Aries Full MoonAries Full Moonandand

Easter FestivalEaster Festival

All is Energy!All is Energy!

For those of you who are not familiar with For those of you who are not familiar with esoteric philosophy – or do not know it well – I esoteric philosophy – or do not know it well – I

will remind you that all is energy. Thus you will remind you that all is energy. Thus you should simply relax and try to feel the energy should simply relax and try to feel the energy

rather then concern yourself with rather then concern yourself with understanding everything.understanding everything.

During the lecture you can ask questions or During the lecture you can ask questions or make comments. After the meditation you make comments. After the meditation you

may also ask questions.may also ask questions.

Aries PresentationAries Presentation

The Sign of AriesThe Sign of Aries

The Labour of Hercules in AriesThe Labour of Hercules in Aries

Easter FestivalEaster Festival

The Aries Full Moon ChartThe Aries Full Moon Chart

- Short Break -- Short Break -

MeditationMeditation

The Sign of AriesThe Sign of Aries

Which sign is the Sun in?Which sign is the Sun in?

The Sun is in Aries.The Sun is in Aries.

And which sign is the Moon in?And which sign is the Moon in?

The Moon is in Libra.The Moon is in Libra.

What mode isWhat mode isAries associated Aries associated witwith?h?

Sometimes Aries and Libra are called equinox Sometimes Aries and Libra are called equinox signs, and Cancer and Capricorn are called signs, and Cancer and Capricorn are called solstice signs. Equinoxes are times of perfect solstice signs. Equinoxes are times of perfect balance between day and night (day and night balance between day and night (day and night are 12 hours long). The solstice times are the are 12 hours long). The solstice times are the times of the longest day (Cancer) and the times of the longest day (Cancer) and the longest night (Capricorn).longest night (Capricorn).

The word The word ““cardinalcardinal”” comes comes from the French from the French ““cardocardo”” meaning a hinge, that on meaning a hinge, that on which something turns. It is which something turns. It is the most important part. the most important part.

In Astrology, the cardinal In Astrology, the cardinal signs are the first, fourth, signs are the first, fourth, seventh and tenth (Aries, seventh and tenth (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Cancer, Libra and Capricorn). These signs are Capricorn). These signs are characterized by enterprise, characterized by enterprise, or starting things.or starting things.

CardinalCardinalThe cardinal directions are the north, The cardinal directions are the north, south, east and west. They are the south, east and west. They are the times when the seasons change. Aries times when the seasons change. Aries for Spring; Cancer for Summer; Libra for Spring; Cancer for Summer; Libra for Autumn; and Capricorn for Winter. for Autumn; and Capricorn for Winter. They therefore are times for a new They therefore are times for a new beginning.beginning.

Aries and Libra Aries and Libra are times of are times of balance, but balance, but also times of also times of abrupt change. abrupt change. Cancer and Cancer and Capricorn are Capricorn are times of times of extremes.extremes.

What do we know about What do we know about the Cardinal mode?the Cardinal mode?

Associated with starting things, initiating Associated with starting things, initiating things or being things or being ““enterprisingenterprising””. They are . They are forceful and aggressive and have the will to forceful and aggressive and have the will to accomplish something, often something new. accomplish something, often something new. They project into the world. They are They project into the world. They are creative in the sense that they cause things creative in the sense that they cause things and start things.and start things.

Aries people will do this energetically Aries people will do this energetically and urgently (or impatiently). They and urgently (or impatiently). They cannot wait to do what they have in cannot wait to do what they have in mind to do and that which is motivated mind to do and that which is motivated by their enthusiasm.by their enthusiasm.

What element isWhat element isAries associated Aries associated witwith?h?

FireFire

What do we know about What do we know about Fire?Fire?

RaiseRaise

Sun and StarsSun and Stars

Fire cannot truly be confinedFire cannot truly be confined

Associated with spirit Associated with spirit Raw Raw energyenergy

What about Fire people?What about Fire people?

High SpiritsHigh Spirits

HonestHonestyy

EnthusiasEnthusiasmm

Why they must do what Why they must do what they must do!they must do!

vitalizing vitalizing energyenergy

OpennesOpennesss

FreedomFreedom

ConsumedConsumed

What else about Fire What else about Fire people?people?

assertiveassertive

energies can stimulate othersenergies can stimulate others

but they can also overpower and but they can also overpower and exhaust themexhaust them

they are generous but egoisticthey are generous but egoistic

the most daring and the most daring and capable inspiring capable inspiring natural leadersnatural leaders

that they fail to notice the that they fail to notice the powers and abilities of powers and abilities of othersothers

They are always They are always ““on stageon stage””

So what happens when So what happens when we put the mode of we put the mode of

cardinal together with cardinal together with the element of fire? the element of fire?

We get Aries!We get Aries! Aries is the 1st sign of the zodiac.Aries is the 1st sign of the zodiac. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries represents As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries represents

the first stage in the evolution of man and his the first stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. The raw energy of life place in the universe. The raw energy of life itself, which is the first step in being part of the itself, which is the first step in being part of the universe, is evident in the character and make-universe, is evident in the character and make-up of Aries people.up of Aries people.

It is the karmic responsibility of the Aries-born It is the karmic responsibility of the Aries-born to accept the idea that they are not the center to accept the idea that they are not the center of the universe but part of the larger social of the universe but part of the larger social order of all men.order of all men.

Aries Aries people are people are

doers!doers!

They set out to They set out to accomplish accomplish things and are things and are determined to determined to succeed one way succeed one way or another. or another.

The astrological symbol for The astrological symbol for Aries is the Ram and, Aries is the Ram and, considering the sheer force considering the sheer force of energy and enthusiasm of energy and enthusiasm by which they accomplish by which they accomplish their goals, it is not off the their goals, it is not off the mark to suggest that they mark to suggest that they ““ramram”” their way to success. their way to success.

They must, however, learn They must, however, learn the difference between the difference between being confidently being confidently aggressive—a responsible aggressive—a responsible ““take-charge persontake-charge person”” on on whom others rely to get whom others rely to get things moving—and being things moving—and being rudely aggressive—a rudely aggressive—a ““know-know-it-allit-all”” who is insensitive to who is insensitive to the feelings as well as the the feelings as well as the wisdom of others.wisdom of others.

Aries individuals react in Aries individuals react in a physical way to a physical way to everything they everything they

experience in life.experience in life.

That is, before they assess the practicality or That is, before they assess the practicality or worth of what they are doing, before they sort worth of what they are doing, before they sort out their true emotions, and, before they take out their true emotions, and, before they take time to reason things out intellectually, their time to reason things out intellectually, their tendency is to shoot first and ask questions tendency is to shoot first and ask questions later. later.

Their passionate nature is inspiring and Their passionate nature is inspiring and flattering to others, but unless impatience and flattering to others, but unless impatience and rash behavior are curbed, their unbridled rash behavior are curbed, their unbridled enthusiasm backfires when they lose interest enthusiasm backfires when they lose interest just as quickly as they gained it. just as quickly as they gained it.

Theirs is the astrological sign of the soldier Theirs is the astrological sign of the soldier but in their haste, they forget the practicality but in their haste, they forget the practicality of being adequately armed before rushing of being adequately armed before rushing headlong into physical or verbal combat. headlong into physical or verbal combat.

They quickly forget frustration and anger. Since They quickly forget frustration and anger. Since theirs is essentially a generous nature, their theirs is essentially a generous nature, their selfishness is usually a result of carelessness selfishness is usually a result of carelessness rather than intentional unkindness.rather than intentional unkindness.

AriesAries’’ Astrological Astrological SymbolSymbol

Aries is symbolized by the ram. The ram has come to Aries is symbolized by the ram. The ram has come to represent male fertility, aggression, and courage. A represent male fertility, aggression, and courage. A ram’s horn is part of a cornucopia, the ram’s horn is part of a cornucopia, the ““horn of plentyhorn of plenty””, , symbolizing abundance. In history, rams were often symbolizing abundance. In history, rams were often symbols of leadership. Aries natives are said to be symbols of leadership. Aries natives are said to be leaders and pioneers.leaders and pioneers.

AriesAries’’ Constellation Constellation

AriesAries’’ Constellation Constellation

AriesAries’’ Astrological Glyph Astrological Glyph

The glyph for Aries is a straightforward one -- it The glyph for Aries is a straightforward one -- it depicts the ram's horns. depicts the ram's horns. 

The Aries MythThe Aries Myth

There are two myths which epitomize Aries, one There are two myths which epitomize Aries, one an ancient one from Greece, the other, a an ancient one from Greece, the other, a medieval myth which is still beloved in our own medieval myth which is still beloved in our own day and continues to give rise to films, day and continues to give rise to films, television series, and novels. We’ll deal with the television series, and novels. We’ll deal with the second one first.second one first.

Robin Hood - the outlaw Robin Hood - the outlaw of Sherwood Forestof Sherwood Forest

Consider first Consider first the fact that the fact that he’s an outlaw.he’s an outlaw.

Robin Hood is a Robin Hood is a perfect Aries perfect Aries character. character.

In one way or another, Aries tends to take this In one way or another, Aries tends to take this stance, for he stands for change and progress. So he stance, for he stands for change and progress. So he often comes to blows with established authority in often comes to blows with established authority in one way or another—sometimes literally, sometimes one way or another—sometimes literally, sometimes simply as the exponent of a new set of ideas or a new simply as the exponent of a new set of ideas or a new method of propagating an idea. method of propagating an idea. 

Consider also that Robin Consider also that Robin Hood has a band of Hood has a band of

Merry Men.Merry Men.

He’s not a dark, sinister outlaw skulking about in He’s not a dark, sinister outlaw skulking about in narrow alleyways; he has a damned good time of it. narrow alleyways; he has a damned good time of it. This too is an Arien quality; for Aries, being a fire This too is an Arien quality; for Aries, being a fire sign, is determined to enjoy himself.sign, is determined to enjoy himself.

There is another nasty, There is another nasty, vicious figure in the shape vicious figure in the shape of the eternal archetype, of the eternal archetype, the Sheriff of Nottingham, the Sheriff of Nottingham, representing authority representing authority empty of meaning, a law empty of meaning, a law empty of mercy, class empty of mercy, class structure empty of rights.structure empty of rights.

Here is a Good King - Here is a Good King - Richard Coeur de Lion - Richard Coeur de Lion - who is away fighting a who is away fighting a Crusade for the recapture Crusade for the recapture of the Holy City from the of the Holy City from the Infidel.Infidel.

There is a nasty, vicious There is a nasty, vicious younger brother - King John younger brother - King John - who has usurped - who has usurped Richard's rightful throne. Richard's rightful throne. There are the oppressed There are the oppressed poor, and the overweaning poor, and the overweaning and arrogant rich.and arrogant rich.

The whole background in The whole background in which the Robin Hood which the Robin Hood myth is embedded is myth is embedded is

also very Arien.also very Arien.

You can see why this You can see why this whole myth is so Arien.whole myth is so Arien.

Even the lovely maiden Even the lovely maiden Marian fits into the Arien Marian fits into the Arien dream; she always has to dream; she always has to be rescued. Many Aries be rescued. Many Aries play Robin Hood in one play Robin Hood in one way or another in their way or another in their lives, shamelessly robbing lives, shamelessly robbing from the oppressive from the oppressive enemy to succour the enemy to succour the underdog. And, of course, underdog. And, of course, at the end of the story, at the end of the story, Good King Richard Good King Richard returns.returns.

Jason and the Argonauts Jason and the Argonauts - the capture of the - the capture of the

golden fleece.golden fleece.

Yes, of course it would Yes, of course it would be a golden fleece, for be a golden fleece, for

the ram is Ariesthe ram is Aries’’ symbol.  symbol. You can take it, if you like, as a You can take it, if you like, as a symbol of the ultimate goal of symbol of the ultimate goal of Aries—whether it’s the realization Aries—whether it’s the realization of his own individuality, or the of his own individuality, or the achievement of his quest, or the achievement of his quest, or the rescue of the damsel, or whatever. rescue of the damsel, or whatever. Never mind. Jason, like a true Never mind. Jason, like a true Aries, hears about this fantastic Aries, hears about this fantastic fleece and is delighted to find that fleece and is delighted to find that it’s impossible to find. That only it’s impossible to find. That only encourages him. encourages him. 

In order for Jason to In order for Jason to capture the golden capture the golden

fleece, he must enlist the fleece, he must enlist the aid of a sorceress-aid of a sorceress-

princess, Medea.princess, Medea.Now Medea, daughter of the King of Now Medea, daughter of the King of Colchis, falls wildly in love with Colchis, falls wildly in love with Jason. He’s so bold, so heroic, so Jason. He’s so bold, so heroic, so brave, so courageous, so noble. She brave, so courageous, so noble. She is even willing to sacrifice the life of is even willing to sacrifice the life of her brother to help him, so deeply in her brother to help him, so deeply in love is she. Everything goes well love is she. Everything goes well enough until they returnenough until they return..

Medea is not the woman Medea is not the woman to put up with this sort to put up with this sort

of treatment.of treatment.She was probably a She was probably a Scorpio. Instead of Scorpio. Instead of retiring gracefully to retiring gracefully to make way for the new make way for the new favorite, she slaughters favorite, she slaughters her two children by her two children by Jason, poisons the young Jason, poisons the young bride with a cloak that bride with a cloak that has been steeped in has been steeped in some dreadful witch’s some dreadful witch’s brew, and escapes in her brew, and escapes in her chariot drawn by winged chariot drawn by winged dragons. dragons. 

Jason’s luck goes Jason’s luck goes downhilldownhill

from there.from there.In a sense, you can say that he underrates or In a sense, you can say that he underrates or overlooks the power and value of the feminine. And overlooks the power and value of the feminine. And many Ariens do; to them, the world is populated by many Ariens do; to them, the world is populated by heroes and noble deeds, but Aries can often heroes and noble deeds, but Aries can often overlook the power of gentleness, patience, overlook the power of gentleness, patience, sympathy, compromise, adjustment. Aries women sympathy, compromise, adjustment. Aries women too, do this:  remember that Joan of Arc insisted on too, do this:  remember that Joan of Arc insisted on wearing men’s clothes. So our Jason comes to a wearing men’s clothes. So our Jason comes to a bad end—not because he failed to capture the bad end—not because he failed to capture the golden fleece, but because he wouldn’t take into golden fleece, but because he wouldn’t take into account anything except his own wishes, his own account anything except his own wishes, his own vision, his own values. And incurred some pretty vision, his own values. And incurred some pretty nasty vengeance as a result.  nasty vengeance as a result. 

How do these myths relate to How do these myths relate to Aries? Aries?

Both of these myths touch on the deeper Both of these myths touch on the deeper needs and motivations in Aries’ nature. needs and motivations in Aries’ nature. There is a need to have a goal—without the There is a need to have a goal—without the goal, like for Aries is meaningless. It can be goal, like for Aries is meaningless. It can be a long-term or a short-term goal, but there a long-term or a short-term goal, but there must be a goal. There is a need for a quest—must be a goal. There is a need for a quest—either some journey that takes one into either some journey that takes one into danger but ends with a coveted but almost danger but ends with a coveted but almost impossible prize, or some battle which runs impossible prize, or some battle which runs many risks but defends the ideals and the many risks but defends the ideals and the visions that have given it birth. Aries is a visions that have given it birth. Aries is a sign of new ideas and a sign of change—and sign of new ideas and a sign of change—and the need to promote change, to look to the the need to promote change, to look to the future, to conquer the enemy is embedded future, to conquer the enemy is embedded deep in the sign.deep in the sign.

We can, if we like, look at the twelve We can, if we like, look at the twelve signs of the zodiac as a cycle, signs of the zodiac as a cycle, beginning with Aries and ending with beginning with Aries and ending with Pisces, describing the round of life and Pisces, describing the round of life and the cold and barren winter. All of the cold and barren winter. All of nature heralds the spring with a burst nature heralds the spring with a burst of life and color, sometimes of life and color, sometimes precipitate, sometimes rash, precipitate, sometimes rash, sometimes premature, but a reminder sometimes premature, but a reminder that everything has a new birth, that that everything has a new birth, that no matter how dark or limiting or no matter how dark or limiting or depressing the winter, it always ends depressing the winter, it always ends with the spring. The whole world with the spring. The whole world responds to the new hope and new life responds to the new hope and new life of the spring.of the spring.  

For Aries, it’s a constant spring, a constant For Aries, it’s a constant spring, a constant challenge to end the grip of winter, a challenge to end the grip of winter, a constant effort to bring new life up through constant effort to bring new life up through the frozen ground. However impatient or the frozen ground. However impatient or irascible and clumsy he may be, the Knight irascible and clumsy he may be, the Knight in Shining Armor makes it possible for life to in Shining Armor makes it possible for life to progress and change and grow in a way, he progress and change and grow in a way, he must be a little crude or forceful or must be a little crude or forceful or insensitive to do it; and perhaps in a more insensitive to do it; and perhaps in a more sober age, where we have forgotten knights sober age, where we have forgotten knights and chivalry and courtly love, where we and chivalry and courtly love, where we have learned to compromise too much, the have learned to compromise too much, the voice of Aries is worth a little closer voice of Aries is worth a little closer listening.listening.

We’ll now mention some We’ll now mention some of the challenges to of the challenges to

Aries. Remember though Aries. Remember though we are talking about the we are talking about the

energy of Aries and energy of Aries and there are many types of there are many types of

energy.energy.

AriesAriesNon-Challenging Non-Challenging

EnergiesEnergies EnergeticEnergetic EnthusiasticEnthusiastic CuriousCurious SpontaneousSpontaneous Group-leaderGroup-leader DirectDirect SelflessSelfless HelpfulHelpful Risk-takerRisk-taker Extraordinarily Extraordinarily

excitingexciting

FrankFrank Strong-willedStrong-willed OptimisticOptimistic CourageousCourageous StimulatingStimulating ConfidentConfident AssertiveAssertive PerseveringPersevering IndependentIndependent

Aries Challenging Aries Challenging EnergiesEnergies

BrashBrash RestlessRestless LustfulLustful Fool-hardyFool-hardy Head-strongHead-strong QuirkyQuirky Self-centeredSelf-centered Hot-headedHot-headed

BossyBossy BluntBlunt ArgumentativeArgumentative ImpulsiveImpulsive BrazenBrazen ImpetuousImpetuous ImpatientImpatient JealousJealous

Who are some Aries?Who are some Aries? J. S. BachJ. S. Bach Pat RobertsonPat Robertson Howard CosellHoward Cosell Gloria SteinemGloria Steinem Aretha FranklinAretha Franklin Sandra Day OSandra Day O’’ConnorConnor Alan Arkin, Eugene McCarthy, Vincent Van Gogh, Alan Arkin, Eugene McCarthy, Vincent Van Gogh,

Warren Beatty, Herb Alpert, Buddy Epsen, Doris Warren Beatty, Herb Alpert, Buddy Epsen, Doris Day, Wayne Newton, Colin Powell, Harry Houdini, Day, Wayne Newton, Colin Powell, Harry Houdini, Ram Dass, Elizabeth C. Prophet, Betty Ford, Hugh Ram Dass, Elizabeth C. Prophet, Betty Ford, Hugh Hefner, Harry Reasoner, Tiny Tim, Charles Hefner, Harry Reasoner, Tiny Tim, Charles Chaplin, Clarence Darrow, Jane Mansfield, Henry Chaplin, Clarence Darrow, Jane Mansfield, Henry Mancini. etc.Mancini. etc.

The Exoteric The Exoteric RulerRuler

of Aries is of Aries is MarsMars

Mars rules and controls Mars rules and controls the physical vehicle. the physical vehicle.

It embodies sixth ray force It embodies sixth ray force which leads to idealism, which leads to idealism, destructive fanaticism, destructive fanaticism, struggle, strife, war, effort struggle, strife, war, effort and evolution.and evolution.

Through these fiery Through these fiery processes, brought forward processes, brought forward by the influence of its by the influence of its exoteric planetary ruler exoteric planetary ruler Mars, god of war, Mars, god of war, purification occurs in Aries. purification occurs in Aries.

The same purification The same purification comes to the disciple comes to the disciple through the activity of through the activity of the esoteric ruler, the esoteric ruler, Mercury, which Mercury, which illumines and releases illumines and releases the mind, enabling the the mind, enabling the disciple to become disciple to become aware of the divine aware of the divine Plan which underlies all Plan which underlies all experience.experience.

The Esoteric The Esoteric RulerRuler

of Aries is of Aries is MercuryMercury

Through Mercury, Through Mercury, Aries is related to Aries is related to the fourth ray. the fourth ray.

The fourth ray energies The fourth ray energies propel the disciple around propel the disciple around the wheel of life as it the wheel of life as it illumines the mind and illumines the mind and through experiences of through experiences of conflict, eventually conflict, eventually produces unity and beauty. produces unity and beauty.

As a Messenger of the Gods, As a Messenger of the Gods, Mercury mediates between the Mercury mediates between the soul and personality, producing soul and personality, producing opposition between spirit and opposition between spirit and matter and a long battle. Victory matter and a long battle. Victory is finally won by illuminating the is finally won by illuminating the lower mind, thereby dispelling lower mind, thereby dispelling illusionillusion

The influence of The influence of Mercury, stepped Mercury, stepped down to the earth by down to the earth by Aries and Gemini, Aries and Gemini, initiates a series of initiates a series of beginnings in order beginnings in order to produce certain to produce certain planned and definite planned and definite effects upon our effects upon our planet, influencing planet, influencing the kingdoms in the kingdoms in nature and nature and individuals. A individuals. A conflict is initiated conflict is initiated that ultimately that ultimately brings to balance.brings to balance.

Aries - Rays 1 & 7Aries - Rays 1 & 7

Rays 1 and 7 express Rays 1 and 7 express through Aries. Being the through Aries. Being the highest and the lowest, the highest and the lowest, the combination demands a combination demands a point of balance upon the point of balance upon the wheel, which is provided in wheel, which is provided in Libra.Libra.

Rays 6 and 4, from Mars and Rays 6 and 4, from Mars and Mercury, bring to this balancing Mercury, bring to this balancing process the energy of the second process the energy of the second ray, the major building ray which ray, the major building ray which allows disciples to build anew and allows disciples to build anew and provides a spiritual body of provides a spiritual body of manifestation.manifestation.

The Labours of The Labours of HerculesHercules

The Labour in AriesThe Labour in AriesFor the first of his Labours, Hercules is For the first of his Labours, Hercules is instructed to capture wild horses in the land instructed to capture wild horses in the land of Diomedes, son of the God of war. So evil of Diomedes, son of the God of war. So evil and destructive have they become that they and destructive have they become that they are killing all whom they encounter and are killing all whom they encounter and devastating the land.devastating the land.

Hercules completes his Hercules completes his tasktask

Hercules, confident that he can capture them, Hercules, confident that he can capture them, enlists the help of a friend. Together, and with enlists the help of a friend. Together, and with careful planning, they successfully corner and careful planning, they successfully corner and tether the beasts. With delight in his own tether the beasts. With delight in his own prowess, Hercules leaves his friend to finish prowess, Hercules leaves his friend to finish the task of driving the horses through the the task of driving the horses through the final gate. Fearful and unable to control the final gate. Fearful and unable to control the terrifying beasts, the friend falls victim to terrifying beasts, the friend falls victim to them and is killed, the horses escaping to them and is killed, the horses escaping to continue their rampages against the continue their rampages against the populace. Grief-stricken, but wiser, Hercules populace. Grief-stricken, but wiser, Hercules must repeat the task, his eventual success must repeat the task, his eventual success being purchased at the great price of his being purchased at the great price of his initial failure.initial failure.

Interpretation of the Interpretation of the mythmyth

The sign Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, a sign The sign Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, a sign of beginnings and cosmically speaking, the sign of of beginnings and cosmically speaking, the sign of creation. All beginnings start in the mind of the creation. All beginnings start in the mind of the creator, whether it is God or the soul of man. Aries creator, whether it is God or the soul of man. Aries starts the path on which form is taken and starts the path on which form is taken and dominates, and likewise, on which begins the life of dominates, and likewise, on which begins the life of inner unfoldment of subjective Being. Re-inner unfoldment of subjective Being. Re-organization, re-orientation and regeneration organization, re-orientation and regeneration characterize this stage. Each of these characterize this stage. Each of these characteristics depends upon the state of mind, characteristics depends upon the state of mind, divine or human, with the same force impelling the divine or human, with the same force impelling the journey, but with this force either being pre-journey, but with this force either being pre-occupied with form, or with it being focused on occupied with form, or with it being focused on treading the path of liberation.treading the path of liberation.

Interpretation of the Interpretation of the mythmyth

Three urges characterize this sign—firstly, the urge Three urges characterize this sign—firstly, the urge to begin life restricted by form or, reversing the to begin life restricted by form or, reversing the process, to begin to achieve freedom from form; process, to begin to achieve freedom from form; secondly, the urge to create, including that of the secondly, the urge to create, including that of the soul when taking a body, or of a human being when soul when taking a body, or of a human being when engaged in constructive activity and thirdly, it is the engaged in constructive activity and thirdly, it is the urge to resurrection. Aries is a sign of strong urge to resurrection. Aries is a sign of strong impulses and often of violent fluctuations—a sign of impulses and often of violent fluctuations—a sign of initial failure but always of ultimate success.initial failure but always of ultimate success.

Further InterpretationFurther Interpretation

What do the horses symbolize?What do the horses symbolize?What does Hercules friend symbolize?What does Hercules friend symbolize?

As the new disciple beginning his work in As the new disciple beginning his work in Aries, Hercules is set the task of capturing Aries, Hercules is set the task of capturing wild horses, symbols of intellectual activity. wild horses, symbols of intellectual activity. This picture illustrates the unruly activity of This picture illustrates the unruly activity of the lower or concrete mind, with its harmful the lower or concrete mind, with its harmful ideas and thoughts, contrasting strongly with ideas and thoughts, contrasting strongly with the constructive and redemptive emanations the constructive and redemptive emanations from the soul or higher consciousness. from the soul or higher consciousness.

Hercules has to begin to gain mental control and Hercules has to begin to gain mental control and to learn the potency of thoughts as well as the to learn the potency of thoughts as well as the harm they do when they are uncontrolled. harm they do when they are uncontrolled. Initially, he fails to realise their power and Initially, he fails to realise their power and leaves them in the care of the lower self or leaves them in the care of the lower self or personality, symbolised by his friend. The lesson personality, symbolised by his friend. The lesson he finally learns is that the soul, with the co-he finally learns is that the soul, with the co-operation of the personality, is needed to guard operation of the personality, is needed to guard and control the wild horses of the thought-life.and control the wild horses of the thought-life.

Easter FestivalEaster Festival

History of EasterHistory of Easter

The name Easter comes from The name Easter comes from an ancient European goddess an ancient European goddess of the dawn called Eostre by of the dawn called Eostre by the Anglo-Saxons and Ostara the Anglo-Saxons and Ostara by the Germanic peoples.by the Germanic peoples.

She is also She is also known as Eostra, known as Eostra, Eostrae, Eostar, Eostrae, Eostar, Eastre, Easter, Eastre, Easter, Estre, Eástre, Estre, Eástre, and Austra by and Austra by various various European European peoples.peoples.

Her name means Her name means ““movement movement towards the rising sun" and is towards the rising sun" and is related to the Indo-European root related to the Indo-European root word Aus which means "to shine".word Aus which means "to shine".

History of EasterHistory of Easter

She was considered the She was considered the goddess of the growing goddess of the growing light and spring, associated light and spring, associated with fertility and with fertility and celebrated with a festival celebrated with a festival of rebirth.of rebirth.

One story has her One story has her entertaining children by entertaining children by performing a trick that performing a trick that changed her pet bird changed her pet bird into a rabbit. This rabbit into a rabbit. This rabbit then laid colored eggs then laid colored eggs that she gave to the that she gave to the children.children.

An egg laying rabbit? Pagans have worshiped rabbits An egg laying rabbit? Pagans have worshiped rabbits as sex and fertility gods, and have looked upon them as sex and fertility gods, and have looked upon them as symbols of lust, sexual vigor and reproduction. as symbols of lust, sexual vigor and reproduction. Eggs also have been symbols of fertility, sex and new Eggs also have been symbols of fertility, sex and new life, also with celebrations in the Springtime. The egg life, also with celebrations in the Springtime. The egg was a sacred symbol among the Babylonians. The was a sacred symbol among the Babylonians. The ancient Druids (noted more for Halloween) bore an ancient Druids (noted more for Halloween) bore an egg as the sacred emblem of their idolatrous order.egg as the sacred emblem of their idolatrous order.

Date for EasterDate for Easter

There is evidence that Christians originally There is evidence that Christians originally celebrated the resurrection of Christ every Sunday, celebrated the resurrection of Christ every Sunday, with observances such as Scripture readings, with observances such as Scripture readings, psalms, and a prohibition against kneeling in prayer. psalms, and a prohibition against kneeling in prayer. At some point in the first two centuries, however, it At some point in the first two centuries, however, it became customary to celebrate the resurrection became customary to celebrate the resurrection specially on one day each year. Many of the religious specially on one day each year. Many of the religious observances of this celebration were taken from the observances of this celebration were taken from the Jewish Passover.Jewish Passover.

The specific day on which the The specific day on which the resurrection should be celebrated resurrection should be celebrated became a major point of contention became a major point of contention within the church.within the church.

One point of contention was whether the day should One point of contention was whether the day should be on Jewish Passover no matter on what day that be on Jewish Passover no matter on what day that falls, or should it always fall everywhere else falls, or should it always fall everywhere else insisted on the latter. The eminent church fathers insisted on the latter. The eminent church fathers Irenaeus and Polycarp were among the Asiatic Irenaeus and Polycarp were among the Asiatic Christians, and they claimed the authority of St. Christians, and they claimed the authority of St. John the Apostle for their position. Nevertheless, the John the Apostle for their position. Nevertheless, the church majority officially decided that Easter should church majority officially decided that Easter should always be celebrated on a Sunday. always be celebrated on a Sunday.

With this issue resolved, the next problem was to With this issue resolved, the next problem was to determine determine whichwhich Sunday to celebrate the Sunday to celebrate the resurrection. The Christians in Syria and resurrection. The Christians in Syria and Mesopotamia held their festival on the Sunday after Mesopotamia held their festival on the Sunday after the Jewish Passover (which itself varied a great the Jewish Passover (which itself varied a great deal), but those in Alexandria and other regions deal), but those in Alexandria and other regions held it on the first Sunday after the spring equinox, held it on the first Sunday after the spring equinox, without regard to the Passover.without regard to the Passover.

This second issue was decided at the Council of This second issue was decided at the Council of Nicea in 325, which decreed that Easter should be Nicea in 325, which decreed that Easter should be celebrated by all on the same Sunday, which celebrated by all on the same Sunday, which Sunday shall be the first following the paschal Sunday shall be the first following the paschal moon (and the paschal moon must not precede moon (and the paschal moon must not precede the spring equinox), and that a particular church the spring equinox), and that a particular church should determine the date of Easter and should determine the date of Easter and communicate it throughout the empire (probably communicate it throughout the empire (probably Alexandria, with their skill in astronomical Alexandria, with their skill in astronomical calculations).calculations).Date for EasterDate for Easter

Esoteric EasterEsoteric EasterThis is the festival of the risen, living Christ, This is the festival of the risen, living Christ, when we celebrate the indomitable nature of when we celebrate the indomitable nature of spirit on the upward arc of its long journey spirit on the upward arc of its long journey into, through, and out of the tomb of matter. into, through, and out of the tomb of matter. It is spring in the northern hemisphere, a It is spring in the northern hemisphere, a time when nature actively embraces the time when nature actively embraces the living Christ principle in its push against the living Christ principle in its push against the forces of gravity and drive towards the sunlit forces of gravity and drive towards the sunlit sky. It is also a time of levity - that sky. It is also a time of levity - that psychological force of well-being that infuses psychological force of well-being that infuses us with the lifting power of hope and good us with the lifting power of hope and good humor, inspirations and aspirations, new humor, inspirations and aspirations, new directions and fresh ideas.directions and fresh ideas.

Esoteric EasterEsoteric EasterTo understand the esoteric significance of Easter we To understand the esoteric significance of Easter we need to place Easter within a broader context. need to place Easter within a broader context. Easter falls at the full moon of Aries and esoterically Easter falls at the full moon of Aries and esoterically considered is the first of a series of twelve Solar Fire considered is the first of a series of twelve Solar Fire or Full Moon Festivals that constitute the energetic or Full Moon Festivals that constitute the energetic year. There are three major spiritual Festivals which year. There are three major spiritual Festivals which make up the high point in the annual cycle. These make up the high point in the annual cycle. These are the Festival of Easter at the full moon of Aries, are the Festival of Easter at the full moon of Aries, the Festival of Wesak at the Taurus full moon, and the Festival of Wesak at the Taurus full moon, and the festival of Goodwill at the Gemini full moon. the festival of Goodwill at the Gemini full moon. Through the steady meditative efforts of individuals Through the steady meditative efforts of individuals and groups around the world these subjective and groups around the world these subjective energies are being anchored in the consciousness energies are being anchored in the consciousness of humanity. They offer an approach to the Divine, of humanity. They offer an approach to the Divine, to the Greater Life, to God—call it what you will.to the Greater Life, to God—call it what you will.

Esoteric EasterEsoteric EasterThe three major festivals establish the The three major festivals establish the ““divine aspectsdivine aspects”” of: of:

• Will – Aries Will – Aries (Ray 1) – Festival of Easter(Ray 1) – Festival of Easter• Love/Wisdom - Taurus (Ray 2) – Love/Wisdom - Taurus (Ray 2) –

Festival of WesakFestival of Wesak• Creative Intelligence - Gemini (Ray Creative Intelligence - Gemini (Ray

3) – Festival of Goodwill3) – Festival of Goodwill

The nine lesser Festivals celebrated at the The nine lesser Festivals celebrated at the other months, build in other months, build in ““attributesattributes”” or divine or divine qualities—all twelve energies are used to qualities—all twelve energies are used to stimulate evolutionary growth in all the stimulate evolutionary growth in all the kingdoms of nature of which the Human kingdoms of nature of which the Human kingdom is one.kingdom is one.

Esotericist’s see Christ as an embodiment of the Esotericist’s see Christ as an embodiment of the quality of Love/Wisdom who overshadowed that quality of Love/Wisdom who overshadowed that great identity who was Jesus. He is seen as having great identity who was Jesus. He is seen as having opened a channel in consciousness between the opened a channel in consciousness between the human sphere and the sphere of Divinity. The Bible human sphere and the sphere of Divinity. The Bible speaks of speaks of ““a great rent in the veil of the a great rent in the veil of the templetemple”” referring to a rent in our ignorance, a shift  referring to a rent in our ignorance, a shift in human consciousness. He showed the next in human consciousness. He showed the next evolutionary step ahead. Throughout the centuries, evolutionary step ahead. Throughout the centuries, our minds have been directed to Jesus dying on the our minds have been directed to Jesus dying on the Cross. This is the message of Pisces, death sacrifice, Cross. This is the message of Pisces, death sacrifice, suffering. We are to fix our minds on the living suffering. We are to fix our minds on the living Christ, on life, on resurrection not on death. Christ, on life, on resurrection not on death. Livingness is the key to this Festival of Easter, Livingness is the key to this Festival of Easter, livingness as a process of spiritualization as livingness as a process of spiritualization as opposed to death, the process of materialization. opposed to death, the process of materialization. Christ’s gift was the gift of resurrection as a great Christ’s gift was the gift of resurrection as a great vision, penetrating into human consciousness, vision, penetrating into human consciousness, setting the fires of aspiration toward new values, setting the fires of aspiration toward new values, towards victory over mattertowards victory over matter

When Christ rolled away the rock covering his tomb, When Christ rolled away the rock covering his tomb, he rolled away our imprisonment in the matter he rolled away our imprisonment in the matter aspect by demonstrating the falsity of death, aspect by demonstrating the falsity of death, ““leading us from death to immortalityleading us from death to immortality”” as the saying as the saying goes. We are immortal spirits. Just as the chicken goes. We are immortal spirits. Just as the chicken emerges from the egg, we move in and out of form-emerges from the egg, we move in and out of form-life. In many respects the moon represents the form life. In many respects the moon represents the form life, the Great mother, the feminine and we are life, the Great mother, the feminine and we are reorienting towards the Solar Life, the life of the reorienting towards the Solar Life, the life of the Soul and the Life of the Spirit. We are both, but we Soul and the Life of the Spirit. We are both, but we need to know that. Just as Christ rose from the tomb need to know that. Just as Christ rose from the tomb so will humanity rise from the tomb of our so will humanity rise from the tomb of our degenerate civilization — degenerate when seen in degenerate civilization — degenerate when seen in terms of the pollution of the earth, and in the light terms of the pollution of the earth, and in the light of our negative non-sharing ideologies of greed and of our negative non-sharing ideologies of greed and separativeness, our dense materialism and our separativeness, our dense materialism and our limited mental conceptualizations of Life.limited mental conceptualizations of Life.

Esoteric EasterEsoteric Easter

The Aquarian era into which we are slowly moving The Aquarian era into which we are slowly moving could be called the Age of Resurrection and the could be called the Age of Resurrection and the Piscean Age out of which we are coming slowly can Piscean Age out of which we are coming slowly can be called the Age of Decision and we have had to be called the Age of Decision and we have had to decide between hated and love, between life and decide between hated and love, between life and death, between forces of materialism and the death, between forces of materialism and the higher forces, between matter and spirit. Christ’s higher forces, between matter and spirit. Christ’s message was a message of love and inclusiveness message was a message of love and inclusiveness at the core, but moreover a message of at the core, but moreover a message of ““life more life more abundantabundant”” which is an esoteric term meaning the  which is an esoteric term meaning the life lived from the perspective of the spirit or life lived from the perspective of the spirit or according to the Will of the Father with Father being according to the Will of the Father with Father being synonymous with the Spirit aspect.synonymous with the Spirit aspect.

Esoteric EasterEsoteric Easter

The deepest response to these energies is of The deepest response to these energies is of course to burn with the flame of higher course to burn with the flame of higher realization, where the vision of Inner realization, where the vision of Inner realization ignites the Inner Spark and we realization ignites the Inner Spark and we awaken to New Life. So in Aries the Idea is awaken to New Life. So in Aries the Idea is indrawn, in Taurus it is clothed in substance, indrawn, in Taurus it is clothed in substance, given form and rendered magnetic and in given form and rendered magnetic and in Gemini it is distributed and given out. This is Gemini it is distributed and given out. This is the sequence of the three Festivals and the sequence of the three Festivals and whilst true at every level, it refers in the whilst true at every level, it refers in the highest sense to human awareness, to highest sense to human awareness, to conscious evolution and is planetary in its conscious evolution and is planetary in its scope.scope.

Esoteric EasterEsoteric Easter

Current Full MoonCurrent Full MoonAstrology Sign Astrology Sign Full MoonFull MoonDay, Month Date, YearDay, Month Date, Year

Time GMTTime GMT

Next Astrology Sign Next Astrology Sign Full Full MoonMoon

Day, Month Date, YearDay, Month Date, Year

Time GMTTime GMT

PlaceholdePlaceholder for r for

current full current full moon. moon.

Placeholder for current full moon Placeholder for current full moon astrology chart. astrology chart.

Place holder for the Place holder for the astrology aspects.astrology aspects.

Place holder for current full moon Place holder for current full moon astrology chart. astrology chart.

Why are we here Why are we here tonight?tonight?

The time of the full moon there is a direct The time of the full moon there is a direct alignment between the alignment between the energyenergy of the sign the of the sign the sun is in and the sun is in and the affairsaffairs of the sign the moon is of the sign the moon is in.in.

Sun - Aries - Resurrected LifeSun - Aries - Resurrected Life

Moon – Libra - precipitates Moon – Libra - precipitates decisiondecisionIn our meditation this evening, let us visualize In our meditation this evening, let us visualize

a common goal for humanity. Groups of men a common goal for humanity. Groups of men and women of goodwill bonding together to and women of goodwill bonding together to support right-human values. Let us use our support right-human values. Let us use our magical powers of manifestation, and see this magical powers of manifestation, and see this happen. Leaders and ordinary people alike, happen. Leaders and ordinary people alike, afire with goodwill and humanitarian vision, afire with goodwill and humanitarian vision, acting in concert for the good of mankind as a acting in concert for the good of mankind as a whole.whole.

Seed Thought for AriesSeed Thought for Aries

I come forth, I come forth, and from the and from the

plane of mind I plane of mind I rule.rule.