This commentary is an introduction to the Divine Quartet, respectively the archangels Michael, Raphael, Uriel and Gabriel.  As sacred architects of the universe, and under the impetus of spiritual direction they are the appointed custodians of the cosmos. Bringing order out of chaos, their mission is to build strong foundations and to establish a world ethos that is based on balance, peace, love and harmony.

In the context of the natal chart, these four archangels direct the orchestration of the angles (angels?) of the chart.  Namely the Ascendant, Descendant, the Midheaven (or M.C. Medium Coeli) and the Nadir (or I.C. Imum Coeli).  As conductors of the music of the spheres, Michael rules the ascendant (East), Raphael the descendant (West), Uriel the Midheaven (North), and Gabriel the Nadir or I.C. (South).

In order to resonate with these archetypal role models, we need to explore the correspondences that are presented.  These can be identified by the zodiac signs on the angles, and their esoteric planetary rulerships.  It is as though these powerful influences cannot be worked with directly; and can only be experienced vicariously and in relation to others, or by recognising a parallel situation – as an echo…or a hologram.  This intervention of the Light is what enlightens and expands our consciousness.  We cannot grow in isolation!

It is at these points of intersection on the angles that the spiritual light penetrates…thereby activating the portals or gateways of consciousness that are ready to be accessed.  These intersecting points are as follows:  Ascendant 12th/1st houses, Descendant 6th/7th houses, I.C. 3rd/4th houses M.C. 9th/10th houses (this example does not necessarily conform to known astrological house systems and their correspondences to the angles).

In the Ascendant, the qualities of the sign on the eastern horizon illustrate how we are  born into this world, and the nature of how we are equipped in order to make our ‘ascension’ in consciousness at each cycle of birth and indeed rebirth, one has to pass through a portal or ‘gateway’ in consciousness.  This represents a rite of passage and initiation.  As the ‘dweller on the threshold’ we are assisted and protected by Archangel Michael, often identified by his garb of the blue cloak of protection, and armed with sword at the ready.  His name is Hebrew for ‘look like God’.  He instils qualities of endurance and strength and personifies the archetype of the Spiritual Warrior.  During times of crisis and adversity, he enables us to overcome our doubts and fears, and what appear to be obstacles or setbacks can be transmuted into opportunities for healing and progression.

At the intersection of 12th and 1st houses, as we are being prepared to cross this particular threshold of consciousness, there is a period of gestation.  During this sensitive time, Michael equips us with the necessary qualities of patience and fortitude.  This is potentially a time of cleansing prior to renewal and regeneration.  In letting go of negative thought patterns, and in ‘cutting the ties that bind’, Michael is instrumental in enabling us to release our attachments and free ourselves emotionally into the Light.

At the intersection between the 6th and 7th houses, we encounter the Descendant.  This is where and how we connect with our partners and ‘significant others’ in life.  As we ‘descend’ so we are grounded in consciousness and must learn to interact with our environment and in relationships in ways that promote balance and harmony for all concerned.  This is the domain of Archangel Raphael, angel of healing, science and knowledge. His name translates as ‘Divine Healer’ or ‘God Heals’ and he is often portrayed as walking with the Caduceus, symbol of healing in nature and universal energy.  Raphael brings comfort and alleviates pain.  He assists in the integration of body, mind and spirit and supports our understanding of the healing lessons in illness.  At this point of ‘descent’ recognising and dealing with conflict in relationships is an essential part of the healing process.  It is only by seeing in others the reflection or mirror of ourselves…that we can accept our human frailties in totality and become whole – and therefore healed.  So another role of Raphael is that of Mediator or ‘Builder of Bridges’.  It may seem a paradox, but in helping us to become more independent, relationships are not seen as a need…more of a conscious choice; so emotionally freeing and liberating.  We learn to become interdependent, rather than co-dependent.

As we descend to the Nadir of the chart, we encounter the I.C. or Imum Coeli.  This intersection of the 3rd and 4th houses is the domain of Archangel Gabriel who represents the reflective principle of the Soul.  He is not one of the 7 Elohim but is the complement of them all – being the spirit of all the moons.  As a divine messenger, he communicates the Word of God.  His association with communication is often depicted by him holding a quill and sometimes showing a lily – symbolising purity and truth.  Gabriel helps us to integrate masculine and feminine, and in releasing our inner child…enables us to develop our creative potential.  At this entry point of the 3rd house of childhood and communication, he assists in supporting our 4th house foundations.  This area of the chart relates to our past life experience and ancestral lineage.  He corresponds to the soul family that we have chosen, our Sacred Contract in this lifetime – and is attuned to the lunar consciousness and the emotional body.  Although the archangels are androgynous, Gabriel is often depicted as a feminine persona and is regarded as the archetype of the Mother.  This is how the 4th Soul Ray of “harmony through conflict” is activated, enabling us to learn and grow through our relationships and interactions with others.  This domain is governed by the Law of Attraction. As we connect with those who are our teachers –  at this level of awareness, this process is reciprocal, and there is essentially an exchange energetically which accommodates the higher purpose of the group soul.  Accordingly, this involves the collective consciousness and enables foundations to be established.  This plays an essential role in evolutionary terms, as one’s personal growth is accelerated through the intentions of the group endeavour.

At this highest point of the chart, known as the M.C. or Midheaven and at the intersection of the 9th and 10th houses, we encounter Archangel Uriel, known as Regent of the Sun.  He is often shown with the flame of knowledge in his open hand, or carrying a lantern.  His name translates as ‘Light of God’ and he brings knowledge and understanding of the Divine.  The Midheaven is the zenith where we become self-realised.  In working towards our aspirations, Uriel enables us to interpret our inner voice and dreams.  His role is that of a Guide or psychopomp on our Soul Path.  He assists us in understanding our essential nature, and in taking more responsibility for our lives.  His illuminating presence aids us in acknowledging the Light within all people, and to recognise and respect the Laws of Karma.  It is at this intersection of the Midheaven that we are initiated into fulfilling our potential as creative spirits.  In the words of the Buddha “we are what we were, having become what we thought”.

It is also the entry point of the Soul Consciousness, where the soul incarnates and takes form.  With the emphasis on the 9th and 10th houses, this relates to the embodiment of the spirit…as the soul qualities are infused from the etheric body into the auric field, thereby creating an attunement with the Earth’s planetary energies.  This particular continuum of the 9th house (expansion) and 10th house (contraction) creates a dynamic polarity or pulse, which can be regarded with what is already known as “The Schumann Resonance”.  To expand on this a little further, the 9th house represents our spiritual journey and indicates how we are able to transcend our limitations and thereby grow in consciousness.  The theme is expansion, whereas the 10th house is Saturnian, and the emphasis is therefore on structure and containment, so the overriding dynamic at this point of intersection is ‘contraction’.  In metaphysical terms these are the ‘contractions’ or ‘birth pains’ as the spirit is reborn or birthed onto the plane of unification.

 

Om Shanti