Tapestry of the Gods
Volume III
by Michael D. Robbins (c)Astro-Rayology
in progressRelations Between
Cancer & PiscesImportant Foundational Relationships
Wider Relationships: Cosmic and Systemic
Subtle Relationships Between Rays,
Zodiacal and Planetary EnergiesGeneral Qualitative Comparisons, Contrasts
and Pragmatic DescriptorsSimilarities and Points of Cooperation
Between the Zodiacal Influences
Important Foundational Relationships .
Important Foundational Relationships
Cancer In Comparison With Pisces 1. The Crab 1. The Fishes 2. Esoteric Mantram: I build a lighted house and therein dwell. 2. Esoteric Mantram: I leave the Father’s Home and turning back, I save. 3. Exoteric/Evolutionary Mantram: And the Word Said: Let isolation be the rule and yet the crowd exists. 3. Exoteric/Evolutionary Mantram: And the Word said: Go forth into matter. 4. Quality of Light: The Light within the form 4. Quality of Light: The Light of the World. 5. Element: Water sign 5. Element: Water Sign 6. Cardinal Cross 6. Mutable or Common Cross 7. Cancer transmits R3 and R7 constellationally. 7. Transmits R2 and R6, with a possible secondary transmission of R3 (matter—the “waters of space”) 8. Secondarily, (assuredly, but not exclusively), Cancer transmits R4 and R6, through the Moon and Neptune—its two planetary rulers on three levels—exoteric, esoteric and hierarchical. 8. Secondarily, (assuredly, but not exclusively), Pisces transmits R2, R1 and R6, through Jupiter, Pluto and Neptune—its planetary rulers on three levels—exoteric, esoteric and hierarchical. 9. Color: violet 9. Color: lavender 10. Creative Hierarchy number V (unmanifested) Mass Life, Veiling the Christ 10. Creative Hierarchy number I (unmanifested) characterized by the energy of Intelligent Substance 11. Cancer has no specific relation to the first three initiations. Since Neptune (inducing love and inclusive idealism) is so important at the second initiation (EA 71, 297-298), Cancer must be implicated. After the third initiation, the Cancerian can become “the Crab, who clears the ocean of matter which flows around the soul of man” (EA 62) In subtle ways Cancer must be related to the fourth (EA 218) and eighth initiations (relating to unmanifested Hierarchy V—eighth from below). 11. Associated with the purifying second and crucifying, death-inducing fourth initiations, as well as the Path-revealing fifth initiation, which in this case opens to the “world saviour” the door to Shamballa and to great revelation through self-abnegating willingness to serve the Divine Will. (cf. EA 141) 12. Cancer can be reasonably associated with the protective and nourishment-giving centers in the breasts and, particularly, with the instinctual, bi-polar, emotionally sensitive solar plexus center. The disease, cancer, is strongly associated with a disturbed, congested solar plexus; the sign and the disease are, in fact, related. The sacral center (involved in form-building) cannot be ignored. The chakras in the ‘gripping’ hands are related. When Neptune (the esoteric and hierarchical ruler) functions buddhically, the sign Cancer can also be related to the compassionate, humanity-embracing heart center. 12. Pisces can be reasonably associated with the centers in the soles of the feet, giving humility, ‘under-standing’, and the power to tread the Path. Pisces is also strongly related to the solar plexus center (in relation to which purification of desire and detachment must prevail) and to the compassionate, all-embracing, all-forgiving heart center—these centers being ruled, in part, by Neptune, special ruler of Pisces. Pisces can, at a high point of evolution, condition the ajna center (when Alpha {Aries—crown center} and Omega {Pisces—ajna}) meet. The buddhically-resonant heart within the head, of which the Buddha, Himself, is a symbol (EXH 87) is another significant association.
13. The zodiacal signs influence the Monad of every human being (EA 411, 637, TCF 1191); the influence from Gemini makes it possible for the “Brother” who is the “prodigal son” to go forth into a “far country” (as the Monad-in-substantial-immersion), and yet, remain ‘at home’ within the Father’s House as the “elder Brother” Who did not go forth (i.e., as the Monad undiminished upon its own level of consciousness). Thus is the Monad “in the world yet not of the world”. Gemini endows the Monad with its all-pervasive omnipresence relative to the human energy system. “Having pervaded the entire Universe with a fragment of myself, I remain.” 13. The zodiacal signs influence the Monad of every human being (EA 411, 637, TCF 1191); the influence from Pisces provides the foundational motivation for the entire monadic pilgrimage, for every Monad is a “Lord of ceaseless, persevering devotion” (EA 117) and, under the influence of Pisces—a savior. The monadic pilgrimage is entirely sacrificial, and is undertaken for purposes of redemption. Pisces both symbolizes and impulses the humanly unfathomable Self-abnegation which send the Monad forth. “Go forth into matter”, is one mantram of Pisces. 14. Within the Triad—Gemini, the third sign, is related to higher manas (the third aspect of the Triad). Higher manas formulates into abstract thought the revelations of the ‘idea-patterns’ to be found upon the buddhic plane. Gemini, as its dualistic symbol reveals, is also related to the divine love, pure reason and intuitive revelations of buddhi, the second aspect of the Spiritual Triad. 14. Within the Triad—Pisces (which transmits the second ray) is principally related to the second principle buddhi, as it expresses the divine love, wisdom and understanding which redeem. Pisces is also one of the intuitive signs connecting it to buddhi. Pisces eventually induces a “pervasiveness of wisdom” (EA 136), and wisdom is the influence of the first aspect upon the second (as in the case of the Buddha). (cf. DINA II 518) In Pisces there is a powerful sensitivity to the will of God, (“Father, not my will by Thine by done”) and thus to the atmic aspect of the Triad—and to the Monad. Pisces, transcending Mercury, is less related to higher manas. 15. In relation to the Solar Angel, and the soul-consciousness (and causal body) through which it expresses—Gemini can be seen as governing the pulsations of Solar-Angelic thought and vitality which rhythmically stimulate the personality. Gemini can be associated with the attempt the Solar Angel to ‘communicate’ with the personality. 15. In relation to the Solar Angel, and the soul-consciousness (and causal body) through which it expresses—Pisces is the energy of the will-to-save which animates those “Hearts of Fiery Love” known as Agnishvattas, or Solar Angels. Pisces (in which Solar Angelic Venus is exalted) provides the originating incentive for the sacrifice which the Solar Angels made aeons ago, on behalf of the human Monads, and in service of the Planetary Logos. Pisces governs the Solar Angel as Savior. 16. Within the Personality—Cancer can be identified with the memory and retentiveness of the lower mental nature; with the sensitivity and receptivity of the astral nature; with the de-vitalization or insufficient vitalization of the etheric nature; and, with the tenacity of the physical elemental as it seeks to perpetuate the integrity of its life. In general, Cancer (through the Moon) is especially associated with the dense physical form as a first solar system ‘residue’, and with the fourth or personality elemental (arising from the lesser three). (The vehicular focus and its degree of prominence, depends upon the stage of evolutionary development.) 16. Within the Personality—Pisces can be identified with the impressionability and eventual intuitive sensitivity of the lower mental nature; with the sentient permeability, and imaginative, tranquilizing processes within the astral nature; with the induction of quietude within the etheric nature; and with the general sensitivity of the dense physical vehicle. (The vehicular focus and its degree of prominence, depends upon the stage of evolutionary development.) 17. Stage within a Preliminary Fourfold Meditative Process: Incarnation, Embodiment 17. Stage of Meditative Consciousness: Identification 18. The Crisis of Incarnation characterized by the process/quality of Individualization 18. The Choice of Method of Salvation (such as that which confronted the Christ in the Garden of Gethsemene) Wider Relationships: Cosmic and Systemic
Cancer In Comparison With Pisces 1. Expressive principally of the third or Intelligence aspect—in relation to matter. (EA 351)The incarnation process under the rulership of Cancer “is initiation into the creative third aspect, the matter aspect and the world of intelligent activity.” (EH 144) Since ruled by Neptune and related to the Pleiades, Cancer is correlated to buddhi (TCF 1162), and thus, also, is linked to the second aspect of divinity. 1. Expressive principally of the second divine aspect, with a lengthy history connected to the material substance (“water”) of the third. There is some emphasis upon the liberating will of the first aspect. “In Pisces, you have the consummation of the work of that which the matter aspect has made possible, and the Christ emerges as the world saviour. All this has taken place through the will aspect of the second ray, focussed in Shamballa, expressing itself through humanity and consummated in the Hierarchy. (EA 627-628) 2. Cosmically associated primarily with the Pleiades. “Pleiades—Cancer—Venus—Humanity” (EA 416) 2. Cosmically related to Sirius. “The triangle of Pisces-Uranus-Hierarchy is becoming magnetically attractive to the triangle of Humanity.” (EA 438) “And then the heavens within the ring-pass-not responded to the light from Sirius which, passing through the sea of Pisces, lifted the fishes into the heavenly sphere (Uranus) and thus a lesser triple light appeared, the radiant sun of suns, the watery light of Pisces, the heavenly light of Uranus.” (EA 432, also 427-428)
A connection between the Dragon, the Pleiades and Pisces may well exist, in relation to the saving, self-abnegating Path of Earth Service. (cf. TCF 904, 1162)3. Three Constellations Connected (symbolically) with Cancer: a) Ursa Major—the Great Bear; b) Ursa Minor—the Little Bear; c) Argo—the Ship. (LOH 90-92) Another constellation Connected with Cancer is Praesepe—the Beehive. There are eighty three stars to be found ‘within’ this constellation. (LOH 87-88) Tradition connects both Ursa Major and Minor with “flock(s) of sheep” and “sheepfold(s)” 3. Three Constellations Connected with Pisces: a) The Band—(connecting the two Fishes; b) Andromeda—the Chained Woman; c) Cepheus—the King (LOH 200) Relationships Between Three Levels of Planetary Rulers, and Planets in Exaltation, Fall and Detriment
Relationships Between Three Levels of Planetary Rulers,
and Planets in Exaltation, Fall and Detriment
Cancer In Comparison With Pisces 1. Neptune is the exoteric and esoteric ruler of Cancer. 1. Neptune is the special ruler Pisces (for humanity as a whole) 2. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer. 2. Jupiter is the exoteric ruler of Pisces. Subtle Relationships Between Rays, Zodiacal and Planetary Energies
Subtle Relationships Between Rays,
Zodiacal and Planetary Energies
Cancer In Comparison With Pisces 1. Cancer transmits the third ray constellationally. 1. Pisces, associated with “water” and with the “ocean” has an indirect connection with the material third ray through “matter.” Pisces is the “fish swimming in the waters of matter and finding there its sustenance.” (EA 287) ‘As we well know, water stands for matter,…” (TCF 1005) “Neptune is as you know, the God of the waters, and the term ‘water’ covers many angles of the esoteric wisdom, such as: The whole concept of matter—universal and itemised.”.. (EA 275) The Piscean is to become “the fish who swims free in the ocean of matter.” (EA 62) Pisces is also the twelfth sign on the reversed wheel, numbering normally and also by polarities (Aries-Libra, Taurus-Scorpio, etc.), and hence, resonant to the third ray. Neptune rules Pisces in a special way (EA 171), and the Neptunian trident connects it to the third ray. “Water” and “matter” are equivalent and matter is ruled by the third ray. Pluto, through it lunar, material, sub-conscious associations, and its associations with the “past”, shows its relation to the third ray.
2. Cancer transmits the seventh ray constellationally. Cancer is also the seventh sign if one numbers by polarities (Aries-Libra, Taurus-Scorpio, etc.), and thus has a further resonance with the seventh ray. 2. Jupiter, the exoteric ruler of Pisces, rules “ritualistic worship” and, thus, transmits the seventh ray. (cf. EA 648, 660) 3. Cancer is the tenth sign of the zodiac on the clockwise wheel and, hence, has numerical affinity with the number one and with the first ray. This is not a strong representation of the first ray. Only the presence of a generically veiled Vulcan, which could be described as the ‘will asleep in matter’, would bring in the first ray—mostly from the angle of resistance. However, a great first ray power is indicated as latent—inured in matter. 3. Pluto is the esoteric and hierarchical ruler of Pisces, and transmits the first ray. 4. Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac on the reversed wheel, hence, by numerical affinity, resonant with the fourth ray. 4. Only indirect fourth ray connections relate Pisces to the fourth ray. Venus, the planet exalted in Pisces, can be understood as associated with the harmony and beauty aspects of the fourth ray (but not with the factors within this ray which lead to conflict). Neptune, the special spiritual ruler of Pisces (for “humanity as a whole”) has strong relations to buddhi/intuition, and to the fourth plane, the buddhic plane 5. The Moon, the exoteric ruler of cancer, transmits the fourth ray. 5. See #4 immediately above. 6. The Moon is closely related to the third ray. (EA 280) 6. See #1 above. 7. The Moon is closely related to the seventh ray, through its rulership of the seventh manifested Creative Hierarchy, and its general association with dense physical matter. 7. See #2 above. 8. Neptune, the esoteric and hierarchical ruler of Cancer (and exalted, with Jupiter, as well), transmits the sixth ray. 8. Pisces transmits the sixth ray constellationally. Enthusiastic Jupiter has sixth ray associations. Neptune (a special ruler of Pisces) transmits the sixth ray. Pluto (esoteric and hierarchical ruler) has sixth ray associations through its relation to the solar plexus. (EA 78) 9. Neptune also transmits the second ray, monadically. (EPI 421) 9. Pisces transmits the second ray, constellationally. Jupiter, the exoteric ruler of Pisces, transmits the second ray. Neptune, as special, spiritual ruler of Pisces for “humanity as a whole” (EA 129), transmits the second ray monadically. Venus, “pure love-wisdom” (exalted in Pisces), transmits the second ray. (EA 281) 10. Neptune is associated with the fourth plane, the buddhic plane, and with the energy of buddhi. “"No man begins to coordinate the buddhic vehicle until he comes under the influence of Neptune.... When this happens, his personality horoscope will show this influence as dominant” (TCF 899) 10. See #4 above. 11. Neptune, as “God of the Waters” is associated with “matter” and, hence, with the third ray. “Neptune is as you know, the God of the waters, and the term "water" covers many angles of the esoteric wisdom, such as: The whole concept of matter—universal and itemised….” (EA 275) 11. See #1 above. 12. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer and transmits the second ray. 12. See #9 above. 13. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer and transmits the seventh ray through “ritualistic worship.” (EA 660) 13. See #2 above. 14. Jupiter (exalted in Cancer) through its enthusiasm and aspirational nature has defensible connections to the sixth ray. 14. See #8 above. 15. There is no direct fifth ray transmission through Cancer and its normally associated planets. 15. Venus (exalted) transmits the fifth ray. Pluto, for whom Mars is the “Alter Ego” (EA 507) is connected with scientific research, and Mars rules science—on the fifth ray. General Qualitative Comparisons, Contrasts and Pragmatic Descriptors General Qualitative Comparisons, Contrasts
and Pragmatic Descriptors
Cancer In Comparison With Pisces 1. Humanity 1. The Saving Lives of Shamballa 2. The Protector of the Form 2. The Savior of the Soul 3. The Compassionate Mother 3. Sanat Kumara in His role as Savior 4. The Captor (form captures soul and Spirit) 4. The Liberator (Spirit and soul emancipate themselves from form) 5. The Soul immured 5. The Sensitive (with no barriers or protection against impression) 6. The Slave 6. The Victor (though in early days upon the Mutable Cross, Pisces, too, represents the bound slave) 7. The Adherent 7. The Free Soul 8. Associated with Mulaprakriti as totally passive potential 8. Associated with the universe-in-pralaya—dissolution at the end of ‘time’ 9. “Instinct, governing desire—Cancer. Mass unevolved consciousness. I desire” (EA 178) 9. “Identification, governing liberation—Pisces. Divine consciousness. I and the Father are one.” (EA 178) 10. Cancer the Crab as Part of the Watery Triplicity: “The slow moving Crab, identified with its dwelling place and carrying its house upon its back, lives upon the land (physical plane life) and also in the sea (the life of the emotions);…” (EA 317) 10. Pisces the Fishes as Part of the Watery Triplicity: “In ancient Lemuria, the symbol of Pisces was a woman with the tail of a fish, and of this symbol the legendary mermaid is the memory. It was only in late Atlantean times (when the conscious sense of duality was becoming present in the minds of the advanced humanity of the period) that the woman part of the symbol was dropped altogether and the two linked fishes took the place of the fish Goddesses”... “the Fishes indicate the man from whom the symbol of materiality has been taken by the removal of half of the original symbol, thus indicating freedom from matter. (EA 317) 11. The Human Family Taking Incarnation: Incarnation is “the bondage of form, entered into in Cancer as far as the mass of humanity is concerned (by this I mean the birth of the human kingdom…” (EA 131) Yet—“All souls come into incarnation in the sign Cancer. By this I mean that the very first human incarnation was always taken in this sign…” (EA 83) ‘All souls, as individual entities, come into human incarnation for the first time in the sign of Cancer,…” (EA 92 11. The Human Being Taking Incarnation: Incarnation is “the bondage of form entered into …in Pisces as far as the individual is considered.” (EA 131) 12. Purification in Relation to Cancer: “In Cancer, the purificatory waters of experience begin their beneficent work. This is begun upon the Cardinal Cross because that cross deals only with wholes and, therefore, with mass experience.” (EA 287) 12. Purification in Relation to Pisces: “In Pisces, the waters of purification are applied through daily life and the processes of incarnation; they apply to the ‘fish swimming in the waters of matter and finding there its sustenance.’ This is upon the Mutable Cross of ordinary material existence and experience.” (EA 287-288) 13. In Cancer—Emerging Duality: “In Cancer, the influence of the human Hierarchy begins to make its presence felt and to include the dualism of man. This emerges clearly in Virgo. Soul and body are closely related and knit together in one form. Man is a conscious personality, and this is a result of the Cancer experience, consummated in Virgo.” (EA 319) 13. In Pisces—the Emergent Dualism of Soul and Spirit: “In Pisces, the influence of Shamballa claims the initiate as its field of activity and the dualism of soul and spirit emerges instead of that of soul and body which has hitherto been of major importance. The power of the form to hold the soul in captivity has been negated and tests and trials of the initiate up to the third initiation are directed to this end.” (EA 319-320) 14. Latency in Cancer (and Virgo): “You have two signs of water and earth (Cancer and Virgo) in the stage of sub-conscious emphasis wherein everything is latent and hidden. Human consciousness is only embryonic in Cancer, for it is the mass mind which dominates and not the individual mind.” (EA 318) 14. Completed Development in Pisces: “…he begins to respond to the inner influence of Pisces. He thus demonstrates his ability to react to the Shamballa influence and, when this influence is established, he goes out to salvage and to save. He acts consciously as a world mediator.” (EA 318) 15. The Anima Mundi in Relation to Cancer: “It emerges into outer manifestation in Cancer, the sign of mass or group life, of mass or group activity; its diffused consciousness has not yet been individualised as has the consciousness of man. When the world soul after having progressed around the Great Wheel, reached Cancer and the time came for the fourth Creative Hierarchy to manifest through the fourth kingdom in nature, a reversal took place and then proceeded as now. (EA 112-113) 15. The Anima Mundi in Relation to Pisces: “The anima mundi on the involutionary arc proceeds this way and not as the personality proceeds. The anima mundi passes to Pisces at the close of every great cycle and not to Taurus….” (EA 112) 16. Spiritualistic Movement in Relation to Cancer and Pisces: “It might be added that spiritualism and the work of the spiritualistic movement are under the influence of Pisces with Cancer rising,…” (EA 125) 16. Spiritualistic Movement in Relation to Cancer and Pisces: “…or in some stages with the reverse—Cancer with Pisces rising.” (EA 125) 17. Cancer and Pisces as Two Extremes: “The Crab symbolises imprisonment (the hard shell and the rocks under which the Crab ever takes shelter), …” (EA 179) 17. Cancer and Pisces as Two Extremes: “…and the Fish signifies freedom.” (EA 179) 18. In Cancer—“the processes of physical incarnation go forward.” (EA 230) 18. In Pisces is found—“…the work of a world savior…and final liberation” (EA 230) 19. Cancer (with Virgo and Pisces) is an aspect of the “triangle of the Mother or matter aspect, conditioned by intelligent activity.” (EA 266) 19. Pisces (with Cancer and Virgo) is an aspect of the “triangle of the Mother or matter aspect, conditioned by intelligent activity.” (EA 266) 20. Two Planets Exalted: Jupiter and Neptune are both exalted in Cancer. 20. Two Planets Ruling: Jupiter rules Pisces; Neptune is considered esoterically related to Pisces. (EA 171) 21. Low Grade Mediums in Cancer: “A proper investigation likewise into the life history of spiritualism and of the mediums associated with it may prove that the majority of the mediums in the world who are of a low grade type or purely trance mediums—negative and usually unintelligent—are born in Cancer with Pisces rising,…” (EA 183) 21. Low Grade Mediums in Pisces: “…or in Pisces with Cancer rising.” (EA 183) 22. Cancer—for Undeveloped Man: “The blind unit is lost. The mass.” (EA 332) 22. Pisces—for the Undeveloped Man: “Responsiveness to environment. The medium.” (EA 333) 23. Cancer—for Advanced Man: “The unit awakens to that which is around. The House.” (EA 332) 23. Pisces—for the Advanced Man: “Sensitivity to soul. The mediator.” (EA 333) 24. Cancer—for the Disciple/Initiate: “The Whole is seen as one. Humanity.” (EA 332) 24. Pisces—for the Disciple/Initiate Man: “Spiritual responsibility. The Saviour.” (EA 333) 25. Yearly Opportunity in Relation to Cancer: When the Sun is in Cancer the disciple may 25. Yearly Opportunity in Relation to Pisces: When the Sun is in Pisces, the disciple will know that “sensitivity to the higher impression is his right and privilege.” (EA 564) 26. The Life of the Christ from the … perspective: “The potency of this sign is expressed for us by Christ in the oft misinterpreted words: ‘Other sheep I have which are not of this fold, them also I must bring.’ This refers to the mass consciousness in contradistinction to the initiate consciousness of His disciples. Cancer is a mass sign. 26. The Life of the Christ from a Piscean Perspective: “The Piscean aspect in its highest expression is demonstrated by His sensitivity to immediate and unbroken contact with His "Father in Heaven"; He was in constant communication with the Monad, thereby proving to the world that He was initiated into states of consciousness of which the third initiation is but the beginning.” (EA 565) 27. The anchoring of Spirit in matter 27. The release of Spirit from matter 28. Freedom through identification with the One Humanity—seeing its wholeness. “The Whole is seen as One” (EA 332) 28. Freedom through identification and merging with divine Love-Wisdom. 29. Associated with the quality of localization 29. Associated with the qualities of pervasion and diffusion 30. Identification with the specific (MC, LMC) 30. Identification with the Whole (FC, CC) 31. Embracing wholeness—“the whole is seen as one” (EA 332) 31. Cloistered, imprisoned; a small world 32. At home 32. Lost (MC) 33. Related more to objective form 33. Related more to subjective life. 34. “In the world” 34. “not of the world” 35. Usually attachment (via the Moon) 35. Often detachment (via Pluto); cutting and destroying attachment 36. A sign of birth (via the Moon) 36. A sign of death (via Pluto) 37. Thus, specificity in relation to the “sense of place” 37. Confusion in relation to the “sense of place” 38. Taking-hold 38. Drifting (MC) 39. Grasping (MC); tenacity (LMC, FC) 39. Willingness to release, to let go ; or inability to hold on (MC) 40. The formation of an isolative separative identity. The process of establishing ego-boundaries. 40. The dissolution of separative identity (whether through various escapist abuses {MC} or, later, through identification). (FC, LFC, CC) 41. Survival at all costs 41. Suicide—whether as escape from the pain of life (MC), or as a deliberate choosing to die in order to save. (LFC, CC) 42. Definition of egoic identity (through individualization). (MC) 42. Diffusion of egoic identity—leading to weakness in early days, and release near the long end of the human evolutionary process 43. Hard outer shell (MC, LMC); insularity 43. Extremely permeable to impression; omni-directionally sensitive 44. Shutting out that which is unrelated 44. Relating to all 45. The blind isolation of the instinctual nature (under rotary motion) 45. The revelation of relatedness characteristic of the hierarchical nature (under spiral-cyclic motion) 46. Grounded, anchored 46. Un-grounded, floating (MC) 47. Imprisonment within the lower vehicles. “The blind unit is lost.” (EMC) 47. Imprisonment through excessive impressionability, and through over-identification and addictive engagement with matter. 48. Inclined to be attentive to those closely related by familial ties. 48. A wider, more inclusive compassion, more readily achieved. 49. Exceedingly responsible, as it follows the maternal instincts 49. Often releasing itself from responsibility inappropriately; escape from responsibility 50. Self-protective 50. Self-sacrificial Similarities and Points of Cooperation Between the Influences Similarities and Points of Cooperation
Between the Zodiacal InfluencesThese two signs have a great deal in common.
Both are particularly related to the plane of sentiency and to the plane of intuition.
As water signs, there is a true affinity with the emotional aspect of life and an ability to respond to the widest possible range of feelings.
The two signs together, depict the drama of attachment and ultimate release, with Cancer portraying the processes of manifestation and Pisces, the ultimate release from those processes.
Both signs are closely related to Neptune and Neptune as we have seen, rules the undifferentiated material element as well as the release of consciousness from identification with that element.
Both of these signs can be considered signs of bondage. The usual perspective is to view Cancer as the sign of material imprisonment and Pisces, with its closer identification with the soft-line subjective rays (2 and 6), as the energy which stages release but Pisces too represents the sea of impressions and mixed, confused energies in which the young consciousness is initially lost.
So whether there is blindness through over-association with a localized field in Cancer, or blindness through complete bewilderment and disorientation in a sea of chaotic energies, there is bondage either way and in certain respects there is a quality of release associated with both signs.
It is easy to see in relation to Pisces, though Pisces always represents dissolution and the escape from form but the higher type of Cancerian initiate can be placed in touch with the wholeness of the system in which he is immersed, for it is said of the initiate in Cancer, “The whole is seen as One” and the synthetic vision is granted to him as well.
Because Neptune is so strong in both signs, there is in the higher brackets of consciousness, a profound sense of identification with all other units of life in relation to whom impression exists.
There is also a very therapeutic, nurturing and salvational approach to the higher types who have these signs prominent in the horoscope. For Cancer seeks to protect all and Pisces to save all.
Clearly there is a solar plexus connection of a high Neptunian sort and the 6th Ray is prominent in both signs, through Cancer via Neptune and through Pisces via the general transmission of the 6th Ray.
Therefore heights of devotion can be reached in both signs and there could be considered a strong heart connection between the two, for even though Cancer is not usually considered associated with the 2nd Ray, its hierarchical rulership of Neptune brings the higher aspect of this planet – namely the 2nd Ray.
Both of these planets deal with the material aspect and the exposure of the material aspect to the saving power of the Christ consciousness.
Through Cancer, the Moon is raised into the realm of the Sun and Neptune, the ruler of matter, becomes Neptune the conduit for the solar flames. For surely the Cosmic astral plane, so closely related to Cancer and Neptune is an exemplary conduit for the energies of the heart of the Sun and Pisces too, has much to do with the energies of the Cosmic astral plane and with the energies of redemption in general for Pisces is the sign ruling the highest of all liberated hierarchies on the Cosmic astral plane and the great redemptive theme in this solar system is the redemption of matter, so it is fitting that these two redemptive signs (Pisces especially) should be associated not only with matter but with the Christ force that redeems it.
Of Pisces’ association with matter, the evolutionary mantram, “Go forth into matter” is convincing. Both of these are considered signs of misfortune.
Cancer is the classical under-dog and has long been associated with the feminine element which is subjugated to the masculine element and often at times, it seems deprived of its rights.
Pisces is the classical recipient of Karmic retribution and has long been through an unfortunate sign because all debts must eventually be paid and especially before the launching of a new cycle. So because misfortune is known and understood and because the receptivity of these signs makes pain so familiar, these are signs of tremendous compassion in which the pain of others can be felt as one’s own therefore they are also signs of committed salvation.
That the Christ is strong in both signs is re-enforced by the exoteric rulers of Jupiter (in the case of Pisces) and the exaltation of Jupiter in Cancer. At length, through suffering and a tremendously sensitized receptivity which causes much pain, there comes fulfillment and happiness, indicated by Jupiter, even bliss indicated by Neptune – in short the fulfillment of the maternal aspect of the Christ energy.
So we have here two signs of great sensitivity. This is indicated in an interesting way through the association of these two with trans-mediumship.
The majority of trans-mediums, says the Tibetan, will be found either with the Sun in Pisces and Cancer rising or the Sun in Cancer and Pisces rising. This he maintains, can be proved statistically.
Now in trans-mediumship there is an abdication of will and from a certain perspective both of these signs are considered weak in Will – at least in the early days and the taking over of the identity by another identity or more but the same susceptibility and difficulty in defending the ego boundaries is that which on a higher turn of the spiral, leads to ease in identification with all egos and all lives.
The planets exalted in both of these signs, namely Jupiter in Cancer and Venus in Pisces show the triumph of the Christ nature for Venus is love/wisdom (from one perspective) and Jupiter is the fulfillment of the love/wisdom energy through deep and inclusive understanding.
Further, Neptune the hierarchical ruler of Cancer and can from a certain perspective, be considered equal in strength to the hierarchical ruler of Pisces which has been said to be Pluto but I believe that Neptune is perhaps even more profoundly involved with the sign Pisces and stands in relation to Pisces, as the absolute ruler and the indicator of the highest form of love we can know, namely Love on the Cosmic astral plane.
Therefore three extremely powerful, benevolent, Christ-like energies (Neptune, Jupiter and Venus) are placed in very powerful positions in relation to these two signs and this gives a very strong astral/buddhic/monadic link for indeed these are signs which relate not so much to the mental process, but to the intuitive and whole-making processes and together they can be associated with the astral plane as we well know, with the buddhic plane of intuition and even with the monadic plane.
Certainly Pisces, the second sign counting clockwise would have a natural affinity to the monadic plane which is a plane of love and of spiritual essentiality as well.
Cancer would relate to the monadic plane in terms of the creation of the first vehicle, for Cancer as the principle which rules all localized fields, has to do with every type of aura whether it be the personality aura as a whole, the aura of the higher ego, or the aura of the highest of all egos, the monad and naturally the rulership by Neptune ties in directly with the monadic plane – Neptune being the 2nd planet spiritually speaking and related to the 2nd ray and the monadic plane being the 2nd sub-plane.
So these are very mystical signs and are able together, to bypass the usual cognitive processes. It is true that from one perspective Cancer represents the synthesis of the 5 aspects of manas and Pisces by means of its exaltation of Venus, represents the consummation of the efforts of the kingdom of solar angels who are manas embodied but their usual approach is intuitive and relates to direct apprehension through impression – direct knowledge and with this direct knowledge which bypasses the analytical and divisive mind, comes the sense of wholeness.
It is interesting that certain individuals with these signs prominent have given their consciousness over entirely to the contemplation of wholeness. Two for instance, are Albert Einstein (Sun in Pisces and Cancer ascending) and Roberto Assagioli, founder of psychosynthesis (Sun in Pisces and Cancer ascending). Both were profoundly intuitive individuals and both sought to bring wholeness and synthesis in their respective fields.
So with these two signs the connection to matter is clear, to the redemption of matter, to the emotional and intuitional and monadic planes, to the process of fulfillment in this 2nd Ray solar system because both are instrumental in raising the product of the first solar system into a condition where it can both bear and express the fruit of the 2nd solar system.
From a final perspective let us see both these signs as signs of ultimate detachment – Cancer liberating from the Cosmic physical plane and Pisces being the freest of all energies in this world period. It is only fitting that the sign most associated with bondage should be the sign granting the most complete type of liberation, but for signs like Aries and Leo, entirely identified with cosmic fire and with absolute identity, the theme of redemption is not as strong.
The assertion of the absoluteness of divinity is complete but with Pisces and Cancer, the spirit and consciousness have had to pass through the bondages of matter and therefore the theme of redemption applies because where there is nothing to be redeemed from, there is no redemption and where there is no suffering under the impress of matter, there is less merit in the release.
So these are the lunar signs even though Pisces is not directly related to the Moon, nevertheless through Neptune it would be. These are I think, the ultimate lunar signs, the signs very much associated with matter.
Perhaps Pisces is even more closely associated with a finer state of matter than even Virgo. Virgo seems to me, to represent Virgin matter in a state of particulateness and Pisces, virgin matter in a totally undifferentiated state.
The ultimate story with both Pisces and Cancer is that knowing the low, they seek to raise all lives to that which is the highest but they never dissociate themselves from the lives they seek to raise as the Sun for instance, shines in isolation upon all the lives it seeks to beautify but they raise as if from within, so they represent God immanent just as Aries and Leo, ruled by the Sun and the solar principle represent very much God transcendent.
Missing or Weak Links Between Cancer and Pisces
