aims and desires are the motives bringing about activity. The Moon and Taurus activity.
2. The processes, self-applied by the awakening Taurian, wherein the form nature is fashioned anew and motivated in a different manner and so is ‘raised up into Heaven’ and thus irradiated and glorified. The Vulcan and Taurus activity”. (EA 399)

27. Vulcan and the Initiate:

“He fashions all things to a divinely foreseen end and in this sign—through His agents, Venus and Vulcan, typifying the form and 'the soul—will lead man from the unreal to the real”. (EA 404)

28. Vulcan, Veiling, and Vulcan as only esoteric ruler:

It is only in the present cycle that the Sun and Moon veil certain Vulcans and are the exoteric symbols for certain esoteric forces. As evolution proceeds, the Vulcans will not be veiled. Their influences will not be so remote. At present the mechanism of the majority of the human family is not tuned to the reception of the rays from Vulcan, Uranus or Neptune whilst Pluto at present only evokes response from groups or from those disciples who are enough evolved rightly to respond. The three veiled Vulcans—Vulcan, Uranus and Neptune are all sacred Vulcans, embodying first, seventh and sixth ray energies. Vulcan is never an exoteric ruler and only comes into real activity when a man is on the Path, whilst Uranus and Neptune are rulers of the eleventh and twelfth houses, and govern Aquarius and Pisces. The implications will be clear to you. (EA 509)

29. 1. Head Centre first ray Vulcan (EA 517)

30. Vulcan Still Developing the Mind Principle:

"Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Vulcan are still developing the mind principle." (EA 645; TCF 403) [see reference 36 herein]

31. 1. The mineral kingdom—Pluto and Vulcan (EA 650)

32. 1. Vulcan—the sun exoterically considered. (EA 652)

33. Vulcan and Law of Sacrifice: Vulcan and Neptune in Opposition:

"The Law of Sacrifice and Death is ... in a mysterious way the reverse of the first law, that of Vibration. It is Vulcan and Neptune in opposition which is as yet an almost incomprehensible thing to us." (EA 667; TCF 597)

34. "Jehovah was identified with Saturn and Vulcan." (EA 667; SD I 632)

35. "Vulcan is within the orbit of Mercury." (EA 676; TCF 206 Note)

36. The work of the Manasadevas in the solar system:

In every scheme They have Their place, but in some—as in the Jupiter scheme—They are just beginning Their work, and in others—as in the Vulcan and Venus schemes—Their work is nearly completed. (TCF 741)

37. "In Vulcan, the sons of Mind have nearly completed their work." (EA 676; TCF 742)

38. Evolution of Vulcan:

Vulcan 3rd Chain 4th Globe (EA 693)

39. School of Fiery Stones:

Vulcan (lst) -The School of Fiery Stones. There is a curious connection between the human units who pass through its halls and the mineral kingdom. The human units on the earth scheme are called 'the living stones'; on the Vulcan they are called 'fiery stones.' (EA 693)

40. Vulcan Related to Great Britain through Taurus as Personality Ruler of Nation:

2. Taurus — with its rulers, Venus and Vulcan. (DN 83)

41. Vulcan Related to Italy through Taurus as Soul Ruler of Rome:

Taurus- with its rulers, Venus and Vulcan. (DN 87)

42. Lords of the Rays Creating Vulcans, Sun Veiling Vulcan:

All the Lords of the rays create a body of expression, and thus the seven Vulcans have come into being. These are their major expressions. The Sun (Veiling Vulcan) … etc. (EP I 62)

43. Vulcan and The seven Vulcans, centres, or schemes:

1. Vulcan (the sun, exoterically considered). (TCF 166)

44. Different Functioning in the Schemes:

Those who are working in the Uranus, the Neptune, and the Saturn scheme work somewhat differently to those functioning in the Venus, the Vulcan, the Mars, the Mercury, the Jupiter, the Earth and the exoteric Saturn scheme, and so do the Manasadevas of the inner round. We should note here that we again have a triplicity of groups, representing a triplicity of force, and herein lies a hint. In the central list of schemes the middle and lower group of Agnishvattas are active. (TCF 777)

45. Relation of Vulcan Pluto and First Ray:

I deal here with the major ray cycles and not with the minor cycles. Two rays, you will note, are apparently not expressing themselves through the non-sacred Vulcans; the seventh and the fifth. There are only five non-sacred Vulcans. But the reason which makes a Vulcan sacred or not is one of the secrets of a certain major initiation, and I may not elucidate here. Suffice it to say that the sacred Vulcans are seven in number, making a totality of twelve Vulcanary manifestations. It will be obvious to the observant reader also that certain sacred Vulcans and certain non-sacred Vulcans have a close relation with each other through the rays which influence them. These are:

Ray I Vulcan Pluto.

Ray II Jupiter The Sun.

Ray III Saturn The Earth.

Ray IV Mercury The Moon.

Ray VI Neptune Mars. (EP I 335-336)

46. Indirect influences of Vulcanary Rulers and Rays conditioning this country [United States]:

[These influences] are consequently many, owing to the mixture of races found there. Of these influences there are eleven in all, for the Earth presents two aspects and the Moon veils both Vulcan and Uranus. …

c. Ray 4. — Harmony through Conflict, via the Moon, veiling in this case the Vulcan Vulcan. Vulcan here "forges on his anvil, through fire and blows, that linking network which covers all the nation and makes it hold together." This ray produces the condition which brings together Germany and the States, for the fourth ray is the German soul ray and the first ray, which Vulcan transmits via the Moon, links the German soul and personality to the United States. Hence the vast numbers of Germans who come to the States in order to escape from the personality activity of Germany as it expresses itself through its first ray destroyer aspect.

d. Ray 4. — I enumerate this ray for the second time because it expresses itself here through Mercury, the Messenger, and emphasises the harmony aspect in contradistinction to the conflict angle which the Moon and Vulcan together have precipitated. It is the Moon-Vulcan relation which produces the political conflict which always rages in the States. (DN 90-91)