Durham Centre for Theosophical Studies
Officially formed 21st December 2012 at 2pm, Durham, England
The birth chart is a diagrammatic representation of the heavens seen from a certain point on the Earth at a particular time. It is a personal mandala and the route to wholeness of being whereby the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche of an individual, or a group, may be unified so that the entity in question may function in accordance with the divine plan. By virtue of revealing the Soul’s Purpose, as illustrated in the natal chart, one may choose the appropriate means of spiritual expression thereby accessing vast reservoirs of psychic energy that assist them in this process.
Soul’s Purpose
General Purpose based upon the Rising Sign
Gemini Rising
At the time of the group’s inception the sign of Gemini will be located on the eastern horizon. Gemini is therefore the Rising Sign or Ascendant of the group. Gemini is the sign of duality which occurs when creation becomes manifest. In Esoteric Astrology, the Gemini Ascendant challenges the subject of that chart towards creating unity from duality. In Classical Myth Gemini is related to the twins Castor and Pollux who symbolise the Soul and personality. The spiritual purpose of Gemini is to unify these opposite polarities of being so that the intentions of the Soul may be carried out. In a group situation such as this one, Gemini Rising suggests a gathering or constellation of Souls seeking to express spiritual intent whereby the individual’s within the group seek to fuse their personalities with the Soul’s purpose of the group as indicated within the chart. By means of this process, the individual Soul’s purpose of each of the group members is also afforded a favourable means of expression.
The sign of Gemini is associated with both learning and teaching. This is of course particularly suitable in terms of a spiritual group. It is advisable therefore that this is given due prominence in terms of the group’s various activities. It is interesting, and certainly beneficial, that Venus, the esoteric planetary ruler of Gemini, is placed in Sagittarius in that this is the astrological sign which rules philosophy, metaphysics and the wisdom teachings. Jupiter which rules knowledge, group endeavours together with expansion and growth, including that of a psychological and spiritual nature, is placed in conjunction to the Ascendant in the 1st house. These aspects greatly favour a group seeking to study and teach Ancient Wisdom thereby contributing to expansions of the consciousness of its members. However there are various challenges here which I shall outline later.
Gemini Rising suggests that the group members will be particularly adept at assimilating information and experiences quickly, they can then convey these amongst themselves as a means of assisting each other in terms of spiritual growth. This is further enhanced by the placement of Venus in Sagittarius which offers group members the capacity to engage in group activity as a means of obtaining insight into the nature of the spiritual path and to obtain guidance into the direction which their lives should take here.
Gemini Rising confers mental alertness within the group and suggests the need for group members to develop mental agility which can assist them in functioning successfully in both the inner and the outer worlds. There is a famous spiritual aphorism ‘not that we should live in this world less, but in both worlds more’. This is particularly applicable to this rising sign.
When Gemini is rising in one’s chart the individual is often in two minds in relation to various situations in their lives where they are be torn between conflicting tendencies. Similarly, this can apply to a group and here your members should be aware of this factor as the group chart suggests a propensity towards argument and division as indicated by the opposition aspect between Venus and the Ascendant.
Similarly when Gemini is rising the chart’s subject may be torn between the attractions offered by two worlds- the spiritual and the material or transient. A key towards successfully addressing this is for the group’s members to be taught the nature and the purpose of the Soul and, when engaged in group activity, of how the quicksilver, adaptable, learning and communicative skills of Gemini may serve towards developing an understanding of the Soul and the expression of ITS purpose. This can be allied to an appreciation of the psychological equipment (in terms of the esoteric human constitution) which each group member possesses and an understanding of the mechanics of life in the outer world where the personality operates as the instrument of the Higher Self.
Whilst the challenge of Gemini is to create unity out of duality this is also a gift which this rising sign possesses. Through the attractive powers of its esoteric ruler Venus, Gemini Rising has the ability to bring things together for the purpose of comparison and unification. This can relate to situations between people in the outer world and especially to the affairs of the personality and those of the Soul. These are factors which the group may wish to consider in terms of the teachings which they wish to study and teach.
Gemini also rules the hands and Gemini rising suggests that the group can if so desired, utilise or provide a platform for speakers, teaching various forms of healing.
Gemini rules languages and Gemini rising is usually adept with these. The challenge spiritually for the group members here is to understand a higher form of language- the language of symbols, which is found in the imagery associated with dreams and meditations. This can enable a dialogue to occur between the Soul and the personality of the group members. The Soul communicates its intent to the personality in symbolic form whether through dreams, meditations or synchronicities in one’s life. Gemini rising should develop the ability to read and understand the symbolic language of the Soul. The Gemini Ascendant therefore favours the study of Jung and associated teachings as a means of assisting the group members towards obtaining guidance and direction from within via symbolic language.
This rising sign provides a gift for communication which is of course very important in a group scenario. Gemini rising is particularly suited to writing which comes under the domain of this sign suggesting that group members can utilise their own understanding of the wisdom teachings towards creating study courses for the benefit of others.
The Gemini Ascendant offers group members the opportunity to review and consider their actions and experiences for the purpose both of their own spiritual growth and to assist in the growth of others. As I stated earlier, Gemini rules learning and teaching and these are emphasised in the group’s chart.
Specific Soul’s Purpose
Gemini Rising opposite Venus in Sagittarius in the 7th house, the Earth in Cancer in the 2nd house
In the chart of the group Venus is found in Sagittarius in the 7th house. This placement favours illumination through the wisdom teachings. It suggests the value of the group studying, and thereby shedding light upon the teachings related to the antakarana or rainbow bridge which links the Soul to the personality. The antakarana is developed through meditation and by one expressing spiritual qualities such as love, compassion, empathy and spiritual will which relates to the ability to persist on one’s spiritual path when life becomes difficult or challenging.
When seeking to construct the antakarana it is important that one engages in the practice of what Theosophy refers to as ‘higher manas’ or abstract thought. This can be developed through study of the arts, philosophy and particularly through studying and interpreting the symbolism of myth and the imagery associated with dreams and meditation. This is favoured in the group’s chart in the Soul’s purpose aspect in that, together with the placement of Venus, the Earth is found in Cancer in the 2nd which suggests the development of the higher mind of its members through study of metaphsyics and also through dream work and meditation.
The placement of Venus in Sagittarius indicates that the group can offer guidance and direction to its members. Study of the wisdom teachings should serve towards firing the aspirations its members whilst facilitating a constant extension of their horizons in life. This placement suggests that teachings on the spiritual quest- the way of the monad, alchemy/psychosythesis should be emphasised.
The location of Venus emphasises the importance of individual relationships amongst group members suggesting that there are certain lesson to be learned in this respect if the group is to achieve its aims and objectives. The opposition between Venus and the Ascendant advises group members to guard against division and arguments. Indecision is also a factor which may affect group activities. The placement of Venus also suggests that members should be taught especially to relate to the Soul- one’s ultimate partner whose intents and purpose are the very reason for their existence. This is important in that the placement of Venus in Sagittarius indicates the need for teachings within the group which promote wholeness of being whereby Soul and personality are unified.
Venus rules things which are new and therefore the group should seek to embrace new teachings which augment those of Theosophy. The teachings of Jung, Assagioli, Bailey and more recently, developments in quantum physics come under this domain.
The Earth is in Cancer in the 2nd house. This challenges group members towards defining their aims and objectives as a collective. It suggests both the need and the capacity of the group towards piercing through the veil of maya or illusion which is associated with the transient lower worlds, so that members may express the intent of their Souls.
Image for meditation- constructing a base which enables a rocket to penetrate beyond the clouds
The Earth’s placement indicates that the wisdom teachings should be given practical application in the lives of the group members and particularly by promoting spiritual values which can serve them well both in everyday life and in their spiritual endeavours. This placement suggests the value of allying the wisdom teachings to meditation practice. Neptune is placed in Pisces in the 11th house in trine aspect to the Earth thereby emphasises both the value and the potential benefits of this.
The Earth’s placement in Cancer suggests the group members should treat the wisdom teachings like a new born child with all that this implies in terms of the nurturing their potential so that they may facilitate expansions in consciousness. The Earth’s location in the 2nd house indicates that this should be undertaken in a steady, reliable and dependable way.
The location of the Earth advises group members to guard against any form of resentment towards each other which is likely to have a particularly limiting effect whilst also creating division.
Aspects to the Ascendant and Soul’s Purpose Planets
Jupiter is retrograde in Gemini in the 1st house forming a conjunction to the Ascendant. Jupiter is the esoteric planetary ruler of Aquarius. This is the sign of the water bearer symbolically pouring out the waters of knowledge for the purpose of slaking the thirst of the spiritual seeker. Jupiter and Aquarius also rule group situations together with expansion and growth hence the placement of Jupiter in conjunction to the Ascendant is appropriate for such a group. The first house rules the mind and the manner in which one ascribes meaning to life. Jupiter’s placement in Gemini conjunct the Ascendant favours psychological and spiritual growth and expansions of the consciousness of its members through teaching.
Jupiter rules good fortune, joy and benevolence. However when Jupiter is in retrograde motion these qualities are less to the fore. Indeed Jupiter retrograde can serve towards reversing the normal qualities associated with this planet. You are advised to guard against people involving themselves with the group who purport to be friends but turn out to be otherwise.
My advice in terms of the functioning of the group is to designate specific individual roles to as many of the members as possible whereby they perform their own singular tasks which then contribute to the symbiotic functioning of the overall group. Because of the retrograde position of Jupiter in the group chart it is more favourable that people work this way rather than performing tasks collectively.
Venus is in opposition to Jupiter retrograde in Gemini in the 1st house which particularly emphasises my earlier comments in relation to the need to guard against argument and division amongst group members. This aspect also warns against the group engaging in projects or forms of study which are beyond their capabilities. Positively, however this aspect can facilitate heightened awareness amongst group members. The capacity to share knowledge, insight and forms of illumination can occur through a spirit of co-operation and brotherhood whereby there is a mutual appreciation by members of the knowledge and talents which each of them brings to the group.
The Ascendant is in square aspect to Neptune in Pisces in the 11th house whilst Venus is also in square aspect to Neptune. This gives rise to what is referred to as a ‘t-square’ aspect. This is one of two separate t-squares contained within the chart. This advises the group to guard against any form of deceit amongst members and for all group matters to be well defined rather than being cloudy or nebulous. The need for the exercise of precision and detail in group matters is further enhanced by the position of the sign of Virgo in opposition to Neptune’s placement in Pisces as Neptune is the focal point of the t-square.
The Ascendant forms a sextile aspect to Uranus which is intercepted in Aries in the 12th house. The interception of Uranus indicates that individual relationships within the group of a hidden or obscured nature can either limit the group expression or greatly enhance it depending upon the intent here.
Venus forms a conjunction to Mercury in Sagittarius in the 7th house. This placement suggests the importance and the value of enlightened forms of leadership whilst indicating the likely presence of an individual who can display such qualities. This aspect favours teaching on a one-to-one basis amongst group members. The conjunction between Venus and Mercury is auspicious in terms of partnerships within the group where mutual assistance and guidance may take place.
Venus forms a trine aspect to Uranus which is intercepted in Aries in the 12th house. This favours insight and illumination through partnerships within the group. These can enable group members to express their talents in a creative manner which can also sever towards inspiring other members. This placement favours the study of an esoteric book whereby the contents inspire enthusiasm, creativity and an extension of the horizons of the group’s members.
The Earth is in opposition to the Sun in Capricorn in the 8th house. The Sun’s placement in Capricorn provides the group with the potential to give constructive and practical application to the wisdom teachings. It emphasise both the need and the value of qualities of patience, endurance, discipline, courage and inner strength amongst the membership. The Sun’s location in the 8th house indicates that both challenges and sudden realisations amongst members can be used constructively. This placement emphasises the need for members to be aware that what is testing to the personality is equally elevating to the Soul.
Capricorn is the sign of long-standing karma which goes back over many lives, whilst the 8th house rules the karma of recent lives. This suggests that group involvement offers the opportunity for members to dispense with karma through challenges presented to them through group situation and also that group involvement can inspire them towards dealing with karmic matters in their own lives, whether the karma be favourable or challenging.
The Sun’s placement confers upon group members the capacity to utilise crisis situations positively. It suggests the harnessing of emotional force allied to displays of spiritual maturity when faced with challenge. This can assist the group members in their ascent of the symbolic mountain of spiritual initiation.
The opposition between the Earth and the Sun can assist the group towards ensuring that nebulous aspirations are grounded practically and then focussed upon high forms of spiritual achievement. This aspect favours the synthesis of spiritual teachings in a practical way. It also indicates that a ‘challenging alchemy’ amongst group members can evoke spiritual growth if correctly utilised.
Uranus is placed in Aries intercepted in the 12th house and forms a square aspect to both the Sun and the Earth thereby creating another t-square. This enhances my earlier comments relating to one-to one relationships within the group which are somewhat hidden to other members possessing the potential to create challenges for the group and particularly when it comes to establishing direction. Uranus, the focal point of the t-square, is opposite the sign of Libra and the 6th house. This emphasises the importance of spiritual service. Members should be aware that essentially the group exists for the purpose of offering spiritual service to members both current and prospective. The importance of the relationship to the Soul as one’s ultimate partner should also be made apparent to members and particularly as Uranus, which rules partners, is placed in the 12th house of esoteric matters. This further enhances my earlier comments in respect of the location of Venus in the 7th house.
Other Important Planetary Aspects
The Moon is intercepted in Aries in the 12th house. This placement suggests that the group possesses special talents which members are challenged to locate. This is a very good aspect for esoteric forms of spiritual service. It favours an exploration of the unconscious or inner worlds. This placement suggests deep questions of an esoteric nature being asked by members in group situations. Members should bear in mind here the limitations of the rational mind/human intellect in this respect.
The Moon forms a trine aspect to Mercury and Vulcan in Sagittarius in the 7th house. The placement of Mercury favours the study of metaphysics and the wisdom teachings, which are ruled by Sagittarius, whilst Mercury rules the mind, attitudes and mental focus. This combination is therefore well suited towards the extensions of member’s horizons in life through the study of spiritual teachings. The placement of Vulcan favours members establishing a system of spiritual values based upon the wisdom teachings which can contribute both towards the group’s successful functioning whilst also standing them in good stead in terms of their spiritual endeavours in general. Vulcan’s location in the chart complements the Earth’s placement in the 2nd house. The trine aspects which Mercury and Vulcan form to the Moon favour creative ways of offering spiritual service to others through group activity with the wisdom teachings being analysed so that they may be used for the benefit of others.
Saturn is intercepted in Scorpio in the 6th house. This challenges the group, as a collective, to apply the passion and aspiration of its members towards constructive ends. The placement of the Sun in Capricorn suggests that the group possesses good potential in this respect. Hard work performed in acts of spiritual service is emphasised. The best way to work off karma is to perform hard work for the benefit of others and group members should be made aware of this. Saturn’s placement advises of the need to guard against anxiety amongst group members especially over perceived hurts or injustices as the effects of this are likely to be particularly negative.
Mars is placed in Capricorn in the 8th house. This complements the location of the Sun. It indicates that challenges should be viewed as opportunities which can propel group members to a higher point of consciousness. This placement favours the removal of obstacles which block spiritual progress whether these occur in the life of a group member of if they confront the group as a whole. The placement of both the Sun and Mars indicate that such challenges possess a karmic basis.
Jupiter is part of a yod or ‘finger of god’ configuration forming inconjunct aspects to Pluto in Capricorn in the 8th house and Saturn intercepted in Scorpio in the 6th house, with these two planets being in sextile aspect to each other. There is a particular emphasis here upon Jupiter as the focal point within the yod. The inconjunct aspect between Jupiter and Saturn suggests a need to give serious thought to the practicality and benefits of the various teachings and forms of knowledge which the group choose to study. The knowledge which the group acquire should be given constructive expression in service to other group members and to humanity as a whole. The placement of Pluto in Capricorn in the 8th house favours esoteric study as a means of evoking sudden insights, spiritual courage and inner strength amongst members. The inconjunct aspect between Pluto and Jupiter suggests that issues of power within the group should be carefully analysed to avoid conflict amongst members. The sextile between Saturn and Pluto favours the personal sacrifices of group members towards the collective benefit of the group so that it may be more effective, and especially in relation to the spiritual service that it provides.
Officially formed 21st December 2012 at 2pm, Durham, England
The birth chart is a diagrammatic representation of the heavens seen from a certain point on the Earth at a particular time. It is a personal mandala and the route to wholeness of being whereby the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche of an individual, or a group, may be unified so that the entity in question may function in accordance with the divine plan. By virtue of revealing the Soul’s Purpose, as illustrated in the natal chart, one may choose the appropriate means of spiritual expression thereby accessing vast reservoirs of psychic energy that assist them in this process.
Soul’s Purpose
General Purpose based upon the Rising Sign
Gemini Rising
At the time of the group’s inception the sign of Gemini will be located on the eastern horizon. Gemini is therefore the Rising Sign or Ascendant of the group. Gemini is the sign of duality which occurs when creation becomes manifest. In Esoteric Astrology, the Gemini Ascendant challenges the subject of that chart towards creating unity from duality. In Classical Myth Gemini is related to the twins Castor and Pollux who symbolise the Soul and personality. The spiritual purpose of Gemini is to unify these opposite polarities of being so that the intentions of the Soul may be carried out. In a group situation such as this one, Gemini Rising suggests a gathering or constellation of Souls seeking to express spiritual intent whereby the individual’s within the group seek to fuse their personalities with the Soul’s purpose of the group as indicated within the chart. By means of this process, the individual Soul’s purpose of each of the group members is also afforded a favourable means of expression.
The sign of Gemini is associated with both learning and teaching. This is of course particularly suitable in terms of a spiritual group. It is advisable therefore that this is given due prominence in terms of the group’s various activities. It is interesting, and certainly beneficial, that Venus, the esoteric planetary ruler of Gemini, is placed in Sagittarius in that this is the astrological sign which rules philosophy, metaphysics and the wisdom teachings. Jupiter which rules knowledge, group endeavours together with expansion and growth, including that of a psychological and spiritual nature, is placed in conjunction to the Ascendant in the 1st house. These aspects greatly favour a group seeking to study and teach Ancient Wisdom thereby contributing to expansions of the consciousness of its members. However there are various challenges here which I shall outline later.
Gemini Rising suggests that the group members will be particularly adept at assimilating information and experiences quickly, they can then convey these amongst themselves as a means of assisting each other in terms of spiritual growth. This is further enhanced by the placement of Venus in Sagittarius which offers group members the capacity to engage in group activity as a means of obtaining insight into the nature of the spiritual path and to obtain guidance into the direction which their lives should take here.
Gemini Rising confers mental alertness within the group and suggests the need for group members to develop mental agility which can assist them in functioning successfully in both the inner and the outer worlds. There is a famous spiritual aphorism ‘not that we should live in this world less, but in both worlds more’. This is particularly applicable to this rising sign.
When Gemini is rising in one’s chart the individual is often in two minds in relation to various situations in their lives where they are be torn between conflicting tendencies. Similarly, this can apply to a group and here your members should be aware of this factor as the group chart suggests a propensity towards argument and division as indicated by the opposition aspect between Venus and the Ascendant.
Similarly when Gemini is rising the chart’s subject may be torn between the attractions offered by two worlds- the spiritual and the material or transient. A key towards successfully addressing this is for the group’s members to be taught the nature and the purpose of the Soul and, when engaged in group activity, of how the quicksilver, adaptable, learning and communicative skills of Gemini may serve towards developing an understanding of the Soul and the expression of ITS purpose. This can be allied to an appreciation of the psychological equipment (in terms of the esoteric human constitution) which each group member possesses and an understanding of the mechanics of life in the outer world where the personality operates as the instrument of the Higher Self.
Whilst the challenge of Gemini is to create unity out of duality this is also a gift which this rising sign possesses. Through the attractive powers of its esoteric ruler Venus, Gemini Rising has the ability to bring things together for the purpose of comparison and unification. This can relate to situations between people in the outer world and especially to the affairs of the personality and those of the Soul. These are factors which the group may wish to consider in terms of the teachings which they wish to study and teach.
Gemini also rules the hands and Gemini rising suggests that the group can if so desired, utilise or provide a platform for speakers, teaching various forms of healing.
Gemini rules languages and Gemini rising is usually adept with these. The challenge spiritually for the group members here is to understand a higher form of language- the language of symbols, which is found in the imagery associated with dreams and meditations. This can enable a dialogue to occur between the Soul and the personality of the group members. The Soul communicates its intent to the personality in symbolic form whether through dreams, meditations or synchronicities in one’s life. Gemini rising should develop the ability to read and understand the symbolic language of the Soul. The Gemini Ascendant therefore favours the study of Jung and associated teachings as a means of assisting the group members towards obtaining guidance and direction from within via symbolic language.
This rising sign provides a gift for communication which is of course very important in a group scenario. Gemini rising is particularly suited to writing which comes under the domain of this sign suggesting that group members can utilise their own understanding of the wisdom teachings towards creating study courses for the benefit of others.
The Gemini Ascendant offers group members the opportunity to review and consider their actions and experiences for the purpose both of their own spiritual growth and to assist in the growth of others. As I stated earlier, Gemini rules learning and teaching and these are emphasised in the group’s chart.
Specific Soul’s Purpose
Gemini Rising opposite Venus in Sagittarius in the 7th house, the Earth in Cancer in the 2nd house
In the chart of the group Venus is found in Sagittarius in the 7th house. This placement favours illumination through the wisdom teachings. It suggests the value of the group studying, and thereby shedding light upon the teachings related to the antakarana or rainbow bridge which links the Soul to the personality. The antakarana is developed through meditation and by one expressing spiritual qualities such as love, compassion, empathy and spiritual will which relates to the ability to persist on one’s spiritual path when life becomes difficult or challenging.
When seeking to construct the antakarana it is important that one engages in the practice of what Theosophy refers to as ‘higher manas’ or abstract thought. This can be developed through study of the arts, philosophy and particularly through studying and interpreting the symbolism of myth and the imagery associated with dreams and meditation. This is favoured in the group’s chart in the Soul’s purpose aspect in that, together with the placement of Venus, the Earth is found in Cancer in the 2nd which suggests the development of the higher mind of its members through study of metaphsyics and also through dream work and meditation.
The placement of Venus in Sagittarius indicates that the group can offer guidance and direction to its members. Study of the wisdom teachings should serve towards firing the aspirations its members whilst facilitating a constant extension of their horizons in life. This placement suggests that teachings on the spiritual quest- the way of the monad, alchemy/psychosythesis should be emphasised.
The location of Venus emphasises the importance of individual relationships amongst group members suggesting that there are certain lesson to be learned in this respect if the group is to achieve its aims and objectives. The opposition between Venus and the Ascendant advises group members to guard against division and arguments. Indecision is also a factor which may affect group activities. The placement of Venus also suggests that members should be taught especially to relate to the Soul- one’s ultimate partner whose intents and purpose are the very reason for their existence. This is important in that the placement of Venus in Sagittarius indicates the need for teachings within the group which promote wholeness of being whereby Soul and personality are unified.
Venus rules things which are new and therefore the group should seek to embrace new teachings which augment those of Theosophy. The teachings of Jung, Assagioli, Bailey and more recently, developments in quantum physics come under this domain.
The Earth is in Cancer in the 2nd house. This challenges group members towards defining their aims and objectives as a collective. It suggests both the need and the capacity of the group towards piercing through the veil of maya or illusion which is associated with the transient lower worlds, so that members may express the intent of their Souls.
Image for meditation- constructing a base which enables a rocket to penetrate beyond the clouds
The Earth’s placement indicates that the wisdom teachings should be given practical application in the lives of the group members and particularly by promoting spiritual values which can serve them well both in everyday life and in their spiritual endeavours. This placement suggests the value of allying the wisdom teachings to meditation practice. Neptune is placed in Pisces in the 11th house in trine aspect to the Earth thereby emphasises both the value and the potential benefits of this.
The Earth’s placement in Cancer suggests the group members should treat the wisdom teachings like a new born child with all that this implies in terms of the nurturing their potential so that they may facilitate expansions in consciousness. The Earth’s location in the 2nd house indicates that this should be undertaken in a steady, reliable and dependable way.
The location of the Earth advises group members to guard against any form of resentment towards each other which is likely to have a particularly limiting effect whilst also creating division.
Aspects to the Ascendant and Soul’s Purpose Planets
Jupiter is retrograde in Gemini in the 1st house forming a conjunction to the Ascendant. Jupiter is the esoteric planetary ruler of Aquarius. This is the sign of the water bearer symbolically pouring out the waters of knowledge for the purpose of slaking the thirst of the spiritual seeker. Jupiter and Aquarius also rule group situations together with expansion and growth hence the placement of Jupiter in conjunction to the Ascendant is appropriate for such a group. The first house rules the mind and the manner in which one ascribes meaning to life. Jupiter’s placement in Gemini conjunct the Ascendant favours psychological and spiritual growth and expansions of the consciousness of its members through teaching.
Jupiter rules good fortune, joy and benevolence. However when Jupiter is in retrograde motion these qualities are less to the fore. Indeed Jupiter retrograde can serve towards reversing the normal qualities associated with this planet. You are advised to guard against people involving themselves with the group who purport to be friends but turn out to be otherwise.
My advice in terms of the functioning of the group is to designate specific individual roles to as many of the members as possible whereby they perform their own singular tasks which then contribute to the symbiotic functioning of the overall group. Because of the retrograde position of Jupiter in the group chart it is more favourable that people work this way rather than performing tasks collectively.
Venus is in opposition to Jupiter retrograde in Gemini in the 1st house which particularly emphasises my earlier comments in relation to the need to guard against argument and division amongst group members. This aspect also warns against the group engaging in projects or forms of study which are beyond their capabilities. Positively, however this aspect can facilitate heightened awareness amongst group members. The capacity to share knowledge, insight and forms of illumination can occur through a spirit of co-operation and brotherhood whereby there is a mutual appreciation by members of the knowledge and talents which each of them brings to the group.
The Ascendant is in square aspect to Neptune in Pisces in the 11th house whilst Venus is also in square aspect to Neptune. This gives rise to what is referred to as a ‘t-square’ aspect. This is one of two separate t-squares contained within the chart. This advises the group to guard against any form of deceit amongst members and for all group matters to be well defined rather than being cloudy or nebulous. The need for the exercise of precision and detail in group matters is further enhanced by the position of the sign of Virgo in opposition to Neptune’s placement in Pisces as Neptune is the focal point of the t-square.
The Ascendant forms a sextile aspect to Uranus which is intercepted in Aries in the 12th house. The interception of Uranus indicates that individual relationships within the group of a hidden or obscured nature can either limit the group expression or greatly enhance it depending upon the intent here.
Venus forms a conjunction to Mercury in Sagittarius in the 7th house. This placement suggests the importance and the value of enlightened forms of leadership whilst indicating the likely presence of an individual who can display such qualities. This aspect favours teaching on a one-to-one basis amongst group members. The conjunction between Venus and Mercury is auspicious in terms of partnerships within the group where mutual assistance and guidance may take place.
Venus forms a trine aspect to Uranus which is intercepted in Aries in the 12th house. This favours insight and illumination through partnerships within the group. These can enable group members to express their talents in a creative manner which can also sever towards inspiring other members. This placement favours the study of an esoteric book whereby the contents inspire enthusiasm, creativity and an extension of the horizons of the group’s members.
The Earth is in opposition to the Sun in Capricorn in the 8th house. The Sun’s placement in Capricorn provides the group with the potential to give constructive and practical application to the wisdom teachings. It emphasise both the need and the value of qualities of patience, endurance, discipline, courage and inner strength amongst the membership. The Sun’s location in the 8th house indicates that both challenges and sudden realisations amongst members can be used constructively. This placement emphasises the need for members to be aware that what is testing to the personality is equally elevating to the Soul.
Capricorn is the sign of long-standing karma which goes back over many lives, whilst the 8th house rules the karma of recent lives. This suggests that group involvement offers the opportunity for members to dispense with karma through challenges presented to them through group situation and also that group involvement can inspire them towards dealing with karmic matters in their own lives, whether the karma be favourable or challenging.
The Sun’s placement confers upon group members the capacity to utilise crisis situations positively. It suggests the harnessing of emotional force allied to displays of spiritual maturity when faced with challenge. This can assist the group members in their ascent of the symbolic mountain of spiritual initiation.
The opposition between the Earth and the Sun can assist the group towards ensuring that nebulous aspirations are grounded practically and then focussed upon high forms of spiritual achievement. This aspect favours the synthesis of spiritual teachings in a practical way. It also indicates that a ‘challenging alchemy’ amongst group members can evoke spiritual growth if correctly utilised.
Uranus is placed in Aries intercepted in the 12th house and forms a square aspect to both the Sun and the Earth thereby creating another t-square. This enhances my earlier comments relating to one-to one relationships within the group which are somewhat hidden to other members possessing the potential to create challenges for the group and particularly when it comes to establishing direction. Uranus, the focal point of the t-square, is opposite the sign of Libra and the 6th house. This emphasises the importance of spiritual service. Members should be aware that essentially the group exists for the purpose of offering spiritual service to members both current and prospective. The importance of the relationship to the Soul as one’s ultimate partner should also be made apparent to members and particularly as Uranus, which rules partners, is placed in the 12th house of esoteric matters. This further enhances my earlier comments in respect of the location of Venus in the 7th house.
Other Important Planetary Aspects
The Moon is intercepted in Aries in the 12th house. This placement suggests that the group possesses special talents which members are challenged to locate. This is a very good aspect for esoteric forms of spiritual service. It favours an exploration of the unconscious or inner worlds. This placement suggests deep questions of an esoteric nature being asked by members in group situations. Members should bear in mind here the limitations of the rational mind/human intellect in this respect.
The Moon forms a trine aspect to Mercury and Vulcan in Sagittarius in the 7th house. The placement of Mercury favours the study of metaphysics and the wisdom teachings, which are ruled by Sagittarius, whilst Mercury rules the mind, attitudes and mental focus. This combination is therefore well suited towards the extensions of member’s horizons in life through the study of spiritual teachings. The placement of Vulcan favours members establishing a system of spiritual values based upon the wisdom teachings which can contribute both towards the group’s successful functioning whilst also standing them in good stead in terms of their spiritual endeavours in general. Vulcan’s location in the chart complements the Earth’s placement in the 2nd house. The trine aspects which Mercury and Vulcan form to the Moon favour creative ways of offering spiritual service to others through group activity with the wisdom teachings being analysed so that they may be used for the benefit of others.
Saturn is intercepted in Scorpio in the 6th house. This challenges the group, as a collective, to apply the passion and aspiration of its members towards constructive ends. The placement of the Sun in Capricorn suggests that the group possesses good potential in this respect. Hard work performed in acts of spiritual service is emphasised. The best way to work off karma is to perform hard work for the benefit of others and group members should be made aware of this. Saturn’s placement advises of the need to guard against anxiety amongst group members especially over perceived hurts or injustices as the effects of this are likely to be particularly negative.
Mars is placed in Capricorn in the 8th house. This complements the location of the Sun. It indicates that challenges should be viewed as opportunities which can propel group members to a higher point of consciousness. This placement favours the removal of obstacles which block spiritual progress whether these occur in the life of a group member of if they confront the group as a whole. The placement of both the Sun and Mars indicate that such challenges possess a karmic basis.
Jupiter is part of a yod or ‘finger of god’ configuration forming inconjunct aspects to Pluto in Capricorn in the 8th house and Saturn intercepted in Scorpio in the 6th house, with these two planets being in sextile aspect to each other. There is a particular emphasis here upon Jupiter as the focal point within the yod. The inconjunct aspect between Jupiter and Saturn suggests a need to give serious thought to the practicality and benefits of the various teachings and forms of knowledge which the group choose to study. The knowledge which the group acquire should be given constructive expression in service to other group members and to humanity as a whole. The placement of Pluto in Capricorn in the 8th house favours esoteric study as a means of evoking sudden insights, spiritual courage and inner strength amongst members. The inconjunct aspect between Pluto and Jupiter suggests that issues of power within the group should be carefully analysed to avoid conflict amongst members. The sextile between Saturn and Pluto favours the personal sacrifices of group members towards the collective benefit of the group so that it may be more effective, and especially in relation to the spiritual service that it provides.