Contents Part I: Astrological Mythology The Meaning of Astrological Symbols Different Kinds of Astrological Symbols The Symbol of the Cross Significance of the Circle The Arrow Part II: The Planets 1 THE SUN 2 THE MOON 3 MERCURY 4 VENUS 5 MARS 6 JUPITER 7 SATURN 8 RAHU 9 KETU Part III: The Signs of the Zodiac 1. Aries 2. Taurus 3. Gemini 4. Cancer 5. Leo 6. Virgo 7. Libra 8. Scorpio 9. Sagittarius 10. Capricorn 11. Aquarius 12. Pisces Part IV: The Nakshatras Ashwini Bharani Kritika Rohini Mrigarshira Ardra Punarvasu Pushya Ashlesha Magha Purva Phalguni Uttara Phalguni Hasta Chitra Swati Vishakha Anuradha Jyestha Mula Purvashada Uttarashada Shravana Dhanistha Shatabhishak Purva Bhadra Uttara Bhadra Revati I ASTROLOGICAL MYTHOLOGY 1. THE MEANING OF ASTROLOGICAL SYMBOLS Different Kinds of Astrological Symbols The Symbol of the Cross Significance of the Circle The Arrow 1. THE MEANING OF ASTROLOGICAL SYMBOLS There is no simple method to decipher astrological symbolism. The logic of the outer mind cannot uncover the subtle relationship that exists between the stars and events on earth. Yet it is clear thai astrological symbols were originally chosen with great care. They were selected to conceal as well as to reveal our relationship with the universe. The ancient seers perceived that the cosmos is not a mere material formation but an expression of the spirit which is its very life and soul. All created things draw their strength, vitality and direction from the indwelling consciousness. In fact, the spirit is the real power in all things. Eastern philosophy and mythology aims at describing the deeply complex relationship between the outer world and the inner spirit. The knowledge of the indwelling spirit is difficult to express, as well as difficult to comprehend. We are told that human beings can receive the keys to this secret knowledge either through divine inspiration or from a qualified teacher. No one can succeed in obtaining it without divine grace. The flow of grace is known as initiation in occult and spiritual literature and is symbolized in various ways. An inner preparation is required to receive the higher knowledge and this involves great discretion. Confidentiality is essential because the knowledge thus imparted reveals the subtle powers of nature. These can be used for the good of humanity or to cause harm. The symbols revealed to spiritual aspirants have thereby a dual purpose, both to teach and protect the knowledge. When the student reaches a certain level of awareness, he is entrusted with the keys to unravel the meanings of these symbols. Thus the same symbols reveal different levels of meanings to different grades of aspirants. They are capable of unveiling nature's secret forces and at the same time they obscure this knowledge if the right preparation has not been made. The ancient seers gave us philosophy, religion, mythology and such spiritual practices as yoga, mantra and tantra. Astrology was part of this grand revelation. The seers uncovered the cosmic framework according to which we can understand the Divine plan for humanity. They gave us astrology so that we can understand our role in the cosmic order. Usually, the majority of people are neither interested in such subtle knowledge, nor is it relevant for their pursuits in life. The imparting of this knowledge is useful only to those conscious individuals ready to receive it and apply it in their daily lives. For such students, the whole system of knowledge is necessary, not merely one branch of it. The medium of expression for imparting spiritual knowledge follows a certain pattern. Religious scriptures, mythology, philosophical discourses and yoga expositions are expressed in a similar language. Terms and concepts used in one area are applicable to the others. Astrological symbols form an important part of this unified system. These teachings have to describe spiritual principles in an everyday language. This creates enormous problems. Deeper realities, which can only be comprehended with intuition, insight and awareness, elude superficial students. To the great spiritual teachers, written language and the spoken word are merely suggestive. The effective exploration has to be undertaken by students themselves within their own minds. In spiritual literature, the medium of expression has the difficult task to lead students in the right direction and provide them a useful way to explore the depth and expanse of the subject. The language of the spirit is not like a sculpture, a concrete object, but like a poem which arouses the sensitivity and imagination of the reader. Myths, allegories and parables, in their flexibility and multidimensionality allow a wide range of interpretation, a suitable base for such knowledge. The finer forces of nature are ever active and involved in creative relationships. They are not restricted by time and space. They act on subjective realms of experience as well as on objective phenomena. Nature is never inert or static. A language that describes the dynamic impulses of nature has to recognize this. Concepts used to explain the profound and ever changing creative impetus must have an affinity with it. They must reveal the nature and characteristics of the underlying realities if approached correctly. They are, however, merely indicators, and not the realities themselves. Depending on the intensity and depth of contemplation, they reveal the inner truth. The ancient seers gave us knowledge of the Divine plan of evolution. Many who are ready to receive it come from different geographical, social and personal backgrounds. To teach them requires a consistency of terms and concepts. In the absence of a common medium of expression, there can be more confusion than illumination. A symbolic language was used for this purpose as it reflects the truth in terms which are universal, but to reach its universal core requires a certain insight. A proper study of astrological symbols requires adequate knowledge of related teachings and the spiritual implications of allegories employed but, above all, rests on true intuition. A modern student has to realize his potential limitations. He may not possess the necessary inner preparation and spiritual training. His geographical, social, religious and educational background, and general approach to life differ significantly from that of the ancients who received their lessons in close proximity to their spiritual guides. Such widely varied students are confronted with allegorical teachings which not only originated in a radically different society but are superficially very confusing. When they pierce the veil of superficiality and with patience begin to appreciate this method of communication, they will glimpse the realities behind these at first seemingly meaningless fantasies. When confronted with such strange symbols, if they ponder over their essential features and go to the root of their universal implications, they will come to understand their true message. These symbols and mythologies may appear colored in an Eastern way of thinking and philosophy, but underneath their cultural forms they represent certain universal processes of psycho-physical transformation that transcend all cultural boundaries. For comprehending the hidden meanings of different symbols, the intellect, especially in the absence of spiritual insight, requires an extensive study of related teachings and an ability to see the inner truth of Nature's workings. Spiritual study is basically practical. Unless the student is moved by the spirit of cooperation with nature, his studies remain barren, superficial and misleading. In ancient times the knowledge was only revealed to students who had the intention to harness nature's secret powers for the good of all. The studies were undertaken as part of an integral approach to the problems of everyday life. There was no scope for personal aggrandizement or the acquisition of knowledge for intellectual curiosity. Such study was a lifelong mission done by dedicated investigators of truth. It was inspired by a deep- rooted aspiration to become a conscious collaborator with Nature and the Divine. Different Kinds of Astrological Symbols Astrological symbols are of many kinds. Some are clothed in the historical, religious and social traditions, and the beliefs of the region where they originated. Most myths, allegories and stories are examples of this category of expression. There are other symbols which are universal in their application. Geometrical figures and diagrams, natural objects like animals, precious stones and flowers all belong to this group. Sometimes one finds both natural and man-made figures in stories woven around astrological forces. Whatever the reason for selecting a symbol, the basic consideration is their suitability to reveal the essential character of the astrological factor indicated. Whether the symbol is a natural object like a lotus or a pearl, an animal like a bull, horse, or lion, a plant like the Ashwatha tree*, or a man-made object like a scale or potter's wheel, the external appearance of the symbol is like the husk which must be discarded in order to comprehend the inner and universal meaning behind it. One has to approach these symbols in their wider ramifications, their cosmic implications, to understand what they are pointing out. Sometimes symbols are merely a veil. The obvious is not what they signify. In such cases one must look for related factors to arrive at the real meaning, or even examine the values of the different letters used in their names, such as the Kabbalistic number. Once a particular key is found for deciphering the meaning, its correctness can be tested by application in similar cases and contexts. Knowledge of the process of cosmic creation, the evolutionary course of the human soul, the various subtle sheaths of man, and the workings of the Kundalini are helpful in this study. The depth of meanings revealed by symbols depends upon the keys employed. The student should realize that there is no end to the secrets of nature.