So, what do Venus and Vulcan have in common? As exoteric and esoteric rulers of the sign of Taurus, it seemed an appropriate time to explore their respective roles as we make the transition from an ego-centred existence to a soul-centred consciousness. In Venusian terms, we seek to become the embodiment of the desire nature through the qualities of Taurus. The instinctual acquisitiveness and possessiveness so characteristic of this sign tends to become invested in material possessions, and attached to the status that ‘goes with the territory’ of feeling validated through external sources of achievement. More often than not, our attention becomes focused on what we ‘have’ rather than on who we are and our own state of being. As we enter the Venusian realms of Taurean experience, we experience the shadow aspects of ourselves through the mirror images of our ‘significant others’. Fulfilling our emotional needs and satisfying our desires can become projected onto others if we abdicate responsibility for our true selves.
In order to realize the higher octave of Venus in Taurus, we need to re-invest our energy and attention in our concept and practice of relationships. The sign of the Bull corresponds with the Fourth (Soul) Ray of Harmony through Conflict which needs to be expressed through the Bhuddic (4th) plane of consciousness. In terms of our spiritual evolution, as we enter the Age of Aquarius, the challenge is to simultaneously open the (4th) Heart Chakra and the (6th) Brow Chakra. In this way, we consciously choose to be initiated into the Path of Love and Wisdom. It is this 4th Ray that attracts us as the ‘children of Venus’ to the sensual and aesthetic pleasures of art and beauty. The natural compulsion to become ‘whole’ is stimulated through the senses and critical faculties, as we seek our soulmate and niche in life.
What we actually encounter as an essential part of this process is the realization that harmony can sometimes only be achieved by being prepared to deal with conflict. In this respect, Venus rules the Law of Attraction and therefore Repulsion! At any given moment in time, we attract what we need, but not necessarily what we want. Similarly, we have free choice in being able to say ‘no’ to anything (or anyone) superfluous to requirements. As Taurus is associated with our values, principles and beliefs – we need to be able to live our lives accordingly – in truth and authenticity.
In any relationship, as we interact, we need to be able to receive as well as to give. This represents an act of trust in the other person as well as having faith in yourself and the higher forces of destiny. The influence of Venus in Taurus can ‘soften’ and break down the well-known resistance and stubborn traits of this fixed zodiac sign. It can also reinforce how much one has ‘invested’ in maintaining what appears to be the balance of power. At this lower level of consciousness, the relationship is extremely ‘conditional’. The challenge remains to elevate the dynamics in order to live, and love, unconditionally.
While the Sun is in the sign of Taurus, the full Moon heralds the celebration of Wesak Festival. This event is to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Bhudda – all said to have taken place during the sign of the Bull. According to the teachings of the Bhudda, the path of detachment from desire represents the means of awakening the soul consciousness. This commitment to the Path of Discipleship prepares the way for the expression of the Creative Will, which is channelled through the First (Soul) Ray. In order to transmute the Venusian energies of Taurus to this intuitive, Bhuddic plane, we need to engage with Vulcan – planet of the First Ray of Will/Power.
Although the actual position of Vulcan is somewhat shrouded in mystery, it is the general consensus among astrologers that it can always be found within 8 degrees 20 minutes of the Sun’s natal position and is often conjunct Mercury (using a 10 degree orb). If the Sun sign is cuspal, Vulcan can, of course, be in a different sign. The intuitive skill of the esoteric astrologer in determining the placing of Vulcan in the Natal Chart relies to some degree on the emphasis shown in how the person expresses their First (Soul) Ray, through the auspices of Pluto and Vulcan.
As a consultant astrologer, my own understanding is that Vulcan ‘builds bridges’, creates the essential link to a more highly evolved consciousness. In order for this to manifest, there is a ‘breaking down’ of the old patterns and a detachment from the self-limiting desires and attachments of the ‘old’ self. As Taurus is a fixed sign, the transition from Venus to Vulcan represents the mounting of the Fixed Cross of Discipleship. As the fixed signs personify the master-builders of the zodiac, we are laying the firm, solid foundations for the future. Sustainability is the keyword.
In mythology, Vulcan/Hephaistos was known as ‘the blacksmith to the high gods of Olympus, who fashioned Zeus’s thunderbolts’. It is significant that the second stage of the alchemical process is congelation (coagulation). This usually implies the opposite of fusion and is associated with the sign of Taurus. In my own observations of the role of Vulcan, this seems to symbolise the need for separation or detachment in order for the ego/personality self to re-align itself and become re-orientated to the higher consciousness.
Although there are obvious parallels between Vulcan and Pluto, the transformation and regeneration associated with the latter are associated with the ‘underworld’ of the subconscious. Where Vulcan is concerned, the difference is that we initiate change on a conscious level. The process is somewhat homoeopathic, as we are challenged to expose ourselves to our ‘wounds’ in order to become healed. In this respect, the Vulcanic and Plutonic realms of experience occur simultaneously, serving as a catalyst on both conscious and unconscious levels.
As Vulcan is channelled through the First(Soul) Ray of Will/Power, there is a profound yet subtle influence which is transformative in itself. It has a chameleon effect in that the Vulcanic energy is absorbed and takes on the appearance of its immediate environment. In this respect, one could say it is ‘hidden’ or ‘veiled’ by the Sun and/or by Mercury. In my own study and meditation on the role of Vulcan, he presented himself as an Emissary of the Light, sometimes known as the Archangel Uriel or the Regent of the Sun.
As we can see from the imagery of the flame that Uriel holds in his hand, his purpose is to ‘illuminate’ or ‘enlighten’. As an essential stage in our own process of becoming, as we make the transition from Venus to Vulcan, we are liberated from the wheel of Karma. In learning to recognise and work with our own limitations, we transcend them. Once Vulcan has accomplished his task, we are able to express the Loving Will/Power of Creation. Through conscious precipitation of our soul’s purpose, we are initiated through Uranus: esoteric ruler of Libra. As we implement and practice the Law of Right Human Relations, we earn the right to become the forerunners of the Aquarian Age.
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.
Alice A Bailey
Esoteric Astrology
© Celeste de Mazia
souliloquy.co.uk 