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Esoteric Astrology - The Nature of Esoteric Astrology - Spiritual Effects of the Zodiacal Constellations
You will, therefore, note that when the pull of the energies pouring into and through the signs of the zodiac is in the direction of form expression that the result of the interplay between the opposite signs leads to some aspect of definite personality manifestation, this being largely determined by the ray of the personality. When the life tendency is being withdrawn from form and the soul is in process of revelation then there is soul or egoic emphasis, and this again is determined, as to quality, by the nature of the egoic ray. Here again will appear the necessity for a knowledge of the point in evolution of the individual whose horoscope is under consideration. I would indicate at this point that in studying any of the signs it will be wise to study at the same time its opposite or consummating sign. Much that I could, for instance, say in connection with the sign, Cancer, has already [340] been said in connection with its opposite, Capricorn, and the same will be true of all the signs which we are now going to study.

It will now be clear to you why the Moon and Neptune, transmitting the energies of the psychic nature and of form, plus the tendency to achieve through the medium of conflict, rule Cancer so potently, both directly and indirectly. They control the form and the lower psychic nature and produce the battle ground (later to be transmuted into the burning ground) whereon these two "face in the final conflict" their higher correspondence, the soul and spirit, for matter is spirit at its lowest point and spirit is matter at its highest. In these words you have the true clue to the Cancer-Capricorn relationship. When to these potent influences is added the force of the seventh ray (producing a synthesis of expression upon the physical plane) and of the third ray (producing intense activity in matter) you will note how in this sign all the energies concerned tend to bring about the incarnation of the soul in the three worlds of experience and human expression. The power of Venus in this sign tends to make the mind the servant of the personality and this is aided by the forces of the third Ray of Active Intelligence. Thus the stage is set for the appearance of the soul in form. You would find it an interesting study to compare the effects of these ray potencies as they find expression in Cancer upon:

  1. The unevolved man as he demonstrates form control.
  2. The evolved man, initiate and Savior as he demonstrates soul control. The forces which controlled the soul whilst dominated by form become the instruments of world service. [341]

As these results are studied, you will eventually arrive at an insight into the relationships we touched upon earlier when we discussed the rulers of this sign - exoteric and esoteric - which brought the Cancer subject into contact with Virgo, Aquarius and Scorpio. From one point of view, you have the imprisonment of the soul and the glorification of the personality demonstrated, ending with death in Scorpio; in the other you have the revelation of the Christ within the form, the revelation of the serving individual and the revelation of the final victory over death. When to the above recognitions you add the place which the planets hold in this sign, you have a most remarkable and at the same time rather abstruse situation indicated and - because this is the final cross of initiation - one which will only become really clear when the final stages of the path are trodden. Therefore, only a few hints are possible. Two planets are exalted in this sign, Jupiter and Neptune. As this is the sign of rebirth, these two planets indicate the successful development and eventual use of the form aspect and the development of psychic sensitivity both in the higher and the lower senses.

These are important developments for the soul who has chosen to incarnate. The building of adequate forms and the use and control of form are essential if there is to be wise and right cooperation with the Plan of God. Jupiter guarantees this in Cancer from the very initial stage of birth. Love as relationship to divinity and wisdom as relationship to form lie behind the soul's intent. In space and time, for long aeons, form controls and hides the soul. This is equally true in regard to the fluid psychic nature. These (the form aspect and the psychic nature) reach an eventual concrete perfection in Capricorn to become again in Cancer the perfect [342] instrument of service which the initiate wields as he seeks to render mass service instead of being involved and lost in the mass. The power of Saturn in this sign furthers the ends and purposes of the governing energies or rays of harmony through conflicts (the Moon and Mercury) and of Neptune, for in this sign Saturn is in the home of its detriment and thus produces those difficult conditions and situations which will lead to the needed struggle. This makes Cancer a place of symbolic imprisonment and emphasizes the pains and penalties of wrong orientation. It is the conflict of the soul with its environment - consciously or unconsciously carried on - which leads to the penalties of incarnation and which provides those conditions of suffering which the soul has willingly undertaken when - with open eyes and clear vision - the soul chose the path of earth life with all its consequent sacrifices and pains, in order to salvage the lives with which it had an affinity.

Curiously it is Sepharial who places the rulers of the decanates more accurately than does Leo. Usually this is reversed and Leo is the more correct of the two astrologers. Sepharial gives us Venus, Mercury and the Moon whereas Leo apportions the Moon, Mars and Jupiter to these decanates. The mind, the uses of conflict and form life are the contributing factors, leading the soul along the way of incarnation. The instrument of release is, in the last analysis, the right use and control of the organ of illumination which is the mind. Hence the necessary emphasis ever laid upon meditation when the aspirant awakens to spiritual opportunity. The strength which comes through conflict and constant struggle build up steadily that reserve of strength and power which enables the aspirant to take the final tests of discipleship in Scorpio and to brave in Capricorn the [343] trials of initiation and the breaking of all the bonds which the processes of incarnation have forged.

In the Words given for this sign, the Word of the soul indicates the objective of the Cancer experience and the purpose for which incarnation has been taken:

  • "I build a lighted house and therein dwell."

The temporary method of the personality is also clearly given when we are told that the Word proclaimed by the soul as it takes incarnation is

  • "Let isolation be the rule and yet - the crowd exists."

This sign can carry deep meaning to all. You are in process of incarnation; you are following your chosen way. Is the house you are building yet lit? Is it a lighted house? or is it a dark prison? If it is a lighted house, you will attract to its light and warmth all who are around you and the magnetic pull of your soul, whose nature is light and love, will save many. If you are still an isolated soul, you will have to pass through the horrors of a more complete isolation and loneliness, treading alone the dark way of the soul. Yet this isolation, this loneliness and this separation in the dark night are all part of the Great Illusion. It is, however, an illusion into which the whole of humanity is now precipitated in preparation for unity, freedom and release. Some are lost in the illusion and know not what is reality and truth. Others walk free in the world of illusion for the purposes of saving and lifting their brothers, and if you cannot do this, you will have to learn so to walk.
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