Astro Elements and Psychological functions

I'm currently in the garden, the grass having being recently cut offers up the sharp scents of spring, the sun in it's fiery domain has warmed me enough that ill type this blog from the welcoming arms of the lawn, with a fresh cup of tea by my side and the chirping of some birtds echoing on the breeze I cant help but ponder the bigger questions.

One which comes to mind it the ongoing debate: if there is a direct connection between the astrological elements and Jung's four types or psychological functions and if so could a natal chart (or honorary casting) be utilised to highlight the individuals or situations dominant and inferior element correlated with the four Jungian functions.

This seems to be an ongoing point of agitation for many astrologers, especially thought who seek to synthesize the two theories. While it is clear that the two systems of understanding are in fact related they may, for many reasons be open to direct correlations.

Points of contention
If we cast an eye to one of Jungs books: “Psychological Types” (My current copy was published by Princeton University Press and translated by Gerhard Adler, pages 510-511, 531-532 are especially noted for this topic) we can see that Jung clearly related the four classical temperaments and astrological elements with the concept of four psychological types. However he never went into much detail, neglecting to state which element and type related to one another.

From this there has arose a fast amount of differing theories, one of my favourites actually is in which the four classical temperaments of Choleric, Melancholic, Sanguine, Phlegmatic are named the four quadrants of the astrological chart, instead of being marked with the elements.
However we can quickly find ourselves with the teachings of Aristotle: On generations and corruption, like wise with pseudo Oscellus: On the nature of the universe and Plato: Tiameus, all associating the four classical temperaments (or humours) with the four elements.

Choleric (Fire)
Sanguine (Air)
Phlegmatic (Water)
Melancholic (Earth)

Aristotle in his wisdom even placed Earth in opposition (in its astrological aspect and not the philosophical or psychological context) to fire and Air in opposition of Water. This would be exactly in line with Jung's placing of Intuition in opposition to Sensing and the placing of Thinking in opposition to Feeling.

The elemental Numbers
There are several methods and techniques offered up by astrologers past and present on how to count the elements found within the chart.

This can be a little confusing but it may help to remember that in a chart the elemental placement of the planets and luminaries (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are each in need of being “counted”.

In counting the elements, one of the more popular methods is:

Give two points for the elements that the Sun and Moon are located in.
Give one point for each for the elements that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are located in.

An elemental overview:

Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

If we take todays major alignments:

Sun – Aries
Moon – Gemini
Mercury – Taurus
Venus – Taurus
Mars – Leo
Jupiter – Pisces
Saturn – Virgo
Uranus – Pisces
Neptune – Aquarius
Pluto – Capricorn

Fire (Intuitive) - 3 points

Earth (Sensing) - 4 points

Air (Thinking) - 3 points

Water (Feeling) - 2 points

In counting the four elements and comparing them with Jung's functions we discover the following:

As a Sensing Earth Jung Theory would have the inferior function in Fire, however in todays alignments its in Water.

So although the quick counting of the elements is a nifty short cut that sometimes works quite well, it isn't a stead fast rule of interpretation.

There are many reasons as to why a quick correlation between the two systems is a lot more complex and difficult than simply counting up the planetary elements.

Yes its true that there are many times (including my own natal chart: Cancer/Water) where looking at the zodiacial element of the Sun sign can point out the primary psychological type and if not can be highlighted as a secondary type or auxiliary function. Although due to the lack of reliability I tend to avoid using the elemental markers as a primary trend of interpretation.

Some thoughts to ponder:

*Elements are not necessarily confined to their Zodiacal placements. The moon for example regardless of the Sign, when in a conjunction with the Ascendant creates the element of Water in the chart.

*While Jung did relate the four classical temperaments and astrological elements with the four functions, he however never did explain which function went with which element. There is an endless array of reasons as to why he chose to neglect this aspect of the work however it would appear, at least on the surface, that while Jung did think the two concepts were similar in form and understanding he did not consider them to be the same.

*Many (myself numbered among them) have never being convinced that any of various type indicator tests accurately measure Jung's four types, and if so for how long would they remain constant. In this the ever changing ebb and wane of Self such a report risks telling us more about who the person tested we would like to be, rather than who we actually is.

While the counting and analysis of the chart elements may offer up a skillful tool of interpretation if you neglect looking at the chart to identify the more dominant zodiacal elements and how they can manifest themselves you risk neglecting and overlooking many productive and practical points of understanding.

As an astrologer I find it intriguing as to why there is such a need to constantly prove something works and link it with the more orthodox and socially embraced theories of personal placement and understanding. Lets focus on what works and aids rather then which is proven and relies on the crutch of another system or theory. To think in such a way is to forget that all things are theories and that nothing is unshakeable.

Right now for myself and those I read for, what works is the utilisation of type indicator tests to help knit together and guide the complex themes and aspects of a chart for interpretation. After all at a core and basic level astrology is about enabling people to gain a better understanding of who they are, and where they are going so that they can live healthier more fulfilling lives.

In order to honour that ideal it is best never to reject any potential tool of empowerment of bridge of understanding - illumination i never the less illumination.

Special thanks to Dr, Z for the rants and points of discourse that lead to this post :)

Deacons – 36 Cosmic whispers

The sphere of the earth is surrounded by a 360 degree array, which when divided by twelve possess the markers and placement of the Zodiac. While the debate of a 13th sign rages on in this post/rant I want to focus on the lesser known Deacons and how they can be useful not only from a synergetic and elemental point of view but one of self developments and a fostered alliance with the living cosmos.

While the primary solar sign is composed of 30 degrees, like the name suggests the Deacon has ten, they can present sub alignments of other planetary forces as well as sub elements.

Take for example Taurus – Ruled by Venus and harboured in the Earthen Element but with the understanding of the deacons it has three other sub planets as well as sub elements – presenting not only a far more harmonic platform of creation but whispers at the immense intricate cosmic weave and ever blossoming co-creation.

Using Taurus as the example:

Taurus – Venus/Earth

Sub elements/Planets/Deacons

Mercury in Taurus Moon in Taurus Saturn in Taurus

Known that Saturn is of the Earth, a 3rd deacon Taurus would be Earth-Earth, which despite being near the cusp can still project the element in it's more refined aspect.

When I first came across deacons in the work of the Golden Dawn I was at first surprised that elements weren't totally balance in each sign, something that was corrected when I stood back and saw that a primary sign was an aspect of that elemental projection. Which when they were unified the elements were balanced – perhaps a list might explain better then I am :)

Fire Signs - Fire of Fire

mars in aries

sun in aries

venus in aries

saturn in leo

jupiter in leo

mars in leo

mercury in saggittarius

moon in saggitarius

saturn in saggitarius

Water Signs - Water of Water

venus in cancer

mercury in cancer
moon in cancer

mars in scorpio

sun in scorpio

venus in scorpio

saturn in pisces

jupiter in pisces

mars in pisces

Air Signs - Air of Air

moon in libra

saturn in libra

jupiter in libra

venus in aquarius

mercury in aquarius

moon in aquarius

jupiter in gemini

mars in gemini

sun in gemini

Earth Signs - Earth of Earth

jupiter in capricorn

mars in capricorn

sun in capricorn

mercury in taurus

moon in taurus

saturn in taurus

sun in virgo

venus in virgo

mercury in virgo

Each Deacon has an astrological alignment and image.

Aries

first deacon:March 21 to March 31
Cassiopeia: A beautiful woman seated on a throne next to a king whose crown is made of stars.Initiative

second deacon:April 1 to April 10
The Sea MonsterLeadership

third deacon:April 11 to April 19
Perseuswith winged feet, helm crowned and a victor's sword, foresight

Taurus

first deacon:April 20 to April 30
Orion. The heavenly huntsman,girded by a belt of stars with his sword bound therin, one foot aloft to crush his enemies, affability

second deacon:May 1 to May 11
EridanusA long winding river that symbolizes eternal justice, organization

third deacon:May 12 to May 20
Aurigathe shepherd protecting the flock, determination

Gemini

first deacon:May 22 to May 31
Lepus the Harethe weaker creature can outwit the stronger, conscientiousness

second deacon:June 1 to June 11
SiriusThe great dog's name derives from "victorious prince", serenity

third deacon:June 12 to June 20
Canis Miinorthe small dog stands for the triumph of reason, knowledge

Cancer

first deacon:June 21 to July 2
The Little Bearsymbolizes the goals and ideals of man, philanthropy

second deacon:July 3 to July 12
Ursa MajorThe big dipper symbolizes assembly and discretion, methodical

third deacon:July 13 to July 22
Argo the heavenly shipdecision and determination,adaptability

Leo

first deacon:July 23 to August 2
Hydra, the serpentinfluence which can only be purufied by fire, illumination

second deacon:August 3 to August 13
Crater, the cup or chaliceemotional overflowing, intellect

third deacon:August 14 to August 22
Corvus the Ravendestroyer of the enemy, defender of the fallen, experimantation

Virgo

first deacon:August 23 to September 2
ComaThe mother who brings succor, alertness

second deacon:September 3 to September 13
Centaurus, the centaurthe dual nature of man, dignity

third deacon:September 14 to September 22
Bootes the gleanerthe gathering of the harvest, discrimination

Libra

first deacon:September 23 to October 3
Crucisatonement , potential

second deacon:October 4 to October 13
Lupus the wolfslain and symbolizing repentance, endurance

third deacon:October 14 to October 23
Corona Borealisachievement, persistance

Scorpio

first deacon:October 24 to November 1
The Serpentintegrity, spiritual power

second deacon:November 2 to November 11
Cerebusloyalty, esoteric knowledge

third deacon:November 12 toNovember 22
Herculesrighteousness, destroyer of evil

Sagittarius

first deacon:November 23to December 1
Lyra the harphonesty; heavenly music, harmony

second deacon:December 2 to December 11
Arathroughness, the figure of revenge disbursing punishment

third deacon:December 12 to December 21
Draco the dragonintuition, triumph of good over evil

Capricorn

first deacon:December 22 to December 31
Sagitta the arrowprecision, destroying what lies in the path

second deacon:January1 to January 10
Aquila the eaglejustice, going to rest

third deacon:January 11 to January 19
The Dolphinsympathy; spiritual development

Aquarius

first deacon:January 20 to January 31
Austrinus the fishcourage, fertility

second deacon:February 1 to February 9
Pegasusfrankness, bearer of good things

third deacon:February 10 to Febraury 18
The Swaninsight, sacredand beautiful bearer of burdens

Pisces

first deacon:February 19 to March 1
The Bridlereliance; overcoming restrictions of the physical body

second deacon:March 2 to March 11
Cepheus the Monarchwith one foot resting on the pole star - service and imagination

third deacon:March 12 to March 20
Andromedathe woman freed from her chains, action

While time currently limits me from going into much more depth on the topic (for now...) such elemental alignment and imagery can be useful tools of self development and creation.

Eg. As a first deacon Cancarian I work well with Venus. After taking special care to notice where Venus is in my chart I can now interpret it's effect on my Solar sign a little differently, knowing not only its elemental force on my Solar sign but that it offers up more cross associations and effects – being ruled by the moon I am a sensitive man, easily effected by the tides around me, something which can be alleviated by the ascended Venusian flow as well as made all the more intense depending what these two planetary powers are aspected as.

Ways in which to utilise Deacons:

*Study the relationship between the elements of your Solar sign.
*How they are connected with other elements within your chart.
*Meditate on the imagery provided, path working can offer up far more personal associations.
*Utilise the Deacons as a way to understand the greater and lesser influences of a planet, not only the one which rules your solar aspect but how it is connected the deacon planets.
*Work along the notified synastry of those around you, understanding the sub elements as well as primary houses might not only add far more depth to the image but casts far more vivid the colour in which we use to understand those around us.

A kaviana/ prayer stick would be best described as an elemental channel, it touches upon the gifts of the earth in many of its forms to raise be unified as a prayer in repetition that exists as long as the kaviana rests intact.

I have again omitted the ritualistic aspect of its creation, this is to respect the origin of its magic as well as to inspire those that may wish to create one to tap into there own flow of creativity and construct it within the folds of there own light.

It uses like most tools the symbolic energies of nature channelled though our own understanding of it, it is relatively easy to construct and quite adaptable to most causes.

A branch from an appropriate tree.Feathers freely given from a bird of choice.Cords or colour that aid the need.Tokens that symbolically project the desire.

Traditionally the spirts of the household are summoned, the ancestors fed and the Gods thanked, a explanation of the need is then given, plainly and direct - and thus it begins.

Some of the items used are said to be provided by nature itself, and thus one must stir themselves to commune with the forces of the living world, I do this with intentionally going for long walks in search of some aspects of the tools, for the wood and feathers I often with intention light a candle (and leave it in a safe place) and go about my walk in woodland areas - always without fail I have come across a branch that speaks out to me, and on later research is one that offers up the exact associations of what I was looking for - the same goes for the feather.

The cords are chosen with intention and I often use the chakra vibrations as a gardge of which to use.

The tokens are of a different form, they are talismans and tokens you come across that aid the desire and supplicate it to a higher form - for the explanation the ones I used (as we were dealing with a possible psychic intrusion) was that of a small key (to bard the sphere) a tooth (to aid defence) and a I-Ching coin (to aid the intuitive growth and thus limit future chaos within that domain).

Within the confounds of a ritual format the tools are gathered and unified - letting the effort behind it come to fruition, reminding and blessing the prayer stick as you go - first is to cleanse the wood, I often at this stage inscribe the wood with an intention/ appropriate prayer.

Then there's the binding of the feathers, cording of the wood itself and attachment of the tokens.Once complete, consecrated and empowered it is left in a place of sanctuary (I used the grove of some enchanting oak trees on a beautiful hilltop).

Tradition holds that each time the wind kisses the feathers they sing out the prayer, echoing the intention to the four corners of the world.Although not expressed very well or explained to a high degree the resulting picture may be of more aid in understanding its dynamics.

Creating a Maranus

With my primary solar aspect in a water sign as well as that of my moon I often work well with the element – especially in terms of charms and amulets.

This post is a redevelopment of an earlier work shared else where. Like most things here it is simplistic in form but with a bit of patience, focus and a lot of trust it can be a channel and vessel for something far greater.

Although with no direct translation Maranus would be best translated as “Voice of the Sea” it is another simplistic yet surprisingly adaptable talisman that on my own journey has found its power and place many times.In its most rudimentary form it is two shells, filled and sealed together – creating a vessel for the manifestation of the will, focused and bound in a primal physical form allowing the desire to go forth within the corporeal reality and bring about the desired effect.

The pictures inclosed in this post are from one (I made several that time) with the intention of aiding a further warding of the threshold of my home against a disruptive force, it was not malignant in nature merely chaotic – and with some other slight alterations to my lifestyle and ritual habits, I can warmly announce that the situation not only ended within a day, but the causing factor is no longer even in play.

A reminder of the potential power, of not the Talisman (even when in its Amulet form) but the results brought forth by focusing the mind and trusting in the innate ability of the self.

The process as usual in the foundational magic’s (I feel the title of “low” seems to diminish there potential place in the Arts, limiting our use and progression through there use) works on both the innate associations of objects as well as personally personified ones.

I have taken away most of the ritual enchantments and mantras as they are of a personal lineage and I am somewhat uncomfortable sharing them so openly (despite being ever so merry on cookies and tea) but have left the structure enforced enough to allow others to develop on it in a personal way.

The item’s used were:

Pestle and Mortar, to char and mix as well as to focus and empower.

Herbs of Choice, those with protectively imbued qualities.

Crystal chips, Incidentally I choose Amethyst for its ability to transmute lower energies to higher vibrational ones.

Pen (Blue, as it is correspond numeriologicaly to the house)

Virgin Paper

The matching shells,

Paint, red for power and effect.

Brush.

Candle, blessed and inscribed.

Matches.

Fire proof container.

After meditating on the process and the opening rite of Announcement and Purpose has being attended to, light the candle, place herbs and crystal chips into the mortar, and gentle churn, announcing again the purpose and process in play.Write or sigil the intention on the paper, fold it thrice and offer it to the flame, allow it to burn safely.

When the paper has burnt add the ashes to the herbs and continue to grind until you are satisfied with the mix and that the intention has being placed strongly enough into them.Allow to stand and mix among its own energies for a while as you take the shell and paint an appropriate symbol on it (I choose that of Ashina – Keeper of the household. Colour Red symbolic of Mars the bringing of force).

Return to the churning of the herbs as you let the paint dry.When this has come to pass you fill the shells with some of the mortars mix and seal it with the wax of the candle, ensuring it is bound on all sides and strong enough to set fully into a solid whole.You then leave it on your alter or place of power to set within itself.I later buried the others near the footsteps of the home, to bring it into a deeper physical alignment with the intention.

It is done. Simple, relaxed and within the reach of the arty-crafty senses of most people :)

Oein