Guide to Kaballistic Astrology 0877283680, 9780877283683

Citation preview

i

AGUlOe TO

QABALISTIC ASTROLOGY BY

HORUS

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2012

http://archive.org/details/guidetokaballistOOhoru

A6UIDe TO

QABAUSTIC ASTROLOGY

AGUIDe TO

QABALISTIC

ASTROLOGY BY

HORUS

SAMUEL WEISER

NEW YORK

Copyright 1977 by HORUS Published by

Samuel Weiser, Inc. 740 Broadway New York City, N.Y. 10003 All rights reserved

No

part of this publication stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic

may be reproduced,

mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the copyright owner.

ISBN 0-87728-368-0

Printed in the

United States of America by Noble Offset Printers, Inc.

New York

City

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE.

LESSON

1:

LESSON 2;

i

A

Book

the Student

Must Read

The Qabalistic System of Astrological Planetary Rulerships, Octaves, 2

Exaltations, etc.

LESSON

3:

The Lights: An Exercise in the Qabalistic Method of Determining Astrological 9

Correspondences. I

LESSON

4:

1

A

Reconstitution of the Astrological

Tree of

12

Life.

LESSON

5:

Pluto.

23

LESSON

6:

Further Keys of Astrology.

29

LESSON

7:

An

Exposition of the Methods and Uses

of the Astrological

System given, employing

the Natusof Aleister Crowley.

APPENDIX:

Bibliography-Suggested Reading

31

)

PREFACE This start at

is

not a book for beginners. The beginner

is

advised to

the beginning with Charles Carter's The Principles of Astrol-

ogy-

advanced student of Asexpand and clarify his understanding of the subject. Familiarity with the terms of Astrology, and with the erection and delineation of a Natus, is necessary to a complete comprehension of this book. Familiarity with the works of Carter, and also Aleister Crowley's Astrology, is helpful. If you have not read these works, I would recommend them highly. (The latter book, like this one, is best suited to the intermediate and advanced stages of study. Of course, there are other great works on the subject, and Qabalistic texts which can help. I am impressed and pleased with the work and method of the Church of Light, even though I have found that I cannot agree with all of their findings. This book

is

for the intermediate or

trology, for herein are lessons suitable to

No

proof

is

offered herein as to the validity of Astrology.

It is

assumed that the reader has already satisfied his intellect in this regard, and knows there are numerous books already dealing with the subject, making any discussion of it superfluous. There is no

method

for erecting the chart herein,

no delineations of aspects, no

significances of the planets in the twelve signs, etc.

What

I

have attempted to do

is

to heighten the reader's .

awareness of the implications of his Science, and to resolve matters

where heretofore in Astrology there has existed uncertainty and contradiction. I have emphasized the link between Astrology and the Qabalah. I have added a contribution to the literature of Pluto. And finally, 1 have reconstituted the Astrological Tree of Life, and given the student some of the lesser and advanced keys to the Science.

known

but highly important

LESSON A The

1

Book The Student Must Read

first

Qabalah of

work of the student

Aleister

is

to obtain

and study The

Crowley (pubUshed by Samuel Weiser, Inc.).*

Several of the discourses

am

I

presenting herein necessitate the

Science, and no other Qabalah will suit this purpose nearly as well. The earnest student need not be discouraged if upon opening my book it is immediately found that another book will be needed. This work of Crowley's shall abundantly reward study. The Introduction and Book Three may be dispensed with altogether (i.e., for these purposes). Book One, entitled Gematria, must be borne, as it lays down the foundation for a fuller comprehension of Book Two. (These Books, incidentally, are all contained in one volume). One need not read the books Crowley recommends at the

understanding of Astrology

as a Qabalistic

distillation of the

beginning of Gematria. (Again, Astrological purposes).

It

is

I

say this only in reference to our

unlikely that the student will im-

mediately comprehend everything presented, however.

may be

required. Gloss over nothing.

Thus

germane to this work be understood. By the time the reader has finished Book Astrology shall appear to the student, as

it

Patience

will everything that

Two

(Liber

is

777)^

should, as a Qabalistic

mode of perception will be the key to the fullest comprehension of those essays in this book which deal with Astrology in this Light, and hopefully much more than that.t Science. This

has already made an earnest study of the Qabalah, is familiar with the Tree of and knows something of the numerological and astrological modes as regards Magickal

*If the student Life,

tables of correspondence.

tThe

Lesson

1

may be

dispensed with.

reader need not venture beyond page 137 of this Book. (Total reading requested: 210

pages).

?Upon

beginning

this study,

related to Astrology.

the student

However,

if

may

the study

is

find himself wondering

how

the subject matter

is

completed, the relationship and the implications

will become apparent to the reader. The reader is also encouraged ro read the unrequested portions of "The Qabalah of Aleister Crowley " (S. Weiser), if he is inclined to do so.

1

LESSON

2

The

Of Astrological

Qabalistic System

Planetary

Rulerships, Octaves, Exaltations, Etc.

Ever since the discovery of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, there has existed some confusion and uncertainty as to the rulerships and

The

exaltations of these planets.

essential

tmths have appeared

in

the light of further research, however, and these are the relating of

Uranus with Aquarius, Neptune with

Pisces,

and Pluto with Scor-

pio.

However, based on work which was begun by Charles Carter, key of Correspondences, it is our firm belief that the chart on page five shows the perfection of the and

in the light of the Qabalistic

planetary rulerships of the signs. (See Starting with the Lights

and

CHART

their signs,

we

1.)

take

first

what may

be called the Solar Rulership System. This begins with Leo. Note that as you

move forward (through

planets ruling the signs

The

fall

Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, etc.), the

in order o{ closeness to the Sun.

Solar Rulership System ends at the top oi the third col-

umn (SECONDARY RULER), where dary ruler of Aries, which

which makes

is

its

Pluto

is

listed as

positive-regenerative

a fitting point for the

end of

the secon-

mode, and

this system, as

it

is

the

exaltation of Sol.

The second or Lunar Rulership System begins with Cancer and moves backwards. Once again the planets fall in order of closeness to the Sun. As we continue around the zodiac, and backwards beyond Aries, the secondary rulers complete the system, starting upwards from the bottom of the third column with Jupiter, and ending with Pluto as the secondary ruler (also) of Scorpio, House ot Death. Thus we have a fitting ending point for the Lunar Rulership System, as Scorpio

Note

that

all

is

the detriment of Luna.

planets have double rulerships, with

expression and one negative.

one

positive

Lesson

Two

CHART

I

PLANETARY RULERSHIPS

SECONDARY RULER

SIGN

RULER

ARIES

MARS

TAURUS

VENUS

GEMINI

MERCURY

CANCER

MOON

LEO

SUN

VIRGO

MERCURY

LIBRA

VENUS

SCORPIO

MARS

PLUTO

SAGIl lARIUS

JUPITER

NEPTUNE

CAPRICORN

SATURN

URANUS

AQUARIUS

URANUS

SATURN

PISCES

NEPTUNE

JUPITER

PLUTO

A

4

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

Charles Carter has explored the relationship between Saturn

and Uranus,

as well as

tune, in his book.

the relationship between Jupiter and

The Zodiac and

Nep-

the Soul.

The Church of Light gave expression to the latter relationship when it claimed Neptune's exaltation to be Sagittarius. (This is an error,

but an error easy to understand).

The

Qabalistic perfection of this system of rulership,

i.e.,

its

cannot be denied. Let us now note that the rulership systems have not brought us all the way around back to the Lights. Furthermore, Pluto has been given secondary rulerships only, and is unique in this respect. This suggests the Octave. Picking up where we left off, we find the perfect order continuing with the System o{ Octaves. perfect order,

CHART

II

THE SYSTEM OF OCTAVES THE SOLAR SYSTEM

THE LUNAR SYSTEM

ARIES- PLUTO:

SCORPIO- PLUTO:

Mars

Aries. Pluto

is

mles

the oc-

TAURUS-NEPTUNE: the

is

is

the octave of Mars.

tave of Mars.

rules Taurus.

Mars

rules Scorpio. Pluto

Venus Neptune

octave

of

LIBRA-NEPTUNE: rules Libra.

Venus Neptune is

the octave of Venus.

Venus.

GEMINI-URANUS:

Mercury Gemini. Uranus the octave of Mer-

rules is

cury.

VIRGO-URANUS:

Mercury Uranus is octave oi Mer-

rules Virgo.

the cury.

)

Lesson

Two

5

Note how both the Solar and Lunar Systems of Rulerships and Octaves end at the gate of the sign of its opposite pole. (Furthermore, the planets are proceeding in the same order, only we are progressing in the opposite direction, from Pluto, the planet most distant from the Sun. Finally, coming to the sign of the opposite pole suggests the next system to follow in the flow of Qabalistic order, that of Detriments.

CHART

III

THE SYSTEM OF DETRIMENTS THE SOLAR SYSTEM

THE LUNAR SYSTEM

LEO-URANUS

CANCER'URANUS

CANCER'SATURN

LEO'SATURN

GEMINLJUPITER (AND NEPTUNE)

VIRGO'JUPITER

TAURUS'MARS (AND PLUTO)

LIBRA'MARS (AND PLUTO)

ARIES' VENUS

SCORPIO' VENUS

PISCES'MERCURY

SAGITTARIUS'MERCURY

AQUARIUS-THE SUN

CAPRICORN'THE

(AND NEPTUNE)

MOON

A

6

Of course, of a planet

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

the student should already

the sign opposite the sign

is

planet has two detriments.

The

it

know

rules.

that the detriment

In this system, each

Lights are exceptions, but then this

one sign each. have arrived now at the System of Exaltations (CHART IV). As with the System of Detriments, the principle of opposite is

logical since they also rule only

We

signs

is

involved, but

it

is

compounded by

further

polarizations

between the celestial bodies, inherent in the previous system. Thus Sol, whose detriment is in the Satumian sign, Aquarius, is exalted in Aries, the sign opposite Saturn's exaltation. Libra. (As to why the

Sun should be

exalted in Aries to begin with, the student

advised to seek the answer in Ptolemy's Tetrabihlios

know

it.

The Moon's

exaltation

is

,

if

is

he does not

also explained therein.)

CHART

IV

THE SYSTEM OF EXALTATIONS SUN

MOON (N.

SATURN

IN LIBRA

TAURUS

URANUS

IN

SCORPIO

IN GEMINI)

(S.

NODE

IN

SAGITTARIUS)

IN ARIES

IN

NODE

JUPITER IN

PLUTO

IN

MERCURY

CANCER

LEO

IN

VIRGO

MARS

IN

NEPTUNE

VENUS

CAPRICORN IN

AQUARIUS

IN PISCES

Two

Lesson

7

The Moon, whose detriment ricorn,

is

Uranian

in the

is

Cap-

sign,

exalted in Taurus, the sign opposite Uranus' exaltation,

Scorpio.

The Thus

polarity of the

their exaltations

Nodes

will certainly

form another key to

this

not be questioned.

method

of determin-

ing exaltations.

The

polarity of Jupiter

and Mars

is

indirect, but derives

from

the fact that these planets have been related in the rulership systems to

Neptune and

These planets, in turn, are the Venus and Mars. This also explains the

Pluto, respectively.

octaves of opposites,

next pair of exaltations. In the

last pair

of exaltations, Venus, for her part, reflects her

octave Neptune, whose signs are the detriment of Mercury. In the last pair of exaltations, Venus, for her part, reflects her octave Neptune, whose signs are the detriment of Mercury. I

should like to add further notes on four of these assignations:

§§§ 1.

MERCURY IN VIRGO:

This

is

the classical exaltation of

Mercury, affirmed in the majority of astrological works. However,

Church of Light has named Aquarius the exaltation of Mercury. While it is easy to see how this was derived, they are, nevertheless, the

in error. 2.

URANUS

IN SCORPIO: This is I make

Raphael and Crowley. Once again,

also

confirmed

by

special note of this

because the Church of Light has designated Gemini to be the exaltation of Uranus. Again, this 3.

NEPTUNE

IN

is

understandable, but inaccurate.

AQUARIUS: We

have previously

discus-

sed the error

made by

the

exaltation of

Uranus

in this book. All the same, as implied in the

Church of Light as regards the exaltation of Neptune. Crowley made the accurate assignation in his The Book of Thoth. (Yet he also made the gross error of making Leo the previous note, Crowley rectified this in his "Astrology", although

appears he

became

reluctant to assign any exaltation to

Neptune

it

at

all.)

Thus the student may find the precedents weak, and why Aquarius should be the exaltation of Neptune.

justly ask

A

8

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

Uranus rules Aquarius, which it represents. On the Tree of which will be discussed in Lesson 4, Uranus corresponds with Wisdom, the Magickal Path, the second sephira (principle or number) and Neptune corresponds to the third. Understanding, the Life,

Mystical Path. The exaltation of Neptune in Aquarius suggests Understanding (passive) becoming Wisdom (active). Consider that, similarly, Uranus is exalted in Scorpio which represents, in

our present system, Pluto as Kether, the Crown, the

of the

first

Sephiroth. 4.

PLUTO IN

like to say

now

LEO: (See

in this regard

is

LESSON

that the

5:

PLUTO).

Church

All

of Light and

should

I

I

are in

agreement on this point, and that their determination of Pluto's exaltation preceded mine, and was most helpful to me in developing the Qabalistic System of Exaltations.

full

§§§

Let the student opposite

its

now

exaltation,

note the

and Lesson 2

Fall of is

each planet, the sign

concluded.

LESSON

3

The

Lights:

An Exercise In The Qabalistic Method Of

Determining Astrological Correspondences

Perhaps the simplicity of the Qabalists's approach to astrology can best be shown by demonstrating some of the significances of the Sun and the Moon, beginning with the most commonplace observations, and then tracing out the implications to a limited point. This point must be limited, for otherwise the significances will merge into the infinite and overlap, thus creating chaos when the object

is

As

to divine the order.

the object

is

make commonplace

simply to

(and to derive further correspondences from these),

observations it

should be

apparent that the Qabalistic method requires only patience, con-

and imagination.

centration,

Let us

make note

enabled Marc

Edmund

that

was the Qabalistic method which

it

Jones to realize and introduce his "Guide

to

Horoscope Interpretation. Research, in particular, the evaluation of numerous charts, of course, was a necessary aid,

and the student is advised to incorpomethod. Furthermore, he should

rate research into his Qabalistic

make

improve upon his

ability to

ing the science of

Astronomy,

the

Thoth

We

Qabalistic connections by study-

Roman and Greek

Mythology, and

Tarot.

begin with the Sun, then.

It

is

not necessary to be an

astrologer to relate the following correspondences to the Sun: Light,

the Day, Fire, Heat, Centrality, Energy, Power, and Life

example.

The those just

We

itself,

for

could not live without the Sun. next step, then, would be to trace out the implications of

named commonplace

observations.

A

10

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

§§§

We

LIGHT: which

might

by associating the Light with God,

start

technically correct, although

is

the infinite, as

things are

all

we

are thus at

once

lost in

God.

Again, we might, recalling the words, "I am the Light of the World," associate the Solar principle with the Lord Jesus Christ, God in focused manifestation as the Son. We may assume also that the Sun represents Christ, or "the spark of God" within each of us (life itself

Son sons, I

again)

o{ God, i.e.

,

,

we

our true nature and individuality. As Christ also

have our

the male sex.

It is

first

is

the

Sun rules Yang in the

suggestion that the

the polarity which

is

called

Ching, positive and strong. LIFE: Let us add, then, vitality and health, vigor and Spirit,

for

example.

POWER AND CENTRALITY: mand and

Positions of authority-,

com-

leadership, etc.

HEAT AND

FIRE:

The

qualities of

warmth and

intense ar-

dor, etc.

THE DAY: time

when we

As opposed

to night,

when we

retire,

the day

is

a

are outgoing.

ENERGY:

Self-expression.

§§§ More could be derived from these observations, and we could add astronomical and mythological implications as well. However, the point is only to instruct the student in the method. The polarities between the celestial bodies can provide clues, also.

Let us take a brief look at the

we can

Moon.

Night with the Moon. Since day and night are opposites, we can assume that the Moon is the complementary pole of the Sun. Thus, instead of self-expression, we judge receptivity instead Instantly,

associate

•,

of the masculine principle, of

fire,

we judge

we judge

the feminine principle; uistead

water, etc.

However, we must not assume that the Moon rules death. It is one of the Lights, and as it is the feminine principle, it is nourishing,

motherly, protective, etc.

Lesson Three

The

11

student

is

advised to use this

ledge of astrological correspondences

method beyond

to

expand his knowwhich can be

that

obtained in books, although he several reliable authors to

is advised to use the works of at least check whether or not he is on the right

track.

CHART V Vll English of Col.

Ill

VL

English of

I.

Col U.

Key Scale

Nothing

No

Limit

Limitless L.V.X.

Sphere of the Primum Mobile Sphere of the Zodiac or Fixed Stars

.

.

.

Crown

1

Wisdom

2

Snhere of Saturn

Understanding

Sphere of Jupiter

Mercy

4

Sphere of Mars

Strength

5

Sphere oi Sol

Beauty

6

Sphere of Venus

Victory

7

Sphere of Mercury

Splendour

8

Sphere of Luna

Foundation

9

Sphere of the Elements

Kingdom

10

.

.

.

3

LESSON A

4 Reconstitution

Of The

Astrological Tree

Of Life

The reader is asked to note Chart V, a reproduction of pages 2 and 3 of "The Qabalah of Aleister Crowley," Liber 777, the Table of Correspondences. Observe the Sephiroth in Column III, and also the Astrological correspondences in Column VII (Key Scale: numbers I'lO).

In Crowley's The Book of Thoth (S. Weiser paperback), he states,

tune,

"The astronomical discoveries of Herschel (Uranus), Nepand Pluto have completed the tenfold scheme of the

Sephiroth.

." .

While the published Qabalah of Crowley contains no corresfor Pluto (because the planet had not yet been discovered), this later Book of Thoth tackled the problem keeping the positions of the Earth and the Septenary (the seven planets, Sephiroth nine through three) intact, and attributing Pluto, Neptune and Uranus to the Crown, Wisdom, and the Abyss, respectively. Chart V does not show the Abyss, because it is not a true pondences

its position is indicated in Chart VII. However, while Crowley's rectification in "Thoth" is, undeniably, magickal and qabalistic perfection, it is not really a tenfold scheme, but an elevenfold scheme. It is perfect, nevertheless, because the celestial bodies are numbered in the actual order in which they are found in the Solar System, i.e., with easily explained

Sephira, but

exceptions.

and

Moon

The

Sun's position

is

reversed with those of the Earth

(which belong together),

true starting point, while the

System, after

(when

all.

Sun

just as the is

Earth

is,

for us, the

the true center o{ the Solar

Furthermore, although Uranus seems to be out of

the unnumerated Abyss falls between Jupiter and Saturn), when the Tree of Life is drawn diagrammatically the Abyss falls, in a (limited) sense, between Saturn and Neptune.

place

listed numerically,

12

Lesson Four

13

However, although

this

system has

its

perfection and keeps

with tradition, purely astrological considerations can leave one dissatisfied. For example, Crowley's earlier ascription of the Asteroids to the disintegrative

Abyss has a greater ring of truth than the

consideration of a planet, Uranus, here as a non-Sephira.

The

reader might find himself justifiably exasperated by the

We

have not yet even men777 planetary attributions with those given in "The Book ofThoth," although the septenary remains intact, he will wind up with such situations as the God Uranus being ascribed to the planet Neptune, which is obvi-

confusion of the diversified systems. tioned the fact that

if

one

tries to

replace the Liber

ously incorrect.

The

rectification in

"Thoth"

is

a perfect Qabalistic picture of

the Solar System. It is

not the author's purpose herein to revise the entire Tables

of Magickal Correspondences (Liber 777). This

Those using the

is

an astrological

777 are advised to assign Pluto to Zero, with which, as representative of death and for other reasons, it bears a kinship. The Tables and appendages in 777 are the work of tremendous scholarship, and are part of the most sublime Magickal system in existence. Thus, it is my understatement if I say that

treatise.

this

system

is

tables in

not without

its

virtue.

Yet, herein, determined by astrological considerations,

is

the

Only the planetary assignations have been that is meant by "the Astrological Tree of

author's personal system.

and this is all and the reconstitution thereof, so that this Astrological Tree of Life has been reconstituted primarily as an aid, a Qabal istic key, for the astrologer and the student of Astrology. However, if we can see the obvious relationship between Astrology and the Qabalah, we should agree that one must fit most adeptly and neatly into the other, otherwise Astrology loses its connection with the Tree of Life. altered, Life,"

After

all,

is

it

not written:

"In the midst of the street of

it,

and on either side life, which bare

of the river, was there the tree of

twelve manner of

fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves o{ the tree were for the

healing of the nations."

(Rev. 22:2)

A

14 (See

CHART

(Note:

It

VI.)

has hardly been

Aleister Crowley,

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

my

intention to belittle the work oi

whose contribution

to the world of

Uranian

liter-

ature* stands unsurpassed).

CHART

VI

THE RECONSTITUTION OF THE QABALISTIC PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCES KEY

SEPHIROTH

SPHERE OF

THE CROWN

PLUTO

2.

WISDOM

URANUS

3.

UNDERSTANDING

NEPTUNE

4.

MERCY

JUPITER

5.

SEVERITY (STRENGTH)

SATURN

6.

BEAUTY

THE SUN

7.

VICTORY

VENUS

8.

SPLENDOR

MERCURY

9.

THE FOUNDATION

MARS

10.

THE KINGEX)M

THE MOON

"Magick, the Qabalah, the Tarot, Astrology, etc.

Lesson Four

15

EXPLANATIONS (from the lowest to the highest principles)

10.

MALKUTH,THE EARTH, THE KINGDOM: ATTRIBU-

TION: THE MOON. The Kingdom is the

Earth, of course, the realm of Matter, and

of the four elements

water, air and earth

fire,

itself.

But, astrologi-

upon but does not act and consequently, the ten celestial bodies astrological which are to correspond to the ten Sephiroth do not include the earth itself, alcally,

the earth

though

this

is

is

a

body which

is

acted

the traditional assignation to Malkuth. Therefore, in

consistency with the symbolistic nature of Astrology (and, indeed, of

all

we

the Qabalistic Sciences),

the earth,

the

Moon,

take, for

Malkuth, a symbol of

the light which travels about the earth,

Kingdom. Kingdom, and all of this is enclosed within the Moon's circle. Thus it is more noteworthy that Malkuth is also called the Gate, when we consider Luna

describing an imaginary boundary, thus symbolizing the

Even the

air,

the atmosphere,

is

a part of the

here.

The Moon rules the water sign Cancer, the sign of the Mother, feminine and receptive. Malkuth is also called the inferior Mother, and the Queen. The Moon's water-nature does reflect a kingdom, viz. the earth's surface, 70% water. The Moon's light is but the reflection of the Sun, just as the Kingdom simply signifies the realm of matter which is dependent upon the animation of the Sun, the sustainer of life. It can be noted, too, that Crowley gave to the Moon the most

fact of the

,

777 page 44, in the brief section "The Genethliac Values of the Planets." Here are attrib-

physical of assessments in Liber entitled

,

uted the Senses and Bodily Consciousness.

9.

§§§ YESOD, THE FOUNDATION: ATTRIBUTION: MARS.

and not the Moon, is Yesod, the Foundabelow the realm of Mercury (Hod), and therefore of the mind; Mars represents the basic energy of the universe, which differs from that of the Sun in that the Sun, being a In this system Mars,

tion,

and thus

it

falls

A

16

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

Light, represents a center of conscious direction of energy,

The

represents brute force.

and Mars

nature of this fundamental energy^

is

aggressive, and therefore requires constructive channeling and intelligent direction. Otherwise,

there

against him. But this is not a higher Sephira, Sun), which is capable of directing it.

Note

that Yesod

the Flames. This, by

is

represented

itself,

not

is

among

as

is

for

man, not

Tiphereth (the

the angels by Aishim,

as significant as

What

considering Mars' fiery nature.

Un-

a tendency to discord.

is

checked, Mars does battle. Wisely employed this energy builds and works

significant

it is

may seem, that these

angels are also called tKe Virile Ones.

In Magickal tradition exalted than the Sun, but in a

I

Mars has been regarded

to be

more

should like to point out that this occurs

seven planet system which never took Uranus, Neptune and

Pluto into consideration.

Archangel Gabriel

Finally, the

is

associated with Yesod.

He

the angel of the Resurrection (Aries). His trumpet, or horn, phallic.

Both Yesod and Mars are linked with the

Kingdom

(the

Moon)

is

is is

The

genitals.

impregnated (with the energy), but Yesod

(Mars) impregnates.

§§§ 8.

HOD, SPLENDOR: ATTRIBUTION: MERCURY. Hod

has been called Splendor, and also Order. Mercury

classic attribution,

the

mind which

and much discussion

is

will direct the energy, brains

over brawn as

it

Order

is linked with the training of the mind, and Splendor realm of learning, education.

The Archangel Raphael

is

attributed here,

teacher and healer, both faculties of Mercury.

note that he

specifically,

is,

is

the

not needed. Mercury

It

and he is

is

is

were. is

the

both

interesting to

the healer of war wounds, another

substantiation of this position above Mars.

§§§ 7.

NETZACH, VICTORY: ATTRIBUTION: VENUS. Again,

Crowley.

this

What

is

is

the traditional attribution,

implied

is

that true Victory

corroborated by

means Peace and

Lesson Four

17

The

is Love. Netzach is also called which is its Victory. Furthermore, Love and Peace temper and firm up the mind, and steer some of the

Accord.

ultimate of

this

all

Firmness, the quality in Love

energy of Yesod into the

Pillar of

Mercy. Firmness also suggests fixed

one of the signs of Venus. The Victory expressed particularly that of two souls united in Love. (Jupiter is the

earth, or Taurus,

here

is

Higher Love.)

§§§ 6.

TIPHERETH, BEAUTY: ATTRIBUTION: THE SUN. This

is,

once again, the

traditional attribution.

The Sun,

vital

center of the solar system, rules Leo, the sign which governs the heart, and certainly, Tiphereth is the vital center, the heart of the Tree of Life. Apollo, the Sun God, was called the god of manly beauty.

The Sun

is

the Light of Life, the spark of

God

in

all

human

beings.

The

progression

such that, given form (Malkuth), energy

is

(Yesod), a mental plane (Hod) and firmness (Netzach), a self, to itselO;

man,

a center of consciousness (which

we come

is

we come

to

not the mind

to a directing force.

Sun represents both Christ and the Beast. two diverse considerations comes when, seeing that the Sun is not the Inscrutable Height (Kether), we find that it is like the innocence of man in Eden. Christ gave us the Let us note that the

The

resolution of these

highest essence of

purity; the Beast reflected the quality of

this,

innocence, albeit in his

guiltless,

remorseless execution of his work.

This reminds us that the higher principles are yet necessary, lest man be no more than a beast. (There is further discussion of the

Sun

as

Beauty in Lesson

7.)

§§§ 5.

GEBURAH, SEVERITY: ATTRIBUTION: SATURN. Here the

traditional assignation

is

Mars, which in the present

we attribute to Yesod, lower on the Tree of Life. The ideas of Justice, Severity and Karmic Retribution, which

system

belong here, bear greater kinship to Saturn.

The

title

Strength has also been given to Geburah, and this

A

18

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

does suggest Mars. However, under closer examination, it can be seen that this particular Strength comes from concentration and self-discipline, qualities of Saturn. Certainly, Saturn's exaltation in

Libra, sign of the scales of Justice, provides yet another astrological

key.

Geburah

indeed

(Mercy),

and the ringed planet does The balance to Chesed

also called the Power,

is

a

fearsome

the

Giver,

represent called

power.

and

tions,

4.

And Time

should be the Taker.

(Saturn) does bear the sickle. Saturn

restricts,

sets

down

limita-

tests.

CHESED, MERCY: ATTRIBUTION: JUPITER. This Sephira

is

also called

So now we have the Giver Power,

now we

Gedulah, Magnificence, or Glory. Taker; as we have seen the

as well as the

see the Glory.

Mercy, a higher love, good pansiveness

This

is

will,

kindness, tolerance and ex-

correspond to Jupiter, the Greater Benefic.

all

the traditional attribution.

§§§ UNDERSTANDING: ATTRIBUTION: NEP-

3. BINAH, TUNE.

In the seven planet system, Binah has always been assigned Saturn. Binah

is

Understanding, and

is

regarded as being passive

and feminine.

Neptune feminine

rules

Saturn

Pisces;

rules

Capricorn.

Both are

signs.

But Binah is water. The Great Sea is a synonym for Binah. This correspponds with Pisces and Neptune, who rules the Sea.

Binah

is

also

Mare = Sea). Depth is

the

Mother.

This

associated with Understanding,

the Deep. Darkness

we cannot

superior

is

is

Mary (Mary=

and the sea

associated with Binah, and the sea

is

is

called

dark, for

see but the surface.

"Book 4", Crowley equates Binah with the Magick Cup, which contains bitterness, blood and intoxication. In his

Intoxication (wine)

is

Neptunian. The blocxi is known to And bitterness? Crowley has called

consist primarily of sea water.

Neptune the "Soul of Tears!"

Lesson Four

19

Also represented

the intuition; the mystic mode, meditation

is

and the mystical states and trances.

§§§ 2.

CHOKMAH, WISDOM: ATTRIBUTION: URANUS. Chokmah and

Father,

is

complement

the masculine

is

to Binah. It

attributed to the sphere of the Zodiac.

better corresponds to this than Uranus,

which most

No

is

the

planet

astrologers

agree governs their science. Uranus governs Aquarius, a masculine sign.

Of

Chokmah

is said to be fire, and Aquarius is an air Crowley said, looking deep into the nature of Uranus, "if we have called Neptune the Soul of the Sea, then Uranus is the essence of Volcanic Fire." He was in accord with this

sign.

course,

However,

as

attribution.

Chokmah Uranus

as

is

also the Logos, the

Word, and

corresponds to

this

higher octave o{ Mercury, also called the Logos. Thus

Chokmah encompasses the Qabalah, called the Secret Wisdom. Even more important, Chokmah is active, and it represents the Magickal Will, and the path of Magick. It is associated with the wand and the phallus. It is also the rod that becomes the serpent. The

is also a symbol of wisdom. Quoting Crowley: "Uranus is the Royal Uraeus Serpent in Egyptian Symbolism."

serpent

§§§ 1.

KETHER, THE CROWN: ATTRIBUTION: PLUTO. In this system Pluto

Kether Height.

It is

is

called

is

the Crown.

the Supreme Unity,

One, the Creator and Father of uted

is

Eheieh,

AHIH,

I

is

all

things.

am. Existence.

the Father referred to by the

He

also

the Inscrutable

the Self of Deity, related to the Most Holy Ancient

Son

He

The God- name is

attrib-

Macroprosopus, and

in Christianity.

said to be partly concealed (Scorpio)

and

partly manifest

(Aries).

(The

qualities of ultimate power, inscrutability

and unity

are

A

20

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

discussed in the astrological treatment of Pluto in the fifth lesson in this

book.) Let us consider here, however, that Aries

lios,

is

is

the exaltation of

One reason for this,

not to be found in Ptolemy's Tetrabibthat Aries here reflects Pluto as Kether, and this exaltation

the Sun.

represents the direct relationship

that the

Son

(the Sun)

is

at

its

between the Son and the Father, when at one with

best (exaltation)

the Father (Kether- Pluto- Aries).

Also Pluto

is

As

link in the chain of the Solar System, Pluto bears

the

last

exalted in Leo, as the Father

the same unique relationship

to the infinite

is

in the Son.

beyond that Kether

the Unity bears to Zero, the Limitless.

Kether is called the root of air, and the balance of fire (Aries) and water (Scorpio). The actual coldness of Pluto, which must be a burning coldness, quality of coldness

reflects is

its

middle

pillar aspect,

insofar as the

associated with Indifference. (Indifference

is

the Buddhist meditation Crowley ascribed to Kether.)

The

sexual element of Pluto typifies

being the very

tip

of

Yod

(the

Hebrew

§§§

I)

what is meant by Kether which is the Phallus.

21

Lesson Four

CHART

VII

DIAGRAM OF THE RECONSTITUTED ASTROLOGICAL TREE OF

LIFE

PLUTO THE CROWN 3

2

NEPIUNE UNDERSTANDING

URANUS WISDOM (Daath)

THE ABYSS

5

4

SATURN

JUPI 1 ER

SEVERITY

MERCY 6

THE SUN BEAUTY 8

7

MERCURY

VENUS VICIORY

SPLENDOR 9

MARS THE FOUNDATION 10

THE MOON THE KINGDOM

22

A

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

CHART

VIII

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE TREE OF

THE MIDDLE PILLAR PLUTO

THE SUN

MARS THE MOON

THE PILLAR OF MERCY URANUS JUPITER

VENUS

THE PILLAR OF SEVERITY NEPTUNE

SATURN

MERCURY

LIFE

)

LESSON

5

PLUTO Pluto

the higher octave of Mars.

is

It is

called the secondary

both Scorpio and Aries, because it is arrived at secondarily, Mars. As it is the octave we may assume it governs strongly, on

ruler of after its

own

plane.

not the octave of the Moon as has been supposed by Elbert Benjamine, President of the Church of Light, in his ''The Influence It is

of the

(Aries

Planet Pluto''

contained in

it,

despite

its

We

Press).

nevertheless, by the way, as there brevity.

recommend

here, but accurate information will be found in that will

book

this

much valuable information The errors in it stand corrected is

book which

not be given here. Nevertheless, returning to the subject of the octave,

note that Pluto-ruled Scorpio

is

the

fall

of the

let us

Moon, which makes

Pluto an unlikely octave. TTie Qabalistic perfection of the system of

octaves cannot be denied. Furthermore, Pluto

which further

aligns

it

exalted in Leo,

is

to the opposite pole, to the

Sun, and

fire.

Certainly, there are factors in the Scorp ionic side of Pluto (water

example) which can link it to the Moon. It was Cancer, the natural sign of the Moon. What this refers to is the middle pillar of the Tree of Life, where Pluto is linked to the Moon, but less directly than to the Sun and Mars. I should

and coldness,

for

also discovered in

also like to suggest that the

Moon

is

complete in

herself, i.e.,

she

has no octave. (Water and coldness are factors also found in the Piscean

modes of

Pluto

is

cold.

Jupiter

The

and Neptune.

Sun have to travel hundred million miles to

life-giving energies of the

an average of approximately 3

billion, 7

reach Pluto.

This coldness,

this distance

from the source of

light

and

life,

as

well as the mythological attributions (Pluto, Hades, etc.), suggests

Scorpio, the

House of Death.

23

A

24

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

around the Sun takes the longest amount of

Pluto's journey

time evidenced by any of the planets. In this way

most

lifeless,

it

again the

is

like the discarnate soul, occult.

link with Mars. As regards death, Pluto is But every death is also a birth, which is particu"abetted" by Mars. the spiritual level, if not so apparent at the physical larly apparent at

This

This

level.

the

is

is

first

the Immortality of God.

Thus, in ruling death, Pluto assimilates

as well the rule of

and rebirth. This rulership of birth and rebirth links Pluto with Mars again co-ruler of Aries, in its positive mode. It will be noted that

physical birth, spiritual death

as

Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, falls

Sun

is

in Aries, exalted. Leo, the sign of the

Sun,

is

when

the

the exaltation

o{ Pluto.

As regards the Scorpionic mode of Pluto, once again, it is as if Mars has selfishly pulled the Sun's energy so that it does not reach Pluto, and therefore Pluto's beams become death beams. The most obvious demonstration of this correspondence would be one wherein Mars, in his aspect of the Bringer of War (Strife), delivers many into the hands of Pluto (Death). In this mode, Pluto is cold-blooded and can be unflinchingly cruel, and it has been linked with crime (the Underworld). It is the bringer of the cold, hard facts, and the measure of the Last Resort. Thus does Pluto move the masses. As regards the Arietic positive-regenerative mode of Pluto, however, it is as if the Sun has transmitted Martian energy in Solar-Martian terms so that is

we

get, for

also Plutonian to fight death, as

example, crime-fighting.

It

who work

in

do surgeons,

etc.,

hospitals.

The things

positive

which

mode

of Pluto, even though co-governing

are already given to Mars,

own

still

relates

not

some

much

as

to

and dealing in a cold-blooded manner with that coldness. However, it does resemble the Arien fire in its height of spirituality, which is not the Arietic

fire as to

its

coldness, turning against

itself

attributed to Mars.

Also, as regards birth, sion

when we come

it

should be noted that this

is

an occa-

into contact with those Plutonian forces

fight death, exemplified in the doctor or mid-wife.

which

)

25

Lesson Five

The myth

of Pluto and Persephone

qabalistically, i.e.,

by

correspondence, representative of one oi the astrological facts

we

is

have been considering. Persephone was Spring, which we can instantly associate with Aries. Her arising from the depths of the earth bringing Spring corresponds to the release oi Mars-channeled Solar energy emerging from Pluto. Persephone's return to Pluto's domain heralded the submergence of energy, which heralded the coming of winter. (It must be remembered that this is a myth of the Northern Hemisphere.) Pluto has also been related to sexual activity, where it can represent the extremes, cold-bloodedness, sex without love, the sexual function, per se, active sex drives,

as

rule out love, as in

its

positive

tative of the greatest love.

the Plutonian vidualistic,

rape. This

component

but

it

uncommon

it is

not

It

does not peak of spirituality it can be represenmust be considered that we all have

in our sexual natures. It

evil

unusually

relates to reproduction,

sexual requirements, etc.

except for the part

it

is

It

fiercely indi-

plays in cases of

depends upon house and aspects.

Discordant aspects generally show some difficulty in sexual

some "hang-up", eccentricity or show sexual self-knowledge and ease

expression, aspects

repression.

The good

in sexual expression.

Thus Pluto governs the deep innermost psychology of how the native relates to his or her

"Free Love"

movement

own

to Pluto,

sexuality.

We

may

attribute the

which governs changes

in sexual

mores.

Neptune are the two outposts of the Solar System. I Neptune also because the orbits of Pluto and Neptune apparently cross, and there is a time when Neptune is further from the Sun than Pluto (although it is never as far as is Pluto at its Pluto and

include

furthest.)

Both planets are representative oi the highest

spiritual

mys-

teries.

They are like two sentinels at the border of the known world, and thus they govern things unknown. (Note that both Scorpio and Pisces are houses of secrets and the occult. These two alone, and Pluto most especially, see and reach what is farthest and deepest. Whichever one is furthest, that one is probably the one most concerned with the new, the approaching,

A

26

on the other hand, the one

discoveries, etc., and,

with mundane

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology least

concerned

affairs.

Unknown, our link with the unknown, and the unknown into knowledge, represents the great

Pluto, X, the

unfolding oi the

mystery, and perhaps even the solution of the Mystery. (The perfection of the present system, regarding the Tree of Life, leads guess that Pluto really

the

is

last

me

to

planet in the chain oi the Solar

System. Pluto was discovered in 1930, and

ning of what

I

call

I

consider this the begin-

the Plutonian Era, the beginnings oi which have

been aptly characterized by Mr. Benj amine.

The

length of this period

is

indeterminate, since

depend upon the discovery of some new and

also

end would more distant its

planet.

(At

46 years have passed of

this writing,

this era.

Since the

discovery of Pluto, the planet has transited only the signs Cancer

(wherein shortly its

it

was discovered), Leo, Virgo, and

make some remarks concerning

own

now

Libra.)

We shall

the planet's future entry into

negative sign, Scorpio.

Inexorable, often inscrutable, Pluto

is

a final resolution oi the

duality into the truth of unity.

Now, with

all

we might assume

of what has been said,

when

in Aries and Leo, and basically "evil" when in Scorpio. If this idea has persisted, it must be dispelled. At the point where the mode of Mars becomes the mode of Pluto, there is an overlapping, or a point where the two are alike. Astrologically this dual point of Pluto is worth considering, but if we overlook the fact that Pluto represents the Supreme

nevertheless that Pluto

is

basically

"good"

we are likely to be misled by the dual considerations. The influence of Pluto is at its strongest when in Aries,

Unity,

pio and Leo, but in every case Pluto does what must be done.

War

II,

for

example, took place during the early stages of Pluto's

sojourn through the sign Leo, Pluto

Scor-

World

may be thought

its

exaltation, a

of as the heavenly

fier>',

positive sign.

embodiment

oi Sa-

Lord of the Underworld, and much can be discovered about the nature of Pluto from such a consideration. But in the final analysis, Pluto is really the Father, seeing to it that tan, as in

"Thy

mythology he

is

will be done." It represents the power that can both create and even bind Satan, and cast him into the lake of fire.

Lesson Five

27

Now we come regard to Pluto's It is

to

some remarks

coming sojourn of

its

I

should like to

own

make with

negative sign Scorpio.

omen of especial significance, particularly concerning when there will occur a most powerful configuration of

an

the 1980's

planets in Scorpio.

Uranus

is

and we have already

presently transiting Scorpio,

seen several major earthquakes. Consider also the interest in disaster films and films exploring the occult as well. (Earthquakes have been related to the fixed signs, of which Scorpio is one, and as the House of Death, I would say it is chief of these in this regard.) Uranus, here in its exaltation leading the way, signifies an extra added impetus of the Cosmic Will. Considering the coming of Pluto to Scorpio, and the powerful configuration to which we have referred, we can only assume that the cosmic Will is that there be a great paying of karmic debt, i.e., a major cleansing of the earth of its unrighteousness. Unless it is no longer necessary, unless man can quickly and truly learn to love his neighbor as himself, under the coming configurations more and even greater major disasters will occur. We are likely to face, in fact, one of the world's greatest

catastrophies.

Remember no option, the

that Pluto

is

the planet of the

last resort will

be resorted

last resort; if

to.

there

The momentum

is

is

building up even now. Major upheavals of the earth are only a

portion of the dire probabilities. Other forms of mass death are also probable. Undoubtedly there shall be a greater to

God on

and deeper turning

the part of many.

Consider Liber AL vel Legis, a masterwork of Aleister Crowley. Written in Cairo in April of 1904, the book made a statement about the 1940s which

worthy of your attention:

is

"I

am

the

warrior Lord of the Forties."

We

can see the accuracy of

Now

consider that

before me,

The

and

reader

it

is

this prediction.

further written: "the Eighties cower

are abased." is

advised that he might do well to take

to explore the Edgar

Cayce predictions for the

last

some time

half oi the

twentieth century. TTie famed psychic's predictions include major catastrophes for pc:)ssibility.

New

York and California.

I

suggest this only as a

A

28

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

Revelations and other prophetic books of the Bible will also be found to contain relevant keys. spiritual rebirth is a certainty. Whether or not this will

A

is in the hands of man. The warning signs will increase. If man does not heed, there will be no alternative, and there can be only one last warning. This purging, I must advise, does appear inevitable. 0( course, it is also possible that there is a most exalted and fortunate significance attached to this great climax in Scorpio. Who is to say whether this may or may not signify the Second Coming? Here the astrologer's work becomes like that of the priest and the exorcist, and so I close this chapter with these words: "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." (St. John,

require a great cleansing of the earth

15:12)

LESSON

6

Further Keys

We Creator's is

God,

Of Astrology.

have seen that the universe

own

or,

is

permeated with order, the

system of correspondences. (Ultimately, everything

we might

We have seen

say, a

symbol

for

God.)

that at the very heart of this system

is

the Tree

composed of the 10 Sephiroth, the primary principles linked with the numbers from one to ten. Everything is regarded as an emanation from the Sephiroth. Astrology, then, accords with one of the Sephiroth. (The import of this correspondence is the link between Astrology and Uranus, which immediately implies, therefore, that Astrology should be a means of Wisdom (Chokmah). This sephira governs the Qabalah itself, and Magick, which relies heavily upon the use of correspondences. And as there are links between Astrology and the Qabalah, and Magick and the Qabalah, there are links between Astrology and Magick, the most obvious being Talisrnanic Magic (i.e., as the Constellatory Art), for which one must know well Astrology. of Life

§§§ L

We

now refer the reader to pp. 15-19 of Aleister Crowley's "Astrology" for several of the truly great keys of the Science. From

this

chapter

"A men

I

quote only the following:

glance at the horoscopes of the greatest

whom we have on record shows that genspeaking the planets form exact or very close

of

erally

—

aspects

and

that

or very nearly

all

also

this

is

all

ven."

29

the important point

—

the planets are interwo-

A

30

The next key

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

something Carter considered worth experimentmethod related to the one exployed in Horary Astrology. Personally, I have found this idea of Carter's to be something much more than a worthwhile experiment; it is one of the II.

ing with, and

is

it is

a

master keys of Natal Astrology. This extremely powerful method consists in using the natus as

were 12 different charts. The natus as we know it, with the is to be considered as the Key Chart. The entire process of chart delineation is the same up to this point. However, if it

proper ascendant,

next we use the 2nd House cusp as the ascendant. The new chart, with all its new houses, with its new angularities, etc. becomes the ,

Chart of the Key of the 2nd House Mode. While the Key Chart remains the ultimate guide and check, the 2nd House Chart acts as an enlargement, a further exposition. Thus the 2nd House is now the ascendant of an entire chart which refers strictly to the 2nd House Mode. The new second house becomes a new clue. The new 3rd House becomes yet a further clue as to how neighbors, relatives, brethren, communications, etc., would affect the 2nd House Mode. We then check the new 4th house,

its

relationship, noting that planets herein are angular in this

regard, etc.

The method

proceeds through

all

of the houses in like

man-

and when we are finished we proceed to take the 3rd House as the ascendant, and proceed through the taking of each oi the

ner,

houses as the ascendant.

This

is

an extended, laborious method, but such corrobora-

tions as will be gained

make

it

worthwile.

LESSON An

7 Exposition

Of The Methods And

Of The The Natus Of

Uses

Astrological System Given, Employing Aleister Crowley.

The as

following exploration of the natus of Aleister Crowley has

purpose only the exposition of this system, and will not

its

venture into the realm of detailed delineation. Aleister Crowley, the Beast 666,

is

our subject. His incarna-

tion fulfilled the prophecy contained in the Revelations of St.

the Divine. His unique and

awesome place

in

human

John

history pro-

He was a Magus, but there were factors in his formula which were uniquely his own. His personal magickal attainment is inspiration to the spirit, but we must remember that it is our own Holy Guardian Angel whom we seek, and not Crowley's. His written expositions of the truth, of the mysteries, of magick, of yoga, of the Qabalah, are masterworks, nonetheless. Yet how notorious a being this Aleister Crowley was! (See CHART IX.) vides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate this system.

First, let us

consider the Ascendant, which

The number which Crowley

is

Leo, ruled by the

Leo and Crowley certainly assumed authority! Note that the Sun forms two aspects within the orb of one degree, which gives it power, even though it is cadent. (The two aspects are the sextile of Uranus, and the trine of Saturn) Considering that Uranus and Saturn are angular, we already begin to see the great vigor of the man. In regarding the Sun's square to Mars, let us note what has been said by Raphael of a cardinal square involving one oi the luminaries. It produces fame, or notoriety. (Mars in Capricorn, Sun.

signifies authority,

again,

is

especially vigorous.)

31

took, 666,

is

a solar number.

A

32

Guide To Qabalistic Astrology

CHART

IX

THE NATUS OF ALEISTER CROWLEY '

^

c/6

RISING SIGN

O

RULING PLANET

t

^^

FIRF

r

3

HOUSE

RULER'S SIGN RISING PLANET

W ¥

^ 0$ti O^^^

,

.

GRA>^DC ROSS

/

D^

WATER AIR

FARTH

^

.

11

RULER'S

MC

on

^^

c^'l ASC.

^^

\ '\/'j\

.

O^cf ^^I^.W^^

CARDINAL. PIVFD

MIITARTF

^^

ANGULAR 4'^^^'^ SI

irCFOFNT

2)

0$d" ^

CADENT

7

^

POSITIVE

NEGATIVE.

r- Or[3 AsPBiT^

lo

? tb

SIGN

2)

O

cf

EXALTED

DETRIMENT

tf

W

Parallel

TABLE OF ASPECTS

PLANET

OWN

&

^

O

^

?

cf

2f

^

^

>v a

% ^ A X

d

^ ?

FAIL

2)

a

W ¥

D /x

^

^

BIRTH DATE

M^ ^

11:50 \0-\l-

\m

¥

BIRTH PLACE tE^m