In order to fully understand the esoteric planetary rulerships, we need to be receptive to the soul-centred dimension of astrology. It is with this perspective in mind that I have chosen our ‘point of entry’ as the yin Heart Chakra, as this represents our initiation – both individually and collectively – into the path of discipleship in all its variations. Symbolically, this 4^th Chakra is portrayed by a six-pointed star which contains 12 petals – each one associated with a sign of the Zodiac.   It is within this framework that we are able to explore the personal and transpersonal realms of esoteric astrology. As our understanding and awareness becomes integrated with the love and wisdom generated by the Heart Chakra, so we are prepared to navigate through the Portals of the Soul.

The esoteric ruler of Aries is Mercury, known traditionally as the “Messenger of the Gods”. The mercurial nature when placed in this fire sign is able to manifest in a diversity of roles, yet without the limitations of superficiality. No longer bound by the law of duality, the soul consciousness is unified and therefore able to elevate itself.   The soul-centred Aries is not only a Messenger, but also an Intermediary. In working with polarities, this personality is intuitively attuned to the Higher Self. In this respect, Mercury provides the inspiration and becomes the vehicle for creativity as the abstract world of ideas and concepts is brought into manifestation. The 4^th (Soul) Ray of Harmony through Conflict corresponds to Mercury in Aries. This challenges the naturally adversarial Arian in his role as the Spiritual Warrior.

Vulcan is the esoteric ruler of Taurus, known mythologically as ‘the blacksmith to the high gods of Olympus, who fashioned Zeus’s thunderbolts’. As an agent of transformation, the energies of Vulcan activate the 1^st (Soul) Ray of Will/Power. This reinforces the Bhuddist teachings of non-attachment to the desire nature, thereby facilitating our awakening to the Creative Will and Higher Self.

The esoteric ruler of Gemini is Venus, whose correspondence is to the 5^th (Soul) Ray of Concrete Mind. As the sign of the twins represents duality, the Venusian role is that of integration and synthesis. Through the creative expression of the Higher Mind, the mutable characteristics of the Gemini personality are changed and adapted in order to attune to the higher octave of Venus. This attunement is enabled through the Antahkarana, or Rainbow Bridge, which mediates between the personality and the Soul. As Venus is the embodiment of love and creativity, this opens the mind and the heart to the quality of Grace. At this level of understanding, there is no distinction between the ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ polarities of being. Through fusion and harmony, we become a part of the whole;  the microcosm within the macrocosm.

As Neptune is the esoteric ruler of Cancer, the correspondence is to the 6^th (Soul) Ray of Devotion and Idealism. This water sign of the crab symbolizes the birth of humanity on the earth plane, with the Moon as the exoteric ruler and personification of the archetype of the Mother. It is at this stage of our evolution that we are challenged to relinquish our attachments, in all their myriad forms, in order to allow ourselves to be cleansed and purified by the  Neptunian ocean of consciousness.

As the 6^th Ray is primarily focused through the astral plane, there needs to be a conscious relinquishment of old emotional patterns and identifications with others, as the energies of devotion and idealism become distorted or misplaced as they are projected outside of ourselves. In what may appear to be an act of sacrifice, we are able to transcend the situations in our lives that are self-limiting and represent bondage. Through the natural sensitivity and nurturing qualities of Cancer, we are able to attune to the Neptunian realms of the Cosmic Mother. In freeing ourselves emotionally, we awaken to Spirit. The keyword is surrender.

On both esoteric and exoteric levels, the sign of Leo is ruled by the Sun. In terms of the soul-consciousness, the correspondences are to the 1^st (Soul) Ray of Will/Power, the 2^nd (Soul) Ray of Love/Wisdom,  and the 5^th (Soul) Ray of Concrete Knowledge. As we are symbolically awakened and re-born into a heightened awareness of the Self, we are able to harness our own personal resources in allegiance to the group consciousness.   The naturally creative and dynamic attributes of this fire sign are elevated and extended in humanitarian endeavours, as we transcend the limitations of the ego through fulfilling our soul’s purpose. Through Leo’s polarity – Aquarius – we are able to connect with the higher mind, and channel the divine will through the Heart Chakra. This represents an essential Rite of Passage or transition from the ego to the soul-centred consciousness. The keyword is illumination.

The Moon, as esoteric ruler of Virgo, represents the Cosmic Mother whose primordial energy protects and nurtures her children. The Soul Rays associated with this rulership are the 2^nd Ray of Love/Wisdom and the 6^th Ray of Devotion/Idealism. As these Soul Rays are filtered through the lunar consciousness, the instinctive reaction presents itself through the correspondence to the 4^th Ray of Harmony through Conflict. In karmic terms, there is always a price to pay! As we evolve through the higher octave of Virgo, we are confronted by the need to cultivate the art of discrimination. This particular cycle represents our process of gestation, as symbolically we separate the ‘wheat from the chaff’. As we gradually work towards a more unified consciousness, issues involving division and separation are dissolved and transmuted into a higher form of manifestation. What we are left with is the move towards synthesis.

 (To be continued)