Studies in Astrology
by
Elman Bacher
Volume IX
Chapter X
The Astrological Path
The purpose of presenting this discourse is two-fold.
It is well that new students of astrology obtain a perspective of what this
Path requires of them in mental training and what it includes in expansion of
knowledge and understanding. Those students who are experienced on the Path
should periodically remind themselves of the requirements of their chosen Path
and refresh their spiritual aims, methods, and objectives. The Astrological
Path is a long one, containing many complexities of unfoldment; the "long-
range viewpoint" and quiet, unshakable patience are prime requisites for the
fulfillment of any of its phases. Some students, in the present life, may be
recapitulating knowledge gained through study in past lives, now ready to
begin to apply their knowledge and understanding; some may still be
continuing their program of absorption, and still others may be taking their
first step on this Path. Regardless of present placement, all should have a
comprehensive knowledge of the over-all program that is involved in this
complex study so that the spiritual ideal and purpose may be held to
unwaveringly.
The art-science called "astr-ology" is the study of
universal laws as they apply to evolutionarily unfolding consciousness;
consciousness is the one primordial light and the symbols of the
"lights"--Sun, Moon, and planets--are used to designate the faculties,
vehicles, and powers by which unfolding consciousness becomes aware of
divine consciousness. Just as our solar system is one of seven systems
comprising a galaxy so each of our "solar-system-lights" is one of a family,
inter-related to and interdependent upon each other and the central sun; all
being externalizations of the divine creative consciousness of our
Logos. Astrology is primarily not a "study of the stars"--that is the
astronomer's job. The astrologer is a student of modes of consciousness
which are externalized as the planetary, solar, and lunar bodies of our
system. We humans have correspondence with these planetary bodies because we
and they are creations of the same Divine Source and vibratory affinity aligns
us all together in this solar system. The astronomer assists the astrologer in
providing scientifically calculated data pertaining to the geocentric and
heliocentric relationships of the "lights" to the belt of the zodiacal signs;
this data is synchronized with time-space principles of incarnation for the
calculation of the natal horoscope which symbolically pictures the present
cyclic status of an evolving hu1nan consciousness. The "astr" of astrology
refers to "star" only exoterically; esoterically and philosophically it refers
to that light which is consciousness. It is by the degree and
quality of evolving consciousness that all phenomena, experience,
and relationship are interpreted; this refers to the physical body as well
as to all environments, activities, endeavors, karmic lessons, aspirations,
and ideals. All of these factors are symbolically pictured in essence
by the natal horoscope; the sum-total of the "contents" of a chart represents
the person's basic inclinations and tendencies in viewpoint--the specific
result of the way he exercised his inclinations and tendencies in past
lives up to the present life. When the astrological student establishes his
awareness of the "astro-path" as being the study of consciousness--ever
evolving through incarnated experience and patterned by the great archetypal
Principles of the Universe--he will then appropriately evaluate each factor
of the study to the basic core and thus maintain all evaluations in proper
proportion and perspective. Every factor in a correctly calculated horoscope
is an exact picturing of results in consciousness from causes in
consciousness. Regeneration of consciousness determines improved
conditions, more truthful evaluation of experience and a clearer and more
perfect apperception of powers--potential and actual.
The ancients were encouraged in their apperceptions of
Divine Nature and Consciousness by the technique of "personalization;" modes
and facets of the Divine Essence were given exposition as "the gods and
goddesses." The anglicized versions of some of these divine names are now
applied to our identity of the planets--the name of each planet representing a
composite or synthesis of divine potentials, principles, and powers. So, in
considering the many phases of the Astrological Path we will also personalize,
for concreteness, and, in imagination, consider the nature and abilities of
one whom we will call "The Master Astrologer," and whom we will identify as
the prototype of all astrologers and astrological students, past,
present, and future. His name will be "Astrophilus" (he who loves astrology),
and he is one who, through many lives during many centuries of time has
dedicated himself to the ever-expanding comprehension of astrological
principles. As a Master-Astrologer, he is one who now is able to correlate
all phases of learning with astrological symbolism. He will be
understood to be the "personalized ideal" of all who walk the "Astro-Path."
Astrophilus always has been, is now, and will continue
to be aspiritual aspirant. This means that he does not permit his
desire for astrological knowledge to supersede his desire for
understanding of right use of astrological knowledge. He dedicates his
application of knowledge to the service of human enlightenment because he
knows that the enlightenment-service is the basic purpose for the attainment
of knowledge in the first place. He knows that the maximum fullness of his
knowledge is but a fragment of universal wisdom so, with true humility, he
keeps his mind and consciousness ever-open and ever-adjustable to the
consideration of new ideas. He is as impersonal and honest in his evaluation
of his own chart as he is with the chart of anyone else because he knows that
only total honesty will nourish his own unfoldment and ability. His
intellectual and analytical endeavors--extensive, profound, and crystalline as
they may be--are continually nurtured by prayer; whenever the need is felt, he
invites the recharging of his consciousness and intuition by the powers of the
Super-mind. Every act or endeavor in his astrological service is dedicated and
consecrated by his love for God and fellow-humans. He recognizes that he is
"Elder Brother" to--probably--most of humanity, but he never forgets that he
himself is as much a child of the Divine Parent as is the most ignorant and
uninspired of his fellows. His calculation of each horoscope is an act of
spiritual ritual by which the forces of his mind, consciousness, and
Spirit are focalized and unified to the fulfillment of his
service.
As a Brother, Astrophilus is sincerely
appreciative of the endeavors and aspirations of humans on all
paths which serve human enlightenment and regeneration. Through his many
past lives he has shared the absorption of knowledge with fellow-
students who represent all lines of inquiry and investigation. He maintains an
essential gratefulness toward all teachers and experiences which serve to
further his astrological, philosophical, and spiritual education. In finding a
correlation between his chart and any experience, he appreciates the
experience, however painful or difficult, because it served to expand his
knowledge and understanding. He regrets and resents no experience; the
healthy adjustability of his mind--dedicated to the reception of Truth--
permits no morbid retention of negative interpretations of experience but
rather rejoices in each and every opportunity for the expansion of
comprehension and apperception. He seeks always to avoid attitudes or
viewpoints of bias and so refuses to retain in consciousness that
quality of mental action that breeds prejudice or false approbation. He
strives to regard his own experiences with spiritual equity so that he
may more perfectly represent the equity of true enlightenment to those
he helps.
As a scientist, Astrophilus is first of all a
mathematician and geometrician. The technical aspects of his work require a
fluent comprehension of all arithmetical principles and of certain principles
revealed through geometry. Since algebra is the mathematical exposition of the
universal Law of Correspondence, a knowledge of this branch of science enables
Astrophilus to evaluate and tabulate any and all vibratory equations to be
found in a given chart, or which form the "patterns of linkage" between two or
more charts. In his training, back in the early days in Atlantis, Chaldea, and
Egypt, Astrophilus learned that accuracy in mathematical calculation and
comprehension not only externalized the apperception of a mode of Truth,
but acceptance of the mental disciplines involved in training externalized
the sincerity of his pursuit of truth. Accuracy is truth externalized; and
because of the tremendous complexity of "things" which are studied on the
Astrological Path, the willingness to discipline the mental body so that the
right results are obtained in mathematical endeavors is an important factor in
the astrologer's dedication to his service. Whenever it is possible to do so,
Astrophilus always seeks to determine the accuracy of all data; he works with
that data in such a way that the maximum accuracy may be obtained. In his
teaching-work, Astrophilus encourages his students in every way possible to
appreciate the value of mathematical training; he knows from his own
experience that Humanity owes a great debt to Mathematics for what it provides
in disciplining, harmonizing, and focalizing the mental vehicles and the
powers of consciousness. To engage successfully in mathematical endeavors, one
cannot be satisfied with anything less than right (truthful) results!
It is interesting--and significant--to note that so
many forms of visual exploration are made through a circular frame-work. Our
two eyes are focused in such a way that everything we see is through a
"circular window;" the astronomer gazes through a circular mechanism to study
and explore a portion of the solar system, a galaxy or some other division of
the phenomenal universe exterior to the earth; the chemist and biologist peer
through a circular microscope to study the "littleness" of material phenomena.
In his work as a student of human consciousness, Astrophilus centers his
attention also on a circular diagram formed by a certain arrangement of the
zodiacal belt which contains a specialized set of symbols placed according to
accurate mathematical principles and which convey a revelation of spiritual
laws. Astrophilus is a specialist in the sense that his prime objective is to
serve the furthering of human enlightenment but the principles which
are inherent in his specialized study are germane to all forms of exploration
made by other scientists.
As far as scope of knowledge is concerned,
Astrophilus "takes hands" with all of his brother-scientists; the essences of
his study and exploration are found to be represented in some form or degree
in all other branches of study by which the nature of the universe is
revealed and comprehended. In the degree that the nature of the universe is
comprehended does the realization of unity with the universe unfold.
Astrophilus must use the powers of analysis just as a chemist does, but in
addition he must also synthesize because his purpose is not to teach
the "separateness of man from the universe" but to reveal the unity of
humans with each other, with all creatures, and with divine source. The
analytical factor in his study pertains to the human as an individualized
aspect of consciousness, with particular karmic requirements of experience
and particular "personal tendencies." The factor of synthesis is actually a
process of the Higher Mind by which Astrophilus may assist the person to
experience an expansion of awareness of unity within himself through
developing spiritual autonomy and of awareness of unity with other
humans through affinity of common destiny and evolutionary goal.
Astrophilus, in addition to being a scientist, mystic,
and priest, is also an interpretative artist. He seeks to find, through study
of horoscopical indications, those modes and techniques by which the person
concerned may through regeneration of consciousness become consciously more
and more aware of the beauties of his own spiritual consciousness. Every
principle used in astrological representation has its counterpart in one--or
all--of the fine arts. In an over-all survey of astrological factors, we find
design, rhythm, color (by implication), structure, mass (by
implication), spectrum, and every conceivable aspect of beauty that
can be realized or externalized by human beings. During the many years and
lives of his experience, Astrophilus enjoyed contact with artists and artistic
interpreters of all kinds. His spiritual affinity to these persons was based
on the inspirational factor inherent in all artistic expression and
enlightenment-service. To "enlighten" might be thought of as a process by
which "light is thrown into consciousness" or "the presence of light in
consciousness is revealed." Any human, by whatever mode or means, who serves
to reveal harmony to other persons is an inspirator; harmony is
the revelation of equilibrium throughout all parts of a thing and it is
the conscious re-attainment of equilibrium that characterizes our
evolutionary goal. It was from that state that we were projected, as
individualizations, at the start of our experience as humans. All apperception
of Beauty is a glimpse of the "heaven in our own consciousness," and through
his knowledge of alchemy, Astrophilus is able to help people understand how
they may effect conscious regeneration of their inner powers and thereby
unfold wider and purer apperceptions of the beauty of their divine
nature.
After many lives devoted to the practice of realized
truths and in accordance with high ethical standards, Astrophilus found a
strange and wonderful awakening in his own consciousness. It pertained to a
cognition that "the planets" which he had studied for so long in horoscopes
were modes by which the divine revealed itself through human
consciousness. As a result, Astrophilus found himself becoming more and
more conscious of God's presence in all planetary aspects--each aspect
being thus perceived to be an indication not of "absolute evil" or "absolute
good" but rather that of spirit-ual viewpoint. The hitherto-considered
"evil" aspects were then perceived to be, in truth, symbolic pictures
of experience-methods by which a human must ultimately realize his own
divine nature. All square and opposition aspects register karmically
timed and karmically qualified conditionings from which, through
incarnate experience, the human is to be brought face-to-face with the results
of past thought and action; from experiencing these results he is to
apprehend in greater degree those modes of thought and action which
further, rather than obstruct, evolutionary unfoldment and realization of the
Spirit's highest ideals.
Reader, these things said herein about "Astrophilus"
are really being said about you--now an astrological student, perhaps a
practitioner--who from some point on the Path may unfold the powers of the
perfectly trained mental vehicle, the winged power of intuition and the
diamond-clear power of clair-cognition through your continued and
devoted application to astrological study. May the Spirit within grant you the
strength of patience, the buoyancy of inspirational joy, and the blessing of
ever-expanding appreciation of your fellow-humans through the truth-
pursuing study of horoscopes as the need for such study may be brought to
your attention. Life provides all opportunity to fulfill the Astrological
Path.