Meditative Moments
By
William Bento

The zodiac, as a belt of fixed stars, is our natural reference system for the Sun, Moon, and planets. It is a distinctive spatial background that allows us to measure time. One of the most obvious distinctions to be made about the zodiac is its twelve sections of sky that are divided into images of animals and mythic figures. Each sidereal zodiacal sign not only occupies a twelfth of the 360 degree circle, not only designates a particular time in the year, but by its very imaginative mythos provokes a particular set of themes for consciousness. It is, however, in the free will of the individual to occupy him or her self with these themes or not.

Reading the images of the sidereal zodiacal constellations are in and of themselves universal koans for humankind. So infinite are its multitude of meanings that each sidereal zodiacal sign can be read anew every time. Its very nature expands beyond the strict classifications as is done in the natural science of astronomy. Each sidereal zodiacal sign is merely ancient shorthand for tombs of text explicating humanity's involution and evolution upon the Earth. Although each culture may interpret these stories with differently named characters, the plot and the dynamic composition of the story remains the same. Yet, it must be noted that due to the remarkable symphony of movement of the Sun, Moon, and planets through each sidereal zodiacal sign there is never a repetition of the exact same story. These celestial entities are the storytellers, and they are forever telling new stories to illustrate age-old themes embedded in the zodiacal circle.

Let us explore the three signs that shine over our autumnal season with an eye for the unique "wandering stars" (planets) that speak their tales to us of past, present, and future.

• September 17---October 18: Sign of the Virgin
• October 19-November 17: Sign of the Scales
• November 18-December 16: Sign of the Scorpion

The Virgin is related to the deep interior region of digestion within the human being. It leads us into the mysteries of substance and matter. To penetrate these mysteries requires the highest sense of devotion and love toward the spiritual world and its created physical existence. Only a meditative path entered into as a sacrament can reveal a glimpse of the grace of transubstantiation that we experience every time we take substance into ourselves. We are close to this mystery when we contemplate the movement of the will within our being. It is wisdom-filled, but alas not always conscious! The Virgin protects us from seeing that which we are not yet ready to digest, i.e. to understand. This is particularly true when it is a matter of digesting one another, soul to soul. However, it is within our province to protect one another and approach each other in the reverence of a sacrament, in the hope of a communion that is transformative.

Looking at the inner themes of this Virgin time we find the following:

• Sept. 18, 2005: Full Moon in the Fishes. The koan for this event is the will of the Father is reflected in the movement of the Mother. This Full Moon is very near to where it was at the miracle of the Wedding at Cana. Do you recall how it was Mother Mary who requests that her Son do the will of the Father? Turning water into wine! Is that not a matter of substances being transformed within the context of a sacrament?
• Sept. 18, 2005: Sun conjunct Mercury in the Virgin. The potency of interpersonal relationships could not be more intensified. Karma may come a calling like a craving to be eaten. It is just this bittersweet activity that is needed now. The time to rectify the unconscious wounding acts on our part is ripe. Doing so is a fulfillment, a harvest that turns wheat to bread and bread to the body of life! We all live in the body of karma with one another. It is only a matter of how we chose to live in this body that counts.
• Oct. 2, 2005: Venus in the Scales opposite Mars in the Ram. Live with passion and create a passion for life! These may well be the words resounding from this amazing opposition of erotically inclined planets. All manner of sensuously embodied expressions may be found throughout this time. What offering will you make?
• Oct. 3, 2005: An annual Solar Eclipse in the Virgin. The dark will of destruction lies within the breast of each of us, dormant and asleep, yet as every bit as dangerous to ourselves as to others. If it were to awaken in the shadow of this eclipse, how would you handle it? The urge to protect, the will to movement, and the tactfulness of heart are the assets of the Virgin we may wish to be mindful of on this day.
• Oct. 5, 2005: Mercury conjuncts Jupiter in the first degree of the Scales. There was such a conjunction at Pentecost, although then it was in the Twins. Nevertheless, the power of the conjunction is one for disseminating minds. As the Sun still shines from the region of the Virgin, we might focus our need to disseminate on the need for a Sophianic understanding among all peoples. Imagine what such an understanding could bring to the world!
• Oct. 17, 2005: A partial Full Moon Eclipse in the Fishes opposite the fixed star Spica in the Virgin. This is the second Full Moon in the Fishes in a month. What can this be telling us? Is the will of the Father being eclipsed by the arrogance of men and women who prefer to wage war in his name, or is it simply a wake-up call for humanity to pay attention to what the meaning of the Age of the Fishes means? If it is the latter, may we all find the will to Love so completely that we begin to eradicate the hate that fuels the war in the world today.

The Scales can be envisaged as the Archangel Michael holding the scales in one hand while in the other hand he holds the sword. For the human body the Scales symbolizes the balance in the hips between upper and lower, between interior and exterior. In this sign we find the idealization of harmony in all its facets. Reality is not always a picture of harmony, but a dynamic of forces struggling to attain harmony, even if but for a brief moment. We are all aware of this all-too-human trait to disturb the given balance. Traits aside, our task is to create balance, equanimity, and peace in all our relationships. This is the story of the Scales-War to Peace.

• Oct. 22, 2005: Sun conjunct Jupiter in the Scales. There can be no more appropriate time for a "peacemaker" to declare him or her self to the world. Why not we all make such a proclamation? Opportunities to harmonize aspects of community life are sure to abound.
• Oct. 22, 2005: Mercury in the Scales opposite Mars in the Ram. A word to the wise: Restrain the tongue that leaps from its mouth with acidity and fire, but be sure to praise the orator who advocates with force the need for peace here, there, and everywhere.
• Oct. 29, 2005: Venus conjunct Pluto in the Scorpion. The power of love conceives us into birth and delivers us at the hour of our death. The power of love is a pervasive force that leaves nothing unchanged. Those whose souls are open to this power of love will be given the chance for the second birth. An aspect like this can and should never be taken lightly. It demands a full concentration and a humble disposition.
• Nov. 2, 2005: A New Moon in the Scales upon the same position of the eclipsed Moon at the crucifixion of Christ. The balance of the world may in fact revolve around a single person, a divine person! The thought itself is awe-inspiring. How would you act if it revolved around what you did today?
• Nov. 7, 2005: Sun in the Scales opposite Mars in the Ram. Images from the "Prince of Peace" to the "child who will rule the world with a rod of iron" flood my mind. There is something about the invincibility of righteousness that is conveyed in this configuration. On the other hand, I am also reminded that two mights do not make a right, and two rights may very well generate a might to change the world.
• Nov. 16, 2005: Full Moon in the Ram. "I am the I am, hence the Logos is the Light of all that exists." Becoming transparent to oneself is not as easy as the above declaration, but now is certainly a time to attempt it.

The Scorpion relates to the sexual organs of reproduction in the human being. By way of extension we can associate it to the creative will of the human being as well. In this constellation we read a history of the images. The past belongs to the Eagle with his far-reaching oversight. The present is under the sway of the Scorpion, who has fallen from the heights but continues to stalk for life within the depths. The future is symbolized by the Dove as a sign of the embodied Holy Spirit within the human being. This is the journey we are all traveling. To tap into the creative will is nothing less than to act as Logos upon the Earth.

• Nov. 24, 2005: Sun in conjunction with Mercury in the Scorpion. Plummeting our minds into the depths is the only way to regain the vision of the heights. The Scorpion theme gears this quest toward the understanding of our interpersonal relationships.
• Dec. 1, 2005: New Moon in the Scorpion conjunct the fixed star Antares. This star is the portal to the secrets of life and death. O' how it speaks to the emerging Dove!
• Dec. 5, 2005: Mars in the Ram opposite Jupiter in the Scales. Initiatives into community building are one way to formulate this potential. Yet another is to see it as an advocacy role for the community's issues at large.
• Dec. 15, 2005: Full Moon in the Bull. Thought may be more compelling and all consuming for the meditant today, for it flows like rain to fertile ground. Putting thought to pen to paper may be treasures well worth saving. Speaking with integrity is part of the calling now. Be vigilant to catch every word that streams from the mouth and opens up the horizon of listening minds. Revelations just might appear!
• Dec. 16, 2005: Sun in conjunction with Pluto in the last degree of the Scorpion. What did not get attended to on Oct. 29, 2005 may well return and request its proper due. This configuration in the Archer in 30 AD was present at the last day of the Christ’s temptations in the wilderness. Anxiety, shame, guilt, and seduction are all part of the game of the counter-forces. With this configuration they may appear in full force. Patience and humility are the only true counter-balances in this time. The highest aim of this conjunction of Sun/Pluto is total purification. Could we not benefit from a purging of that which haunts the world with enmity and strife?