The Stars Alcyone and Aldebaran in the Constella- Tion of Taurus Maureen Temple Richmond

Fall 2019

The Stars Alcyone and Aldebaran in the Constella- tion of Taurus Maureen Temple Richmond

The Star of Intelligence and of the Individual and The Eye of the Bull

Abstract Introduction ocated in the constellation of the Bull, the tar life as sources of distinct evolutionary L stars Alcyone and Aldebaran are often S energies constitutes one of the unique fac- discussed in the esoteric astrology of Alice tors of the metaphysical literature generated by Bailey and hence merit study. Using relevant Alice A. Bailey under the inspiration of the passages from Alice A. Bailey’s Esoteric As- Tibetan Master, Djwhal Khul. In this literature, trology, supportive information from the Theo- the Tibetan Master referred not only to entire sophical literature of H.P. Blavatsky, and rele- constellations as sources of energies impelling vant sources in astronomy and myth, this essay spiritual evolution, but also to specific stars. demonstrates that Alcyone and Aldebaran can Alcyone and Aldebaran are two such. Denom- be understood as intensified versions of the inated by the Tibetan Master as the Star of In- star groupings in which they are found. For telligence and of the Individual and the Eye of Alcyone, this is the Pleiades; for Aldebaran, it the Bull respectively, these two stars play a is the greater and inclusive constellation of significant role in both the objective and sub- Taurus. Drawing on these placements and in- jective dimensions of manifestation, the first terpreting the myths and legends associated associated with tangible geological forces with these stars and constellations, the discus- which act at the ends and beginnings of vast sion uncovers the central themes of Alcyone evolutionary periods as well as with the estab- and Aldebaran of importance to striving seek- lishment of the sense of individuality, the sec- ers, disciples, and initiates: the intelligence in ond representative of fundamental subjective matter, response of matter to changes of evolu- spiritual lessons concerning desire, its con- tionary periods, the submergence of old Atlan- quest through right detachment and the tis, the crisis of individualization, the power of ______axial rotation as a segregative force, the nature of desire, the transcendence of desire, the de- About the Author struction of personality obstacles, distribution Maureen Temple Richmond is a lifelong astrolo- sequences for the transmission of stellar ener- ger and esotericist known for her scholarly study gies, and transformation through the vision of titled Sirius, a comprehensive examination of the synthesis. The essay concludes with the re- teaching on that great star as revealed in the works minder that the published literature of Alice of Alice Bailey. Author of numerous essays, poetry, Bailey’s esoteric astrological doctrine provides and fiction, Richmond holds a M.A. in English and no mathematical or geometrical method for Creative Writing from SNHU, and is currently locating star energies at specific degrees of the working on a Ph.D. program in Heritage Studies at zodiac in birth chart astrology, but rather calls Arkansas State University where she now makes the seeker to a recognition of encompassing her home. A counseling astrologer, Richmond ad- issues and labors of universal relevance on the vises Anglophone clients around the world. She can be reached at: [email protected]. spiritual path.

destruction of subjective impediments, and To zero in on the type of esoteric influence ultimately the victorious expression of the Di- radiated by this star, a study of its name and vine Will. Significantly, the esoteric influence mythic associations might be of help. The of these two stars is grounded in the issues and name of Alcyone apparently hails from the transformations associated with the constella- Greek words alkyonein and alkyonion, terms tion Taurus, the Bull. Hence, understanding the for a type of bird known as a kingfisher.1 The natures of these two stars rests on a journey kingfisher is important in this context because which leads outward from and back again into it makes a nest which was thought by the an- the fundamental ground of the constellation cient Greek-speaking people to resemble a cer- Taurus. Ultimately, these two stars embody the tain type of soft coral. Soft corals in general universal perspective which is proper to the were called in Latin alcyonium, a word which great solar beings which inhabit them. They also figures into the genesis of the name for the radiate the universal light which streams down star, Alcyone.2 Thus, it would seem that the upon and into Humanity and Hierarchical dis- word origin for the name of this star is linked ciples, providing inspiration for evolution and in some way with the marine life form known eventual initiation. as coral. An important question is here to be raised. Why would ancient sea-faring peoples Alcyone have associated a star with the calciferous re- ituated in the shoulder of the Bull constel- mains of underwater sea life? After all, the S lation, Alcyone is Eta Taurii, the seventh two are a bit disparately positioned, to say the brightest star in the constellation of Taurus, least. The answer to this question will reveal certainly not the brightest star in that constella- important facts about the star under considera- tion. That distinction goes to the star Aldeba- tion, just as might be expected from the Tibet- ran, discussed below. In this section however, an’s general dictum that more real occultism the star of the moment is Alcyone, which in- hides in the names of the stars than has previ- deed claims pride of position as the star of ously been recognized. greatest magnitude (or brilliance) within the As the reader may recall, the stars in the Pleia- subgrouping of the Pleiades. This fact might des grouping were referred to by famed nine- well suggest that the nature of Alcyone is an teenth-century Theosophical occultist H.P. intensified and concentrated version of all the Blavatsky as the Atlantides.3 Today we call themes associated with the Pleiades. These these stars the Pleiades, but to Blavatsky, they themes constellate around the theme of form were the Atlantides. The moment the esoteri- and its production. Thus, Alcyone as the most cist hears the word Atlantides, the notion of the noticeable star in the Pleiades might be ex- great Atlantean continent leaps to mind, and pected to reproduce that theme in some form. indeed, this connection is relevant. As it turns In fact, it might legitimately be expected that out, the term Atlantides comes from the fact Alcyone shall prove to be the very epitome of that the seven stars of the Pleiades were con- the themes and energies radiated generally by sidered in Greek myth to have been the daugh- the entire Pleiades grouping, which itself is ters of Atlas. Hence, they can be referred to positioned in the constellation Taurus. Thus, under a permutation of their father’s name. But the subject of inquiry here resembles a nested there is more to this patronymic name game Russian doll: Taurus is the biggest doll, the than meets the eye. It takes but little imagina- Pleiades the next smaller, and finally tiny Al- tion to see that the name Atlas is a great deal cyone. In this case, the interior smallest doll like the word Atlantic (as in Atlantic Ocean), represents a great intensification of the general or even Atlantis. Indeed, Blavatsky equates characteristics typical of its two greater con- Atlas with just this, with the etymologically texts. Still, the nature of Alcyone is much of a similar Atlantis in particular, and goes on to mystery. The Tibetan Master mentions it often, say that the seven daughters reputed to be the however, so it’s a topic worthy of study. progeny of Atlas are in fact none other than the

seven subraces which ran their courses on the at the appearance and disappearances of the Atlantean continent.4 In other words, the oc- various root races.7 Since a change of root rac- cult reading of the Atlantides is that they are so es (from the Fourth or Atlantean to the Fifth or named because they constitute the seven races Aryan) is exactly what occurred at the sub- spawned by Atlas. Since the Atlantides equal mergence of the Atlantean continent, the link- the Pleiades, this means that the seven races age of the Pleiades in general and Alcyone in which manifested during the Atlantean period particular with the site of such an occurrence are either symbolically or literally represented near the close of the Fourth Race is entirely by the constellation today called the Pleiades. consistent. It is as if ancient peoples stated to posterity in their choice of a name for this star, Such a dramatic assertion is of course difficult “The influence of this star causes great lands to to reconcile with the twenty-first century’s as- subside, and to join the underwater world tronomical concepts. According to Blavatsky, where corals can be found.” Hence, it might be the knowledge had by contemporary astrono- concluded that the only slightly veiled refer- my about the Pleiades is but a weak and pale ence to undersea life in the name of Alcyone reflection of actual historic events, vaguely does just what the Tibetan Master said it hinted at by the name and myths connected would, for it both conceals and reveals actual with these stars. “Astronomically,” she stated, occult teaching. “the Atlantides have become the seven Pleia- des….”5 In this process, all has been forgotten However, there exists yet another explanation about the seven races run on the continent of for the origin of the name, Alcyone, this one Atlantis, save a very tattered remnant in the offered by Blavatsky in her Theosophical form of exoteric stellar lore. Blavatsky’s inter- Glossary. Blavatsky indicated there that the pretation thus fills in missing information and word Alcyone is the same as the Greek word suggests that the Pleiades are symbolically halcyone, which word is surely related to the equivalent to old Atlantis, now long underwa- English word halcyon, meaning calm or peace- ter. The mystery as to why ancient peoples ful. According to Blavatsky’s entry on Alcyo- connected the Pleiades to underwater life is ne in the Glossary, Alcyone or Halcyone was thus solved. If Blavatsky’s claim is accepted, not a daughter of Atlas, but rather of Aeolus, then it can be reasoned that ancient peoples the god of wind. Halcyone was married to Ce- connected the Pleiades to underwater life be- yx, who met misfortune and drowned on the cause they knew that the Pleiades were linked way to consult an oracle. Halcyone’s grief was to the submergence of the old Atlantean conti- so great that she, too, cast herself into the sea, nent. It’s a strange argument to the modern thus to be at one in death with her beloved. mind, akin not to scientific astronomy but ra- Then, Halcyone and Ceyx were both trans- ther to mythic thinking. Indeed, myth serves to formed by the gods into kingfisher birds, the substantiate this connection, for in ancient female of which is known in legend for its Greek myth, Alcyone as the brightest star of purported habit of laying eggs on the surface the Pleiadean cluster was held to have once of the sea to calm it during the critical period been an “Atlantid nymph” who was mated to seven days before and seven days after the the Ocean as Poseidon or Neptune.6 Winter Solstice.8 In other words, Alcyone itself represents a Oddly enough, this story of Alcyone leads di- nymph of the Atlantic Ocean. Even more rectly to the sea, just as did the previously re- simply stated, Alcyone and her sister Pleiades counted version. And what is even more stand for old Atlantis. Consider now the role astounding, both versions involve kingfisher for the Pleiades claimed by Blavatsky. As birds, for the first version of the Alcyone story stated earlier, Blavatsky held that forces from connected this star with a soft coral resembling the Pleiades (together with that of other celes- the nest of the kingfisher, and the second ends tial factors) both determine the time and ema- with two loved ones transformed post mortem nate the causative energies for the upliftment into these special birds. In certain parts of the and subsidence of continents and land masses world, the kingfisher is called by the name

halcyon, and is held in reverence for its mythic Thus, there emerges a picture of Alcyone as a ability to “calm the waters.” Might this possi- potent agent for the distribution of the Ray of bly be a reference to the final calming of the Active Intelligence, and this seems to have waters after the fury of the Atlantean deluge been the case not only in aeons past, but to be had subsided, and smooth waters folded over so in the present solar system as well. Here is what had been the frothing maelstrom of a land one obvious reason why Alcyone is called The mass in process of implo- Star of Intelligence. It is sion? ... the influence of Alcyone because Alcyone embod- Whatever is the case, it is reaches equally into the ies and distributes all that clear that the Pleiades in depths of matter, the indi- the Third Ray of Active general and Alcyone in Intelligence connotes. particular are in some way vidual psyche, and the Prime amongst these connected with the sub- mainsprings of human characteristics is that of manas, or mind, which mergence of old Atlantis, group destiny. This is so be- parts of which land mass contains within itself all survive today in the Unit- cause the Third Ray, which the necessary characteris- ed States, according to the expresses through Alcyone, tics for the unfoldment of 9 the four rays of attribute. Tibetan. There a strong governs matter and the en- Pleiadean vibration might Thus, intelligence in this be expected, together with tire material manifestation sense represents a vast all that it connotes con- of Deity’s self-expression capacity for adaptation cerning the creation of and meaningful variation. material forms. The affluent and materialisti- It represents the fullness of Divine Mind diver- cally-oriented American culture—obsessed as sifying itself into the full range of its possible it is with the manufacture, purchase, and pos- permutations. This is the intelligence manifest- session of items—might well attest to this lin- ing through Alcyone, a distributor of the Third gering Pleiadean influence, now exaggerated Ray. and focused in a tangible and concrete way. It was this same force which played an im- After all, the Tibetan did call the Pleiades “the portant part in the creation of the human king- mothers of the seven aspects of form life.”10 dom at the crisis of individualization some To this can now be added the fact that the star eighteen and a half million years ago. Accord- ing to the Tibetan, mind force came forth from Alcyone in particular is implicated in the gen- 14 eration of material form,11 just as is the Third Alcyone during the crisis of individualization Aspect. Of course, the Third Aspect is also and joined in with other celestial influences to known as the Third Ray, or the Ray of Active instigate the great happening of which present Intelligence, and it is this ray which is particu- day human intelligence is the partial evidence. larly linked with Alcyone, said by the Tibetan Alcyone, then, was one of the factors which to be called the star of intelligence in Hierar- brought mind to animal man and raised him to chical parlance.12 Active Intelligence was the the status of the Fourth Kingdom. Apparently dominant note in the previous solar system, the Third Ray made a large contribution to this during which Alcyone was extremely influen- process. tial, according to the Tibetan. So very influen- Expressing through Alcyone, the Third Ray tial was Third Ray Alcyone, according to the brings to bear yet another important effect dis- Ageless Wisdom teaching, that it was from this cussed at length in Alice Bailey’s A Treatise very celestial body that the entire substance of on Cosmic Fire. In that work, Bailey explains our portion of the manifested universe was that according to the esoteric occult teaching, it infused with manas, or the capability for intel- is the Third Ray which brings about the ability ligent response.13 of any individual atom (whether chemical,

human, or cosmic) to distinguish itself from general and Alcyone in particular. Perhaps this the surrounding environment by establishing terminology is reflective of the fact that Alcy- its own unique properties via the effects of ax- one does in fact function as a point of origin or ial rotation. This being so, The Third Ray is a pivot point in a way not yet susceptible of therefore that power inherent in creation which verification by science. separates the unit from the mass and allows the Certainly, India makes obeisance to the spir- unit to set up its own characteristic life sphere itual centrality of Alcyone in more than one and vibrational rate. way. In the early literature of Hinduism, the It is this power to which the Tibetan referred star Alcyone was referred to as Arundhati, and when he called Alcyone the Star of the Indi- was held to be the “wife” of Vashishta, the vidual,15 for Alcyone is a distributing agent of chief or leading star of the Seven Rishis (the the Third Ray, which ray confers the power to Great Bear).20 Arundhati and Vashishta thus establish segregated existence in a material constituting a stellar and somewhat ultimate sense. Undoubtedly, to call Alcyone the Star of archetype for the wedding of the opposites, the Individual is to suggest not only the obvi- these two stars were customarily worshipped ous material sense in which this is the case, but by the newlywed Hindu couple upon first en- also the ready implications in connection with tering the newly established marital home.21 the psychologically individualized human per- Here is a picturesque exoteric demonstration of son, who senses difference from others and the general esoteric principle that the stars of thus moves out of the mass into his or her own the Pleiades are paired with the stars of the defined sphere of existence and character. It Great Bear in a polarity relationship of signal can be said, then, that the influence of the star import. Of note is the fact that in this Hindu Alcyone governs this phase of individuation in belief, Alcyone is paired with the chief star of human evolution, providing power and ener- the Seven Rishis, a positioning which might be gies for the creation and integration of the sep- interpreted as a hint suggesting an extraordi- arative personality expression. This is in keep- nary role for Alcyone. From this linkage being with the nature of the Third Ray and its tween Alcyone and on the Seven Rishis, it propensity for the creation of distinct identity might be gathered that there is more concern- in contrast to uniform, melded homogeneity. ing the potentially central cosmic position of Axial rotation, then, is an important expression Alcyone than has currently been discovered. of the Third Aspect, responsible for the segre- gation of units into specific spheres of being, Just as Alcyone may exert a great influence over the life of space in a number of ways, this and typical of emanations from Alcyone. star is said by the Ageless Wisdom tradition to Yet, axial rotation is characteristic of Alcyo- exercise an equally widespread influence upon ne’s influence in yet another way. According our planet. Alcyone, said the Tibetan, holds to the Ageless Wisdom, Alcyone functions as sway over the entire collective of Humanity,22 some type of orbit point for an unspecified but a contention mirrored by Blavatsky’s earlier 16 large number of stars, which collectively assertion that the Pleiades (in which Alcyone is might be thought to rotate around an axis pass- found) are connected in occult science with the ing through that star. The idea that Alcyone destinies of nations.23 Certainly, this would be might function in this way was once a widely true given the powers levied by the Pleiades in 17 entertained hypothesis, but mainstream as- general and Alcyone in particular over the geo- tronomy no longer accepts such a possibility.18 logical foundations upon which the lands of However, the role of Alcyone in greater space nations rest. It also makes sense that Alcyone, may yet prove to be something more along the the star of the individual, would govern Hu- order of what the esoteric teaching suggests. manity, for Humanity seen from one angle is The ancient wisdom of India calls Alcyone nothing but a collection of individuals. “Amba,” or Mother,19 linking Alcyone’s nature with precisely those characteristics said the by As is apparent, the influence of Alcyone Ageless Wisdom to inhere in the Pleiades in reaches equally into the depths of matter, the

individual psyche, and the mainsprings of hu- manifestation. Hence, it might properly be man group destiny. This is so because the concluded that the energies and forces of Third Ray, which expresses through Alcyone, Aquarius match up particularly well with that governs matter and the entire material manifes- of Alcyone and its basic Third Ray vibration. tation of Deity’s self-expression. This is yet This is likely the underlying reason for the another reason why Alcyone is both the star of close linkage between this constellation and the individual and that of humanity, for both star, Aquarius and Alcyone.25 the individual and Humanity are manifesta- Although the Tibetan did not say so, it is likely tions of the Third Aspect, the personality facet that Aquarius, Alcyone and Humanity consti- of deity, that of outer appearance. This aspect tute a triangle of energies and forces dealing of Deity appears as matter in time and space, with the resolution of tensions between indi- demonstrating as diversity and particularity. viduality and group affiliation, ultimately fus- Just as the First Aspect expresses as spirit, and ing the drive for diversity (embodied in Alcyo- the Second Aspect as soul, so the Third Aspect ne) with the greater purposes at hand (embod- manifests the personality facet. It is this facet ied in Aquarius). Consequently, this triangle is of divine expression to which the energies of likely a very potent psychospiritual influence Alcyone contribute. upon the New Group of World Servers, who Consequently, the influence of Alcyone en- must straddle the line between Humanity and hances that Third Aspect urge (found within individualism on one hand, and the world of the stuff of creation, the individual and groups) souls or group collaboration on the other. to spin off from the greater mass and establish Members of the New Group of World Servers, a unique character. It is this which causes the working as they do to knit together the frac- physical and psychological peregrinations of tious nature of Humanity with the inclusive Humanity (including the mass movements of nature of soul consciousness, may use the en- peoples over vast territories), as Humanity ex- ergies of the Aquarius-Alcyone-Humanity tri- plores all the possible ramifications inherent in angle to help humanity gain greater perspec- manas, or the prolific and diverse Third Ray tive and then to direct the immense creativity power. It is also this Third Ray diversifying of the Third Aspect into channels consistent urge which causes the individual person to di- with the greater group good. The energies verge from the herd and to explore the creation inherent in this triangle also likely provide the of his or her personal identity and point of material vehicles and conditions for arrange- view. All this is strongly tied to the influence ments in space and time required by the un- of Alcyone, intimately involved with the mak- folding Plan, with Aquarius providing the right ing of the individual person and the explora- mental orientation and Alcyone providing the tions of potential by the Human Kingdom. material bases, both of these merging into ex- Interestingly, Alcyone is also linked to a zodi- pression through the field of human endeavor. acal influence characteristically known for its Thus, the Aquarius-Alcyone-Humanity trian- ability to overcome excessive individuality and gle likely makes itself felt. It is the flexibility to promote group coherence. According to the inherent in the Third Ray, pouring through Al- Tibetan, Alcyone is especially linked to the cyone, and the tolerance of uniqueness con- constellation and sign of Aquarius,24 which ferred by Aquarius which makes this possible, zodiacal influence is deeply involved with as the two working together serve to leaven matters of groups and collectives, normally Humanity’s consciousness in the direction of a functioning to integrate the individual into an much wider world of possibilities. Perhaps it is association with others of his or her kind. in this way that the eldest of the Atlantides However, the influence of Aquarius is also redeems her work in the previous solar system known for its inclination toward the unique, and simultaneously advances the onward the distinctive, and the independent—all con- march of evolution toward the goals of this stituting characteristics of the Third Aspect in system and the next.

Aldebaran rather than from prominent stars). Aldebaran thus helped make astrological mapping possi- ocated not far from Alcyone, Aldebaran is ble. L yet another bright and highly noticeable star in the constellation of Taurus. In fact, Al- The Tibetan never referred to Aldebaran by its modern quasi-Arabic name, speaking of this debaran is Alpha Taurii, the very brightest star 32 26 star only as the Eye of the Bull and the Gold- in the constellation of Taurus. Perceived by 33 many ancient peoples as well as today’s as- en Eye of Taurus. However, there can be no real doubt as to which star he meant, for his tronomers to be located right where an eye might be in the head of the Taurean Bull, Al- terminology closely matches the popular name debaran is also called the Eye of the Bull, or of this star, which name was also used by the early dwellers of the very country from which sometimes the Red Eye of the Bull for the rud- 34 dy light it casts.27 Its name comes from the hailed the Tibetan’s amanuensis. Given that Arabic, Al Debaran, which means The Follow- Aldebaran is characterized by the Tibetan as er, an allusion to the fact that the star Aldeba- the Eye of the Bull, or in other words, the Eye ran rises just following the ascension of the of Taurus,” is not likely that a full esoteric understanding of this star can be had apart from Pleiades.28 In fact, Aldebaran, Alcyone, and the Pleiades are all close neighbors in a fairly an understanding of the constellation in which compact area of the sky. this star exists. The constellation Taurus exerts a complex in- Aldebaran holds an important place in the his- fluence, according to the Ageless Wisdom. At tory of astrology and astronomy because it is the most basic level, this constellation deals one of four stars used by the ancient Mesopo- with the energies and forces like unto the ani- tamian and Persian sky watchers as reference mal for which it is named. Since the bull tradi- points against which to measure the circle of tionally stands for brute strength, sexual prow- the ecliptic. The four stars used in this manner ess, and a fierce disposition when under threat, were Aldebaran in the constellation of Taurus, so this constellation deals with the energies Antares in the constellation of Scorpio, Regu- that stoke the fires of the reproductive urge, the lus in the constellation of Leo, and Fomalhaut instinct to rebuke all intrusion, and the tenden- in the constellation of Aquarius.29 These four cy to establish ownership. Plainly these points establish an almost precise square in the tendencies play their appropriate and necessary celestial sphere, allowing for the delineation of roles, promoting the necessary population of the 360 degree circle with considerable accu- the globe, bodily protection, and the continuity racy. Thus, these four stars were used as the of physical existence. original reckoning points for the structure of the zodiac, perhaps as early as 5000 years Reproduction generally falls under the domin- ago.30 ion of the sacral center, for this center governs sexuality. It is the transfer of forces from the Aldebaran as one of these has been called one sacral center to the throat center, however, of the prime fiducials (or main reckoning which is the esoteric objective under the influ- stars), considered by ancient astrology to mark ence of Taurus.35 Of course, this process of the 15th degree of the sidereal constellation of th transfer requires time to complete, and in the Taurus. The other three stars also held the 15 early stages of Taurean influence, the concen- degree position in their respective constella- tration of forces remains in the lower (and not tions, functioning as marking points upon the higher) of the two centers concerned. Thus, which the remaining constellations were meas- 31 at one level, Taurus symbolizes physical appe- ured out in even 30 degree arcs in much the tite and the force of carnal or material desire, a same way as today’s tropical signs are meas- characteristic aptly portrayed by the virile and ured off in the ecliptic (though the tropical determined animal after which this constella- signs are figured from the equinoctial points tion is drawn.

The sexual, self-protective, and possessive one hand, as opposed to right aspiration and tendencies of bull-like psychology are only the appropriate intention on the other. Taurus thus most basic level of the Taurus influence, how- represents a wide spectrum of possibilities. ever. According to the Tibetan, under the in- The influence of this constellation evokes such fluence of Taurus, the individual or group so a divergent response because it is a repository affected also learns through repeated scenarios of not only the Fourth Ray (or the Ray of of mounting desire, its eventual gratification, Harmony via Conflict), which ray is usually consequent satiation, and eventual disinterest, associated with this constellation and sign, but that the most basic level of material craving also the First Ray, which ray is notorious for represents no spiritual ultimate.36 This process its tendency to bring out both the worst and the takes place slowly, over vast periods of time, best in that which it contacts. According to the spanning many incarnations. Tibetan, it is this potent ray of Will and Power Thus, according to the Tibetan, the influence which works through the constellation and sign of Taurus when working at the level of form of Taurus, and in so doing, evokes vastly di- (or personality) slowly and repeatedly brings verging responses from Humanity. about situations in which lessons can be Here is how the Tibetan characterized the two learned concerning the nature of desire—the extremes of Taurean influence as it channels fact that it is ephemeral, repetitive, and if ex- Ray One into our system and planet.40 pressed in excessive degrees and wrong direc- tions, can lead to a problematic identification On the downside, he said, this Ray One influ- with the sheaths of consciousness rather than ence pouring through Taurus evokes from with consciousness itself.37 In sum, it might be Humanity a bullish, headstrong insistence hell- said that the Taurus influence, when speaking bent upon following the way of aggression and to the awakening soul conscious individual, greed, resulting in a blindered forward rush ultimately conveys the all-important soul les- into materialistic systems of life, thought, and son that detachment from form is a natural desire.41 In this collective tendency can clearly process, and that gradual relinquishment of the be seen the instinctive belligerence of the Bull, more primitive desires is a natural evolutionary surging forward to overcome any who might movement. invade its territory. However, there is also a sense in which the onward rush of the Bull is a However, the esoteric meaning of Taurean in- good and necessary factor, as it does also facil- fluence goes even beyond this, for the influ- itate the accomplishment of the underlying ence of Taurus in its refined form is also said goal of the evolutionary process.42 All the to stand for those urges which function as a same, there seems to be a large component of vehicle for the Will or Purpose of Deity,38 for the Taurus influence which leads to pugna- finally, when the individual or group functions cious and even militant stances in parts of at the monadic level, the influence of Taurus Humanity. brings about a connection to the highest levels of Divine Will and Purpose.39 As a result, it On the upside, said the Tibetan, Ray One might be said that Taurus represents the force working through Taurus stimulates in the ad- of material personal desire at one extreme, vanced members of Humanity a very different while it represents the intent of Deity in the set of impulses. When the energies of Ray One overall evolutionary Plan on the other. working through Taurus impact members of Though it is indeed possible that the former this group, instead of being roused to material serves the latter in many a case, there remains and martial ambitions, they rise to a vision of a divergence of quality in the apparent oppo- far distant evolutionary possibilities, as though sites represented by the influence of this con- glimpsed through the very Eye of the Bull it- stellation. For the striving individual seeker, self, and consequently undertake a determined perhaps it might be said that Taurus represents and steady forward movement on the evolu- raw, unrestrained physical appetite and stub- tionary path, in service to the Divine Plan, no born insistence upon individual demands on matter what the immediate dangers and diffi-

culties might be.43 Within this characterization strating in initiates, disciples, and aspirants.48 of the refined Taurean influence is likely con- As can be seen, again a great divergence of tained a broad hint in regard to the nature of effect is to be noted, the opposite ends of Aldebaran, which as the brightest star in Tau- which bracket the possibilities presented by the rus, is quite likely the apotheosis of the Taurus potent influence of the Taurean influence influence. mixed with Ray One Of immediate interest to ... Alderbaran embodies in a energies. Clearly, this the esoteric astrologer is concentrated form the entire mixture can equally the link through which throw into high gear the all this Ray One power evolutionary lesson coded in selfish and acquisitive gains entrance to Tau- the constellation and sign of instincts of unregener- ate human nature on rus. The Tibetan stated Taurus.... It might even be said plainly that this Ray one hand, and the con- One influence acting in that the influence of Aldeba- secrated spiritual will Taurus comes from the ran itself brings about the re- of the most refined seeker on the other.49 Great Bear, the agent of orientation of force necessary Divine Will and Pow- That Aldebaran is in- er.44 He went on to say to move from control by the volved in bringing all that in recent times, and separative will to cooperation this psychospiritual on account of evolu- with the Cosmic Will. influence into our sys- tionary advancements, a tem was stated forceful- new linkage has arisen between several astro- ly but symbolically by the Tibetan, who put it logical factors, including the Great Bear and this way. “This Shamballa force…proceeds Taurus. This linkage begins with the Great from far distant places, pouring through the Bear, from which Ray One energies emanate, eye of illumination into those spheres of influ- and flows through the large physical constella- ence upon…the Earth, impelling the Bull upon tion and related zodiacal sign of Taurus. It then its onward rush.”50 Interpreted, this statement continues through the smaller and more fo- might be restated as the following: The Ray cused Pleiades star cluster (being relayed by One energies which power Shamballa on our one of the Pleiades in particular), then the spe- planet come from the far distant stars of the cific star Aldebaran, and finally the planet Great Bear. These Ray One energies ultimately Pluto (which planet distributes the First Ray), pour through Aldebaran to reach our Earth, to usher Ray One energies into our solar sys- thus bringing the energies and tests of Taurus tem.45 It is likely that the Tibetan also intended (in which constellation Aldebaran is located) the invisible planet Vulcan to be included in fully into our region of experience. this distribution sequence, for he mentioned Note here that all the additional factors in the this body within the general context of the dis- previously described Ray One distribution se- cussion on Ray One force as it pours through Taurus.46 This would establish the entire Ray quence are not enumerated. However, they might be understood as implied, and it would One distribution sequence as follows: Great thus appear that in this statement, the Tibetan Bear, Taurus, Pleiades, Aldebaran, Pluto/Vulcan. The Ray One energies thus simply emphasized the essential factors, refer- channeled then surge through Shamballa, our ring under cover of symbolism to only the Great Bear and Aldebaran. In so doing, the planetary head center, and from thence right Tibetan may have used Aldebaran as a repre- into our planetary life.47 sentative of the entire constellation of Taurus The impact of Ray One energies coming and all that it connotes, for he stated that Ray through this linkage results in the evocation of One force “pours through the eye of illumina- not only all the problematic bull-headedness tion…impelling the Bull on its onward rush, ” and territoriality evidenced by mass Humanity, which is as much to assert that the “eye of il- but also the will to serve the Plan as demon- lumination” in some way facilitates the expres-

sion of energies from Taurus, the Bull. This is Compelling as this analogy between star and one reason why it may be suspected that in etheric center may be, it nonetheless seems Aldebaran are concentrated the energies of the that in other contexts, the term Eye of the Bull constellation Taurus in which it is found, just almost undoubtedly refers straightforwardly to as may be the case with Alcyone and the Plei- the star Aldebaran. Thus, there emerges a pic- ades. ture of the star Aldebaran as an illumined orb capturing the massive Ray One energies ema- All the same, it is possible that the term eye of nating from the Great Bear, which then pour illumination as used here refers to some un- through this star as though it were an open eye known subjective factor or even the third eye casting the rays of its light-filled gaze down- in the human being. Certainly, the Tibetan did ward into creation, thus prodding the Taurean equate the Eye of the Bull with the ajna or Bull and all its effects the more forcefully into brow center in the individual person in particu- action. lar passages in which this star was discussed. For example, in one passage the Tibetan indi- In so doing, this great Taurean celestial eye cated that the Eye of the Bull is like unto the functions also, according to the Tibetan, as the single eye of the New Testament, which when “eye of revelation.”54 The revelation here re- “single” (or perhaps concentrated), makes the ferred to is no doubt of both cosmic and per- whole body full of light.51 Clearly, this is a sonal scope, affecting universal process and reference to the organ of spiritual vision individual progress alike. But just exactly what which, when developed, reveals the clairvoy- does the Eye of the Bull reveal? According to ant view of existence, a light filled energy the Tibetan, it reveals nothing less than “…the field. Another passage in this same vein sug- stupendous and sublime plan of Deity.”55 This gests that the star Aldebaran is the archetype is the essential esoteric function of the star Al- for the eye of spiritual vision in the individual debaran, known since ancient times as the Eye person.52 Yet a third asserts that the Eye of the of the Bull. It has the power to pull aside the Bull and the focused, opened eye of illumina- curtains of matter shrouding the central mys- tion in the individual person are the same tery of existence, and in so doing, expose the thing.53 In this sense, then, to say that far dis- workings of Divine Intent to full view. This it tant star energies flow through the eye of the does not only for the individual seeker, but for bull is to say that such stellar energies flow the collective as well, though the collective through the ajna center of the human person at may only grasp such a communication slowly. some point in evolution, and it is in this way Still, such is the potential for subjective expe- that the true esoteric work of the Taurus arche- rience conferred by the rays of Aldebaran, type is facilitated. which star was said by the Tibetan to convey a spiritual vision of synthesis as an ultimate rev- There can be little doubt that the Tibetan elation.56 meant to indicate a strong correlation between the functioning of Aldebaran, the star, and the Of course, such a majestic stellar revelation is Eye of the Bull as the etheric “eye” near the hardly a simple thing to receive, even though forehead of the human person. In fact, it might requiring only a few words to declare. To perhaps be well to go so far as to say that the glimpse the entirety of the Divine Plan is a equivalence between the celestial Bull’s Eye staggering experience surpassing the confines and the human ajna suggests a linkage between of normal human mentation. Much preparation the mastery of the forces of Taurus and the must take place before cosmic content such as development of the ajna center, such that when this can be contained in the consciousness of a the mastery of these Taurean forces takes group or individual. Many erroneous structures place, so also occurs the unfoldment of the eye of thought and behavior must be swept away, of illumination in the individual human person, that an opening in mind and matter may be unto the point of complete clairvoyant percep- made. And much must be changed in the ori- tion. entation toward material embodiment itself if

such an insight is to be grasped. Otherwise, This is to say a great deal, as might be imag- the mind will simply be too narrow and earth- ined, but even at its simplest level, it makes en to comprehend the complexity and nuances clear that Aldebaran is a potent distributor of of the unfolding Divine Plan. the Destroyer Ray, Ray One. This ray influence leads directly to the invisible planet, Vul- Fundamental resistance to tremendous change can, which distributes Ray One itself, and such as that required for cosmic understanding which planet sways the affairs of Taurus from resides right in the form nature, for the form its position as both esoteric and hierarchical nature is geared toward considerations other ruler of this constellation and sign. Obviously, than the comprehension of the entirety of the the influence of Vulcan participates in the dec- Divine Plan. This resistance inherent in the imation and neutralization of those resistances form nature is symbolized by the Bull of Tau- to be found hiding so stubbornly in the form rus itself, which animal stands staunchly as nature, so aptly represented by the Bull. The master of its territory, unwilling to compro- Tibetan hinted that this is so when he implied mise, bend, or adapt. The exoteric astrological that it is really the forces of Ray One Aldeba- portrayal of Taurus underscores this fact, hold- ran and Vulcan which guide the person or ing that Taurus represents that which is imper- group much affected by Taurus.58 vious, set in its ways, and bound by habit. Thus, it might profitably be speculated that the Thus, the constellation of Taurus contains all essential lesson to be learned under Taurean the elements of an evolutionary drama, with influence concerns the difference between the both the incentive to evolve and the resistance stubborn little self-will of the separative per- to doing so well represented. Little mystery sonality and the majestic cosmic will of the that this constellation and its representative are monad and beyond. Aldebaran plays a central also associated with Ray Four, the ray under role in rendering that distinction in starkest which understanding is only achieved via dras- terms to the advancing disciple, though the tic contrast, for here the contrasts are marked, fullness of its message arrives only over long indeed. The battle between these contrasts periods of time. The fact that Aldebaran’s in- makes for the Taurean drama, which results fluence is only fully accessible to persons on from the impact of Ray One as it strikes the later stages of the spiritual path was under- elementary material tendencies embodied in scored by the Tibetan, who stated that the in- this archetype. Once this Ray One energy pass- fluence of Aldebaran can only act freely in an ing from the Great Bear, to Taurus, and individual when all glamour and illusion have through the Eye of the Bull reaches Earth, its been dissipated, which stage is reached at the kingdoms, and the striving seeker in particular, Third Initiation.59 This qualification falls right it is ready to take on any of the resistances the in line with other statements made by the Ti- form nature might muster. The Tibetan has betan regarding the stage of evolution at which indicated that Aldebaran is critical in this pro- star energies in general are truly available for cess, stating that is through this star (or the eye the individual seeker. Thus, it can be expected of illumination as he called it) that pours the that until the Third Initiation is reached, an force responsible for the removal of all ob- individual will be slightly to very discomfited structions, thus letting the entire impact of by the influence of Aldebaran, as with that of Taurus do its work for evolution on our plan- other stars, for until monadic awareness super- et.57 Ray One influence from Aldebaran thus venes, stellar impact is perceived as relatively makes way for all the lessons of Taurus, which inimical, especially to the consciousness (stated positively) concern right direction of strongly identified with form. Hence, to those desire and right orientation to the form nature. on an early stage of the path, Aldebaran signi- In this process, Ray One influence from Al- fies somewhat of an ominous influence, wield- debaran acts to enhance or increase the pres- ing as it does the Ray One capacity for destruc- ence of spiritual light in the planet and the per- tion of attachments and mistaken identifica- son, simply by ridding all levels of those fac- tions. tors which impede spiritual evolution.

In sum, it appears that Aldebaran embodies in of Humanity, perhaps through the constellation a concentrated form the entire evolutionary and related zodiacal sign of Aquarius, through lesson coded in the constellation and sign of personal awakening into individuated exist- Taurus. This star teaches of the necessity to ence and through the instinctual mass migra- orient force away from the more primitive tions or explorations undertaken periodically physical impulses, and to replace those im- by large groups of Humanity. pulses with a sense of the greater cosmic Likewise, the esoteric astrological doctrine movement and one’s place therein. It might maintains that Alcyone’s close neighbor, Al- even be said that the influence of Aldebaran debaran, brings to bear a major influence with- itself brings about the reorientation of force in the plan of spiritual evolution. Addressing necessary to move from control by the separa- itself to the question of desire and its manage- tive will to cooperation with the Cosmic Will. ment, Aldebaran is characterized in the esoter- The counseling esoteric astrologer and serious ic astrological teaching as the epitome of the student should take note that this dramatic in- themes connected with the constellation and fluence from Aldebaran enters our solar sys- related zodiacal sign of Taurus. In this sense, tem through its astrological intermediaries — Aldebaran brings intensive focus to the process which are the visible and invisible planetary of experiencing desire, learning to detach from representatives of Ray One, Pluto and Vulcan form control, and ultimately connecting with respectively. This fact imparts new meaning to the Greater Cosmic Purpose. Within this de- those lifetimes and periods when the individual velopment is implied the gradual lifting of en- is strongly influenced by either or both of these ergies from the lower etheric centers of the two Ray One bodies, which carry the stellar disciple and initiate to those above the dia- imperative of Aldebaran into the region of hu- phragm. For this purpose, in individuals and man psychology. the collective, energies from a Ray One source Conclusion in the Great Bear pour through the constellation and sign of Taurus, the Pleiades, the star s this essay has shown, the stars Alcyone Aldebaran, and the planets Pluto and Vulcan to A and Aldebaran play significant roles in reach life on our planet. The end effect is the the esoteric astrology of Alice Bailey and the destruction and elimination of all impediments Tibetan. Within this context, these two stars to spiritual evolution, a profoundly disruptive are regarded as sources of powerful evolution- process which inevitably entails the temporary ary energies, often but not always operating in intensification of seemingly adverse qualities. a manner which is apparently destructive to the The esoteric astrological doctrine thus charac- form nature. terizes the effects of Aldebaran as signally The esoteric astrological teaching maintains purgative, removing by force and fury those that Alcyone exerts this influence in numerous obstacles in the personality and in the collec- ways, generating form and maintaining a fun- tive which would resist the grander vision damental connection with it, governing the emerging through stellar stimulation. uplift and subsidence of land masses associat- The question of exactly how in astrological ed with vast evolutionary periods, activating chart technique this stellar stimulation reaches and governing the intelligent response coded the individual disciple and initiate is not taken into matter in the previous solar system, and up by the Tibetan Master in the esoteric astrol- driving the segregative effect of axial rotation, ogy of Alice Bailey. In the published sources together with its psychospiritual correlate in representing this doctrine, the Tibetan Master the process of individualization. Further, Alcy- speaks only of energy flows, the reception of one stands as a pivotal representative of the energies by consciousness and its sheaths, and negative or female polarity, paired as it is with the consequent results in the human outlook. one of the stars of the positive and masculine Nowhere in this doctrine are there given spe- polarity found in the Great Bear. Finally, the cific degrees of the zodiac through which such esoteric teaching holds that Alcyone affects all stellar energy flows are indicated. Modern as-

trologers often find this lack of specificity maddening, accustomed as they are to the use 4 Ibid., 768. of the 360 degrees of the zodiac as specific 5 Ibid. placements for the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, 6 R.H. Allen, Star Names, Their Lore and Midheaven, planets, and other significant Meaning (New York: Dover Publications, points in the astrological birth chart of the in- 2000 reprint of 1899 original edition), 403; dividual. As centuries of use have proven, Vivian Robson, The Fixed Stars and Constel- these specific placements and their activations lations in Astrology (London: Cecil Palmer, by transiting planets are valuable and reliable 1923), 119. 7 Blavatsky, Secret Doctrine, vol. II, 785. elements of astrological analysis. However, a 8 technique answering to this level of modern H.P. Blavatsky, Theosophical Glossary, (Adhyar: Theosophical Publishing House, re- astrological analysis was not ever provided by print of 1892 edition), 16. the Tibetan Master in regard to the actual stars 9 Alice A. Bailey, The Destiny of the Nations, themeselves. Thus, until another installment is (New York: Lucis Publishing Company, received from authentic Hierarchical sources, 1949), 46. it seems best to limit inquiry and discussion to 10 Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, (New the concepts the Tibetan Master did articulate York: Lucis Publishing Company, 1951), 201. in the published Bailey writings. 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid., 200. Given that, it is possible to see that the charac- 13 Ibid. teristics associated with the stars Alcyone and 14 Ibid. Aldebaran are timeless, archetypal designs ap- 15 Ibid. plicable to all human spiritual striving. As 16 Ibid., 111, 679. enumerated by the presently available esoteric 17 Robson, Fixed Stars, 14, 119; H.P. Blavatsky, literature, Alcyone and Aldebaran point all The Secret Doctrine vol. I (Wheaton: Theo- sincere seekers to the work of transforming the sophical University Press, reprint of 1888) stubborn ways of the separative personality edition, 501. 18 Allen, Star Names, 405; Robson, Fixed Stars, into the inspired ways of the one who has seen 14. the Greater Cosmic Vision and has committed 19 Robson, Fixed Stars, 119. According to Bla- oneself to it. This would seem enough for the vatsky in the Theosophical Glossary, 17, Am- moment. ba is the Sanskrit name for the “eldest Pleiad,” which fact would make Alcyone the eldest or senior of the Pleiades. 1 Philip Babcock Gove, ed. Webster’s Third 20 Allen, Fixed Stars, 404. New International Dictionary (Cambridge: 21 Ibid. Riverside Press, 1961). The word “kingfisher” 22 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 198. brings to mind the “Fisher King,” an im- 23 Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine, vol. II, 768. portant figure in Grail Legendry. This poten- 24 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 194. tial connection between Alcyone, kingfishers, 25 This linkage between Third Ray Alcyone and Fisher Kings, and Grail Legendry is no doubt Aquarius might also indicate an additional ray worthy of further research by those so in- signature for Aquarius beyond that which is clined. most frequently mentioned by the Tibetan in 2 Of interest is the fact that Renaissance alche- connection with this sign. Perhaps it shall ul- mists equated coral with the philosopher’s timately be found that Aquarius distributes stone. On this point, see Francis Yates, The Ray Three, in addition to the conventional Rosicrucian Enlightenment (Abingdon: Taylor Ray Five, and the previously proposed Ray and Francis, 2001), 120, 205. This connection One. between coral and the alchemical quest sug- 26 J.D. Staal, The New Patterns in the Sky: Myths gests yet another line of inquiry that might be and Legends of the Stars (Newark, OH: taken up in connection with the star Alcyone. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Com- 3 H.P. Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine vol. II pany, 1996), 76. (Wheaton: Theosophical University Press, re- 27 Ibid. print of 1888 edition), 772. 28 Allen, Star Names, 383.

29 Staal, New Patterns, 54. 45 Ibid. 30 Allen, Star Names, 385. 46 Ibid., 375. 31 Cyril Fagan and Roy Firebrace, A Primer of 47 Ibid., 376. Sidereal Astrology (publisher unknown, 48 Ibid., 377. 1961), 135. 49 Whenever the striving server registers the 32 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 154, 393, 403, irresistible intent to aid in the Plan, it is the 565, 566. mark and evidence of this Ray One linkage 33 Ibid., 379. from the Great Bear via Taurus, the Pleiades, 34 According to Allen in Star Names, 384, the Aldebaran, and Pluto to our planet, coming to early English called Aldebaran “Bull’s Eye.” resonate in the very head center of the indi- 35 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 398. vidual, from thence to affect the surroundings. 36 Ibid., 107. 50 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 376. 37 Ibid., 205, 381. 51 Ibid., 154. 38 Ibid., 376, 381. 52 Ibid., 403. 39 Ibid., 381. 53 Ibid., 565, 566. 40 The two paragraphs that follow are summa- 54 Ibid., 376. rized from Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 377, 55 Ibid. 378. 56 Ibid., 162, 381. 41 Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, 377, 378. 57 I bid., 376. 42 Ibid., 376. 58 I bid., 393. 43 Ibid., 377, 378. 59 Ibid., 383, 384. 44 Ibid., 376.