Eastern Systems for Western Astrologers: An Anthology 1578630061

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silG)

Mis

'Ai

Introduction by

Thomas Moore The Astrological Vision

Eastern Systems for

Western Astrologers

Hi An Anthology

Ray Grasse Astrology

& the Chakras

Robin Armstrong

The Degrees of the Zodiac Bill

& the I-Ching

Watson

Chinese Five-Element (Tzu P'lng) Astrology

Michael Erlewine

Tibetan Astrology

Hart deFouw

The Humanism of Vedic Astrology Dennis Flaherty

The Eastern Moon through Western Eies James Braha Prediction East

Houck & Death—East & West

Richard Life

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Copley Square

Eastern Systems for

Western Astrologers An Anthology

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2014

https://archive.org/details/easternsystemsfoOOrobi

Eastern Systems for

Western Astrologers AN AlNTHOlOOY

ST£

re

The Astrological Vision

Ray Grasse Astrology

& the Chakras

Robin Armstrong

The Degrees of the Zodiac Bill

& the L-Ching

Watson

Chinese Five-Element (Tzu P'ing) Astrology

Michael Erlewine

Tibetan Astrology

Hart deFouw The Humanism of Vedic Astrology Dennis Flaherty

The Eastern Moon through Western Eyes James Braha Prediction East Richard Life

Houck

& Death-East & West

SAMUEL WEISER,

INC.

York Beach, Maine

First

published in 1997 by

Samuel Weiser, Inc. P.O.Box 612 York Beach, ME 03910-0612

©

997 Robin Armstrong, James T. Braha, Hart deFouw, Michael Erlewine, Dennis Flaherty, Ray Grasse, Richard Houck,Thomas Moore, Bill Watson. Copyright

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No

All rights reserved.

part of this publication

may be reproduced

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form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Samuel Weiser, Inc. transmitted in any

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Eastern systems for Western astrologers / introduction by

Robin Armstrong

... [et al.]

;

Thomas Moore,

cm.

p.

Includes index.

ISBN 1-57863-006-1 1.

Astrology.

BF1708.1.E27

2.

(pbk.

alk.

:

paper)

East and West.

I.

Armstrong, Robin.

1997

133.5'925—dc21

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Table of Contents

Publisher's Preface

vii

The Astrological Vision by Thomas Moore

Introduction:

Chapter

1.

ix

Astrology and the Chakras

1

by Ray Grasse 2. The Degrees of the Zodiac and Robin Armstrong by

Ching

39

Chinese Five-Element (Tzu P'ing) Astrology

97

Chapter

Chapter

by

3.

Bill

Chapter

4.

the

I

Watson Tibetan Astrology

143

by Michael Erlewine Chapter

5.

The Humanism of Vedic

Astrology

205

through Western Eyes

233

by Hart deFouw Chapter

6.

The

Eastern

Moon

by Dennis Flaherty Chapter

7.

271

Prediction East

by James T. Braha Chapter

8.

Life

& Death—East &

West

325

by Richard Houck Index

361

Publisher's Preface

THERE IS A RAPIDLY GROWING

interest in Eastern

astrology in the English speaking world.

presently using the "Western" systems are

Many

hungry

Systems of

astrologers

tion about other systems, especially since Project Hindsight*

modern

issue

translations

"classical" than

of

classical literature.

who

are

for practical informa-

What

began to

could be more

exploring ancient astrological themes from China, India,

and Tibet? This book contains a general overview of what's going on in a very

broad

field.

Because most astrologers are familiar with the word chakras,

the anthology opens with an article by

symbolism contained

Ray

who discusses new insights into

Grasse,

in the chakras to obtain

the the

Robin Armstrong follows with an exploration of the horoscope using the I Ching and horary concepts. He has been working with his own system of I Ching relationships and how they can be applied to astrology; this article is the result of many years of study.

Western

Bill

chart.

Watson explores Chinese Five-Element (Tzu

P'ing) astrology, a

completely different system than the one Western astrologers use. explains tural

how

and an

work with

Chinese astrologers use

astrological point

this

this

symbolism, from both

of view, and then shows us

He

a cul-

how we

can

system. Michael Erlewine has written an exciting intro-

ductory chapter on Tibetan Astrology, translating

combine Western

charts

and Eastern

new

material, and pro-

we cannot symbols, which means that we can-

viding a different set of insights. Both authors

stress that

*Project Hindsight, translating famous classic texts for astrologers. To support the organization, or to purchase copies

please write

of the many

classics that

have been translated into English,

P.O.Box 002, Berkeley Springs,WV 25422.

VIII

/

EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

not take an Eastern technique and apply

Western

to a

it

chart.

We

can,

however, work with both the Western and the Eastern chart, drawing conclusions from both systems. It is

clear that

we

can't

Westerners also mistakenly

Hart deFouw addresses

combine the systems of East and West.

feel that

Eastern systems are not humanistic.

common

this

belief

chologically-based astrologer, explaining the ogy.

and talks to the more psyhumanism of Vedic Astrol-

Dennis Flaherty follows with an extremely comprehensive

article

between the Eastern and Western view of the Moon and Moon cycles that all astrologers will benefit from reading. James Braha is the author of several well-known books on the subject of Vedic Astrology, and provides practical advice and instruction for

on

the differences

working with Jyotish, or Vedic Astrology. We close the book with Richard Houck's view of death, and with his explanation

of the Nadi Grantha reading and

"death" makes Westerners uncomfortable.

people

who

have walked away from

longer have the traditions to

Some

free-will.

The word

the end of a cycle, and

strict religious

observances no

make them comfortable with the process. all around them (listen to them talk

astrologers secretly see death

about Solar Returns) but

Houck for

It is

feel that

shares a look at his

anyone

who

own

its

unethical to talk about

chart,

it.

Richard

and provides an interesting read

wants to delve into the subject.

These authors bring passion and enthusiasm for the subjects presented here. We hope that their enthusiasm will excite readers to explore at least

one of the these ancient

tion about chakras and the

I

traditions

Ching can

and concepts. The informabe applied to your own

readily

systems. Chinese Astrology

is a study by itself, as is Tibetan Astrology and Vedic Astrology (or Jyotish) Since we are approaching the millennium, and because prediction is a "hot topic" now, these ancient Eastern .

systems can be invaluable to contemporary Western astrologers.

Thomas Moore

INTRODUCTION

The Astrological Vision

NOT SO MANY GENERATIONS

ago, both intellectuals

dinary folk assumed an astrological worldview, and

and or-

as a result

they

more connected to nature and to the timings and rhythms in their lives. Even today some form of astrological sensibility can be found

felt

own all

own

around the world, and yet our explained culture

tionalistically

is

technologically advanced and ra-

generally not able to appreciate

it.

To some extent astrologers, themselves, are to blame for astrology's modern life, for they often feed the notion that astrol-

bleak presence in

ogy

a

is

new

age practice, or that

it

belongs in an essentially esoteric

approach to life.The ordinary person looks stitious,

and irrelevant in any serious

at astrology as quaint, super-

understand ourselves and

effort to

our world.To give astrology wider acceptance, it may be useful to imagine

it

their it

in

ways not so

split

off from mainstream thinking.

To some extent, astrologers have tried to claim relevance by placing work on a solid scientific basis, or at least they have tried to make

look

like science. In this century,

many

fields

of knowledge, the

social

sciences for example, have tried that approach, but ultimately the attempt to secure acceptance

because science

besides, the beauty

We

might

developing a ods

—

by clinging

tries to

to the coattails of science doesn't

shake off hangers-on

of astrology

lies

in

its

appreciation for

its

work,

doesn't approve of, and,

alternative values

restore astrology to at least

new

it

and

vision.

some of its former glory by

fundamental ingredients and meth-

poetic and symbolic thinking, divination, and attention to nature,

process, and

movement. None of these ingredients needs

to be

imagined

only esoterically, for each can have a central role in ordinary living, and

each can co-exist fruitfully and smoothly with rationality and science. Astrology

is

a

fundamental way of looking

at

the world in

which we

X

/

EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

lives, and only secondarily does it unmeans of knowledge. Astrology is based on the idea that to look into ourselves and our experience we need an external source of imagery.The alchemist of old peered intensely into the materials that make up the stuff of the world, and found there images and a language that reveal elements and dynamics of human life that might otherwise remain hidden. Mythology portrays the most profound patterns and themes of human life, and it, too, a mountain that often emerges out of a simple manifestation of nature evokes the notion of a residence of the gods and goddesses, or the rising and setting of the sun suggesting beginnings and endings, or the hero's journey. The poet draws upon every particle of nature and experience for its metaphoric value. In each case, the concrete world is the impetus live. It

provides a context for our

fold into a divinitory

—

for a life-shaping imagination.

Astrology focuses on the the mystery and vastness of cycles, colors,

Nothing

sky,

human

animal shapes,

in nature offers so

finding there not only an image of life,

but a fully articulated theater of

stories, heroes,

much

geometries, and rhythms.

to the imagination as the night sky,

and nothing evokes divinity and mystery so

palpably.

may

Broadly speaking, an astrological sensitivity

consist

of

little

more than an awareness that in autumn the days grow shorter, or that the moon is waxing or waning, or that the sunset is particularly captivating. Of course, astrology becomes infinitely more complex, but the essential perspective

of the

fully

of astrology can sometimes get

lost in the intricacies

developed system, and often that system can be explored

without reference to the simple natural developments in the sky that quite directly can set the

about

fate

In the spirit

opments

most ordinary person

to thinking poetically

and destiny of the times, people today tend to understand develwith exclusive reference to experiences that

in their lives

may

be current or past.We blame our childhood and our parents for current adult difficulties, or

we look

resulting imagination ing.

An

to external conditions for explanation. The

of ordinary

life is

narrowly personalistic and blam-

astrological view, in contrast, encourages us to

sential natures

and

anyone

what has

else for

at

the rhythms of unfolding

possible,

responsibility

We

at

our es-

don't blame

we have the opporour own lives respon-

befallen us, and therefore

tunity to enjoy the weight and pleasures of living sibly. It's

life.

look

of course, to use astrology

by blaming the

stars,

as

but approached

an excuse, to avoid intelligently, astrology

THE ASTROLOGICAL VISION

offers a cles

way

of its

acknowledge the

to

stuff

B.C.,

saidi'The soul has

Greek philosopher of the

its

own

elements, rhythms, and timings. Astrology

an excellent means for observing and naming the souls

ments, and so in this sense, astrology

is

mythology of the

a

plied poetics, that allows us to behold our

nature just

as

sixth

events of life for the soul's reasons, but rather learn-

literal

ing something about

as

the cy-

own principle of unfolding." As we we might watch its unfolding, not

its

respond to and care for our soul, looking to the

offers

made and

are

realization.

In a key statement, Herakleitos, the

century

we

of which

own

own movesoul,

an ap-

natures, to see ourselves

the stars are nature.

The implications of this restoration of astrology include an macy with nature stemming from a deeply felt awareness that there essential gulf

terior lives.

We

intiis

no

between the world out there and the felt world of our inmight revere nature more on account of this awareness,

We

so that astrology could sibility.

/ XI

might

become the basis for a grounded ecological senmore the movements in our own hearts,

also respect

responding to them with respect rather than judgment.

With

this basis

—

a less personalistic

own

view of our

periences and increased intimacy with nature

—

subjective ex-

a divinatory

approach to

everyday decisions and understanding makes "natural" sense, and

own make-up and

appear so esoteric. If the world holds the secrets to our

rhythms, admittedly in the sense of applied poetry, then

look outside ourselves for clues about nal

how

to engage

may not

makes sense

it

life.

A purely

approach would be inadequate, since rationality doesn't respect

ciently the mysteries

of the soul and of nature. Nor would a purely

approach do, for then

The

we

are

back in the realm of the

to

ratiosuffi-

willful

personalistic.

method of astrology is essential to its basic premises, and offers an alternative to the modern approach to decision-making. Ordinarily people make decisions by trying to understand the issues at divinatory

hand, weighing the pros and cons, considering past experience, and

hoping to have everything under control. intuition, faith, openness,

spect for mystery.

and even

Everyone knows

A divinatory approach

a certain

that life

degree of ignorance or reis

never

under our control, yet our usual methods imply charge. Divination leaves plenty of

room

would go

so far as to say that divination

soul finds

its

options

the

is

more way of the mind.

way, while the

is

rational

asks for

that

fully predictable

we

for mystery

the proper

or

can be fully in

and mistakes.

way

in

I

which the

weighing of alternatives and

EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

XII /

A divinatory way of life in general looks for signs in all places. Signs waken

the imagination and lead us into a profoundly intuitive approach

which we can become sothe movements phisticated in our reading of a certain group of signs trusts only the latest Modernism bit of knowledge and planets. the of of life. Astrology

to the design

is

one

area in

—

the latest technological invention, while astrology finds a

its

confidence in

long line of authorities and in ancient traditions of interpretation and

own

their

kinds of technology.

Whereas modern rational thinking always looks for advances in information and thought, divinatory forms of knowledge place more confidence in the breadth and depth of experience behind has developed out of centuries of imagination this

wealth of subtle imaginal analysis

ical traditions

and

available to us in various astrolog-

Asia, var-

expand our very notion of what astrology

the same time offer increasingly sophisticated directions for the

at

Western

method. Astrology

around the world. From Africa to the Americas to

ious ways of reading the stars is,

is

its

and experimentation, and

practice.

The

East

is

particularly important for

and divination. The East

is

sometimes

its

traditions

of sacred poetry

more

called, often disparagingly,

mystical than the West, but contrasting the pragmatism of the

West with

the mysticism of the East creates a false dichotomy. Both East and West

have extraordinary traditions in care of the soul. Both have astounding technologies, both have astounding mystics.We can turn to the East, not as

though toward

explored our

a

own

world opposite ours, but rather to

a culture that has

concerns with imagery that could be fresh and en-

lightening.

We

might

also realize that East

mean

that they

little

ditions that are varied try,

from region

many

different

Still,

and West

are such

in specific terms. The East

broad categories

embraces

a host

of tra-

and often contradictory. From country to coun-

to region,

from one time period

to another,

we

find

ways of imagining the same quests and concerns.

we Westerners

find the East a land of mystery. All peoples

to share the profoundly mythic experience

ple as opposite themselves.

It's

seem

of imagining some other peo-

an archetypal pattern. Renaissance Europe

was mesmerized by ancient Egypt, the

classical Greeks were charmed by god Dionysus, who was a foreigner, and we can still fantasize little green people from outer space as bearers of an as yet unknown way of

the

being in

life.

THE ASTROLOGICAL VISION

by

So,

looking to

at

make

all

means, let us turn eastward and deepen our

the heavens. But at the same time, let us

astrology friendly to our

own

make

not indulge in our esoteric aloofness, but rather

guage and an inclusive attitude

of soul and poetry, with vision. In a

gifts

as

we

own way

let

nourish our

own

of

a special effort

people, for those of us

astrology are like foreigners to the majority of our

/ XIII

who

value

people. Let us

us find inviting lan-

own

culture, so starved

of an ancient and a worldwide astrological

time dominated by materialistic, mechanistic, and

rationalistic

thinking, we need the gifts of astrology: the mystery of the sky, the sure

guidance of divination, ancient stories and personalities associated with the fate

stars, is

a holy reverence of nature, and love of the

human being whose

signaled in the outlay and the dance of the heavenly bodies.

,

Ray

Grasse

CHAPTER

I

Astrology and the chakras

Understand that thou thyself within thee the

Sun and

the

another world in

art

Moon, and

little,

and hast

also the stars.

—Origen HAT WOULD I

VV

citing possibility

LIKE TO

EXPLORE

in this chapter

is

the ex-

of bridging two of history's greatest psycholog-

of astrology and the chakras. Conventionally, these two

ical systems, that

systems have been seen

as

having

little

or nothing to do with each other,

the former primarily concerning the outer world, or macrocosm, the latter largely as

we

shall

seen

soon

as

concerning the inner world, or microcosm. In

see, these

two systems

are

two

sides

fact,

of the same coin,

each one complementing the other in ways that can enhance our understanding of both.

quire an entirely

Through understanding this connection we stand to acnew way of perceiving our own horoscope, as framed

in the context of one of the great spiritual psychological systems devised

by the yogic sages of antiquity.

The

basic system

upon can be found

of correspondences our discussion will be based

in several sources.

Although

I

have personally learned

Yoga lineage (Goswami Kriyananda of Chiof Paramahansa Yogananda) one finds the same essential system described by such writers as David Frawley (Astrology of the Seers), Jeff Green (Uranus), Titus Burckhardt (Alchemy), and Marc Edmund Jones (in his privately circulated "Sabian

it

from teachers

cago, and Shelly

in the Kriya

Trimmer,

a direct disciple

Assembly "lessons), derived in each case from

While the

specific

of interpretation used throughout lieve, faithful to

largely

independent sources.

method of "chakric horoscopes" and this

the basic principles

I

chapter are

my

their guidelines

own, they

have learned from

my

are,

I

be-

teachers

on

2 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR

this subject.

With

WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

that said, let us

begin by examining some of the basic

elements of chakric philosophy.

WHAT ARE THE CHAKRAS? In Sanskrit, the

term

chakra (sometimes spelled "cakra") literally

"wheel." In yogic philosophy,

this

term

centers located along the length of the spine, each of which

with

a different archetypal principle

means

refers to the psycho-spiritual is

associated

of consciousness. These are some-

times described as energy centers or "vortexes" which convert spiritual

energy from subtler to grosser literally

levels

of experience. Although there are

thousands of chakras situated throughout the subtle body, yogic

philosophy normally

stresses

only seven or eight of these. Let us briefly

review these primary points and their key associations. (See figure

Chakra

(1)

is

called, in Sanskrit, Muladhara. Its

element

is

1.)

Earth.

It

psychologically concerns ones relationship with the material plane, and archetypally relates to the principle of limitation in both

and destructive forms. In

its

more unbalanced

Figure

1.

The

chakras

its

expression,

constructive it

therefore

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

governs such

states as

subtle levels,

it

greed and the drive for survival, while

3

more

at its

rules the wise relation to matter, one's body,

/

and the

physical universe generally.

Chakra

(2)

called Svadisthana.

is

element

Its

is

Water, and

it

psy-

At its lower escapism, excess, and dog-

chologically concerns the experience of emotions generally

of expression,

levels

matism, and in

it

governs

more

its

such

states

as

subtle expression, the

more

constructive states of

enthusiasm and spiritual devotion.

Chakra

(3)

is

called Manipura.

Its

element

Fire,

is

emotions of a more dynamic and energetic type. In this relates to

and

By way of

emotionalism of the 3rd chakra

is

at a religious revival

more akin

is

toward

pacity for

called Anahata.

is

element

Its

harmony

in

all

a

strength

2nd

meeting, the

is

battle.

Air.

Its

psychological

of all types, and governs the ca-

love, beauty, allurement

anced form, it produces

as

to the enthusiasm of an

marching into

athelete in competition, or a soldier (4)

rules over

analogy, if the emotionalism of the

chakra were likened to that found

focus

it

refined state,

anger and combativeness, and more positively

assertiveness.

Chakra

and

its less

romantic and social interactions. In

its

unbal-

tendency toward hedonism, pleasure-seeking,

and excessive "sweetness" of temperment; while

in

its

balanced form

it

produces an exceptional sense of aesthetics or even unselfish love.

Chakra

(5)

chological focus

called Visshudha.

is

is

pure mind, or

Its

element

intellectuality.

is

Ether, and

its

uncontrolled thoughts or communications; in balanced form, rise to creative

Chakra

Though not mentioned

called Chandra.

is

gives

it

or spiritual thinking and refined communication (6)

psy-

Unbalanced, it produces

skills.

in

most

published discussions of the chakras, Paramahansa Yogananda described this as

considered next).

though

It is

for the sake

chological focus

not formally associated with any element,

and governs such and,

more

pendency, and

a

qualities as

its

as

such

called Ajna,

traditionally associated

al-

"Divine Its

reflective or introspective

states as fearfulness,

and

is

psy-

mode,

past.

Chandra chakra, it

with no element, although as

emotional de-

located in the center of the fore-

the "third eye." As with the

of description be expressed

as

water" of the 2nd chakra.

most

preoccupation with the is

it

nurturing compassion and psychic sensi-

destructively,

Chakra (7) head, also known is

"common

awareness in

is

chakra, or "third eye" (to be

of explanation one may refer to

Water," in contrast to the

tivity,

brow

the feminine polarity of the

"Divine

Fire."

it

also

can for the sake

By way of analogy, if we

4 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

com-

associate the 3rd chakra

with ordinary

pared to nuclear

psychologically governs the principle of pure

fire.

consciousness in

higher

its

It

most

will. In its

the third eye can be

and expressive form,

active

balanced

fire,

well as the

as

state, it rules creativity, spiritual

self-expression generally, while in unbalanced

form

energy, and

can manifest

it

as

egotism, willfulness, and "dry" awareness without compassion.

Chakra

(8)

called Sahasrara, or the

is

"crown chakra" or "thousand-

petaled lotus," and exists at the top of the head above the other chakras.

(Note: Since most accounts do not include the lunar chakra the head, this top chakric point

is

commonly numbered

as

at

the back of

the 7th stage

of consciousness.) Whereas the previous Ajna chakra represents the quintessential expression

of personal divinity (perceived in meditation in the

form of a five-pointed

star)

,

the Sahasrara rules our point of contact with

the transpersonal divine. However, since this point represents a transcendental point

beyond the more personal chakras below

their astrological correlaries),and

we

will for purposes

is

of clarity leave

largely it

dormant

(and,

for

by inference,

most

individuals,

out of our subsequent discussion.

THE PLANETS AND THE CHAKRAS In turn, each of the personal chakric centers can be related to the seven visible planets

of

classical astrology. (As

we

newly model as well, but in a from the bottom up, figure 2 will see shortly, the

discovered outer planets play a role within this

more

subtle

shows the

and indirect manner.) Starting

relationship.

The 1st (or lowest) chakra is associated with The 2nd chakra with the planet Jupiter; The 3rd chakra with the planet Mars; The 4th chakra with the planet Venus; The 5th chakra with the planet Mercury; The 6th chakra with the Moon; And the 7th, or brow chakra, with the Sun. Importantly, these

Moon, are

last

two

centers, associated

Saturn;

with the Sun and the

in some respects the most fundamental of all, serving as the and source of consciousness for the entire chakric system. In traditional mythic imagery, these represent the proverbial land of "milk

seat

"

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

t

®)

( ®

TRAIT

w

Sun

VjOIQ

I

Moon

Silver

(....)

Receptivity

Mercury

Mercury

Ether

Rationality

Venus

Copper

Air

Love, Harmony

Mars

Iron

Fire

Drive

HP

Tin

Water

Emotionality

Lead

Earth

Practicality

•

^reauviuy,

•

5

111

)

©/ ©V

Jupiter

Saturn

®

1

ELEMENT

METAL

PLANET

/

)

Figure 2.

The

relationship

(Moon) and honey

between

(Sun)," the

chakras, planets, elements, and

promised land

we

are aspiring

traits.

toward in

our pilgrimage to enlightenment. Noting the hermetic system of metallic

correspondences shown in figure

2,

we

further glimpse an important

of transmuting lead into

insight into the traditional alchemical practice

gold,

which

is

here revealed to be a psycho-spiritual process involving

the raising of energies from the lowest Saturn chakra to the highest

Sun

chakra, or third eye.

THE TWELVE SECONDARY CHAKRIC STATES Chakric astrology takes

this basic

we

at

have been looking

possible description. In reality, different aspects,

and

its

What

most of the chakras possess

at least three

or faces: feminine (introverted) masculine (extroverted),

spiritual (balanced).

over to

system an important step further.

thus far are the chakras only in their simplest

,

That

is,

each chakra can be expressed or diverted

right side, or over to

its left

side,

or in a perfectly balanced

fashion within the very center of the spine. In each of these three aspects,

the psychological energy of any given chakra will manifest in uniquely different but interrelated ways.

6 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

For example, in

its

expression off to the right or masculine side, the

5th/Mercury chakra will tend to manifest in terms of interpersonal communications in the waking world, while off to the left side it will tend to involve more internalized thought processes, perhaps within its balanced modality within the center, howmind in its most mystical aspect, as that aspect of communes with the spirit. More traditional eso-

one's nightly dreams. In ever, Mercury rules the

mentality

which

truly

teric sources expressed this

same idea

in the following way: Saturn rules

Aquarius by day and Capricorn by night; Jupiter rules Sagittarius by day

and Pisces by night; Mars Venus

rules Libra

by day and Scorpio by night; Mercury rules Gemini by while the Sun and Moon hold rulership over rules Aries

by day and Taurus by

day and Virgo by night;

night;

one sign each, Leo and Cancer. Yet it is only in the very center of each chakric level that the energy of that chakra truly manifests in a spiritually

balanced fashion.

What

this

shows us

is

that the seven classical planets relate to the

twelve signs in a startlingly precise way.

around

until they fall into line

What

to

One

simply spins the zodiac

with these chakric placements.

do with the three outer

planets?

We

find that they

fall

into line with the lower three chakras, in accordance with the zodiacal signs they have

become

associated with

by

rulership: Pluto

with the

feminine side of the Mars chakra (Scorpio), Neptune with the feminine side

of the Jupiter chakra

(Pisces),

and Uranus with the masculine

the Saturn chakra (Aquarius). (See figure

Figure

3.

The

side

of

3.)

zodiacal signs, their traditional planetary rulers, and the

chakras in the body.

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

/

J

In yogic philosophy, each of these different zodiacal centers represents a

kind of memory

tract

or "storage bin" for both karmas and

impressions generally; whatever

we

into the energy fields of the spinal

feel,

think, or experience

column appropriate

to

it.

In this way,

habit patterns (or samskaras, in yogic terminology) are built

which continue

time, etched into our subconscious psyche, and

pel us toward particular behaviors

seeming

spite the

literalism

from

life-

logged

is

up over to

com-

lifetime to lifetime. In fact, de-

of yogic philosophy and

its

discussion of

karmic "seeds," I strongly suspect that karmas are not actually stored in specific points

of space, but rather find

chakric locations. In medicine, by

not be regarded by a

—

liver

problem only of the

holistic healer as a

which simply

with these

diseased liver

would

liver,

but

as

body indeed, because of the symbolic correspondence between the

a systemic condition

organ

a certain resonance

way of analogy, a has

its

and the planet Jupiter, we might even the

way outward

tends

all

more

accurate to say that

to

greatest focus in that

say that the liver

encompass Jupiter

karma

represents a

itself!

problem ex-

Similarly, it

may be

field-phenomenon which

extends through both space and time, but which resonates to certain chakric points in especially concentrated ways.

THE THREE CHANNELS There

is

one further element necessary

for us to

round out

this basic in-

troduction, that being the three channels or nadis that circulate

around and through these

different chakric centers.

These may be thought

of as the three courseways through which subtle

energy (or prana) flows in and out of the

body/mind different

which

chakric centers.

most of us rents

system, and

are familiar

with

In

in turn fuel the

modern

this

times,

system of cur-

through the symbolism of the caduceus

employed by the modern medical profession Figure

(figure 4).

According to the teachings of Kriya Yoga, subtle energy

is

drawn

in

The

4.

caduceus.

from the greater uni-

verse through the back of the head, or

Moon

chakra

(also referred to as

S

EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

the

"mouth of God"), then

spirals

down through

chakric tree with each inhalation, then spirals

the feminine side of the

up through the masculine

of the chakras on each exhalation, where they are finally expressed outward back into the universe through the third eye. Specifically the left hand channel or nodi is called ida, and relates more dominantly to side

dream awareness; the right hand channel is called pingali, and relates to the more rational world of waking awareness. Each of the secondary chakric " compartments" modifies the pranic the emotions and astral or

energy in particular ways.

Between

known

as

these

two peripheral channels, however,

channel through which the spiritual energy

upward toward the

known

as

lies

sushumna, the channel of pure balanced awareness.

known

the nodi It is this

kundalini flows

as

within and atop the head. Also

spiritual centers

between worlds." this point of our being of awareness beyond the influence of karma, and which,

the proverbial "crack

relates to a state

therefore, plays a critical role in understanding the relationship of spirituality*

to the

horoscope

—

a

point

we

will return to later.

THE CHAKRIC SCIENCE OF PERSONALITY Every personality

is

comprised of these basic archetypal elements,

in

widely varying combinations. Depending on an individual's karmic or samskaric patterns, energy (or prana)

is

siphoned off as

these channels at each of the chakric levels, where either constructive or destructive ways. In this

may be

constellated

among an

every person experiences

all

Hence, a more

their 5th chakra

One way

that

I

then employed in

manner, complex patterns

of the different centers to one degree or

4th chakra more emphasized, whereas

might have

courses through

individuals chakric centers. Although

more dominant

another, certain chakras will tend to be viduals than for others.

it is

it

artistic

a

individual

more

some

indi-

may have

their

for

heavily intellectual type

more emphasized, and

so forth.

find particularly helpful in illustrating this point

through the notion of sub-personalities, with each chakra having

umque

traits

dences,

we may

or personified qualities. Utilizing

this

its

is

own

system of correspon-

correlate the different chakras in the following way: the

lowest, Saturn, chakra can be described in such terms as the "Inner Pragmatist."'" Inner Disciplinarian." or the "Inner Architect.'The 2nd, or

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

Jupiter, chakra

may be

/ 9

variously described as the "Inner Optimist,"" Inner

Philanthropist," or (because of its occasionally evangelistic tendencies) the

The

"Inner Preacher."

3rd chakra

The

Artist."

Mercury, chakra

5th, or

the "Inner Lover," or "Inner

is

is

the "Inner Communicator," or

"Inner Intellectual."The 6th, or lunar, chakra "Inner Queen."The 7th, or solar chakra King."

Which

chakra

which of these inner

and simple, the "Inner

plain

is,

Warrior" The 4th, or Venus, chakra,

is

is

the "Inner Mother," or

the "Inner Father," or "Inner

emphasized in the horoscope

is

sub-personalities are

individual. (Those familiar

will

most dominant

determine

in any given

with the system of "archetypal psychology"

developed by psychologist James Hillman

may

instead prefer to personify

these centers in terms of their mythic correlaries. Hence, a strongly ac-

cented throat chakra would indicate a pronounced internal "Hermes,"

while a strong heart center would show

a highly activated internal

"Aphrodite," and a strong Sun center would indicate

pronounced

a

in-

ternal "Apollo," etc.)

INTERPRETING THE HOROSCOPE AS A DIAGRAM OF ONE'S CHAKRAS With

these basic points as our foundation,

plore

some of the

specific

vidual's chakric energies.

over ten years now, three primary levels

Having worked with

come

have

I

we may now

ways the horoscope can

on which

this

tell

begin to ex-

us about an indi-

this basic

system for well

to believe that there are minimally

can be approached. These

are, in

sug-

gested order of importance: 1)

The

mary seven

Planets.

The

specific character

and condition of one's pri-

(intra-Saturnian) planets arguably represent the

icant indicator

most

signif-

of those corresponding chakras within one. This would

include examining any aspects formed to a planet, its angular prominence

(e.g.,

conjuncting the

1st

power

in terms

of

or 10th house cusp), sign

placement, and general condition in the horoscope. To use a very simple

example, a person

may have Mercury on

the 1st house cusp conjuncting

Jupiter, while exactly squaring Uranus. This

would tend

to indicate a

very activated and open Mercury, or throat chakra (chakra locations are illustrated in figure 3, page 6), quite possibly a little

to unbridled thoughts

and self-expression. Or,

a

too open, giving

rise

prominently placed

10 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR

WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

Venus opposing Saturn exactly on an angle could indicate a blockage or limitation at an individual's heart center; though it is also possible that Saturn

may be

we

manifestion, as is

serving to bring the feelings of the heart into concrete often see in the charts of many

for this reason critical that

we

artists

or musicians.

It

never assign value judgments to any

condition indicated in the chart, since even the most challenging configuration

may have

its

constructive potentials.

Likewise, planetary significators are always modified by such factors

or house placement; having Venus in Capricorn in the 12th house

as sign

would tend ity

to indicate a

more

reserved and possibly late-blooming qual-

with regard to an individual's heart chakra, whereas

on the

1st

chakra in a considerably

The

2)

a

Venus in Aries

house cusp would modify the energies of the heart/ Venus Signs.

more

We

expressive

and uninhibited way.

have already seen

correspond with the different chakras in

a

how

the twelve signs closely

binary fashion,

as

shown by

spinning around the conventional zodiac until Cancer and Leo are located

at

the top of the wheel.

The

different planets as located within

which more pronounced in a person's life. The simplest techrespect is noting which signs are most strongly accented, by

these different signs therefore provide important clues as to

chakric levels are

nique in

this

planet or aspect. For example, any large constellation of planets in Libra

may

or Taurus

indicate a heavy focus of attention, karmically,

on the

lessons of the heart level.

In a

more complex

fashion, the chart also reveals the

complex

rela-

tionship of energies between the different chakras. For instance, planets in

the throat center signs (Gemini or Virgo) in aspect to planets in the

2nd

chakric signs (Taurus or Libra) indicate an interaction of energies be-

tween intellect and religious devotionalism. Whether these connections would express themselves in a "hard" or "easy "way in turn depends not only on the aspects involved, but an individual's ability or resolve to channel the energies constructively.

Such

intepretations as these can be refined considerably, since each

way

planet contains subtle differences in the center.

amplifies each chakric

Whatever

sign Saturn

challenged to

denied in

a dramatically dif-

that same chakric center. where one will feel especially grow, or, in its most frustrating form, where one may even some way (although in a more subtle sense, the placement

ferent effect than if Jupiter

feel

it

For example, Saturn in a chakra will produce

is

is

found

in

located in shows

1

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

of Saturn indicates the depth of wisdom

Whatever

as

level at

which one may

accumulated from past

sign Jupiter

is

in,

by

/

1

also find one's greatest

lives).

contrast,

shows the chakra where

one experiences more obvious blessings and "good fortune," where is a greater opening and flow of life-energies possibly, however, to excess! By contrast, one would probably have to work for any results obtained in whatever chakric area Saturn was placed; however, for this very reason one might have that much more appreciation for the fruits of that area! Where Venus is placed shows the chakric level from which one draws the greatest pleasure, etc.

—

there

In purely quantitative terms, arguably the most powerful significators in this respect are the Sun, Moon,

of emphasis, one can learn

basic points

chakric focus in this

life.

dicate a great focus

on

tion,

and Ascendant. Looking to these

much

about an individual's

For instance, a Sun in Gemini

will, by itself, in-

the throat center of mentality and

communica-

whereas the Sun located in Capricorn would tend to show an

intense directing of energies toward the earth plane and the attainment

of success and/or recognition on

As most has

its

own

are exactly has

own

this level.

know, each of these three astrological symbols unique and subtly different shades of meaning. What these astrologers

been

a source

of

lively

debate

among

experience with horoscopes over the years leads

Moon

astrologers.

me

My

to believe that

one is coming from, both emotionally and karmically; the Ascendent shows where the everyday personality in this life is presently at, in the immediate here-and-now; while the Sun indicates the chakric direction one is aspiring toward and attempting the

indicates the chakric level

to bring into creative manifestation in this

The Houses.

life.

same way that we can spin Leo and Cancer at the top, so we can also spin the houses of the horoscope until the 5th and 4th houses are perched atop the horoscope to correspond to the Sun and Moon chakras. By looking to the planets situated in the different houses, one 3)

around the

In precisely the

signs to situate

can likewise determine primary points of focus, interests, key life-challenges. flect a

focus

talents,

or

For example, a strong emphasis in the 3rd house may re-

on the

throat chakra, similar to that found in association

with Gemini or Virgo, or through

a strongly amplified

Mercury. Or, a

person with no planets in Capricorn or strong aspects to Saturn, but

with many planets in the 10th house, may experience a strong drive to-

WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

12 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR

ward success and recognition on the earth-plane, the domain of the Saturn chakra. Similarly, an individual with an unaspected Mars and no planets in either Aries or Scorpio, but with many in the 1st and 8th houses, can sometimes exhibit a surprisingly strong "Inner Warrior."

These then,

are a

few of the primary ways

understand the chakric indicators in a tirety

common

that

chart.

1

we may

begin to

Seen in

their en-

with an eye to any dominant trends, this host of factors can begin

of the energies constellated within an individual's

to reveal a picture subtle body.

we would

That

is,

if

we

could actually observe someone clairvoyantly,

see the basic energies

of

his or

her horoscope

into the energy patterns of the various chakras.

I

as translated

personally

know of

one incident, for example, where a highly intuitive yogi appears to have done just this, casually mentioning to a first-time student he never met before exactly what difficult transits the student had firing in his chart at that

moment, based

spinal energies

—

strictly

on

a psychic observation

of the person's

to the great surprise of that student, needless to say!

Yet in truth one hardly needs to be psychic, or an evolved yogi, to perceive such qualities in individuals; the person you meet terribly "heavy," or

1

There

most

are, in

my

likely acting

who

is

"sweet" and

just

light, to

the point of

out an overly activated Venus chakra, etc. In

opinion, at least two further methods that can be utilized in extracting

chakric information from a conventional horoscope. to the elemental

is

gloomy, is clearly acting out of his or her Saturn, or

root chakra, whereas a person excess, is

who

The

preponderance of a chart, then applying

ciated with that element. For example, if a person has

first

of these involves looking

this to the

chakric level asso-

most of his or her planets

in earth

—

would tend to indicate a heavy focus upon the lowest, Saturn chakra regardless of whether or not Capricorn, Saturn, or the 10th house were strongly emphasized. Likewise, a heavy emphasis upon fire signs would suggest a strong 3rd, or Martian, signs, this

chakra.

The obvious drawback of this

elemental technique

is

that

it tells

us

little

or noth-

ing of the higher three (Mercury, Moon, and Sun) chakras, since astrology employs only four main elements.

The second method

involves examining the relative balances of planets in positive

or negative-polarity signs, and using this to determine which of the two subtle channels (ida

or pingala) are

more

strongly emphasized within a person's chakric system and con-

sciousness. For example, a

preponderance of planets in feminine or negative signs would

whose pranic energies are largely directed over body (the channel governing both emotions and

indicate an individual side

of the subtle

whereas an individual with

would tend (the

a

to the

the

left,

dream

or

idic

state);

preponderance of planets in masculine or positive signs

to have energies focused

more within

the pingalic side of the subtle vehicle

channel governing rationality and the waking, outer world)

3

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

short, a

go

little

of character judgment and

bit

long way toward revealing

a

much

common

/

1

perceptiveness can

about the condition of another

person's chakras.

In this same way,

it

can be instructive to contrast one's chart in

terms of chakric emphases with ones various centers.

Most of

change and

from moment

shift

own

direct impressions

us are largely unaware of to

moment

in

our

how

of these

the energies

alone from

lives, let

year to year, or even decade to decade; yet these changes are occurring all

the time and comprise the stuff of our emotions,

thoughts

at

this topic

is

and

One

each moment.

of the ways

to ask those in attendence to

visualize a small sphere

I

body

silently for a

sit

states,

and

on few moments

often begin lectures

of light moving up and

down

their spines,

and try to see if they feel any noticable blocks or concentrations of en-

—

ergy along the spine

then

later

they discover in their charts. sophical system

come

that

is

can help

against

what

of the important values of this philohighly practical way, to be-

us, in a

increasingly aware of the energies within our subtle bodies.

one becomes more increasingly ters,

it

compare these impressions

One

more

sensitive in this way,

one may

subtle patterns of relationship

which often mirror those corresponding

ets in one's

As

also

begin to notice

among

the chakric cen-

aspects

between the plan-

horoscope.

THE HOROSCOPE AND THE CHAKRAS: EIGHT CASE STUDIES Let us

now

take a

tem can be used both

clarity

sively)

few examples and explore some

to

tell

possible

ways

this sys-

us about an individual's chakras. For purposes of

and consistency, I

will focus here primarily (but not exclu-

on the second of our above-mentioned techniques, i.e., using the

planets in the signs to assess the chakric emphasis within a chart. All of

these horoscopes have

been chosen on the

basis

of unusually dramatic

which the reader may then of meaning and interpretation. (Note:

planetary emphases and characteristics, from extrapolate

more

subtle patterns

strictly for simplicity,

I

have not included such secondary factors

nodes, asteroids, or Arabic parts. In

all

the zodiacal location of the Ascendant

have indicated

it

by "ASC."

as

the

of the chakric horoscopes, where is

known with any

Finally, all charts

certainty,

I

here employ the tropical

14 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

zodiac; those sympathetic toward the sidereal, or constellation-based zodiac see

may wish

how

that

to

experiment with that system using these guidelines to

approach works for them.

My own

both zodiacal systems over the years has led other merits

it

may have

delineating personality

Case Study No. For our

first case, I

Western chart

1

:

5.

A

experimentation with

to believe that

to offer, the sideral approach

traits

is

whatever

less effective in

than the tropical, sign-based approach.)

A Writer

will begin

by showing

(utilizing Placidus

writer. Birth data has

Placidus houses. Chart

this individual's

house cusps) followed by

to the chakric system. See figure 5,

Figure

me

and

figure 6

on page

been withheld

computed using

conventional its

conversion

15.

for confidentiality.

Solar Fire program.

5

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

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V Figure

The

6.

Let us position

now

writers horoscope converted to

now

show chakric emphasis.

take this chart (figure 6) and spin

Leo and Cancer

at

it

around so

as to

the top, thus giving us the planets as they

appear located within the various chakric sub-compartments.

Here we see the chakric chart of a writer, specializing in works of and yogic nature. He is highly prolific, hard working, and writes in a stylistically austere, yet clear and unusually insightful, manner. Most notable here is the group of planets located in the Virgo portion a spiritual

of the throat (Mercury) chakra. The

fact that the steilium

Mercurial sign, and that Mercury

also

is

included in

this

is

placed in a

group, simply

underscores the importance of this particular chakra in the horoscope.

The

additional fact that his conventional (non-chakric) horoscope

shows

these planets positioned in the angular 10th house further emphasizes this particular

What

chakra in an even

this tells us,

from

more dramatic

way.

a chakric standpoint,

possesses an extremely fertile

is

that this individual

and disciplined mind, suggesting

a life

knowledge and communication. Importantly, Saturn is in orb of a conjunction with Mercury, once again emphasizing the throat chakra in this person s life. As we already noted, one sometimes sees struggles or early frustrations in any area touched by directed in large part toward both

1

6 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR

WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

Saturn, although this connection also usually indicates a considerable

depth of knowledge and discipline in those same Frequently,

I

areas.

have noticed that any major accentuation of the throat

chakra can indicate the potential for healing

abilities,

or an involvement

with health in some fashion. (Recall, for example, that the symbol of the

winged caduceus gesting,

and

I

is

traditionally depicted as

suspect, the important role

in the

being held by Hermes, sug-

of the mind in the healing process,

maintenence of psychic equilibrium throughout the chakric

system generally) Appropriately, this individual

is

highly knowledgable in

Eastern forms of healing, particularly Indie and Chinese, having written

both

and books on

articles

this subject.

As might be expected with Saturn conjunct Mercury in Virgo, his overall approach is highly traditionalist in nature, championing the importance and value of time-proven ideas and techniques. his case interesting,

ement is

in his horosope;

regarded

as

What makes

and somewhat paradoxical, is the added Aquarian

el-

from the standpoint of mainstream academia,he

something of a maverick, precisely because of his extreme

and his challenge to conventional modes of history with more spiritualized and ancient model. Also noteworthy in this regard is his work in adapting ancient astrological wisdom for computer applitraditionalism, a

cations, as well as his

involvement

as a

presenter and organizer of astrol-

ogy conferences (Aquarius/ 11th house).

Case No. 2: Here we

An Artist

see the chart pattern of an

artist, as

converted to the zodiacally-

based chakric grid. (See figure 7 on page 17.) This

artist is

female, and

spends the greater part of her time painting, writing, and giving work-

Her artwork is spiritual in style and content, with a heavy emon color and harmony of line and form. Note the astonishing emphasis on the heart level: first of all, not only is she a Sun in Taurus

shops. phasis

with

Moon

in Libra (both Venus-level signs), but

all

together there are

seven planets in Venusian signs! That she chooses to express herself

through

To

artistic

forms

reiterate

is

therefore hardly surprising.

an earlier point:

it is

important

when working with

any of these charts to avoid assigning any labels of "good" or "bad"

when

considering the different chakras. For example, some might be

tempted to see the higher chakras

as

more

intrinsically

"good" or

Figure style

7.

Top:

The Chakric Horoscope

for an

artist.

Bottom: Western-

Horoscope. Birth data has been withheld for confidentiality. Pla-

cidus houses. Chart

computed using

Solar Fire.

1

EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

8 /

"spiritual,"

with the lower chakras being more

intrinsically "negative"

no chakra that cannot be utilized in either a fashion, whether it be high or low upon the spiritual or destructive chakric tree. (Indeed, I find myself agreeing with one friend who remarked that the longer he is involved with spiritual practice, the more or "gross." In

he

fact,

is

importance of the lower three chakras in maintaining

realizes the

and fueling

there

that practice!)

While this female artist has obviously used her Venusian energy more spiritually constructive fashion, we might do well to recall, by way of contrast, Adolph Hitler's horoscope, with its strong Taurus Sun and Libra Ascendant, likewise indicating a prominent 4th/Venus in a

chakra. Indeed, Hitler nurtured a secret aspiration throughout his

life

same energy, in considerably more imbalanced a sensibility that often valued works of art over human lives, not to mention a preference for beautifully formed "Ayran" humans at that. Consequently, while it may be safe to presume that an individual with a powerfully activated heart area would be concerned or involved with matters of beauty or love, it is quite to

be an

yet this

artist;

form, also produced in

him

another thing determining what level they will choose to express that

concern on.

As with conventionally drawn tures

of chakric

profiles

is

charts,

one of the more

telling fea-

not only what they show but what they don't

show; whenever one finds stelliums or important configurations channeling into certain areas, obviously certain other areas can short as a result.

I

come up

have frequently found one of the most important

challenges facing individuals with a highly prominent Venus chakra

(whether indicated by planetary or zodiacal indicators), due to their acute sensitivity to

harmony and

beauty, can be learning to deal with

the coarser energies and emotions of the lower chakras. This applies to

Mars

in particular,

chaos, etc. In the tionships with

provide

and

many of the

more energy or

so Venusian a

corresponding

its

artist's case,

temperment, while

of these

areas.

assertiveness, anger,

is

in challenging rela-

also

might otherwise be expected for underscoring the potential

early

life

much more

diffi-

By

this

was indeed characterized by con-

siderable challenges in dealing with anger

she has learned

of

very same Inner Warrior energy.

woman's own admission, her later years

Mars

planets in Taurus cuts both ways, helping to

directness than

culties in integrating that

issues

the fact that

and

assertiveness,

effectively

how

though in both

to deal with

9

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

/

1

Case Study No. 3: The Singer/Songwriter

Shown

here (figure

8,

page 20)

is

the chart of Bob Dylan, converted to

the zodiacal-chakric grid. In this chart arise

with

a strong

we

example of what can

see an

emphasis on two different chakric

levels at the

same

Whereas in Case Number 1 we saw a powerful emphasis primaron the throat/Mercury chakra, and in Case Number 2 a strong dominance on the heart/Venus center, here we see both of these centers the throat and heart accentuated. Appropriately, Dylan became famous not only for his art (Venus) or his words (Mercury) but for his ability to combine these two elements in his craft, as a musician and lyricist. Also worth noting here, incidentally, are the supporting aspects in the rest of Dylan's natal chart, such as Neptune and Mars square Mercury. One sometimes hears astrologers describe squares or oppositime.

ily

—

—

,

tions as indicating a person's greatest faults or weaknesses, trines

show an

individual's talents or virtues. Clearly, such a

simplistic; so often,

rectly out

we

view

is

find individuals who's greatest talents arise di-

of their most challenging aspects.

figure like Dylan, for instance,

One wonders whether

would have been

had these key aspects in

ative in his career

whereas

as

his chart

a

productive or cre-

been

trines instead

of squares. Yet another point to note here, in light of our chakric study, Dylan's

Mars

in Pisces along

his Sagittarius

Ascendant. This

is

com-

show

a need to champion either spiritual or socially mentioned earlier, it can express itself sometimes manner (hence, my partial designation of this chakric

bination can often

worthy

with

causes, yet, as

in an evangelistic level as "the his chart,

Inner Preacher").

it is

With

these chakric points emphasized in

therefore not surprising that

of his career toward writing

lyrics

of an

wake of his born-again conversion

Dylan devoted

several years

explicitly religious nature, in the

to Christianity.

Case Study No. 4: The Religious Warrior Depicted here the

man who

is

the chakric chart of Martin Luther (figure 9, page 21),

single-handedly broke ranks with the reigning Catholic

authorities during the 16th century, thereby initiating the protestant re-

formation throughout Europe. Here again chart in

which not one, but two chakric

we

see a

good example of a

levels are strongly

emphasized.

(

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Figure style

8.

^

50'

Top: Chakric Horoscope for

horoscope. Born:

May

)

Bob

Dylan. Bottom: Western-

24, 1941, 9:05 p.m.

CST, Duluth,

MN.

Placidus houses. Chart calculated by Solar Fire from data presented from

Contemporary Sidereal Horoscopes and published in Lois Rodden's Book of

American Charts.

Figure style

9.

Top: Chakric Horoscope for Martin Luther. Bottom: Western-

Horoscope. Born: November 10,1483 OS, 11:00

p.m.

LMT, Eisle-

ben, Germany. Placidus Houses. Chart calculated by Solar Fire based

information provided in

Rodden s Book

mother s memory, confirmed from

of American Charts. Data

Baker's Biographical Dictionary.

on

from

22 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

what

In this case, these are the chakras specifically connected with

I

have called the "Inner Warrior" and the "Inner Preacher," the 3rd and chakras. Certainly, Luther joined these

2nd

his highly persistent

and combative

two energies together, in more indepen-

efforts to establish a

dent religious sensibility for his time. In the chakric horoscopes of almost

all

individuals

I

have studied over the years

who

played a pio-

neering or "revolutionary" role in initiating changes in their

field,

I

have consistently found a dominant 3rd/Mars chakra to be a prominent feature.

Case Study No. 5: Actor/Playboy/Businessman This

is

Warren

the chakric chart for actor

noted before, one can often

tell

a great deal

Beatty. (See figure 10.)

As

I

about an individual's chakric

make-up simply from looking to the position of the Sun and the Moon. With Beatty Sun in Aries and Moon in Scorpio, this chart shows a prominent emphasis on the "Inner Warrior." Indeed, Beatty has been known for his drive and aggressiveness both in and out of the movie industry. Early on, Beatty gave up a possible career in sports (playing quar's

make his name and fortune as an actor and producer of numerous Academy Award- winning films. These capacities are effectively complemented by two planets in the heart-leveled terback in college football), to

Taurus in

(artistic

and

financial sensibility) as well as his root-chakra Jupiter

Capricorn (potential acumen and general success in earth-plane pur-

suits). Interestingly, his

most personal and ambitious film was

a lengthy

and critically-acclaimed film about reporter-turned-revolutionary Jack Reed, called "Reds" red being the color, of course, of both Mars and

—

the

Mars chakra! As an

actor, he also

won

an early Academy Award play-

ing a well-known gangster (or "underworld warrior") in the film "Bonnie

and Clyde."

Not

to

be ignored here either

is

Beatty 's concurrent reputation

as a

and seduced a seemingly endless string of actresses and glamorous women from around the world. While the sexual drive is commonly associated with the lowest two chakras,

jet-setting playboy, having courted

there

is

much

to suggest that the

respect as well. In this vein, sistently a strong as well as as well.

I

emphasis on

3rd/Martian chakra

central in this

have been repeatedly struck by this

how

con-

chakric level can indicate assertiveness

—and sometimes even

an extraordinary

is

uncontrollable

—

libido

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(§)

9

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(g)

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(§)

0

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Figure 10. Top: Chakric Horoscope for Warren Beatty Bottom: Westernstyle

Horoscope. Born: March 30,1937,5:30

p.m.

EST, Richmond, VA.

Placidus Houses. Chart calculated using Solar Fire and

Rodden's Book of American

Charts.

"A"

data

from

24 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

Case Study No. 6:

The Businessman/Architect/Astrologer In this unusual confluence of energies in Capricorn, we see evidence of

temperment highly attuned toward the energies of the Saturn chakra, and the material plane generally. Now in his mid-30's, this man shows an innate talent for business and politics, as well as a great love for architecture (figure 11). In his own words, he has a great interest in "building" things generally, whether there be physical structures, busia fact which recalls our earlier desnesses, ideas, or group activities a

—

With

ignation of this chakra as the point of the "Inner Architect."

Mercury

in Aquarius,

he

also

is

an avid astrologer, having studied

discipline since his mid-teens. Also

born into

a highly

prominent

chologist. In other words,

worth noting

family,

his life

the fact that he was

being the son of

inextricably

is

is

this

famous psy-

a

bound up with

plane notoriety (or what in Capricornian terms might be called

earth-

"life

on

the mountaintop").

One his clearly

of the most curious

facts

about

this individual

is

that, despite

Capricornian/Saturnian skiDs and tendencies, his personality

pronounced Jupiterian warmth and water iness, rather than the one might expect from so Saturnine a chart. One possible answer to this is the placement of his Venus in Pisces, and the fact that, in his conventional chart, Jupiter is exactly on his Ascendant (within one degree of arc), while Neptune is positioned near reveals a

more

characteristic reserve

the top of the chart.

On

the planetary level of importance, in other

words, the two bodies associated with the Jupiter/ water chakra

are,

by

angular emphasis, the most highlighted symbols in his horoscope. This teaches us that

horoscope in

we must

consider

a holistic fashion,

most prominent patterns on

all

all

the information within a chakric

with a keen eye toward synthesizing the these different levels.

Case Study No. 7: The Visionary Engineer In figure 12 (page 26), we see an even

more

extraordinary convergence

of energies, with no fewer than eight major indicators (including the Ascendant) located in Aquarius alone. By zodiacal emphasis, this likewise indicates a strong emphasis upon the lowest, or Saturn chakra

with an intriguing

twist. In contrast

with Capricorn

—an

—but

earth sign

on

Figure style

1 1

.

Top: Chakric Horoscope for a businessman. Bottom: Western-

Horoscope. Birth data has been withheld for

confidentiality. Placidus

houses. Chart calculated using Solar Fire. Source of data: birth certificate.

Figure 12. Top: Chakric Horoscope for visionary engineer. Bottom: Western-style Horoscope. Birth data withheld for confidentiality. Placidus houses. Chart calculated using Solar Fire. Source of data: birth certificate.

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

—Aquarius

an earth chakra

is

an

air sign

/ 27

transposed onto an earth

chakra. As the element of mentality, wherever we find air upon the chakric ladder

we

is

where we see the mind directed

in

its

workings. In Libra, for example,

see the air element transposed onto the heart chakra

tality in service

—hence, men-

of more aesthetic or interpersonal concerns. Librans are

therefore often associated with the arts and diplomacy. In Gemini, find air applied to the throat chakra

form of mentality

in the zodiac,

practical applications

—

in short, the

with

we

most purely platonic concern for the

relatively less

of that knowledge. In Aquarius, however, we see

the element of air applied to the earth chakra, thus the principle of

more

mentality in service of therefore fitting that

we

physical-plane material concerns.

find this

It

is

symbol so prominently emphasized

in

the charts of inventors, social reformers, scientists, or engineers.

son

this chart

belongs to

is,

The

per-

in fact, an engineer, with far-ranging aspira-

of changing the world through improved technology and living

tions

habitats.

On

a

broader

level, it

is

worth considering

how

elemental su-

this

perimposition might help us grasp the deeper significance of the socalled

"Aquarian Age"

Pisces

is

a

we

find ourselves about to enter.

By

contrast,

water sign transposed onto a water chakra, thus indicating an

age of emotions, with a strong emphasis on religious devotion or dog-

The movement from Pisces to Aquarius therefore signals a movement from emotions (water) to intellect (air), yet within the context of a greater downswing to the Saturn, or earth chakra. Put these matism.

factors together (airy mentality applied to the realm

may justifiably

of matter), and

we

predict an age of spectacular technological and scientific

achievements, and

as well, potentially

of considerably

less

emotional

growth.

Also worth noting here

mine the as

is

how

this

chakric connection can

illu-

relationship of Uranus to the archetypal figure of Prometheus,

suggested by such

astrologers

as

Richard Tarnas.

2

Recall

that

Prometheus was the Greek mythological figure who secretly brought fire down from Mt. Olympus to humankind, thereby giving mortals a

newfound degree of power and independence. Uranus (and

to a lesser degree Aquarius),

factor of consciousness

2

Richard Tarnas, Prometheus

which awakens

the

Prometheus represents

that

us to the higher (intellectual?)

AwakeneriAn Essay on

Uranus (Dallas,TX: Spring, 1994).

In association with

the Archetypal

Meaning of the Planet

28 / EASTERN SYSTEMS FOR WESTERN ASTROLOGERS

and which can,

potentials of our nature,

toward

titanic (or

in

extreme

"Promethean") accomplishments

cases, stimulate us

emulation of

as if in

the gods themselves. Significantly, the period surrounding the discovery

of Uranus in 1781 was one marked by the blossoming of democracy (personal participation in the political

power

structure)

and capitalism

(the entreprenuerial spirit) as well as the industrial revolution ,

which

synchronistically converged within the birth of the

—

of

all

American na-

tion's the collective embodiment of all these trends.

When we chakric

tree,

point of

look

what we

God and

level, royalty).

the position of Aquarius/Uranus

at

find

is

that

it is

the

directly opposite Leo, the symbolic

the "third eye" (and,

As one half of this

upon

on

the

more mundane/political

dyad, in other words,

vital

it

therefore

where the light of divine spirit has descended commatter, where it has ventured furthest from its natural place,

represents that point pletely into

but where the possibility practical.

now

Here, emphasis thus

exists for spirit to

shifts to

become

manifest and

the plane of material, political, and

physical/bodily mastery, yet at the risk of forgetting the divine source.

With

individuals

who

have either Uranus or Aquarius strongly em-

phasized in their horoscopes (especially in opposition to planets in Leo),

we

see the

els.

In politics or business, for instance, it

Promethean impulse operating on one of several

may show

draw power down democratically from the "top"

possible lev-

the desire to

itself as

to the "bottom," as

with democracy's founding fathers or even modern union organizers; in science,

down

we

find

in figures like

it

the electrical

such inventions

as

fires

Edison (an Aquarian),

who

brought

of heaven for everyday household use through

the lightbulb; in religion,

it

can express

itself as

the

GodRamana

drive to "democratize" divinity through a message of personal realization, as

we

Maharshi (with

see in teachers like

his appropriately titled

while in the creative

powers

as a

Omraam Aivanhov

field, it

or

technique of "Self-inquiry");

can indicate a desire to use one's creative

conduit for helping or inspiring humankind,

as in

the case

of Beethoven (who possessed a strong Uranus). Yet, on any of these levels,

there

more

is

the ever-present danger of this energy shifting toward the

dictatorial or hubristic possibilities latent in this polarity, as

plified

by the

literary figure

of Dr. Frankenstein. In

exem-

a slightly different

same polarity may be expected to express itself as a shifting dance between the creative needs of the individual versus those of the

vein, this

greater collective

and "Tucker").

(as

provocatively illustrated in such films as "Brazil"

ASTROLOGY AND THE CHAKRAS

/

29

Case Study No. 8: The Mystic Paramahansa Yogananda

ponent of Kriya Yoga

(figure 13,

in the West.

have employed in the previous

There

much

is

Yogananda s

life,

page 30) was the most famous pro-

Followed by

when

here of great interest

such

the planets in

as

his chakric

Gemini (communication), or

Though not

known, Yogananda frequently claimed

though in

more

a

own way "establishing

its

spiritual

a

his efforts to

beachhead" of sorts,

my mind

the placement of his

is

tions cave,

becomes

significance

its

of

his

life's

story.

he instead chose

more

tuality into a

(at

and projects he founded for him, as

wound up

his life in a

Himalayan

some former

a truly

Of relevance

and suchere, too,

requiring Yogananda 's energies

a responsibility that frequently

as

associates this

and

disciples

grew weari-

have noted. Further-

chakra can be seen in Yogananda s

of Kriya Yoga to the West

as a "science

of

Capricornian approach indeed!

In figure 14 (page 31), it

Yogananda,

and manager for those selfsame organizations

—

efforts to present his teachings

shifted

as

broader implica-

the urgings of his teacher) to direct his spiri-

more, the more practical side of

—

realize the

earthly expression, through a highly visible

fact that this effort

spirituality"

once we

Rather than spending

a part-time administrator

some

clear

of teaching in the secular world.

cessful mission

was the

Sun

Capricorn side of the Saturn chakra. This may seem an odd

in the

placement for so mystical and spiritually-oriented a figure yet

bring

than militaristic vein.

Particularly intriguing to

down

generally

to be the reincarnation of

William the Conqueror; and indeed, one might say yoga to America was in

I

considered in light of

those in the warrior signs of Aries and Scorpio. well

horoscope

cases.

I

have taken the same basic horoscope and

from the zodiacal-based system employed to the house-based

method of chakric

analysis

of using the signs

as

we

discussed earlier (figure 13). Here, instead

our reference points,

I

have simply spun around

the houses until Yogananda's 4th and 5th houses (relating to Cancer

and Leo, respectively) were positioned trapolated the other chakric levels

at

the top of the chart, and ex-

downward

accordingly.

I

have also in-

dicated the general placement of a major T-square in his chart,

converted to

this

house-chakra system, the meaning of which

we

as

will

consider shortly.

This

is

a fascinating chart for several reasons,

a slightly different,

and provides us with

but equally revealing, look into the character and

/

J)

ASC