Metaphysical Minutes Blog

Every human being holds within the entirety of the Cosmos. Within our cells is all that we receive and all that we are. Within us is Light, within us is beauty, harmony, the Good, the Truth. Within us are divine attributes. We are truly a miracle of natural law. There may be moments when we feel useless and unnecessary. Again, remember that we are nothing less than a miracle of natural law. The fact that we are here, alive and capable of love, is more than enough proof that we are a miracle. 

If we knew how to live them, all of those attributes, which are of God, would manifest in our life. However, it is up to us to choose: Light as well as the absence of Light exist within us. If every day we water the seed of darkness, this will be the reality that we experience. But if daily we water the seed of Light, the attributes of God will become the reality that we experience. 

There is not one day in which we cannot walk towards the Light. Nobody can take this from us. God is not within space or time…but rather within our heart. 

To consciously live the miracle of life is to consciously enter into contact with that which is marvelous, renewing, and beneficial existing within us. Prayer is the most accessible tool that we have for realizing contact with God. 

In prayer, words and thoughts can carry us into a true communion with God. Prayer is the path for the revelation of God within us. It is for this reason that prayer never leaves us at the place it contacted us. 

The Light of God guides me. 

The Love of God envelops me. 

Faith in God gives me strength. 

The Presence of God protects me. 

The Power of God sustains me. 

Wherever I am, 

there God is, 

Amen. 

(attributed to Padre Pío) 

It’s that time again…another Full Moon. Are you ready to hear more of the story? Well…here goes…with quite a bit of help from my friends:

The full moon under the constellation of Capricorn occurs on December 31st, at 2:14 pm EST.  Although we  call this a “Blue Moon,” in that two moons will occur during the same calendar month, (the last full moon under Sagittarius occurred on December 2) it is not a true astrological Blue Moon – where two full moons occur in the same constellation.  It is the true full moon that has the great significance. However, true Blue Moons happen only once every two and a half years, so that makes it a special occasion.  The last one was May 2007 and the next one will be August 2012.  
 
Due to its timing this full moon is interesting because:
* It occurs on the eve of a New Year
* It occurs on the eve of a New Decade
* It is a calendar Blue Moon
* It has a lunar eclipse.
 
I don’t know about you, but this decade has been a challenging one for me. My clients have had the same lament…J  So I for one am looking for to this new decade.  Somehow it seems very fitting that we end this past decade with a lunar eclipse.  Just a reminder, during a lunar eclipse, the Earth glides between the Sun and Moon, creating a shadow on the Moon and the Sun’s light cannot be reflected back to us by the Moon.  The Moon is symbolic of our dark, receptive, feminine, shadow, “so-called negative” energies, (think of positive as active, negative receptive as exemplified by the workings of electro-magnetic energy) its effect is magnified by the lack of light.

As much as our society associates negative images with the Full Moon (werewolves, lunacy, magic) in fact  it is the light of the Full Moon shining her imaginative consciousness on us that reveals to us who we really are – madmen or werewolves, vampires or wise women.

Keep in mind that the shadow of the eclipse mirrors the shadow of our individual and national identities. (NOTE: This is particularly true for Americans as this eclipse is conjunct America’s Sun in the 4th of July birth chart.) It is important for everyone to deal with personal Shadow, because  in order to change the world we live in we have face and transform our collective Shadow.
 
We all have had to deal with individual and collective shadows during this decade—most notable over the last two years.  Look back at your life. Look at what has happened in the world, your country, your state, your city in this same time period. If the word Shadow seems  an odd one to use, or perhaps confusing,  think of it in the Jungian and Shamanistic perspective -  that Shadow is the collection our own beliefs and levels of consciousness that no longer serves our highest good—either individually or collectively.

While Full Moons generally offer us the gift of awareness (providing we can bare the tension of those opposing energies and perspectives) eclipses offer the opportunity for awareness of the darkness and  Shadow we throw here on earth.
 
What does this mean? It’s time to deal with the consequences of our individual and collective decisions—we have to address both Light and Shadow.  What a wonderful time release—to let go what really isn’t really working for you anymore – let go of those things lurking in the shadows that you haven’t wanted to face, let go of what has kept you STUCK!  A Solar Eclipse occurs in two weeks. The time between the Lunar and Solar Eclipse will be a very powerful time to meditate on new beginnings, and actively contemplate seed thoughts for your life.

This full Moon is in Cancer and the Sun is in Capricorn. Interesting. Cancer has to do with our emotional body and the need to nurture our emotional intelligence. Keep in mind that Cancer dives deep into the unconscious, emotional, and intuitive aspects of life. If you are willing, this eclipse offers the possibility of having revealed where we are separated, restricted or cut off from the living waters of life. This is a good time to seek an entirely different emotional standpoint to work from; one that incorporates a bigger picture of both yourself and your potentials, and of your purpose to the collective tribe of humanity.

This lunar eclipse on the last day of the last year of the first decade of the 21st Century is a sign that a new order is needed if we are going to manage transformation and restore health to our
mother, the Earth. So let us laugh at our failures and our pride, and visualize a better way to go about the act of living together on our planet Earth.

In a nutshell -  that’s the high level overview. Now let’s examine what the full moon in Capricorn from a different perspective.

Capricorn is part of the Cardinal cross:  Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.  The four cardinal points are found in all of the ancient traditions, representing the four seasons, the four directions, the four elements of all creation, the four spirit keepers of those elemental forces. Capricorn is of the Earth… that which is made manifest.  Quite simply, Spirit which is made manifest.
 
The key concept for Capricorn is:
“Lost am I in the Light Supernal, yet on that Light, I turn my back.”

Confusing? When you realize that Capricorn is the FINAL sign of the individual in the annual Zodiacal cycle things make sense. Remember, after Capricorn, the signs Aquarius and Pisces relate to group consciousness as opposed to individual consciousness. The spiritual individual who has taken the journey of the Zodiac now finds themselves face to face with Divine Source and they make the decision  to return to Earth and carry back that Divine Consciousness with them, in order to be of service to all.
 
So it is quite fitting that during the constellation of Capricorn, we celebrate the time when the Sons and Daughters of Light—The Ascended Masters—are born / manifest on Earth.  They come back to serve!
 
Many different traditions marked December 25th as the birth date of the children of the Divine. This includes those who were  said to be born of a divine conception, between a virgin / human mother with a spiritual / deity father.
 
Consider that a “Christed” or “Annointed” being was believed to be half human and half divine. The mother is human, so she cannot “know” a human father in the traditional sense–or the divine paternity of the spiritual offspring would be called into question. She must be a “virgin”—at least for that conception.  If the being is half human, half divine, then the father must be a Deity, because the mother must be “of the Earth” or human, in order to give birth in this dimension.
 
December / Capricorn was the time ancient traditions celebrated the birth of their Divine Offspring on Earth.  By the third century CE, there were many religions and spiritual mysteries being followed within the Roman Empire. Emperor Aurelian blended a number of Pagan / Solstice celebrations of the nativity of such god-offspring/saviors as Apollo, Attis, Baal, Dionysus, Helios, Hercules, Horus, Mithra, Osiris, Perseus, and Theseus into a single festival called the “Birthday of the Invincible Sun” on December 25.
 
At the time, Mithraism and Christianity were fierce competitors.  Aurelian had even declared Mithraism the official religion of the Roman Empire in 274 CE.  Christianity won out by becoming the new official religion in the 4th century CE.
 
After much argument, Pope Julius selected December 25 as Christ’s Mass, or Christmas, in 350 A.D.–in part to counter the persistent pagan solstice rites, but also because people of the time were already used to calling it a “God’s birthday.” This proclamation was not without objection, however.  The date was so controversial that eastern churches refused to honor it for another hundred years, and the church of Jerusalem ignored the date until the 7th century. History is so interesting!

The Roman Solar Feast day was fully Christianized to January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom, and linked with the visit of the Magi, which was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice. The days between the 25th of December and the 6th of January became the “12 days of Christmas.”  Nowadays, many folks take December 21 or 23 to the New Year off – even our schools- so we have our modern / shorter version of the 12 days.
 
Back to the point. Capricorn is all about transfiguration—leading ourselves into profound changes in form, appearance, etc.  It’s about manifesting these changes physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, energetically here and NOW, in our lives.  What a logical sequence from the Sagittarius energy of setting goals.  Now you can use the Capricorn energy to manifest those goals.
 
At the time of the Capricorn full moon, we have the greatest opportunity receive energies that pour in from Capricorn and transfigure our personality and life.

There are three symbols for the appearance of Capricorn:
* A Goat
* A Crocodile
* A Unicorn.
 
The Goat is a very ambitious, tenacious, persistent (sometimes stubborn) creature that endures extreme physical conditions and prevails.  The spiritual challenge is to go on its knees (this is a predominant image) and bow before / submit to a higher vision.
 
The Crocodile likely comes from the Egyptian inner mystery traditions, where it was a potent symbol of spiritual mastery.  While I was in Egypt in 2001, I saw the pools at Luxor Temple where initiates had to swim through crocodiles to master certain initiations.   After mastering physical life, the initiate then (like the crocodile) masters the emotions of the water (2nd initiation) and then emerges onto the higher land of the mental plane (3rd initiation) to break through to the journey of the fourth initiation.
 
In all traditions, the Fourth Initiation (in the East, renunciation, in the West, crucifixion) was considered a true and final challenge of self.  This is where the initiate must turn their back on self and all that has meaning for self to serve a greater good of the group.
 
The Unicorn symbolizes the third degree initiate on the journey of the fourth initiation. The “sword” emanating outward from the forehead symbolizes a warrior of the spirit, transcending self to become a spiritual server of humanity, to become one with all.
 
This process was originally called Gnosis and it is found in all traditions, in the west particularly in the ancient Osirian traditions outlined in the Egyptian Book of the Dead / Coming Into the Light of Day.  Know thyself / love thyself, because all are part of the one.
 
The first day of Capricorn is the Winter Solstice, which is the archetypical celebration of the Alchemical marriage of Heaven and Earth.  Again, we see this in many traditions:
* Aphrodite and Apollo and Zeus
* Demeter and Persephone and Hades
* Osiris and Isis
* Jesus and Mary Magdalene
* Adam and Eve
 
All of the modern “Princess” myths like Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White are the reasons that Disney is so fond of this concept:  The woman (human in body) has forgotten who she is and when she is united with the consciousness of the man (Divine Spirit)—then they live happily ever after.
 
The concept of Capricorn is awakening to who you are, “Gnowing” (Gnosis of) who you are. Going through the second and third initiations prepares one for the Fourth – of holding Divine Consciousness in third dimension.
 
As we move forward into a new decade and 2012, I am hopeful that in accordance with the Law of Correspondence that this will be an unprecedented time where we can transform our world—individually and as a collectively—for the better!  
 
Know that together we face some very intense astrological configurations this coming year, but like Abraham Lincoln, have faith in the common human and draw comfort from the Scriptural quote found in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
  
The Blessings of Spirit to each of you and warm and loving wishes for a new year full of health, hope, joy, love peace and prosperity!

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled people. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won’t come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Read on…..

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics so they wouldn’t forget.

There are two levels of meaning in this children’s Christmas song: the outer (or apparent) meaning and the inner (symbolic) meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word (symbol) for a religious reality of those times which the children could remember.

It’s that time again…another Full Moon! The Gemini Full Moon. This full moon in the constellation of Sagittarius will occur on Wednesday, December 1, at 2:31 am EST.  

After the intensity of the Scorpio energies last month, we find that we need to grow and expand our vision of life. The harvest is over. Something has died within us so that new life can eventually grow. But before the new life is birthed, we are exist in a state of chaos and confusion. What we need is a philosophy that encompasses the changes we are each experiencing. This Full Moon shines on how our minds cope with these changes. This move from the energy of Scorpio opens us to different perspectives on what has happened and offers multiple possibilities for how we handle things in our life. What did you let go of? What did you discover about yourself? Where is your passion? What is your power?

 This time between US Thanksgiving and the Winter Solstice is a time of expectation and preparation – waiting for the birth of the new light! Remember, the days are shortened this time of year. In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice represents the darkest and longest day of the year …but also ushers in the rebirth of the light with its passing. It has always been a sacred season.

At this time Sagittarius ushers in energy from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 2nd rays—Harmony Through Conflict, Concrete Science, Idealism/Devotion and Love/Wisdom—from its exoteric ruler, Jupiter.  The 3rd ray of Active Intelligence from its esoteric ruler, the Earth is also brought forth into our consciousness. This time is all about reconciling the conflict and turmoil of Personality (your physical life) versus Higher Self (your spiritual self), self versus world, etc., setting new goals and creating ways to manifest them in the physical world.  

Sagittarius is unusual in that this zodiacal event channels all 7 of the rays. Mars, the ruler of Sagittarius, brings in the 1st and 7th rays of Will/Power and Ritual/Ceremonial Magic in addition to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th rays referenced above.  It may be for this very reason that this very auspicious time of Sagittarian energy was chosen  to initiate candidates into higher levels of consciousness in the ancient temples of the mystery schools. Many 1st and 2nd initiations were chronicled being done during the Sagittarius Full Moon.  

In Christian traditions, the time of Sagittarius is considered to be Advent, which comes from the Latin word Adventus, which simply means “the coming.”  This time is associated with the return of the Sun/ Son of Light on the Winter Solstice, which is the origin for our Christmas traditions. The Sons of Gods in many religious tradition are born on December 25th, including Jesus, Horus, Mithras, Dionysus, Hermes and Krishna. This period of 7 rays is auspicious for manifestation of the power of the Scorpio initiations.

The seed thought for Sagittarius is the essence of initiation, or the start point of something significant: “I see the goal clearly.  I reach the goal and see another to embark on.”  It is this concept that symbolizes the goals we seek both at the level of physical self and the higher self.  It is this meeting of the physical self and the divinity of the higher self that makes the light of our true nature, purpose and possibilities — ultimately possible.

While looking forward to the coming holiday season, the Winter Solstice and the new calendar year on January 1st, keep in mind that this is a truly favorable time to reflect on and be grateful for all that we have achieved as well as to reflect on where we want to go from here. Hence the tradition of the New Year’s Resolution! No Hallmark Cards didn’t make it so. (smile)

Sagittarius is generally depicted as the Centaur Archer – half horse, half man.  The half that is horse represents the animal or lower self and the human half represents our higher spiritual nature. Again, a statement of the duality of our physical and spiritual nature. Bound together as one in the Centaur—they represent the Wounded Healer.  The arrow depicted in the zodiacal image of the archer symbolizes the energy and light of our highest aspirations and ideals while the bow symbolizes the track our intentions will take as we shoot our arrows into the universe of our life.

Further, the arrow symbolizes the Divine Spark charged with the Power of Will.  Pay attention here. We are not saying the Force of Will.  When the goal you have embarked on is for your highest good, you won’t have to force anything.  The power you need to manifest your Will comes much easier and it certainly is not forced. Things work. Divine Order is at play. I can think of a zillion times I have said after something I was working on crumbled…I should have known I was on the wrong track…I had to work so hard, it seemed like the Universe was against me! Nothing is working! Why oh why oh why? Hah!

Jumping back into the base symbolism of Sagittarius, it represents the FIRE…an “electrified” power… that triggers the last 4 signs in the astrological year.  It stimulates and invigorates us literally setting us on fire with the desire to reach our goals. Keep in mind, Natural Law is Natural Law. When the Law of Attraction is at work, any set goal that is for your highest good seems to have a magnetic center established in the province of tomorrow-the future- which as we know is part of the eternal now.  Be reminded that that magnetic center is like a cosmic bulls-eye that will attract the arrow of your energy and intention toward manifesting the ideal of your goal – whatever that goal is. This is very similar to the “formula” for manifestation that Gegg Braden covers in his recent book The Spontaneous Healing of Belief.

Look again at the symbolism of the Centaur, which represents half horse (mastery/manifestation of Physical) and half human (mastery / manifestation of Spiritual).  This is a perfect time for contemplation, introspection, meditation and speculation with your Higher Self, which is a spark of the Divine Source of all being.

Once you really get in touch with the goals that are for your highest good, they will attract you with such energy that it seems that nothing can stop you. So setting the “right” goals is a critical factor for success.  The Sagittarius Full Moon is the perfect time and the perfect energy to move into what those goals are utilizing communication with the Higher Self. This is key to working towards goals that are the “right” goals for you.

Another major factor to consider is the timing of the Full Moon in the sign of Gemini. Gemini is fast-moving, airy and energetic, so don’t be surprised if the energies of this Full Moon feel accelerated. Gemini is associated with thoughts, speech and sociality, ruled by Venus (the goddess of love and beauty).  Be aware of what you are thinking, saying and how you are perceived by others.   In other words, do my words convey my intent? Are they hearing the same thing I am saying? Do my words work? This is a very good time to foster those things you love, appreciate and find beautiful in your life.

Whenever light floods in with such great volume it makes our Shadow much more evident. That in itself is not a bad thing…but can be a fortuitous one. You can see the whole picture now…if you take the time to look. What does your whole picture look like? Do you need to make changes?

Expand your awareness, cross into new frontiers and lift up your eyes to eternal truths. The dark times we are living through are part of the cosmic plan. You can despair or you can wait with hope and expectation that something new will arise –something better can arise.

The uncertain economy we all face, may make this a challenging holiday season… harsh realities may conflict with our higher ideals and spiritual aspirations.  But more importantly, remember that by availing ourselves of attunement with Higher Self and with Guidance and by not being afraid to change our thinking, our actions and aligning our goals with the new reality - we can get through this and reach the goals we set for our life. This Full Moon lights up our instinctive wisdom, which can empower us to rise to the occasion and meet our future with hope and courage. What a wonderful and positive thought!! Always keep Faith, Hope and Courage in your lexicon

As reminded by my dear friend, Rev. Lisa Lockhart, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Many thanks to the works of Torkham Saradarayan (especially his book “Symphony of the Zodiac”), Rev. Lisa Lockhart (longtime friend and fine metaphysical teacher), and the wisdom of Cathy Pagano (Jungian Psychotherapist/Astrologer/Wisdom Coach ) who provided the seed thoughts and information for this post.

 OK…We’re double  dipping on the post today! I’ve been like the proverbial bee the past several weeks…and am off teaching fro the next few weeks..soooooooo. Here goes! More on our astrological journey!

The Fourth House usually starts  at the lowest point in the chart. If you could see below this point, you would be looking off the chart to somewhere into the past. This has to do with your roots and origins. What family did you come from, who were your grandparents and ancestors. What have been the family  issues  over the years, what family history you are inheriting ?

The Fourth House is more immediately about your current family, about your Mother and Father about the environment  you grew up in. Specifically it relates to your Mother. For the path of the imaginary child we have been following through the houses, it is how he sees his family around him,  where he lives and whether he feels safe and nurtured there as well as what sort of warmth there is in the home, .

The Fourth House is naturally ruled by and parallels the sign of Cancer. It is a water house and is concerned with the realm of feelings and emotions. Does the child have a tangible feeling off warmth or coldness in this house ? Is a person secure and safe and cared for or do they feel cold and abandoned or neglected ? This  also gives an indication of how we want our home to be for us when we  are ready to form our own family.

The  opposite to the Fourth is the Tenth House - which has to do with being out in the world and showing our public face, very much the opposite of the insular Fourth House.

Planets in the Fourth House show you how you relate to your family, home and origins. With many planets in the Fourth House much of your focus will be taken up with home and family. It could be that you need to isolate yourself from the Public world to gain strength and recall your roots. You may also have many family  issues that need resolving.

If Jupiter resides in the Fourth House you may have or be part of a large family. There is a hint of joy and life with this placement. Your  family is likely to have a lot of emotion,  expression and life. However, with Saturn in the Fourth however  your family background is likely to have been cold and austere and lacking love. It is possible you were an only child or had to take on a great deal or responsibility at an early age, possibly even acting as a father or mother figure.

 The Fourth House usually starts  at the lowest point in the chart. If you could see below this point, you would be looking off the chart to somewhere into the past. This has to do with your roots and origins. What family did you come from, who were your grandparents and ancestors. What have been the family  issues  over the years, what family history you are inheriting ?

The Fourth House is more immediately about your current family, about your Mother and Father about the environment  you grew up in. Specifically it relates to your Mother. For the path of the imaginary child we have been following through the houses, it is how he sees his family around him,  where he lives and whether he feels safe and nurtured there as well as what sort of warmth there is in the home, .

The Fourth House is naturally ruled by and parallels the sign of Cancer. It is a water house and is concerned with the realm of feelings and emotions. Does the child have a tangible feeling off warmth or coldness in this house ? Is a person secure and safe and cared for or do they feel cold and abandoned or neglected ? This  also gives an indication of how we want our home to be for us when we  are ready to form our own family.

The  opposite to the Fourth is the Tenth House - which has to do with being out in the world and showing our public face, very much the opposite of the insular Fourth House.

Planets in the Fourth House show you how you relate to your family, home and origins. With many planets in the Fourth House much of your focus will be taken up with home and family. It could be that you need to isolate yourself from the Public world to gain strength and recall your roots. You may also have many family  issues that need resolving.

If Jupiter resides in the Fourth House you may have or be part of a large family. There is a hint of joy and life with this placement. Your  family is likely to have a lot of emotion,  expression and life. However, with Saturn in the Fourth however  your family background is likely to have been cold and austere and lacking love. It is possible you were an only child or had to take on a great deal or responsibility at an early age, possibly even acting as a father or mother figure.

The Third House can be likened to when  a child begins to communicate and question the ideas, concepts and workings of the world around him. At around three a child seems to ask the question ‘Why ?’ for just about everything they see and experience. They are taking in the knowledge of the world around them.  Information  they will need when they are older.

 The Third House in an Air House and the element of Air deals with ideas. This House is naturally ruled by and parallels the sign of Gemini. It is a sign that is concerned with knowledge and the transfer of ideas. To a Gemini everything is endlessly fascinating. Why do people do that ? What does this mean ? How does this work ? All of these are ideas and questions that relate to the Third House and Gemini.
About this time a child begins Nursery and starts formal learning. Up until this point,  was free to emerge and form his identity. The Third House is therefore also about the early schooling process and the acquisition of knowledge.

The Third House is also about all forms of local communication. The opposite House (the Ninth) is also about communication but is more concerned with long distance travel and global understanding of concepts and ideas. The Third House is however more concerned with its immediate environment. Brothers and Sisters, relatives, neighbors , short journeys , schooling and daily life all come under the jurisdiction of the Third House.

The planets in the Third House show us how we communicate with our immediate environment. They show us what our attitude and abilities towards acquiring knowledge are.

If  Mercury resides in the Third House the person will be a great communicator and will probably never stop talking, asking questions, reading,  and hankering after more and more knowledge. If Saturn resides  in the Third House early schooling may be slow and a person may find communication difficult. They may even have a stutter or a lisp or talk later than all the other children. However, ultimately they may excel in communicating ideas but only after much effort and overcoming of hardship and difficulties

Hmmm…gives you something to think about! Take care…more to come later.

OK…I’ve been back on the trail of unlocking some of the mysteries of Astrology.. So, here we go. We’re marching on to House #2!

The Second House is a progression for the emergence of an idea or a person that is represented by the First house. The keyword is Maintenance! One must maintain what emerged from the first house. In the second house, one realizes that there is a big world out there and some things are really GREAT…and that they really enjoy them…and they will try to hold on to them at all costs. Just try and take away a child’s toy and you’ll see the strength of this desire.

The focus of this House is the areas of physical security and personal consolidation. What is it that is mine and what do I value?

The second house is considered an Earth House and is concerned with Earthly matters. As an Earth House it is very connected with the physical world rather than abstract ideas or concepts. The physical world is full of beauty and sensual pleasures -all there to be pursued. This house is naturally ruled by and parallels the sign of Taurus, the second sign. Taureans are interested in physical comforts and objects that give them safety and security. The one people most chase is money. Money gives a person security and a freedom to pursue what they desire From another point of view, chasing after possessions and money is actually a desire to be comfortable,satisfied and feel good. The Second House therefore shows us what gives us a greater sense of self worth and what it is we do value.

The First house starts with the point known as the Ascendant. This is the Eastern Horizon of the chart. If you are looking at a circular astrology chart it is the middle point of the arc on the left hand side. At the time of a person’s birth there are a certain set of stars will be on this Eastern Horizon. This is also what is commonly referred to as the Rising Sign.  Even if the stars are not visible they are there at the exact time of our birth.
 

From an astrological standpoint, as a child is born and looks towards these stars or that sign this is his or her literal way of viewing the world. It is this perception on the world that colors everything he sees. This is his way of relating the environment and the way he receives feedback from that same environment. This is a fundamental and essential part of a human being and certainly a major part of the astrological picture of a person.

Many feel the Rising Sign is the most major day to day attribute we exhibit in the world.  However, the Sun and the Moon and other planets are also of fundamental impact. For example, a person with a Scorpio ascendant or Rising Sign may see a world filled potentially with danger. They may be slow to show their feelings,  yet their intensity and sexuality would be quite evident for all to see. Someone with a Sagittarian Ascendant may see the world as a big adventure -  lots to be done and  many challenges to overcome. Generally they would present themselves as positive and bright people.

The Ascendant is essence of the First House. Who am I and how do I relate to the world out there. The First House is a Fire House. Fire is concerned with inspiration and emergence of a new desire or idea. It is natively ruled by the sign of Aries and has many of its same characteristics. The First House is the “child” of the zodiac opening his eyes to a big world out there and is the start of the journey.

The First House is very much - me me me. It’s all about a person establishing their own nature and their individual needs. When a child is first born he has to have his needs met and there is no time for thought of anyone else. Literally speaking, a child clasps his hands together trying to grab what is out there before him.  Consider this, a person really can’t go out into the world and achieve until  his own fundamental needs have been met and his own self established.

In later posts,  we will see the opposite position on the horizon, the Descendant, which begins the Seventh House and is about how one person relates to another. A Person who has many planets in the First house generally tends to come across as quite up-front , what you see is what you get. Their focus in life tends to be around establishing their identity in the world.

The Ascendant and the First House also relate to other new beginnings. So, a person with many planets here will invest much of their energy on new projects and new adventures and will have a strong initiating quality about them. Planets close to the Ascendant and in the First House strongly influence one’s character.

That’s all for now! More later.  I’m learning a lot…and find this fascinating! I hope you do too!!