3. Spiritual Effects of the Zodiacal Constellations. - Part 12

Apart from the importance of the influences of Gemini as the dominant power in the Mutable Cross, it is one of the paramount zodiacal signs in that it is the major symbol of duality in the zodiac. It is the constellation Gemini and its inherent second ray influence which control every one of the pairs of opposites in the Great Wheel. Gemini, therefore, forms with each of the pairs of opposites in the Zodiac a third factor, powerfully influencing the other two constellations, [347] and thus forms, with them, certain great zodiacal triangles. These only become of importance when considering the horoscopes of advanced human beings or esoteric groups, but eventually—when casting the horoscope of a disciple or an initiate—the esoteric astrologer will have to consider their potency. For instance, in the case of an initiate whose Sun is in Leo, the triangle of constellation energies determining the interpretation of the horoscope would be Leo-Aquarius-Gemini. When dealing with a subject whose Sun is in Gemini itself, the conditioning triangle would be Gemini-Sagittarius and Pisces—the latter forming a part of this triangle because it marks both the end and the beginning and is, for this great cycle of the zodiac, the Alpha and the Omega. These points I will endeavour to elucidate in greater detail when taking up with you the basic astrological Science of Triangles. The generalisations and the hints in connection with the twelve signs of the zodiac which have formed the subject matter of our past instructions have been primarily intended to lay the ground and to prepare your minds for the later section upon triangles; this will be far the most important aspect of the teaching on esoteric astrology and the one which will be the first to be grasped by modern astrology.

This sign is sometimes called the "constellation of the resolution of duality into a fluid synthesis." Governing as it does all the pairs of opposites in the zodiac, it preserves the magnetic interplay between them, keeping them fluid in their relations, in order eventually to facilitate their transmutation into unity, for the two must finally become the One. It should be remembered that—from the angle of the final development of the twelve zodiacal potencies—the twelve opposites must become the blended six, and this is brought about by the fusion in consciousness of the polar [348] opposites. Pause and consider this phrasing. The opposites eternally remain from the point of view of human reason, but to the initiate whose intuition is functioning they constitute but six great potencies, because he has achieved "the freedom of the two," as it is sometimes called. For instance, the Leo subject who has an initiated consciousness preserves the individuality, developed in Leo, as well as the universality of Aquarius; he can function, if he so chooses, as a fully self-identified individual, yet possesses simultaneously a fully awakened universal awareness; the same thing can be said of balanced activity and consequent fusion in all the signs. This analysis constitutes in itself an interesting and far-reaching field of speculation.

Gemini is, therefore, one of the most important of the twelve signs and its influence lies behind everyone of them—a fact but little realised as yet by astrologers. This will be more fully understood when the triangle of Gemini and two opposing signs is studied. Because the Ray of Love-Wisdom, the second ray, pours through Gemini it becomes apparent how true is the occult teaching that love underlies the entire universe. God is love, we are assured, and this statement is both an exoteric and an esoteric truth. This underlying love of Deity reaches our solar system primarily through Gemini, which forms, with the constellation of the Great Bear and the Pleiades, a cosmic triangle. This is the triangle of the cosmic Christ and is the esoteric symbol lying behind the cosmic Cross. There is ever the eternal triangle to be found behind the fourfold phenomenal appearance. Speaking symbolically and in the words of the Old Commentary:

"Upon the golden triangle, the cosmic Christ appeared; His head in Gemini; one foot upon the field [349] of the Seven Fathers and the other planted in the field of the Seven Mothers (these two constellations are sometimes called the Seven Brothers and the Seven Sisters. A.A.B.). Thus for aeons, the Great One stood, His consciousness inturned, aware of three but not of four. Intent, with suddenness, He heard a sound go forth.... Arousing to that cry, He stretched Himself, reached forth both arms in understanding love, and, lo, the Cross was formed.

"He heard the cry of the Mother (Virgo), of the Seeker (Sagittarius), and of the submerged Fish (Pisces). Then, lo, the Cross of change appeared, though Gemini remained the head. This is the mystery."

In this occult statement is hidden one reason why Gemini is regarded as an air sign, for it is cosmically related (as are Libra and Aquarius, the other two points of the airy triplicity) in a most peculiar way to the Great Bear, to the Pleiades and to Sirius. The relation is essentially a sixfold one, and here you will find a hint as to the resolution of the pairs of opposites—involving as these three constellations do the three ideas of opposition-equilibrium-synthesis or universal fusion. It might be stated that:

1. Gemini—forms a point of entrance for cosmic energy from Sirius.

2. Libra—is related to and transmits the potencies of the Pleiades.

3. Aquarius—expresses the universal consciousness of the Great Bear.

It might be profitable to you to bear in mind at this point what I have often told you, that the great White Lodge on [350] Sirius is the spiritual prototype of the great White Lodge on Earth, of which modern Masonry is the distorted reflection, just as the personality is a distorted reflection of the soul. I would also remind you again of the relation between Gemini and Masonry to which reference has frequently been made.

A close consideration of what I have said above will serve to emphasise in your consciousness the importance of this constellation, Gemini, and the inner significance of the Mutable Cross. All the constellations on this Cross mark points of change or are the custodians of those energies which produce the needed periods of re-orientation, preparatory to fresh developments and new activities. It might be of interest if I pointed out that:

1. The Mutable Cross—brings about those conditions which will produce great periods of change in the life of the planet, of a kingdom in nature or of a human being. Mercury plays a part in this.

2. The Fixed Cross—brings about, as a sequence, to these inner changes, certain great points of crisis which are unavoidable and present definite opportunity. Saturn is dominant in bringing this about.

3. The Cardinal Cross—is responsible for bringing about certain great points of synthesis, as a consequence of both change and crisis. Jupiter is responsible for the focussing of energies at this point.

I will enlarge upon this later, but the above will give you (even in this brief form) certain positive ideas of great importance, and will indicate certain situations which can be looked for in the lives of those whose Sun is in one or other of these signs and on one or other of these Crosses.

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In the expression of the activity of this sign of duality, it is subjective energy we must consider as it produces objective effects. This sign controls esoterically the heart of our solar system and thus controls the pulsation of life which sustains all that is. Gemini is, therefore, connected with the heart of the Sun, just as Cancer is related to the physical Sun and Aquarius to the central spiritual Sun. Here again, you have a significant triangle of a cosmic nature, the energies of which are focussed through the three aspects of the Sun in a most mysterious fashion:

1. Cancer . . . physical Sun . . . 3rd aspect . . . intelligent activity of the Whole.

2. Gemini . . . heart of the Sun . . . 2nd aspect . . . love of the Whole.

3. Aquarius . . . central spiritual Sun . . . 1st aspect . . . the will of the Whole.

Through these signs the three major aspects of divinity are at this time focussed. In casting the horoscope of the planet (a thing that has never yet been accurately done, owing to the lack of data available to the exoteric astrologer) it is the influence of these three constellations which will be found of dominating importance. In Cancer, you have the intelligent synthetic consciousness of the mass, viewing it from the consciousness of matter itself and the awareness of all forms and atoms; in Gemini, you have an emerging recognition of duality, leading to experience and growth in all separative intelligent forms; in Aquarius, you have the results of the activity of Cancer and Gemini, producing a higher synthesis and a universal group awareness. This the intelligent student can trace with moderate facility in relation to humanity, but it applies equally to all forms in all kingdoms of nature and also to planetary and solar expression. The proved reality of this is one of the developments of the initiatory process at the end of the long, long path [352] of evolution. Attraction and repulsion are therefore conditioning factors in our solar life, and this conditioning reaches us through Gemini. It is the effect of a cosmic energy at present unknown to humanity. The waxing and the waning light which distinguishes soul experience from the first faint move towards incarnation and Earth experience, the rise and fall of civilisations and the growth and unfoldment of all cyclic manifestations are produced by the "interplay between the two brothers," as it is called. In that far-off time when the greater round of the zodiac was started in Gemini, as now it is in Pisces, there was a relation between the waxing and the waning moon, due to the pulsating power of Gemini. This is now greatly lessened, owing to the removal of the responsive life from the Moon, but the rhythm then set up still remains, producing the same basic illusion. I am talking here in terms of ancient facts and not in terms of reflection, as is now the case. I refer to realities and not to shadows.

Gemini, as you may now begin to grasp, is related to the etheric body; it is the custodian of conditioning energy and the intermediary, as far as basic essentials are concerned, between soul and body. These are the two allied brothers. In the average person, the etheric vehicle is the transmitter of psychic energy, galvanising and coordinating the dense physical body and permitting, therefore, astral and mental control of the personality. When the man is upon the Path of Discipleship and, therefore, upon the reversed wheel, leading to initiation, the etheric body becomes the transmitter of soul energy and not of personality force; the powerful effect of the second Ray of Love-Wisdom—working through the subjective six rays, according to ray type—begins steadily to dominate the vital body, producing consequently the shift of force and of intensity to the [353] centres above the diaphragm. The power of the personality lessens and wanes whilst that of the soul waxes and grows. There is much to be learned from the study of the dual activity—higher and lower—of the etheric body and its relation to and responsiveness to the constellation, Gemini, but it is too abstruse for the ordinary student. It is nevertheless an esoteric fact to be borne in mind and will be some day of real service to the astrology of the future, for some day astrology will be lifted up to a higher plane. True interpretation will come and true healing in all departments of human living through a proper understanding of the available potencies and energies pouring into the planet at any particular time.

We come now to a consideration of the Rulers of this sign and there is much to be learnt from a study of them. The orthodox ruler is Mercury who, as the Messenger of the Gods or the "divine Intermediary, carries messages between the poles with speed and light." In this most potent and important planet the idea of duality is again to he found, enhancing and enhanced by the influence of Gemini. Mercury is the expression of the dual aspect of the mind as it mediates between the higher and the lower. This mediation again falls into two stages: the use of the concrete mind as the mediator within the personality, conditioning the personality life, analysing and distinguishing between the human self and the not-self and emphasising the "me and thou" consciousness as well as that of the personality and its environment. Secondly, it carries the messages between the soul and the brain and establishes right relation between the lower self and the higher self; it is, therefore, the illumined mind, relating soul and personality. This process of the higher relationship is carried forward with rapidity upon the Path of Discipleship. There is a third [354] aspect of Mercury which begins to function when the other two are perfected or in process of rapid perfecting. Mercury, in this case, is the abstract mind—removed from all form contact as we understand it—and relates soul and spirit, and this again in two stages. Mercury is the revealer of the Spiritual Triad (atma-buddhi-manas or spiritual will, spiritual love and the higher mind) to the soul, and this carries the disciples to the stage of the third initiation. It is then the revealer of the life aspect during the processes of the higher initiations, but upon these it is not necessary for us to enlarge.

In a peculiar way, therefore, Mercury increases in the Gemini subject the latent sense of duality in its various stages and also the sense of distinction, leading to that mental agility and that fluidity of mind which is one of the major assets as well as one of the major difficulties of this sign. This agility has, however, to be rightly understood and handled. When there is facility of mental approach in any direction and in connection with the many opposites in manifestation, you have the emergence of the divine Messenger in his true character, able to comprehend extremes and to relate them divinely to each other. Gemini is pre-eminently the sign of the messenger, and this sign produces many of the messengers of God as they appear down the ages, the revealers of new divine truths and the intermediaries between the fourth and fifth kingdoms.

It is for this reason that you have the exoteric ruler given as Mercury and the esoteric ruler as Venus, for they embody between them the energies of the fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict and the fifth Ray of Concrete Knowledge or Science which is embryonic understanding of causes and conditions resulting therefrom and also of the Plan.

Again you find the note of duality in the relationship [355] (established by the activity of these two rulers) between the third kingdom of nature, the animal kingdom and the kingdom of God or of souls, the fifth kingdom in nature, thus producing the fourth or human kingdom. Between these two the influences play from Sagittarius to Gemini and vice versa. It was the activity of Venus—under the influence of Gemini—which produced the great crisis of the individualisation when the two kingdoms "approached" each other. Venus, Mercury and the Earth then set up a magnetic field which made the intervention of the Great Lodge on Sirius and the dual stimulation of Gemini effective in producing significant results of which the fourth kingdom in nature is the expression. The fact that Gemini is the third sign and embodies what is called "a third potency" enabled it to reach, with its force, the third kingdom and produce that reaction which resulted in the individualising or the humanising of its higher forms of life. You will note that Venus is also the hierarchical ruler of Capricorn, thus showing the power of the mind and its place and purpose in connection with both the major human crises: Individualisation and Initiation. It relates humanity in an unique way to Gemini. In the coming world religion this fact will be noted and in the month of June, which is essentially the month in which the influences of Gemini are peculiarly strong, due advantage will be taken in order to bring man nearer to the spiritual realities. Just as Venus was potent in producing the relation of such pairs of opposites as the fifth kingdom of souls and the third kingdom (the synthesis of the sub-human kingdoms) leading to a Great Approach between soul and form, so in the new world religion this fact will be recognised. Appeal will be made to the Forces which can utilise this planetary potency in order to work out the divine plan upon the Earth. It is because Venus thus [356] relates certain pairs of opposites that she has been erroneously connected in the minds of men with sex and the sex life and with the relation of the physical opposites, male and female.

It is interesting to discover that the hierarchical ruler of Gemini is the Earth itself, which is a non-sacred planet. The Earth is also the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius, the polar opposite of Gemini. These are the only two constellations ruled by the Earth, and this fact is of major significance, creating an unusual situation in the solar system and a unique relation. The cosmic line of force from Gemini to Sagittarius and the reverse is subjectively and esoterically related to our Earth, thus guaranteeing its soul development, the unfoldment of form as an expression of that soul, and leading our sorrowful humanity upon this woeful planet inevitably to the very gate of initiation in Capricorn.

In this statement and in the fact of the pain and sorrow which are distinguishing qualities of our planetary life lies hid a secret mystery.

Through this relationship and through the medium of the potencies pouring into our planet, a situation is set up which I might express in the words of the Old Commentary:

"When the dual forces of the cosmic brothers (Gemini) become the energy of the one who rides towards the light (Sagittarius) then the fourth becomes the fifth. Humanity, the link, becomes the Hierarchy, the bestower of all good. Then all the Sons of God rejoice."

A slight study will show you that you have in these three rulers a most interesting sequence of forces, for Rays 3, 4, and 5 produce a synthesis of activity and of [357] eager potencies which are essential for the development of humanity. In this world cycle and for humanity as it is now constituted you have:

1. Ray 3.—Active Intelligence, under the influence of this third sign, Gemini, slowly conditioning the etheric body.

2. Ray 4.—Harmony through Conflict, under the influence of Gemini-Sagittarius, staging those situations upon the astral plane which will produce the conflict in the astral body which is essential to the final treading of the burning ground and subsequent release.

3. Ray 5.—Concrete Knowledge or Science, under the influence of Capricorn, focussed through Venus, which will enable the man to take initiation.

These three energies, focussed through the three planets governing Gemini, are essentially dedicated to the development of the fourth kingdom in nature and are polarised in the Earth, itself one of the rulers.

Mercury, the star of conflict, is also the major planet of relationships, for it governs and "engineers" (if I may use such a term) the interplay between our Earth with its conditioning constellations. In the case of Gemini, it relates our small planet to Virgo (Mutable Cross), to Aries (Cardinal Cross) and to Scorpio (Fixed Cross), and its mission, therefore, emerges as one of supreme importance. Through the medium of this inter-relation and consequent intercourse, the three cosmic Crosses become closely related and, in Gemini, certain of the fundamental zodiacal influences—synthesised and coordinated—are focussed upon our planet. This produces strain, action and reaction, and that condition of potent struggle and of difficulty which is so characteristic of our planetary life, but which produces eventually the awakening of humanity to full planetary consciousness, [358] and, in the case of the planetary Logos, to full cosmic consciousness.

This effect is most powerful in Gemini owing to the fact that the two arms of the Mutable Cross are thus related, and the result of the activity of Mercury as it rules Gemini is to produce a steady pull between the pairs of opposites; in Virgo it produces that interior struggle between the exoteric not-self and the esoteric self, between the form-consciousness (planetary, human and subhuman) and the soul within all forms. In considering this subject you will have to consider the following astrological formations:

The importance of these triple formations being based on the fact that they are conditioning triangles, with the energies of two constellations focussed through Mercury upon the Earth, i.e.

The potencies of Gemini-Aries, instilled into our planetary life via Mercury, focus the energy of the conditioning will-to-be upon the Earth, producing initial beginnings [359] as in incarnation, or initiation, or the start of organisation as well as organisms. It should be remembered that there is the will-to-be in form and the will-to-be free from form, but all these aspects of will are achieved through conflict and interplay of which energy both Gemini and Mercury are the eternal symbols.

Mercury, as it relates Gemini to Scorpio and to our planet, has a mass or general effect, for it is the hierarchical ruler of Scorpio and its effect is of a planetary nature far more than is usually the case, and is, therefore, far more difficult to trace at our present point of planetary development and human consciousness. Its true significance will not be understood until the consciousness of individual man is also planetary in its scope and grasp, which is never the case until after the third initiation. I have here emphasised two of these relationships between the constellations and the Earth even though it is not possible for you to grasp the implications. So often in our studies, one is apt to forget that it is not possible for any unit of consciousness, within the planetary sphere of influence, to conceive of conditions as they exist apart from the Earth because that small planet is inevitably for that unit the very centre of his known universe and—under the Great Illusion—the constellations with their rulers and with their prototypal counterparts revolve around the Earth. When man has progressed further and his consciousness is beginning to awaken to reality, the nature of this illusion will become apparent to him, but at present this is not possible. Even theoretically it is not possible. Study, for instance, what I can still further add as to the influence of these related constellations and see whether it truly conveys to you any exact knowledge beyond a general idea of focussed energies and related forces. Let me, therefore, add:

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The influence of Mercury, as it relates Aries and Gemini to our Earth, establishes in time and space a unique situation, for it incites to trial efforts or initiates a series of beginnings in order to relate opposing forces and produce certain planned and definite effects upon our planet, thus influencing the kingdoms in nature or an individual soul-in-form. A conflict is thus initiated which leads finally to balance.

This leads to an intermediate consummation in Libra.

The influence of Mercury as it relates Virgo and Gemini is to condition the soul within the form and subject it to those influences which will lead to the intensification of the ordinary evolutionary process and the consequent waxing of the soul light and the waning of the light in matter itself. This initiates the struggle which, in a human being, is consciously realised as being between soul and personality.

This leads to a final stage in Capricorn.

The influence of Mercury as it relates Scorpio and Gemini is to inaugurate that final stage in consciousness which will place the soul within the form surely in the place of power, swinging the earlier achieved balance and control definitely into the realm of the soul. It is this which, in the Scorpio experience, produces the terrific experience of the disciple and which, at this time, is one of the predisposing causes of the present world conflict. It is of interest to note that the struggle is going to be conditioned primarily by decisions arrived at in London (which is ruled by Gemini) and in the United States (which is also governed by Gemini). Humanity is now upon the Path of Discipleship as I have frequently told you and Scorpio rules that path; Gemini governs the way of many changes which conditions the struggle which began in Aries, focussed in Cancer, is brought to [361] a crisis in Scorpio and ended in Capricorn. When Gemini, Scorpio and Mercury are correctly related we shall see the United States moving also on to the Path of Discipleship through a release from its present self-centred policy, its well-meaning evasion of responsibility and its innate fears and distrust. When the focus of the power in London is also rightly oriented and is released into increased effectiveness by drastic purification of motive, then the united effect of both these clarifications will be human liberation. These facts are being slowly realised in London, ahead of the realisation which is more slowly awakening in the States.

These potencies, when effective, lead to true service in Aquarius.

All this activity is intensified by two facts: one is that the Earth is the hierarchical ruler of Gemini and the other that Venus is the esoteric ruler. This intensifies all that goes on and leads to the unfoldment upon our planet of the consciousness of universality—to which the word "Hierarchy" is the key. Venus is also the Earth's alter ego, as it is called in the occult literature, and its true supplementary and complementary planet. You have thus established a double dual relationship: that of Gemini itself, the two brothers, and that of the Earth and Venus. The Earth is peculiarly related to the "brother whose light is waning," for it is not a sacred planet, as you know, and to that aspect of divinity which is material or substantial; Venus is closely related to the "brother whose light grows stronger cycle by cycle" and thus to the soul whose nature is love. It is this Gemini-Venus situation which lies behind the fact that our Earth is uniquely the "planet of releasing sorrow and of purifying pain," the energy producing these releasing factors being focussed through Mercury and Venus upon our Earth. You will see, therefore, the significance of that triangle of planets [362] (at which I hinted in A Treatise on Cosmic Fire): the Earth-Venus-Mercury. From certain angles, these are related to the Personality of our planetary Logos:

1. The Earth—planetary vital body.

2. Venus—planetary astral vehicle, or Kama-manas.

3. Mercury—planetary mind.

The Earth itself is, on a small scale, also an intermediary or a relating planet, because it is found ruling both Gemini and Sagittarius and is potent, therefore, only within the line of this dual relationship, existing between this particular pair of opposites. In the Earth a great balancing process is going forward between two great streams of cosmic energy, emanating the one from Sagittarius and the other from Gemini. This condition, aided and influenced by Mercury and Venus, produces the somewhat unusual situation in our planet.

Venus also establishes an interplay between Taurus, Gemini, Libra and Capricorn, which again (because the Earth is one of the rulers of Gemini) produces the "desperate conflict of the imprisoned soul upon the astral plane" which characterises our planetary life. These four-fold influences and relationships produce the minor initiations of the astral plane which ever precede the major initiations in Capricorn, in their turn prepared for in Scorpio. Taurus pours the energy stimulating desire, via Venus, onto our Earth; Gemini, via Venus, awakens in humanity (the focal point of our planetary effort) the sense of duality which is the basic factor in the conflict between desire and spiritual will; in Libra this reaches a point of balance wherein the one who struggles sees the issues clearly and achieves a desirable point of equilibrium through the wise use of the Mercury-Venus mind, ensuring the success of its final efforts in Capricorn. [363] You will note, therefore, how necessary it is to realise accurately the point in evolution of the soul.

The three planets ruling and conditioning Gemini (through out-drawn activity, though not through their own influence) are in this third sign effective in constituting this dual sign a working triplicity; it is the aid they give to our Earth which produces the appearance in form of the dual energies of soul and the subjective psychic personality. Ponder on this. It is the energies of the fifth, fourth and third rays, pouring through Venus, Mercury and the Earth, which are productive of the eternally recurring, divine triplicity and its work of releasing the soul from the influence of form.

We have here considered the rays which directly affect our planet, the Earth, which are focussed through the three ruling planets and which emanate from certain of the constellations. In the last analysis, the planet is the result or the effect (should I say, resultant effect) of the ray influence, just as in the human being the physical body is the effect of the governing rays. Through the planets certain potencies manifest. These are three in number, and I might here point out that the sacred planets—so-called—are those ray potencies which are expressive of soul and spirit, with the personality ray of the great informing Life, the planetary Logos, subordinated to the two higher rays, such as is the case with the man after the third initiation. A non-sacred planet, such as the Earth, is still subject to the ray of the personality of the informing Life, and the correspondence to the esoteric monadic ray is non-effective.

Indirectly, Gemini is ruled by the rays transmitting those potencies which, with Gemini, constitute the Mutable Cross. These are the Moon, Jupiter, Mars and Pluto. They transmit energies expressive of the fourth, second, sixth and first [364] rays. Only one ray is, therefore, lacking where Gemini is concerned, and that is the seventh Ray of Organization, Ceremonial Magic and Ritual. This accounts for the instability and the fluidity of the Gemini influence, and is largely responsible for the frequent failure of the Gemini person to express the beauty, ideals, etc., which are sensed so that they materialise upon the physical plane. The seventh ray produces fixation upon the exoteric level of experience and "anchors" (if I may use such a term) the ray forces into form, producing concrete expression of the subjective realities or powers. Six forces meet in Gemini and, for this reason, the double triangle or King Solomon's seal is one of the subjective symbols of this sign, linking it again with the Masonic tradition and indicating also again the essential dualism of this sign.

All the inner potencies are, therefore, present and only the stabilising seventh ray energy is omitted from the dowry of the man born in Gemini. Thus we can easily account for the versatility of the Gemini subject. The effectiveness of Mercury is also enhanced in its interpretive aspect because the Gemini person can always find points of contact with people on nearly every ray. This is an interesting point to remember if you will realise that the great Masonic ritual was inaugurated under the influence of this sign, and yet—the ray of ritual was omitted. This is due to the fact of reaction, producing opposition and therefore interplay and struggle. Hence the tests and trials of the Masonic procedure.

The indirect influence of the Moon as it symbolically embodies the fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict provides Mercury with the dual tendency to struggle, which is characteristic of this sign, and also the dual tendency to harmony which is the inevitable result of all spiritual conflict. [365] In connection with the duality of conflict, you should bear in mind that there is a conflict of the evolutionary process, leading finally to the conflict upon the Path. These are the two aspects of struggle: unconscious and under the direction of the form; and conscious, or under the direction of the soul. There is also the harmonising of the personality and the achieving of personality integration; this is a consequence or goal of the first conflict, and then there is the attaining of harmony between soul and form; this is arrived at by the struggle upon the final stages of the Path.

Thus again the essential dualism of this sign becomes apparent. When the Jupiter influence becomes strong and powerful in this sign, it indicates the initiate and the rapidly attained "dualism in synthesis" of soul and spirit. Through the activity of Mercury, the man whose Sun is in Gemini is aided to attain the synthesis of soul and form; through the activity of Jupiter, the man whose rising sign is Gemini is enabled to attain the conscious integration of soul and spirit. Note these two points for they are of real significance. The conflict which produces these stages in consciousness is fostered by the indirect influence of the planet Mars. Mars carries the war into the very depth of circumstance, environment and being, and confers at the same time such devotion to the visioned objective—as seen at any particular point upon the path—that final failure is rendered impossible. Towards the end of the evolutionary process, the disciple begins to respond consciously to the fourth indirect influence—that of Pluto, producing the death of the hindering factors and of all that prevents synthesis. Pluto, as it affects Gemini, brings about the death or the finish of the separative, instinctual nature, for this is the factor which lies behind all dualism; it is inherent in what The Secret Doctrine calls the principle of ahankara or the awareness of the [366] separative, isolated ego; it is inimical for aeons to the aspiration of the imprisoned soul, focussed within or identified with some aspect of the personality, and, in a later stage, with the personality itself.

In this analysis of the various signs I have not given much time to the consideration of the effect of the zodiacal signs upon the physical body. This is a science in itself and is closely tied up with the entire theory of spiritual healing. I would like, however, to touch upon the relation of Gemini to the physical form, for it is so truly symbolic of the processes of divine unfoldment and therefore most timely.

Gemini rules the arms and the hands, indicating the service which the two brothers must render to each other in producing the dissolution (under Pluto) of the separative relation which exists for so long between them. It is the health unto life that is here to be considered, and for this reason Gemini governs also the oxygenation of the blood, leading as a result to life activity and to the free interplay and circulation of the spirit-soul aspect throughout all the complex organisms within the corporate form. Where there is the free flow of the life force and no impediment to the circulation of the life fluid, via the blood, there will consequently and normally be the presence of perfect health. It is the understanding of this law which produces in the initiate the condition of controlled health and chosen immortality which is the stated objective of many schools of mental healing. These are as you know (without exception), so purely mystical and unscientific that their achievements are practically nil. They uphold the ideal but fail of the consummation.

Gemini also governs the nervous system and the fluid reactions of the entire nervous organism. Hence you have, in this sign and its activity, the tendency to the eventual control [367] of the two aspects of the soul to which I have made such constant reference in my books: the life aspect seated in the heart and using the blood stream as its mode of interplay and of life-giving expression, and the consciousness aspect, seated in the head and using the nervous system as its mode or condition or process of expression. To these must be added both the direct and the indirect effect of the rays which rule the sign. It is through the understanding of life and consciousness, as governed by Gemini, that the final release can be mentally achieved. Ponder upon this statement, for in Gemini, the disciple can come to some intelligent grasp of what we might call the consciousness-mechanism and of the life processes which enable man finally to be what he is. Gemini also rules the thymus gland which is inactive at present in the adult person, owing to the fact that the heart centre is unawakened in the majority. It will, however, become active when "the immortal brother floods the mortal brother with the light and life of God." Then the heart centre, with its correlating activity of consciousness (group understanding and group love) will function freely. The mystery of the sign is in reality concerned with the secret of the response which should and eventually will exist between the two brothers, between the two poles—soul and form—and between the mortal self or personality and the immortal self or soul. Sensitivity and quick reaction are characteristic of people born with the Sun in this sign or with Gemini rising. This leads in the earlier stages and with the undeveloped person to a fluid versatility; in the later and more advanced stages it leads to an equally fluid but analytical understanding of men and of circumstances. This is brought about through the constant activity, the ceaseless movement and the unending changing conditions which are inherent in the sign itself; these "pulsate between [368] the two aspects" of this dual sign, and are enhanced by the fact that Gemini is the most important aspect of the Mutable Cross, setting or determining the changes and their rate of progression.

In the polar opposite of this sign, Sagittarius, the interplay between the two brothers or between the lower and the higher selves, is focussed or conditioned into one united and directed effort. The versatile changeable man becomes the self-directed disciple, one-pointed in effort, yet preserving all the versatility earlier developed but controlling and governing the tendency to fluidity, to lost motion and to misdirected change. I dealt with much of this when we were studying the sign Sagittarius, and it is, therefore, unnecessary to repeat it here.

It is of great interest to the initiate or to the advanced disciple to realise that in this sign no planet either falls or is exalted. The clue to this mystery lies hid in the fact that, in the intermediate stage between Gemini and Sagittarius, equilibrium, balance, fusion and blending are the objectives of the struggling and almost blinded conscious entity. He must achieve harmony with a consequent avoidance of all extremes. The seven signs—inclusive of Gemini and Sagittarius—are of extreme importance where humanity is concerned:

Gemini.—Subjective in nature. Vital. Is not focussed upon the physical plane. Is focussed upon the mortal brother.

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Sagittarius.—Subjective in nature. Vital. Is not focussed in consciousness upon the physical plane. Is focussed upon the immortal brother.

In Sagittarius the same condition is found. No planet is exalted and no planet falls. Mercury is, however, in detriment or its influence is lessened. In Gemini, the above is true of Jupiter. Why this is so, is, esoterically speaking, one of the secrets of initiation. The clue to the mystery lies in the basic, spiritual dualism of Jupiter in contradistinction to the body-soul dualism of Gemini; in Sagittarius, the dualism of Mercury as it expresses itself in the lower-higher mind is transcended by the universal or spiritual mind. More than this hint is not at this time possible.

In connection with the decanates and their rulers, it is interesting to find that Sepharial and Alan Leo give entirely different ruling planets, and yet both are right. Uniquely for him, Sepharial gives the three planets of Jupiter, Mars and the Sun, and thus indicates those which are the esoteric rulers of the sign upon the wheel of discipleship. Usually his choice is exoteric and not esoteric. Leo, in this case, gives Mercury, Venus and Saturn, and these three govern the wheel of ordinary life. Between them, they cover the wheel as it turns in both directions. You will note how two out of the governing planets of the decanates in the case of the ordinary wheel serve to enhance the planetary rulers of the sign, Gemini with Saturn offering at a certain fairly advanced stage the opposition needed to bring about a basic revolution. Note this phrasing. The entire question of the revolving wheel with its dual action and its dual effect upon consciousness (and therefore the whole problem of the three decans and their rulers in each sign of the zodiac) must remain a difficult and abstruse problem until [370] such time as astrologers have developed a four-dimensional consciousness and know the true meaning of the Biblical phrase: the "wheel turning upon itself." In reality, the wheel does not turn like a wheel in a car either forward or the reverse. It turns every way and both ways simultaneously. This fact is, as yet, an impossible one for the human consciousness to grasp. The complexity involved in the progress through the decans—conditioning also the rulers—is to be found to be based upon this multiple action of the wheel. The wheel, therefore, moves not only clockwise, but both ways at once and also at right angles to itself.

The obviousness of the meaning of the two Words for this sign requires from me no elucidation. For the ordinary man the Word goes forth "Let instability do its work" but for the disciple the Word is uttered by the soul itself: "I recognise my other self and in the waning of that self, I grow and glow."

Fluidity, recognition of duality, soul control! These are the keynotes of this sign, and should be the keynote of your life, for whether you are in this sign in this life, it has at some time and many times conditioned your experience, and the results are marked in the life of the advanced disciple.

TAURUS, THE BULL

We now arrive at the last of the twelve signs which we have been considering and the last of those which affect humanity. It is also the second sign which—after the reorientation preceding discipleship—produces changes and opportunity for the disciple. We come also to the sign which is called "the sign of the major life incentive," because Taurus is the symbol of desire in all its phases. Whether the subjective man is impelled by desire, or the disciple is driven forth upon the path of return by the urge of aspiration, [371] or whether the initiate is controlled by the will to cooperate with the Plan, he is, nevertheless, being responsive to the most potent manifestation of a little known and understood aspect of divinity, to which we give the inadequate name of the Will of God.

Will, power, desire, aspiration, ambition, motive, purpose, impulse, incentive, plan—all these are words which attempt to express one of the major underlying attributes and fundamental causes (man scarcely knows which) of manifestation, of the evolutionary processes and of the will-to-be or the will-to-live. The great triplicity of desire—aspiration—direction (will) are only three words which endeavour to describe the progress and bias of man the personality, man the soul, and man the channel for spirit or life. All three point inadequately to the cause of the threefold expression which underlies all events, all progress and all happenings in time and space.

It was the Buddha who clarified for man the nature of desire and its results, with the unhappy effects which desire produces when persistent and unenlightened. It was the Christ Who taught the transmutation of desire into aspiration which, from the expression given to it in The New Testament, was the effort of the human will (hitherto animated by, or expressed through, desire) to conform itself to the will of God—this without understanding but conformity, in perfect trust and with the inner assurance that the will of God must be all that is good, both in the individual and in the whole.