Mars — Part One

As befits one with an Aries Sun and Scorpio Moon and Ascendant, Will, Purpose, and Direction have always been of great importance. And as I stand on the threshold of a new decade of life, these recurrent themes resound loudly in my consciousness.

The long transits of Pluto over natal Moon and Neptune conjoining Mars are virtually ended, leaving in their wake profound changes of which I am slowly becoming aware. Images of the past, both in this and other lifetimes, continually dart to mind. It is easy to dwell upon the feelings and emotions, and I need to gently remind myself that it is over, done with, dead. It is vital to focus upon the now, and the glorious opportunities of this moment in space and time.

My old life in California has been irrevocably shattered, and though the scattered fragments bear both fragrant and odious memories, they must be allowed to pass away. From these ashes new existence arises, as a butterfly emerging to test its shimmering wings in the dawn of a new day. Here in Glastonbury, as at other sacred places of spiritual power, great forces awaken, seeking structure and form through which to incarnate. Indeed, the potential of this time is enormous, testing each of us in our willingness to manifest the Divine Plan.

The lessons of the past — the trials, tests, and initiations - are of little value unless they are used to birth the new. Each of us is asked to stand tall in our own truth and knowingness, to claim our heritage as the Light of the World, and to shine forth. We are here to heal the Earth, to offer our gifts of the spirit freely to all who ask. Nothing less will do. The forms and tools used are of relatively little importance. Rather it is the consciousness flowing through them that can ignite the flame of love and truth upon our planet.

Through the soul-infused individual the light of understanding and compassion blazes powerfully, healing and uplifting. And it is to this level of being that our metaphysical maps of consciousness must speak. Whether it is through the use of astrology, tarot, numerology, or crystals, we can help our sisters and brothers to build the Rainbow Bridge linking Soul and Personality. We can help them to awaken to their own unique purpose and destiny, and offer clues and directions to manifest this.

Mobilizing the Will is difficult and fraught with dangers of egocentricity and distortion. Unless one has gone through rigorous self-searching, and continually tests the intuitive promptings in the day-to-day world, asking for mirroring and feedback, spiritual direction can be elusive. But as the light of clarity and wisdom illuminates and transforms personality patterns, the path of purpose reveals itself, and one moves forward toward fulfillment.

Humanity is indeed the world disciple and initiate, and each of us is charged with the redemption of materiality as our spiritual task. In unique ways we are given the strengths, talents and resources to manifest this destiny. Through reading the astrological chart and other symbol systems in this way, and speaking to the level of the soul, we can empower one another to truly be that Light of the World, and to fulfill our destiny.

As one moves beyond the mere expression of ego and personality, and touches the level of soul, consciousness begins to shift dramatically. In astrology, the traditional rulerships of signs and houses change. For example, when I had begun to master the Martian and Plutonic aspects of Aries — anger, resentment and ego gratification — the essence of Mercury's force — clarity, understanding and wisdom — pervaded my actions. A knowledge of esoteric astrology, based upon the teachings of the Tibetan Master, D.K., offered me deep insights into the nature and purpose of my life.

Until one has gone through the necessary adjustments to personality existence, esoteric astrology has little relevance. Until the contact with one's soul is made, and the ensuing transformative experiences undergone, traditional astrology is a most useful tool. But when one emerges into the dawn of the soul-infused existence, the conditioning influence of the planets changes. One becomes ever more responsive to indwelling Spirit, and the focus of awareness moves in new directions. At this point an interpretation of the horoscope based upon esoteric principles can be most illuminating, revealing the individual path and destiny.

Mars is the planet most strongly linked with the transition from personality-based existence to the life of Spirit. It is symbolic of the process involved in building the antahkarana, or Rainbow Bridge. An incisive analysis of the Mars constellation in the natal chart offers clues to the necessary steps in moving toward a soul-infused life. This theme will be the subject of Part Two.