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LEGEND

the Key & 4th Fundamental

The Seven Ray Cycles

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Esoteric Astrology
Superimposition

Taurus

On the Ordinary Wheel

April 20th to May 20th

And the word said:
Let struggle be undismayed

Decanates

First decan          Moon & Venus     April 20th to May 1st

Second decan      Mercury                May 1st to 10th

Third decan         Saturn                  May 10th to 20th

 

Please read the prefatory material before investigating your own Decanate Stage, as proper assignment is required. i.e., your birth date does not indicate the stage of development, rather, you must employ a subjective recognition of the state of consciousness (point of advance along the Path of Initiation) which you, or another, has achieved.

See this note on determining the decanate.

Step One: Physical Man

April 20th to May 1st

Moon and Venus

Treading clockwise on the Ordinary Wheel the sign of Taurus is entered from right to left via Moon/Venus in the first decan, Mercury in the central decan and Saturn in the third.

In the first decan esoteric astrologers use both the Moon and Venus interchangeably. What is meant by this? Both planets express the energy of the active intelligence of matter itself in its higher and lower forms.

The co-rulership of the physical decan of Taurus by both the Moon and Venus constitutes a unique situation in the zodiac, being the only decan where such a dual rulership exists. Both planets are exceedingly potent here because the Moon is exalted in Taurus while Venus is the natural ruler. The Moon expresses the basic intelligence of matter and form while Venus is the expression of intelligent life. Here the intelligent life of the soul and the basic intelligence of matter itself meet, blend and fuse.

On the Involutionary cycle of material development their combined energies are experienced by the incarnated human soul as instinctual mind, selfish desire and personal affection. It is the feminine principle in Nature which binds the undeveloped soul to form through identification with matter.

In other words, at the first stage in Taurus the Egoic aspect of the human being identifies itself as the form. The early stage is the period of attachment to the seen, the known and the familiar external, objective forms. The influence of Moon and Venus combines to condition the entire material outlook on the primitive constitution, which is so solidified that it automatically creates a barrier to the entry of impulses and vibrations that are too high, and the etheric body is capable of little response, not yet susceptible to impact or sensitive to impression.

As a general rule, true to the combined influence of Moon and Venus, the figure is sturdy, stocky, thickset, often plump, with rather short limbs relative to the general size of the body. This dual rulership gives proportions of a generous scale usually of average to above-average height and stature.

As astrologers know, Taurus rules the throat, neck and shoulders so here one generally finds shoulders of great breadth and strength. The Bull appears capable of withstanding whatever strain may be placed upon him. The neck itself is characteristically short and wide, but the more feminine type is of slighter build and has more delicate sloping shoulders possessing a well-formed arched neck which is long rather than full. In these cases the voice is higher in pitch than the usual more full and round tones, although still sweet and musical. The voice is very sonorous, rich and pleasing to the ear both in speech and in song.

The blended influence of the Moon and Venus means that the average Taurean is an exceedingly pleasant person, often possessing a natural physical beauty and graciousness. The gifted physical type is bestowed with a wondrous beauty, seemingly perfect features, pleasantness and handsomeness beyond their fellows. Their voices are particularly melodic and sweet, possessing a very engaging address. Great beauty and an almost perfect body can richly endow female Taureans. They appear as pure Aphrodites, harmoniously proportioned, symmetrical and graceful. Male Taureans have strong, thick, well-formed backs, wide shoulders and are slender in the hips. Well-shaped or beautiful noses which tend to be short, fleshy and sometimes appearing with a characteristic flair of the nostrils.

The Taurean forehead is typically broad and short rather than long, narrow or high. The general shape of the face is indicated by the combined influence of the Moon and Venus. Facial lines are square with flat planes indicating some force of character. The expression of the eyes is characteristically mild, Venusians being exceedingly gentle, soft and affectionate. This is not to say that they cannot be roused to anger on occasion. Their color is often dark brown, jet or opal black, but we find many different eyeshades from topaz, hazel to the most beautiful emerald and forest greens. The mouth is generally large but shapely with the lips very Venusian, that is, full and voluptuous. Typically the chin is strong and the jaw rather square but not necessarily prominent. Rich masses of glossy brown, chestnut or black hair are typical although we also find very blond, albino or other exceedingly fair examples.

Whatever the color, the hair is generally straight, very thick or silky. The hair is often distinguished by waves, crinkles and ripples. Inconveniently placed cowlicks are not uncommon and the hair often has a projecting lock or tuft-like growth above the center of the forehead in curious correspondence to the tuft between the bull's horns.

At the early physical stage the Bull is known for a dogged disinclination towards strenuous exertion of any kind. We can always count on the primitive Bull to take the path of least resistance. It is said that the glamour of illusion tempts us to the path of inertia.

Unevolved Taureans prefer to keep good things for themselves, so in the early stage this translates into an unwillingness to work hard or make the necessary sacrifices to move forward. The indolent cow, to speak in symbols, is well noted for a placid complacency which negates activity. Discretion is entirely lacking and is accompanied by a marked tendency to over-expression and ornamentation.

The Bull can be idle, slovenly, disrespectful and inattentive to hygiene, personal grooming and appearance. Given proper training, culture, class, education and environment they will eventually learn to adorn and clothe themselves with real taste in a symphony of refined colors, textures, colognes, perfumes and jewels. There is then nothing indiscreet in the appearance. Style and taste come to the forefront, while consideration and kindness towards others is expressed in lasting and loyal friendships.

The caricature of the recessive type is burlesque, thick-necked, gaudy and over-fed in appearance. The primitive Bull is known for a great deal of self-indulgence and a capacity for grotesque clowning, lurid facial expressions or crude joking which are clearly degenerate expressions of gross materialism, coarseness, greed, perverted pleasures and lust.

Commonly the Bull exhibits a love of inactivity, sloth, over-caution, laziness, mulish obstinacy and a pig-headed determination. The unevolved Taurean is by nature addicted to excess in all things and is well known for an ignorant and foolish dislike of change. Love of physical comfort is the rule. Naturally the plodding earth types are somewhat slow and heavy in their movements, exasperatingly deliberate and very much creatures of habit. Often there is an unrestrained physical appetite, with more concern for large quantity than for fine quality. A loose physical nature produces a natural tendency for depravity and debauchery.

The crescent Moon which is the astrological symbol of the Bull's horns, testifies to the destructive nature of the physical life of the Bull. Physical desire is given its lowest material and sexual expression. In the early stages there is a period of subordination of life to the sex impulse. During this period Bull-man is profligate with complete abandon and without shame. Sex is the dominating drive in the creative physical life. Selfish physical desire is combined with an inability to see anyone's point of view except their own. Speaking in symbols, seeing only the light of Earth, the Bull is blind to the light of Love and the light of Life. The soul quality of aspiration lies entirely dormant and latent.

At a slightly higher stage of development, fortunately the combined influence of the Moon and Venus softens somewhat the 'beastliness', bestowing a certain purity, delicacy, charm and chastity. Venusians adore being spoiled in love and can be more opulent than any other planetary type and delight in receiving signs of endearment, gifts and presents. They especially love to receive material proof and demonstration of the affection, love and feelings of others. This type feels very strongly but has difficulty in verbal communication, speech or articulate expression.

Love and faithfulness plays a central role in the healthy physical development, and is directly or indirectly the source of happiness. The exoteric process of the first decan eventually produces the growth and expression of self-love, self-esteem, self-control, self-respect and selfish centralization. The developed Taurean personality is then faithful, warm-hearted, self-sufficient, calm, patient, loving, gentle and kind. These personality types evolve into progressive forces of change, ever constructive, planning and creative, noted for their steady measured progress upon the Way.

 

Step Two: Emotional Man

May 1st to 10th

Mercury

Mercury offers the key to understanding the essential nature of the innate abundance and the vital sentient or psychical aspect of the Taurean. In the central decan the dualistic stimulation of Mercury increases the conflict for control over material circumstances and the physical plane environment.

Blind, unintelligent desire impels the subjective man just beginning the second rung of the ladder. At this second step the emotional apparatus unfolds through response to purely sensory physical contacts. Every emotional impulse seeks a corresponding physical stimulus and tangible material expression through the sensory environment. Initially the immature Bull is socially awkward and lacking in any form of emotional responsiveness and magnetism. Being truly undeveloped and ignorant he is unprincipled, unscrupulous and not worthy of trust.

At the early stage of emotional growth material advantage and gain are the sole motivating considerations behind all actions. Mercury, as astrologers know, is classically regarded as the god of thieves and is the trickster in human affairs. On the negative side in the central decan, it stimulates the recessive personality traits that produce liars, cheats, swindlers, forgers and frauds.

The astral Bull exacts a special delight in taking advantage of the credulity of others. The recessive astral type is often unusually witty, but is also an unprincipled character devoid of any kind of useful knowledge or ability, definitely self-deceived and completely englamoured.

Immature emotional types demonstrate the Mercurial glamour and illusion of control over the material and form side of life, and in the early stages of sentient growth are open to every type of indolence, shame, abandonment lust and depravity. Little discretion is shown in the selection of intimates. The emotionally polarized Bull is pleasure-loving, completely superficial, lacks harmony of character and is a true dilettante dabbling in one thing after another.

Emotional balance, security and stability are attached to assets and possessions. Gross material goals and objectives resound with an emotional appeal. In other words the conventional Bull is emotionally unstable unless he believes himself to be physically secure. However the rulership of Mercury does foster the desire for active emotional growth and experience.

It is also Mercury which accounts for the irrational fury and emotional outbursts which the ordinarily placid Bull occasionally displays. These erupt in a most violent, disruptive and dangerous manner, thus shattering the illusion of control. A very small irritation may throw the emotional body into such a fury. The blind bull lost to reason, rushes dangerously, causing undue havoc and damage. The always-abundant natural emotional vitality of Taurus must be correctly guided into proper channels. To accomplish this goal however, necessitates the accumulation of a multitude of experiences garnered over the course of many lifetimes.

While the desire for experience is strong, the emotionally polarized Mercurial type is not inclined to wanderlust so will likely not have a love of travel and will be quite resistant to change. Naturally, in the early stages of emotional growth the belief systems imposed at birth and in early life are accepted and are unlikely to be altered.

The naturally restless tendency of Mercury asserts itself at a more advanced emotional point and the Taurean then becomes a world traveler or pilgrim drawn to historical relics and old monuments, longing to tread his feet on ancient soil. Impressions concerning the activities of the higher planes are aided by the stimuli of artifacts, physical objects and landmarks. In the undeveloped type this produces the degenerative adoration of idolatry, as represented by the Golden Calf.

In any case, the religious Bull of any faith has a special reverence for temples, shrines, icons, rupas, tombs and other relics and symbols. Looking forward to the heaven-world or nirvana with serene tranquility, the Taurean here is one who will believe in a future life and in other worlds; who likes to observe rites and ceremonies which honor those revered teachers, buddhas and saints who have gone before.

On the negative emotional side the Bull can be blind, distressed, bad tempered, illusion-prone, naturally war-like, morbidly depressed, spasmodic, profligate, self-indulgent, over-protective, materialistic, inflexible, repressed, smothering, moody, narcissistic, non-accepting, unforgiving, overbearing, isolated, fixed, stubborn, withdrawn, domineering, insensitive, self-involved, vain, over-serious, demanding, procrastinating, lethargic, blunt, intrusive, authoritarian, abrasive, hard-headed, resentful, unfulfilled, dogmatic, jealous, unstable, overly critical, erratic, disruptive, difficult, anxious, frustrated, indulgent, unrealistic, judgmental, unforgiving, puritanical, impulsive, self-absorbed, thoughtless, superficial, nervous, passive, abrasive, and condemning.

At its best, the characteristic Mercurial emotional temperament is exciting, inspirational, illuminating, tasteful, energetic, naturally magnetic, imaginative, colorful, uninhibited, expressive, caring, organized, pragmatic, careful, secure, nurturing, expressive, protective, vigorous, steadfast, dynamic, independent, self-sufficient, dedicated, centered, dependable, solid, self-possessed, resolute, calm, realistic, productive, observant, insightful, clever, charming, warm-hearted, peaceful, calm, convincing, enlightening, astute, imaginative, artistic, psychic, sensitive, dignified, devoted, aesthetic, prudent, moral, fair, righteous, active, intuitive, lucid, talented, natural, playful, unrestricted, dedicated, responsible, harmonious and just.

In the advanced stage of emotional development, even with lack of intuitive sensitivity and loaded down with doubt and skepticism or irreverence, the Taurean knows what they believe and disbelieve and have no objection in stating it. Repeated lifetimes of struggle and conflict are necessary to develop full sentient response to the spectrum of impressions coming from the environing conditions.

Mercury clearly indicates that the Taurean subject has the latent capacity to evidence a delicate sensitivity to every modulation in the atmosphere. When this potential is fully activated they evidence a keen inquisitiveness, intuition and ability to sense or feel what other people are about to say.

In both sexes, true to Mercury's influence, there is the tendency to fall in love early. The emotions tend to be adolescent, over-amorous and strongly sensual. In the early stages of emotional development intellectual friendships or platonic companionships do not have enough 'body' in them to satisfy. The Bull temperament craves strongly for the physical body and presence of those they love.

Emotional disappointments always occur because when the feelings come strongly into play sooner or later they will be betrayed. Promises are made without the realization that the other party is not loyal or worthy of trust. It is under Mercury that a concentrated emotional focus and persistency of feeling are fostered.

There can be a deliberate disregard for convention, and especially when the passions are involved this leads to excitement, danger or trouble. Every emotional impulse seeks a tangible material form, so in truly Mercurial fashion every opportunity of communication and meeting with the beloved will be zestfully seized and held with dogged tenacity. Any pretext will do to bestow a gift, lend a book or give a photograph and every chance for a private meeting, date, interview or personal audience will be snatched. Trouble, inconvenience or even absurdity is of no account and steady pursuit continues until it ends in victory or in defeat.

Interestingly, it is in defeat that we find the expression of the greatest asset of the Taurean emotional temperament: An admirable humility and a natural acceptance of disappointment without bitterness or resentment when a prize or sought-after love has proved to be out of reach. This lovable quality along with a natural sense of philosophy serves them well.

Marriage is always a challenge and often spells certain trouble, however a good sense of proportion prevents the Taurean from exacting too much and so the unions are generally satisfactory.

Mercury bestows a natural kindliness and warmth of heart, so the emotional disposition like a spring flower in May, grows and blossoms. Displaying a natural instinct for parenthood, women and men take great delight and joy in personally nursing, attending and caring for their own children.

At times under the negative aspect of Mercury, listless feelings and lackadaisical attitudes make it abundantly apparent though that Taurean parents can have difficulty keeping up with simple household chores and related routine. A pleasant and leisurely stroll through the park, a work-out, a walk on the beach, or perhaps a quiet hour in the garden are the best cure for troubled emotions and will do much towards restoring equilibrium and balance.

The Bull's task is exceedingly hard as they lack certain stability and needed experience. Constant concentration on frustrated desires remains a problem.

This emotional type becomes easily confused and thus suffers more than the majority, and is at this stage too sensitive for comfort and too responsive to vibrations emanating from the environment and from other people. The Taurean naturally carries much emotional weight upon his or her shoulders as a state of emotional attachment is the norm, but there are no insuperable difficulties even though sometimes they are temporarily overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, bewilderment and a sense of futility.

No other sign type in the zodiac can excel the Bull in demonstration of emotional tenderness, unmistakable talent, engaging address and adorable charm.

It is true that an excessive shyness and over-sensitive self-consciousness mark the basic Taurean emotional disposition but they are nevertheless adorable and lovable in a variety of ways. Love of drama, acting, singing, dancing, art, sports or gymnastics are all possibilities indicated by Mercury's rulership.

In fact it is the Mercurial enhancement of the central decan which fosters the production of perfect artistic or athletic performances.

The Mercurial stimulation and enhancement of the emotional body eventually produces the registration of fleeting impressions and ever-increasing light. These, though dimly sensed via the rudimentary sentient nature, are the nascent tremors of the latent or dormant intuition.

We see therefore that Mercury fosters the great work of emotional regeneration transmuting the base desires, emotions and feelings until completely purified, gentle, calm and loving. When no misshapen curves or confused outlines misguide or misdirect the naturally abundant and outgoing emotional vitality, it can be distributed freely and happily along proper channels for the benefit of both self and loved ones.

Mercury ultimately will reveal to struggling Taureans their true identity, thus enabling them to escape from personal delusions and enter into the light of intelligent activity.

 

Step Three: Mental Man

May 10th to 20th

Saturn

Under the stimulation of Saturn in the third decan the incarnated soul develops the concrete mind through an enforced process of intense mental and material activity. This is necessary at this juncture because the embryonic mental faculty is completely blind, in the dark, submerged in maya, glamour and illusion.

Beginning the third stage, the mental body is simply the receiver of impressions from the outer world via the five senses and the brain. This is a negative condition with the modifications of mind being brought about by the impacts of the external world and the emotional reactions.

In time, the constructive or building faculty of mind becomes very strong and the mental temperament, while tedious and slow in comprehension, becomes certainly enduring if not endearing. Certainly Taurean mental types have to struggle, sacrifice and work hard to master the practical applications of any given form of knowledge.

The mentally polarized Taurean suffers from great mental anxiety, deprivation, distress and worry. Their modes of thought, conditioned by the exoteric processes of Saturn, remain fraught with dangers and difficulties. The destructive aspects of the mental process are easy to over-emphasize.

This decan type is prone to excessive mentalism, self-destruction, self-will, over-analysis, ultra-rationalism and expresses an unrelieved linearity. Rigid thought patterns are the norm, along with a marked tendency towards harsh criticism. They manipulate physical forces, circumstances and people through limited forms of narrow, selfish desire.

The recessive mental type can operate towards the imprisonment of other minds, the curtailment of all free thought and free will. This headstrong, stiff, separative type can be fully determined and capable of forcefully imposing a manufactured state upon a nation, factory, business or home, hindering the free expression of free people. They forge the chains of destructive living which bind others to their will, imposing upon others a rule of life and order of living. Separative and wrong idealisms are the root cause. Under Saturn the pure mentalist gains victory as the result of the powerful imposition of the will by means of brute force.

The third or mental decan does not generally produce gifted speakers or original artists and thinkers. Inner feelings are difficult to verbalize, demonstrate or express. Self-sufficient, the Saturnian disposition appears both self-controlled and stolid. Criticism does not sit well with this type, as they tend to underestimate or devalue themselves. They require praise and admiration, otherwise they easily become discouraged. A real mental inferiority complex must initially be overcome. Self-indulgence and laziness must also be guarded against. The exoteric Bull is not a reformist.

Saturn indicates that the Taurean mind is stable, logical and constructive but exceedingly cautious. As a rule Saturn does not produce an adventurous disposition, hence the Taurean does not gamble and dislikes taking chances. The mind is not open and dislikes change or innovation. The Bull's mental process is subject to constant pressure and the daily routine is lived as a strict ritual or schedule. Stubborn and obstinate, the mind lacks initiative and needs to undergo a prolonged material training process focused in and identified solely with form production. Never daring to jump or skip, progress occurs ploddingly, step by step.

Characteristically, the advanced mental disposition is calm, steadfast, unimaginative but purposeful. Although the thinking is ponderous, obstacles do not seem to impede progress since Saturn bestows great mental endurance in the Taurean personality.

Within the entire zodiac, perhaps this decanate type is the most persevering of all. Come what may, fame or fortune, power or misfortune, favor or disfavor, here the steadfast Bull continues with endurance, persistence and patient manner.

Mentally polarized Taurean types excel in exoteric and conventional positions of authority and power. They possess a lot of common sense and naturally reject any form of 'non-sense'. Demonstrating great loyalty, deliberateness and fidelity, the mind remains patient under oppression. Thoughts are eventually controlled and expressed through intelligently focused and concentrated desire.

This type becomes quite intelligent but never really very wise. Advanced types do however, under the Saturn decan become admired, truly respected and even affectionately loved. In the best cases the Saturnian type maintains a self-love, self-esteem and self-respect.

Some weaknesses characteristic of the mentalist include intellectual pride, opportunism, amoral materialism, constant preoccupation and busyness, deviousness, deceitfulness and untruth, absent mindedness, excessive thinking, wrong conclusions, perplexity and confusion, vague and overly complex thought and excessive criticism.

Mental traits on the positive side include a capacity for rigorous analysis and reasoning, an acute and powerful intellect, a great capacity for abstract thought, an ability to theorize and speculate, an understanding of relativity, great mental fertility and creativity, an ability to modify and qualify, skillful communication, the power to vocalize and render thought into action, a facility with language, and power to control and manipulate people and circumstances.

The mentally polarized Taurean maintains wide views on all questions, can plan and strategize, comprehends right economy, has a facility for understanding and handling money, is philanthropic, and demonstrates aptitude in executive and business matters.

The Saturn rulership ultimately offers the advanced Taurean personality the opportunity of trial by suffering, and thus through painful experience they learn to analyze material plane processes correctly.

At the advanced third stage the Taurean has developed the inner ability to consciously profit from varied experiences tragic, joyful or otherwise. The Bull now shows great confidence in judgment, and decisions are followed through with great energy, drive and determination. Eventually after many lifetimes of great material obstacles and losses, the Bull will choose less material goals, develop the wish to escape from the incessant cycle of life and follow the path of higher ethics, principles, virtues and spiritual values.

Desires are now in process of being transmuted to aspiration. Out of blindness he begins to see the light and the way at last to liberation. An understanding of the synthesis and purpose for the interplay of the polar opposites and the cyclic ebb and flow of eternal dualities awaits.

There is now a steady shift of mental focus to an ever higher and wider appeal as a result of the continuing processes of attraction and repulsion. It is at this critical life-juncture that the real inner self begins the process of reorientation which finally consummates in the actual reversal of direction traveled upon the Wheel.

Now, treading the way of the Reverse Wheel, the Bull prepares to become a proper and fit vessel for spiritual study because he is now unbiased, intelligent and willing to strive.

At the next step, the fourth, new tasks will begin the process of pure renunciation, developing the wish to achieve enlightenment for the sake of all living beings. The net of every illusion or mistaken perception must be cut asunder. Be reassured and thankful for now the real goal or true vision appears.