LEO, VIRGO and the SPHINX
The crossing of the Sun from Leo to Virgo (on August 22/23 each year) is a significant astrological ‘event’. And it is especially significant at this time in history as the star Regulus sits on the cusp of the two signs. 2012 thus marks a major cycle, a change in rhythm, as the alpha (main) star of the Leo constellation shifts ever so slowly into the sign of the Virgin.
Sitting on the border of the two signs, Regulus conjures images of the Sphinx, to which Leo/Virgo has long been associated. In more ancient systems these two are thought to have constituted one sign, symbolic of a hermaphrodite stage of consciousness. The mystical Sphinx, with Leo and Virgo symbolising the co joined male/female energies,represents this stage of human soul development – the being with the body of a lion and the head of a woman.
Along the great evolutionary path the impulse toward individuality precipitated a separation, as the awakening soul pursued individual experience. Leo, the sign of individuality, emerged then as a distinct and dominating influence and has been the signature of the soul’s journey (and its fall in the Christian context) ever since. Unity consciousness was usurped by duality. Adam and Eve (Leo and Virgo) are the archetypes towards which all dualities; male/female, dark/light, heart/mind, good/evil etc. refer.
The crossing of the Sun from Leo to Virgo (on August 22/23 each year) is a significant astrological ‘event’. And it is especially significant at this time in history as the star Regulus sits on the cusp of the two signs. 2012 thus marks a major cycle, a change in rhythm, as the alpha (main) star of the Leo constellation shifts ever so slowly into the sign of the Virgin.
Sitting on the border of the two signs, Regulus conjures images of the Sphinx, to which Leo/Virgo has long been associated. In more ancient systems these two are thought to have constituted one sign, symbolic of a hermaphrodite stage of consciousness. The mystical Sphinx, with Leo and Virgo symbolising the co joined male/female energies,represents this stage of human soul development – the being with the body of a lion and the head of a woman.
Along the great evolutionary path the impulse toward individuality precipitated a separation, as the awakening soul pursued individual experience. Leo, the sign of individuality, emerged then as a distinct and dominating influence and has been the signature of the soul’s journey (and its fall in the Christian context) ever since. Unity consciousness was usurped by duality. Adam and Eve (Leo and Virgo) are the archetypes towards which all dualities; male/female, dark/light, heart/mind, good/evil etc. refer.
Now Regulus, the Heart of the Lion, moving into Virgo, reminds us that we stand on the cusp of an era of re-unification. There is much to suggest that Mankind’s future is tied to a shift in consciousness via which the true nature of the soul’s origin and purpose might be aroused. In the esoteric traditions this sleeping potential is protected by Virgo, the keeper of the mystery of the hidden soul nature. The process itself requires the reunification of the separated parts, the Leo/Virgo, male/female, higher/lower and heart/mind nature, into a consciously working whole. To this possibility the Sphinx has patiently waited. The story of Beauty (Virgo) and the Beast (Leo) echos the process in allegorical language while the mystic wedding, or coniunctio, is the alchemical expression. Jung dedicated his life to the very same process in developing his notion of individuation.
Each year from now, as the Sun enters Virgo, it will align precisely with Regulus, reminding us of this great possibility, this great need. And each month the full moon will be a still more immediate reminder as the Sun and the Moon, the esoteric rulers of Leo and Virgo, stand as equals.
Serendipitously this month’s full Moon in Pisces took place on the stroke of midnight (the beginning of the day) on the 1st of September (the beginning of the month), a beautiful and magical reminder of new possibilities arising from the union of opposites.
Here's the chart......
Serendipitously this month’s full Moon in Pisces took place on the stroke of midnight (the beginning of the day) on the 1st of September (the beginning of the month), a beautiful and magical reminder of new possibilities arising from the union of opposites.
Here's the chart......
Pisces Full Moon
Midnight
1st Sep 2012
Sydney, Australia
Midnight
1st Sep 2012
Sydney, Australia
Till next time.........
Cheers
Bob
Cheers
Bob