Thomas Jefferson

Copyright Michael D. Robbins 2005

Astro-Rayological Interpretation & Charts
Quotes
Biography
Iimages and Physiognomic Interpretations

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Thomas Jefferson: Third President of the United States

Author of the Declaration of Independence : April 13, 1743 , Shadwell , Virginia , 1:54 AM , LMT (Source: Doris Chase Doane). Died, July 4, 1826 , Monticello , Virginia, 1:53:48 AM , LMT used.

 

 

(Ascendant, Aquarius, with Uranus in Capricorn conjunct the Ascendant from H12; MC, Scorpio with Pluto in Scorpio conjunct the MC and North Node; Sun in Aries; Moon in Sagittarius; Mercury in Pisces; Venus in Taurus; Mars and Saturn in Leo with Saturn conjunct the Vertex; Jupiter in Virgo; Neptune in Cancer conjunct Chiron)     

The Essential Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, America’s most distinguished “apostle of liberty”, is best known as the principal author and draftsman of the Declaration of Independence, the document which altered forever the relationship between the American Colonies and England, and precipitated America’s War of Independence, the Revolutionary War. Jefferson became America ’s first secretary of state, its second vice president and, from 1800-1808, the third president of the United States . He was responsible for pushing through the Louisiana Purchase , which more than doubled the size of the American nation. A man of strong idealism, he was an early advocate of the total separation of church and state and for the duration of his life the most eloquent American proponent for the preservation of individual freedom as the core meaning of the American Revolution. He was a staunch enemy not only of foreign imperialism and despotism, but opposed a strong central government (advocated by the Federalists) as a return to the abuses which the Revolution had defeated. A man of many and varied talents, he was also an inventor and scientist, a passionate lover of music and literature and a distinguished architect. He was both the architect and founder of the University of Virginia .

An Astrorayological Overview

Although Jefferson can easily be linked to the first ray through his ongoing interest in government, his unspectacular manner, his preference for working largely through the written word and in committee, and his intelligent and versatile power of manifestation upon the physical plane link him, arguably, more closely to the seventh ray and the Department of Master R., just a Benjamin Franklin can be similarly linked.     

The strong first ray which comes through Aries (his Sun Sign) makes it a sign which claims its independence—fitting for one who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Aquarius (his Ascendant) is also rebellious and non-conformist in its attitudes, not to mention democratic. Uranus so close to the Ascendant further indicates genius, the will-to-transform and, again, the urge for independence—an insistence on breaking with the status-quo and doing things in a new and better way.    

We see many strong seventh ray indicators which would support the expression of a seventh ray soul. The three signs which constellationally transmit the seventh ray (Aries, Cancer and Capricorn) all hold important planets—the Sun, Neptune and Uranus, respectively. The principal planet of the seventh ray, Uranus, is rising, and tells of Jefferson ’s role in breaking up an old order (Capricorn in the twelfth house) and restructuring a new. Destructive Pluto is in the ninth house of philosophy and world view and quintile reformative Uranus just as it is preservative Jupiter, enhancing Jefferson’s power to destroy old thoughtforms and replace them with a new perspective—a vision of fruitfulness and creativity.         

A further conduit for seventh ray energy might be considered Jupiter (transmitting the second and seventh rays) in Virgo (distributing the second and sixth rays, but much associated with seventh ray qualities). Certainly, Jupiter in Virgo (hierarchical ruler of Virgo—indicating the eventual complete fulfillment of the Christ-impulse) and, in this case, esoteric ruler of the Aquarius Ascendant, would give the capacity to be aware of and handle the many particularities of administration, and attend with caution to the wording of any document. This Jupiter, in a modest position for Jefferson, is yet important, for it demonstrates a wisdom (second ray Jupiter) in nurturing (Virgo) the birth of a new nation (Virgo), and a willingness to do all those many little things which have to be accomplished in such an enterprise. Jefferson had that willingness to work “behind the scenes” (so characteristic of the seventh ray which works quietly and carefully to bring all to consummation). This quietude is, in part, suggested by the placement of Mercury (the esoteric ruler of the Aries Sun Sign) in retiring Pisces. What he wrote, however, certainly had a pralayic effect upon the old order.    

First ray indicators are also strongly present, staring with the Sun in Aries exoterically ruled by Mars (with its first ray component) placed in first ray Leo. Uranus in Capricorn is strongly seventh ray, but can be interpreted in a first ray manner as well.

There is, as one might expect, much of idealism and enthusiasm in Jefferson ’s chart. There is a kind of grand trine in fires with the Sun in Aries trine sixth ray Mars in Leo which trines the idealistic Moon in Sagittarius—though the Moon does not complete the wheel by returning the trine to the Sun. As well, all the signs which distribute the sixth ray hold planets—Jupiter in Virgo, Moon in Sagittarius and Mercury in Pisces.      

In Thomas Jefferson we have an individual of foundational importance to world freedom—Uranus in Capricorn conjunct an Aquarius Ascendant. Capricorn is associated with documents and formal codifications of law. Certainly, Jefferson produced a new (Uranus) document (Capricorn) which set forth the rationale (Mercury in Pisces exactly sextile to Uranus in Capricorn) for a new order (Uranus) in which freedom (Uranus) would prevail. He was not a military figure (as was George Washington) but was willing to take great risks (Sun in Aries, Uranus rising, Moon in Sagittarius) to ensure the birth (Jupiter in Virgo) of freedom. In some deep way he must have been connected with the Sirian influence from which the Law of Freedom emanates. He also appears to have been closely connected with the mode of procedure, characteristic of the Count (Master R.), just as Franklin seems to have been. While other rays can be discovered in Jefferson’s life—the first, for independence and self-reliance, the fourth for beauty of form and music (Venus in fourth ray Taurus), the sixth for idealism, and the fifth (fifth ray Venus in Taurus in the third house of mind square sensory Mars in Leo and opposed to investigative Pluto in Scorpio with scientific Uranus rising)—it is the seventh ray, the ray of the new order, which shines through his life most clearly. Jefferson’s fierce spirit of independence (Sun in Aries and Mars in Leo, plus the first ray) served the coming of what in his higher moments he must have envisioned as a New World Order, unimposed and arising naturally and voluntarily from the cooperation of free individuals.

Confirming the Chart

There is no actual birth record for Thomas Jefferson. The chart which is most used is a rectification by Doris Chase Doane. We will examine the chart in various ways to confirm its potential accuracy.

The Testimony of Physiognomy

a.        Thomas Jefferson was a tall man, over 6’2”. Certain astrological indicators for height are present in the proposed chart. The Sun is in the Sagittarian decanate of Aries, and the Moon is in Sagittarius. Aquarius, which in the first decanate inclines towards height, is the proposed rising sign, and Uranus, which also inclines towards height, is only a few degrees from the Ascendant. Sagittarius, too, inclines towards height as does its opposite sign, Gemini.

b.        Jefferson was said to be freckled and sandy haired. The abundance of fire signs would contribute to this. Sun in Aries is trine Mars in Leo which is loosely trine the Moon in Sagittarius. The proposed Ascendant, Aquarius is one of the positive signs (fire or air signs) contributing to a lighter complexion. These placements do not, however, lend any confirmation to the chosen time of birth.

c.        The artistic renderings available to us are somewhat inconsistent, but do have certain features in common. They all show Jefferson with a rather large and somewhat protruding chin. The seventh ray, which we suspect is strong in his nature, tends to make the chin more pronounced and inclines the individual to hold it in a relatively elevated position (as we see in some of the iimages). The sign, Sagittarius, which is powerful in various ways (through the Sun’s decanate, through the Moon’s position, and the decanate of the exoteric ruler of the Aries Sun, Mars) usually tends to weaken the chin, but this is obviously not true in this case. Factors which strengthen the chin would be the sign Leo, which holds a ruling planet Mars, and, interestingly, the position of Uranus (the principle orthodox ruler of the chart) placed in the sign, Capricorn. Capricorn almost always strengthens the chin.

d.        Capricorn is also a sign which contributes to the presence of a cleft in the tip of the nose, which we see in at least one of the iimages. So, two distinguishing features of Capricorn have appeared in Jefferson ’s physiognomy. While Uranus in Capricorn, by itself, might not be sufficiently strong to imprint these physiognomical ‘signatures’, because Uranus is a ruling planet of the Ascendant, its placement in a sign takes on added emphasis. There is no sign other than Aquarius which Uranus rules exoterically. Thus these two physiognomic features (chin and cleft) tend to confirm the presence of Aquarius on the Ascendant, for only a planet ruling one of the key chart factors (such as the Ascendant or the Sun, or perhaps the Moon) will shape or imprint the features significantly. The angular position of Uranus adds to its ability to shape and imprint already strengthened by its rulership status.

e.        We must ask whether the proposed Ascendant Aquarius is to be seen in the available portraits. Aquarius is often detected though a certain radical expression in the eye, an early graying of the hair, and the presence of wiry or curly hair that looks a bit ‘electrified’, and eyebrows that are fuller and have a rather irregular roughness. In some Aquarians a certain ‘bearishness’ appears. There is also an Aquarian nose which is hard to describe; Aquarius, per se, does not contribute to aquilinity. When rising, Aquarius often inclines towards good looks and regularity of features. This regularity does not present outstandingly noticeable features as Scorpio or Taurus might.

f.         While the Aquarian signatures are not unduly pronounced in the Jefferson portraits, they are present. The hair has a look somewhat curly and disorderly. The nose suggests Aquarius, plus the jutting forward which Aries often confers. Some of the portraits show the graying, but there is no present way to tell whether it was early or not. The regular good looks are definitely there.

 

General Chart Features as Potential Confirmation of a Valid Chart

a.        If a chart is valid its general outlines should correspond to the major life qualities, activities and circumstances. Certain planetary placements in the proposed chart correspond very well to the major contours of Jefferson ’s life. While many chart features would be what they were for many people born on that same day regardless of the time of birth, the Angles are time-sensitive, and to these we will refer, because they determine the house or “arm” placement of the planets.  

b.        Considering that Thomas Jefferson was one of the leading spirits of the American Revolution and a great advocate of freedom (the freedom of the people and of the individual) it is entirely fitting to see reformist and freedom loving Aquarius on the Ascendant and the natural (exoteric) ruler of Aquarius, Uranus, only a few degrees away. In his character, Jefferson was a rebellious Uranian individual, insisting on a complete break from European monarchic traditions. His Aries Sun only fueled the rebellion.

c.        Jefferson was a fine architect with a marvelous sense of form. In 1976 the American Institute of Architects named the campus of the University of Virginia (designed by Jefferson) “the proudest achievement of American architecture in the past 200 years.” Architecture is the gift of the seventh and fourth rays with which it seems that Jefferson was liberally endowed. Additionally, the presence of beauty-loving Venus in Taurus (a sign with a fine sense of form as well as a love of beauty) in the third house of mind, but as ruler of the fourth house of “houses, lands and mines”—the area of the chart where building projects are undertaken (whether homes or larger structures)—is a convincing placement for one who until his death was constantly involved in architectural design and renovation. Jefferson labored on the renovation and beautification of Monticello until the end, hoping that at last it might fulfill his classical ideal.

d.        To find the Sun in Aries on the cusp of the third house would be significant for one who chose to work largely through the mind and the pen. He was known as a brilliant writer but was undistinguished as a speaker.

e.        These are probably the outstanding astrological features which tend to validate the proposed chart. The elevation of radical Pluto in the ninth house quite near the tenth house cusp is also fitting in the chart of a revolutionary, as is a strong Mars in the seventh house of public relations. Jefferson, because of his unbending opposition to Federalism, was at times perceived as an “enemy” of the duly elected government of the United States . He stood for his principles and asserted them strongly (testimony to the strong first ray we find in his nature—astrologically at the very least—and to the idealistic Martian sixth ray, strengthened because Mars is the orthodox ruler of his Aries Sun-sign and is placed in first ray Leo).

The Dynamic Chart and the Question of Chart Validity

a.        We will look at progressions, directions, transits and eclipses, attempting to understand their role in certain important events in Jefferson’s life, but also seeing whether these dynamic factors tend to support the validity of the proposed chart.

b.        Those undertaking an astrological study of Jefferson’s entire life would have many significant dates to investigate. We, however, will focus only on those which were most important in terms of life purpose and character, or in terms of confirming chart validity.

c.        In 1768 (time unspecified) Jefferson made two important decisions: to build his now famous residence, eventually named Monticello, and to stand as a candidate for the House of Burgesses. The building process was begun in 1769. We will select a date in the mid-1768 to see the representative aspects and eclipses.

 

Selected Eclipses for this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jul 25 1767 NS              18:55     02°Le27' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jan 19 1768 NS             18:09     29°Cp19' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Dec 9 1768 NS             09:00     17°Sg55' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jun 4 1769 NS               08:28     13°Ge52' D      

The period under discussion was given to architectural conception and design, and, then, to the actual commencement of the building process. Given the foundational importance to Jefferson of Monticello, the solar eclipse on his Ascendant in January or 1768 is fitting. The building (and rebuilding) of Monticello was, so it appears, part of his soul-mission. The eclipse falls within two degrees of the Ascendant and is also close to the seventh ray planet, Uranus, hypothesizes as his soul-ray ruler (i.e., the planet transmitting the soul ray most strongly). Throughout his life, eclipses on his proposed Ascendant and Uranus always coincided with periods of great significance.

Although the solar eclipse in Sagittarius is seven degrees from his Sagittarian Moon position (a seemingly wide orb for an eclipse), it was effective (and each time it occurred later in his life, it was also effective). A Uranian planet, Admetus, a planetoid in the Centaurs (Pholus), and the “Dark Moon” are closer to the eclipse position. The “Dark Moon” is exactly at seventeen degrees, the eclipse degree. The Moon represents the home and this eclipse showed that Jefferson was envisioning (Sagittarius) great possibilities.

What is even more indicative, in terms of timing, however, is to see this same Sagittarius eclipse falling closely on Jefferson’s progressed Midheaven, which is time-sensitive. If the proposed time of birth were about a minute earlier, the eclipse would be even closer (and indeed, there are one or two events which suggest a very slightly earlier birth time than the one proposed by Doane).

The MC is the ‘dharmic point’. The designing and constant building of Monticello was a soul task, a soul dharma. Souls on the seventh ray seek the execution of ideas in perfect and beautiful form. Monticello and two other projects, for which he served as architect, were great aesthetic passions in his life. With respect to Monticello he persistently sought the expression of a perfect classical form but never succeeded to his satisfaction. This is a frequent experience for perfectionistic seventh ray souls.

In any case, a solar eclipse on the progressing MC at the start of a major life task, is highly indicative of the validity of the chart.

Another solar eclipse (conjuncting progressed Venus) occurs in June of 1769 when actual preparatory work for Monticello was presumably underway. We have noted the importance of Venus as the orthodox ruler of the Taurus IC (one of the prime signs of the builder and ruler of the point where building processes occur—the fourth house cusp). Progressed Venus, found in Gemini at the time of the Gemini eclipse, carries the same aesthetic/constructive meaning. The eclipse tells of the beauty envisioned through the architectural thought process. This eclipse, we should note, also occurs opposite the Sagittarian Moon contributing to the vision (Sagittarius) of a beautiful (Venus) home (Moon).

In the matter of standing for elected office, the solar eclipse in Leo in 1767 occurs on the cusp of the proposed seventh house of public  relations. We can see how it would have contributed to Jefferson’s political ambitions and his confidence to seek political office, at which he was successful.

From a dynamic perspective, we note that TR-Jupiter is hovering at the proposed MC from the beginning of 1769 through most of the year, indicating Jefferson’s successful undertakings in both architecture and politics. The progressed Full Moon in Taurus/Scorpio experienced during August of 1768 must have contributed to his visions and decisions in both respects.

d.        Marriage to Martha Skelton: On January 1, 1772, Thomas Jefferson married the widow Martha Wayles Skelton. Through this fortunate marriage he not only found personal happiness but doubled his land holdings.

 

 

Selected Eclipses for this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    May 14 1771 NS           15:00     23°Ta31' D      

One eclipse in particular, preceding the marriage by about a half year (and presumably during the time Jefferson was courting Martha Skelton) is a solar eclipse on his progressed Sun in Taurus and even more closely conjunct to the proposed IC (representing the home). We note, in confirmation of the accuracy of this chart, that the Sun is the ruler of the seventh house of marriage and partnership. Thus the point of marriage and the ‘point of home-making’ are both strengthened by the eclipse. Eclipses have been shown to be effective for a half year to a year, definitely when preceding an event and many astrologers have said, even when following an event.

Several dynamic factors indicate the marriage. TR-Jupiter (always a strong marriage indicator) has crossed the Ascendant just a week before the marriage, and TR-Venus (unions) is conjunct natal Uranus and the natal Ascendant at the time of the Marriage. TR-Juno, the ‘asteroid of relationships’, is also hovering at the MC and begins its conjunction a few weeks after the marriage. During this period the progressing Equatorial Ascendant and progressing Juno are also conjuncting. (The Equatorial Ascendant is an alternative Ascendant and is a significant point in the chart.) It should be noted as well that this marriage coincides with Jefferson ’s first “Saturn Return”. The second return occurred shortly following his election as president in 1800-1801. Thus, the transits and progressions involved with these various angles tend to demonstrate the chart’s validity.

e.        Second Continental Congress: In the spring of 1775, Jefferson was appointed as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, and thus entered on one of the most significant periods of his life, for it was during this Congress that he became the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

If we choose a date of May 1, 1775, for instance, we will note an important transit of Jupiter in conjunction with the IC. Jupiter is the esoteric ruler of the proposed Aquarius Ascendant, and is thus significant in the chart of a ‘disciple’ of Jefferson’s stature. Jupiter here represents a role to fulfill in relation to one’s homeland (fourth house) as well as a journey full of opportunity.

 

 

Selected Eclipses for this General Period

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Feb 15 1775 NS               15:11     26°Le50' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Aug 26 1775 NS            04:59     02°Vi42' D       

We find a lunar eclipse involving Saturn in Leo and the midpoint between Mars/Saturn. Duty (Saturn) and the demand for assertion and initiative (Mars) were upon him. Another significant eclipse follows in August of 1775, and it occurs at the midpoint between his natal Jupiter in Virgo and the Vertex in Virgo. Jupiter in Virgo is in its hierarchical position and is the esoteric ruler of his Aquarius Ascendant. It signals opportunity of an unusual kind, promotes a large-minded grasp (Jupiter) of many details (Virgo) which must be synthesized (and there were many such when considering the competing demands of the many delegates), and most importantly renders him responsive (however unconsciously) to the Christ impulse (i.e., a way is cleared for him to play a beneficial role in the Divine Plan). He may have been the “silent member of Congress”, but he was listening attentively and creating a unified picture of many factors which had to be taken into consideration in the writing of the Declaration.

We note that during the period of his departure to Philadelphia for the Convention for participation in the congress, progressed Sun and Mercury are conjuncted signaling the brilliant mental power which he would be called upon to display.

f.         The Declaration of Independence: The outstanding event for which Jefferson is remembered is the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Four other delegates were also appointed to oversee the drafting process, but Jefferson was the principal author and the majority of the words with which Americans are so familiar, are his. The Declaration of independence was signed on July 4, 1776, at a time still disputed.  We will use 2:17 am, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a reasonable time for a Gemini-rising chart which has often been shown to work. There are other charts for the beginning of the United States as an independent nation, but they are all on July 4^th. For our purposes (to check the dynamic factors in Jefferson’s chart) any of them would do.

 

Selected Eclipses for this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Aug 26 1775 NS            04:59     02°Vi42' D       

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jan 21 1776 NS             03:01     00°Aq45' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Feb 4 1776 NS              14:29     15°Le27' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Feb 19 1776 NS          13:19     00°Pi33' D       

The eclipses listed here are of major importance. The Virgo solar eclipse of August, 1775 has already been discussed. It indicates, among other things, the Divine Providence (Jupiter) which placed Jefferson in a position ‘fated’ for him—preparing the way for the birth (Virgo) of a humanitarian nation (Jupiter) conceived (at least, at least that) according to principles promoted by the Spiritual Hierarchy of this planet. Living up to those ideals has been another matter. Jupiter in Virgo is the archetypal ruler of the monadic plane whereon “all men are created equal”.

When Jefferson conceived of the plan for Monticello, there was a solar eclipse very close to his Ascendant, though in Capricorn. This eclipse, preceding the critical period in which the Declaration was prepared, is almost exactly on his proposed Ascendant (liberty-loving, Uranian, Aquarius). We saw how the earlier eclipse on his Ascendant indicated the inauguration of a soul-inspired seventh ray task (the inauguration of the ‘Monticello process’. Of the Declaration of the Independence we must say the same—far moreso. Such an eclipse on the point in the astrological chart which indicates soul-direction (i.e., the Ascendant)  must have had a profound impact, activating the energy which made of Jefferson American’s greatest “apostle of freedom”.

The February eclipse of 1776 fell on Mars in Leo, the exoteric ruler of his Aries Sun-sign. This emphasis would stimulate courage and resolution. Jefferson was appreciated as a man firm in his convictions.

The next eclipse is most interesting. It falls in the first degree of Pisces, opposite Jefferson’s natal Jupiter and Vertex and conjuncting the SA-Ascendant (the Ascendant progressed by the measure of solar arc). What is of major importance is that it falls on Jefferson’s Anti-Vertex within a little more than a degree of conjunction. The Anti-Vertex is hypothesized as a ‘point of freedom’ just as the Vertex is a ‘point of fate’. Given the nature of the Declaration and the bold assertion which it represented (characteristic with one whose Sun is placed in Aries) the Anti-Vertex emphasis at this time is unusually apt. Both the progressing Ascendant and solar arc directed Ascendant are in Pisces, ruled esoterically by Pluto (at the MC). The eclipse emphasizes the Plutonic factor of severing—in this case, from the “mother country”.

If we look for dynamic factors in effect during the period leading to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and its subsequent signing, we will find transits of considerable significance.

Pluto, so important at this period, is in conjunction with the planet of liberty, Uranus—the orthodox ruler of Jefferson’s Ascendant. This conjunction confers the power to break free, and emphasizes his natal Pluto in the ninth house near the MC. His progressed Moon in Aquarius is conjunct the Moon position in the United States’ chart. Transiting Uranus in Gemini is opposing the Moon is Sagittarius and moving to an exact opposition of that Moon within the next month or so, signifying independence from the “mother (Moon) land”.

When the Congress was over, Jefferson returned home, inspired, determined to implement in Virginia what he considered to be the “spirit of ‘76”. He had a solar eclipse in Leo on his Mars and transiting Chiron conjuncting his Aries Sun to strengthen him in his sense of mission. It was at this time that he inaugurated one of the three initiatives for which he hoped to be remembered (along with the Declaration of Independence and the Founding of the University of Virginia)—namely, Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom. There was much opposition to his enthusiastic initiatives, indicated by TR-Pluto crossing his Ascendant. As well war had come.

g.        The Death of Martha Jefferson: Jefferson’s wife Martha died on September 6, 1782, after a difficult delivery of their third daughter in May that year. Below are two charts, one for 1:53:48 am and one for 1:53. The slightly earlier chart, in this case may have something to recommend it.

 

 

 

Selected Eclipses for this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Oct 17 1781 NS          08:56     24°Li21' D       

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Nov 1 1781 NS             05:55     09°Ta13' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Mar 29 1782 NS            08:23     08°Li46' D       

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Apr 12 1782 NS            17:24     22°Ar53' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Sep 21 1782 NS            14:16     28°Pi40' D       

The Jeffersons ’ third child arrived in May of 1782.  This means it was conceived under a solar eclipse in Libra which closely opposed Jefferson’s Aries Sun, ruler of his seventh house of marriage. Another eclipse, a lunar one, occurred in November of 1781 and involved Jefferson’s natal Venus, the ruler of the fourth house of home.

The most impressive eclipse however (and one which for all individuals must have a significant impact) is the solar eclipse of April, 1782, within one minute of arc of Jefferson’s natal Sun. This is an exact hit and prophesies his wife’s death, for the Sun is, in Jefferson ’s case, the ruler of the seventh house of marriage.

If we look at the dynamic perspective, we see indications that are equally impressive and which validate the chart within a minute or so of clock time. In the slightly later chart (closer to 1:54 am) we note that the progressing MC and Ascendant have recently (two months earlier) changed sign from Sagittarius and Pisces, to Capricorn and Aries respectively. Jefferson was entering an entirely new phase of life and the changing angles signaled this. If the time of birth were only slightly earlier, the new would not yet have begun when she died, and karmic Pisces (a sign of death and relinquishment) would still be the sign ruling the progressing Ascendant. Pisces is ruled by both Jupiter and Pluto and both of these planets are planets implicated it the process of death.

We also find transiting Chiron, the planet of wounding (made more sorrowful by natal Chiron’s conjunction with sensitive natal Neptune, both in Cancer—sign of intimates), stationary conjuncting Jefferson’s natal Venus in Taurus. This again points to the wounds he was receiving in the areas of home, family and partnership.

It would seem that the proposed chart is very close to accurate.

h.        Relationship with Sally Hemings: After what was probably a torrid though secret affair with Maria Cosway (to whom he wrote the famous letter, “A Dialogue between the Head and the Heart”), it is said that Jefferson initiated a sexual liaison with his young mulatto slave Sally Hemings in 1788, his wife Martha’s half sister. DNA research has confirmed with fair reliability that the six children which Hemings bore were indeed Jefferson’s. Apparently she had been with him for at least some of his five years as United States Foreign Minister to France .

If we choose a time somewhere in the middle of 1788 we shall see great emphasis upon Jefferson’s relationship life.

 

 

Selected Eclipses for this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Dec 9 1787 NS             16:14     17°Sg36' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jun 4 1788 NS               08:59     14°Ge17' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jun 18 1788 NS             15:14     27°Sg54' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Nov 13 1788 NS            17:42     22°Ta05' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Nov 27 1788 NS            18:02     06°Sg16' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Dec 13 1788 NS            06:04     22°Ge01' D      

The solar eclipse of June, 1788 occurs opposite Jefferson’s natal Moon and the second June eclipse involves his solar arc directed Pluto (secrecy). The lunar eclipse of November 1788 falls exactly on his MC/IC axis, with implications for his living arrangements. We cannot help but notice the wide solar eclipse in Sagittarius occurring in December 1787. This occurred in same position when he conceived Monticello and also at just before his death. Finally the solar eclipse of November, 1788 falls exactly opposite his progressed Sun in Gemini. The opposition is the aspect of relationship. As the ruler of the seventh house of marriage and partnership, we have seen the Sun and progressed Sun involved at significant relationship moments in Jefferson’s life—his marriage to Martha, Martha’s death and now, the beginning of a long ‘secret marriage’ with his mulatto slave, Sally Hemings.

As confirmation of the turbulent relationship developments he was experiencing, we also note at this general time the progressing Moon in Leo having conjuncted the seventh house cusp in the autumn of 1787 and, of course, continuing its progress through the seventh house. Most indicative is the transit of Uranus over the cusp of the seventh house. During this period he was entering a most unconventional and very secret ‘marriage’. We note that natally Uranus is in the secretive twelfth house. Its transit at the seventh house began a forbidden relationship between the white and black race (the kind of sexual relations which Jefferson had long denounced). This explains why he never again remarried, and why, out of all the many slaves he owned, the only five he actually freed were members of the Hemings family.

 

i.          Election as the Third President of the United States in 1800-1801: Quite a number of dates in Jefferson’s life coincide with the dynamics of the proposed chart. We will examine two more—his election in 1800 and his death in 1826. We will choose the date, March 4, 1801, the date of Jefferson’s Inauguration. It was only on February 17, 1801, that the much contested election was decided in Jefferson’s favor.

 

Selected Eclipses from this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Oct 18 1800 NS                        08:51     24°Li45' D       

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Apr 13 1801 NS            04:07     22°Ar45' D      

These are familiar eclipses, having last occurred just before the death of Jefferson’s wife. A solar eclipse exactly on the natal Sun must work out in momentous happenings. Again the seventh house is implicated, but this time in relation to the public—public relation, not personal relations.

We also note during this period, the position of transiting Jupiter, crossing and re-crossing Venus, ruler of the fourth house of “home and country”. At the time of the election, Jupiter has already entered the seventh house indicating a favorable public and electoral attitude towards Jefferson. We note as well his second Saturn Return occurring just months after the inauguration. Thus, both his marriage and his election as president were marked by “Saturn Returns”.

Thomas Jefferson’s Death, 12:30 pm, July 4, 1826: Jefferson (true to his seventh ray) was always a master of precise timing. (In astrology the seventh ray planet Uranus is considered to be an excellent ‘time piece’.) As the main author of the Declaration of Independence, he could not have chosen a more perfect time to pass from this world. And John Adams, his old friend, rival and, again, friend, chose exactly the same day, a few hours later!

 

 

Selected Eclipses from this General Period

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jun 16 1825 NS             12:19     24°Ge58' D      

Mon     LEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Nov 25 1825 NS            16:08     03°Ge10' D      

Sun       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Dec 9 1825 NS             20:21     17°Sg33' D      

S un       SEcl                 (X)       Tr-Tr    Jun 5 1826 NS             17:39    14°Ge27' D     

The solar eclipse in Gemini, June 1825, was opposite the Moon position in the death chart. The Moon, we know, represents the physical body. The lunar eclipse in late November of 1825 conjuncted the progressing Ascendant in Gemini (a time-sensitive point). The Ascendant can also indicate the physical body. The solar eclipse in December of 1825 is occurring in exactly the same degree as when Jefferson first conceived the idea of his beloved Monticello ; now he is leaving it. The solar eclipse of June, 1826, just one month before he death, occurs opposite his natal Moon.

From the dynamic perspective, we cannot help but note his Uranus Return (occurring in the eighty-third and eighty-fourth year), though this cannot be used as a method of confirming the angles. Jupiter is making its return during the few months surrounding the death, and Jupiter brings release. By solar arc it has already reached the MC two years earlier. Chiron, indicator of the “quest” and the “long journey” is conjuncting the Sun. The Saturn/Node conjunction is often an indicator of death, and solar arc directed Saturn is closely conjunct the South Node opposed the North Node. Most impressively from the point of view of timing, the solar arc directed Vertex (‘point of fate’) is within ten minutes of arc of the MC. A climactic time had come—a beautifully timed departure.

k.        We have offered sufficient evidence to confirm the reasonable validity of the angles proposed, and may with confidence pursue the interpretation of the proposed chart without excessive fear of error.

 

An Examination of Thomas Jefferson’s Rays

The Ray of the Soul

a.        It is not necessarily to be thought that all presidents of the United States (or for that matter, all who make a career of politics) are first ray souls. Souls upon the first, sixth and seventh rays are found working in the political arena. In the United States , for instance, several of our recent presidents have been upon the sixth ray: Woodrow Wilson (confirmed by the Tibetan), Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush to name a few. Others in American history like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon have been on the first ray. Probably a few seventh ray presidents could also be found. Of these, it is our impression that Thomas Jefferson was one.

b.        Which would be more correct—to say that Thomas Jefferson worked in the Department of the Manu or under the Lord of Civilization, the Mahachohan? Seventh ray souls often transfer to the first ray, but Master R. (when He was primarily focussed upon the seventh ray) took a number of his advanced disciples with him onto the third ray when He became Mahachohan. It seems quite clear that Benjamin Franklin was one such and there is reason to think that Thomas Jefferson, Franklin’s successor in France , was another.

c.        Although Thomas Jefferson was working among many first ray disciples a number of factors point towards the seventh ray as preeminent rather than the first (although astrologically and, perhaps, in other ways the first ray is strong).

d.        He was never a soldier nor, does it seem, that he was inclined to be. When governor of Virginia, a British attack took him by surprise and his response was to flee—a tendency, perhaps, of the Sagittarian Moon. He received much criticism for his flight and it was brought under investigation. He was, however, exonerated.

e.        Battle upon the physical plane was not his forte. Rather, under the best seventh ray impulses, he was a reformer and a transformer. He set his brilliant mind to reform, transform and reconstruct government (alchemical Uranus, ruler of the proposed Ascendant in the governmental sign, Capricorn), and as well, to design and redesign the physical environment. The seventh ray disciple is forever designing and redesigning upon the physical plane. Jefferson’s constant devotion to the building process at Monticello is a graphic example of this tendency.

f.         He was a great lover of the land, of agrarian society and of gardening. These are strongly seventh ray signatures. He considered agriculture to be “a science of the very first order”. He was, in fact, the inventor of a special plough which would plough more deeply and effectively than the ploughs then in use.

g.        A lover of fine food and continental cuisine, Jefferson invented a macaroni machine. Those upon the seventh ray are often fond of the good life, and live in high style.

h.        The seventh ray is always effective upon the physical plane. While inventors are often found upon the fifth ray, the fifth and seventh rays work in close alliance. Jefferson has many inventions to his credit. Among them are:

       i.       the wheel cipher for coding and decoding messages. Master R. throughout his recent incarnations, was an expert an encryption. It is a seventh ray art.

       ii.       an elaborate sundial

      iii.       a great clock, which dominates the entrance to Monticello

      iv.       a portable copying press

      v.       a polygraph—a letter copying device

       vi.       bookstands, beds, double-doors and revolving chairs

i.          It is clear that he displayed to a significant that practicality upon the physical plane for which seventh ray types are well recognized.

j.          He was a lover of music and other arts and, when a young man, practiced his violin for three hours a day. This approach seems to be in line with the Department of Civilization.

k.        He was an excellent architect, not simply an amateur. His designs for Monticello, for his architecturally distinctive (octagonal) mansion at Bedford, called Poplar Forest, and for the University of Virginia, have continued to receive praise from architects and architectural associations to this day. As well, he helped to plan Washington, D.C. Constructiveness on the physical plane is one of the noted accomplishments of those who are focussed as souls upon the seventh ray. It is said that Master R. in an earlier incarnation was Hiram Abiff (the architect of King Solomon’s Temple).

l.          Jefferson ’s manner was shy and reserved rather than commanding. He worked through the pen rather than the sword and preferred to communicate and govern through the written word. The pen is the symbol of the second ray, but we must also remember that Master R. (as Francis Bacon and as the Comte de St. Germaine, was a master of the pen).

m.      It might be appropriate to say at this point that whereas the other rays of aspect show similarities to one or two rays:

  i.       the fourth ray blends into the second or third

  ii.       the fifth ray blends into the first but has close affinities with the third

iii.       the sixth ray blends into the second or third

the seventh ray has affinities with each of the rays of aspect. It usually merged into the first, or perhaps the third ray, but has the same cohesive, constructive and geometrical tendencies as the second ray. Really, the seventh ray, as the ‘Ray of Consummation’ balances the tendencies of the three rays of aspect and its disciples can merge into any of the three higher rays.

This may seem an unusual idea, but Master DK has noted the following pattern of ray transfers as invariable:

“Your monadic ray is the second ray and hence your soul, being on a minor ray, must transfer to that line. As you know, the sequence of activity is ever the transfer of the fourth and sixth rays on to the second and the third, of the fifth and the seventh rays on to the first ray.” (EP I 573)

However, as stated, Master R. and a number of his seventh ray disciples transferred onto the third ray.

“When, for instance, the Master R. assumed the task of Mahachohan or Lord of Civilisation, His Ashram was shifted from the seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order to the third Ray of Active Intelligence; the majority of those who have taken the second and the third initiations were transferred with Him under what might be called a ‘special dispensation’; the rest of the members of His Ashram remained for tuition and training in service under that Master Who took His place as the central point of the seventh ray Ashram.” (DINA II 383)

n.        Further, the disciple E.E.S. was in process of transferring from a seventh ray soul (against seeming probability) to the second:

“You have a first ray physical body. This is the only vehicle or energy of expression in your equipment which is on one of the major rays. Curiously enough, this fact indicates to those of us who watch on the inner side that your monadic ray is the first and that later, in your next life, it will be necessary for you to shift the centre of your egoic or soul attention on to the second ray. [Bolding MDR]  The shift of emphasis has in it the main objective of this present incarnation and hence your possession of a sixth ray personality and astral body.” (DINA I 647)

We see, then, the relationship of the seventh ray to the three major Rays of Aspect.

o.        Jefferson had a great capacity to deal with detail. When serving as Vice President of the United States from 1796-1800, he took little part in the administration but presided over the Senate and wrote A Manual of Parliamentary Practice (published in 1801). Rules of parliamentary procedure are the special province of those with a pronounced seventh ray. Roberts’ Rules of Order is another such manual.

p.        Jefferson was also a man of regular habits. The hours of his day were apportioned in a certain manner, and he adhered to his schedule.

q.        His abilities upon the physical plane were numerous—a philosopher-statesman, diplomat, jurist, brilliant author, architect, builder, inventor, scientist, musician to name a few. The highly accomplished expression of such diverse abilities upon the physical plane is reminiscent of Benjamin Franklin, who was certainly a disciple in the Ashram of Master R. (the Count), and links Jefferson directly to the most accomplished individual of all when it came to intelligently expressing the attainments of civilization—Master R., Himself.

r.         Seventh ray individuals make fine diplomats, more than do those upon the first ray, and far better than sixth ray individuals who are quite unsuited to the task. The Comte de St. Germain (even though his very existence is doubted by some) was perhaps Europe’s greatest diplomat. He was a significant figure in many European courts throughout the eighteenth century and His task was ever to promote intelligent cooperation between those in power. Benjamin Franklin (very reasonably His disciple) was America’s foremost diplomat, sent to France on a mission of vital importance to the emerging American Nation. It is perhaps no accident that Thomas Jefferson was also chosen for a diplomatic role (also to France)—a mission which lasted some five years. Though his mission was not notably successful, He is one of those who strengthened the links between France and the United States and who represented the fledgling nation of America with tact and intelligence.

s.        It is not confirmed whether Thomas Jefferson was, in fact, a Freemason (as was Benjamin Franklin), but Jefferson succeeded Franklin as America ’s foreign minister to France , and would likely have been introduced to Franklin ’s masonic contacts there. There is reason to believe that Benjamin Franklin was acquainted in person with “the Count” (Master R.) and this may also be true of Thomas Jefferson. We know the story of the anonymous “old professor” who was so instrumental in inspiring (through a passionate, impromptu speech) reluctant delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence. When we think that Thomas Jefferson was the major author of that document, we can understand the possible linkage to R.

t.         If the seventh ray was Jefferson’s soul ray, its conduits through his astrological chart were impressive. Seventh ray Uranus as Jefferson’s proposed soul-ray ruler was place in an angular position in Capricorn, the sign through which presently expresses the seventh ray most powerfully. Further, Jupiter, the esoteric ruler of the proposed Aquarius Ascendant is a planet which also expresses the seventh ray, and is placed critically near the Vertex (point of fate) in the sign Virgo, which seems to share many qualities in common with the seventh ray energy.

u.        The seventh ray constellations (Aries, Cancer and Capricorn) are all tenanted with major planets just as are the first ray constellations (Aries, Leo and Capricorn). Jefferson demonstrated much of the seventh and first rays. We must remember that that seventh ray can be considered a more concrete expression of the first ray and that many seventh ray souls make a transition onto the first ray—though this is not invariably the case.

v.        Assuming the correctness of the seventh ray assignation of soul ray, and assuming that transference to one of the Rays of Aspect would occur, it would be interesting to speculate to which of the three higher rays Jefferson , as a soul, would transfer.

 

The Personality Ray

a.              Jefferson was a man known for his silence (the “silent member of Congress”), his reserve, and was, in the words of the Encyclopedia Britannica, “a man given to Herculean feats of self control”.

b.              In matters touching on the “American Cause” he held is position with a certainty bordering on inflexibility—“rock-ribbed certainty” it was called. There was a firmness in his idealism which did not waver over the long years of his life. He could live comfortably with contradiction, it has been said (probably as a result o the fourth ray in his system), but his position was known.

c.              We must also consider the entire question if independence—a first ray quality. Jefferson was passionate on the point (both for himself, personally, and for his nation). It is the first ray impulse to “go it alone”, to brook no imposition of control (other than self-control), to rebel at all unjust presumption of authority. Blended with these first ray characteristics, are the energies of Aries, Aquarius and Uranus—three energies which feed the fires of revolution.

d.              The presence of the first ray cannot be denied, as least astrologically, because his Sun (considered as a major indicator of personality tendencies) was placed in first ray Aries (the sign most powerfully expressing the first ray), and the orthodox ruler of the Sun is found is first ray Leo—a sixth ray planet in a first ray sign (with touches of the fifth ray as well). As well, Saturn (which despite its third ray potency strongly expresses the first ray) is also placed in Leo. Leo, we realize, is the sign of kings and despots, with whom Jefferson took such issue.

e.              Uranus is another deeply first ray planet (its monadic ray) and it is placed in Capricorn which distributes the first ray as well as the seventh and third. The Sun, Mars and Uranus are all potent and all are in signs which distribute (among other rays) the first ray. The elevated Pluto (a first ray planet) is placed in Scorpio, which, though a constellation transmitting the fourth ray, can easily be linked with the first ray through its association with Hercules.

f.               The rays associated with the Sun-sign may be considered as subrays to the personality ray. In the case of Aries, we have the first and seventh ray.

g.              We must not discount, however, the presence of the idealistic sixth ray in Jefferson’s personality expression. He was a great idealist, staunch and unwavering in his point of view. His tendency to polarize and take adversarial positions (especially against the Federalists and all those who promoted a strong central government) seems a blend of the sixth and first rays. Mars in Leo is just such a blend, and it is a powerful planet in the chart.

h.              Jefferson has been seen as humorless and self-righteous, qualities which suggest a strong sixth ray in his nature.

i.                The personality seems very much a blend of the first and sixth rays, with seventh ray tendencies making their way into the personality through the soul, through the Sun in Aries and other astrological factors.

 

The Rays of the Three Personality Vehicles

a.        Soft-line energies must be found in the Jefferson ray structure, and it is in the mind that we may first look. The fourth ray mind, loving literature, the arts, music and architecture is a strong probability for Thomas Jefferson. He was fond of metaphor as well (another fourth ray characteristic). His words aroused the feelings of his countrymen and his passionate ideals spoke through his thought.

b.        Here is an example of some words he wrote at the very end of his life. Note the vivid fourth ray imagery:

“The mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately by the grace of God.”

This is word-painting and touches the emotions as well as the mind of the listener. The fact that Mercury is placed in imagistic Pisces cannot be overlooked. Further, it is conjuncted to the asteroid of unwavering devotion, Vesta, hence, ‘passion in the mind’.

c.        We have to suppose that the fifth ray, with all its mechanical ability, is either a subray of the mind or a legacy ray or both. Jefferson’s mechanical inventiveness and the thought process by which he arrived at these inventions, suggest the presence of the utilitarian fifth ray.

The fifth ray is astrologically augmented in Jefferson’s life by the presence of Aquarius, transmitting the fifth ray, rising; both Mars and Saturn (planets reasonably associated with the concrete mind) in fifth ray Leo; and the Moon placed in Sagittarius which transmits the fifth ray among others.

d.        Jefferson’s capacity to live comfortably with contradiction—the slaveholder who deplored slavery; a passionate advocate for the rights of man and yet a racist; a man who gave the direst warnings against miscegenation, and yet kept a mulatto mistress for decades; a man who loved the “good life” and lavish living yet admonished others to avoid it as sinful—all these may be the effect of a fourth ray mind. We could call it hypocrisy. Jefferson was a complex individual, and the sixth ray in his nature conferred high ideals which it was not always possible to fulfill. The fourth ray mind gave him, perhaps, the power to harmonize the evident contradictions of his life (as practiced) and to live with them.

e.        When one thinks of Jefferson’s emotional nature, his idealism, devotion and zeal are recognized immediately. He was passionate in all undertakings and in his intimate relationships, easily infatuated by the beauty of the fair sex (as is the case with so many Aries men). He was genuinely devoted to his family and had strong paternalistic feelings for his slaves. His response to criticism was sharp and touchy. We cannot say that he displayed the emotional relaxation and tranquility of the second ray.

The Moon (as archetypal ruler of the emotional word) is placed in Sagittarius, the sign which transmit more sixth ray force than any other. This position of the Moon certainly contributed to Jefferson’s visionary idealism.

f.         The physical-etheric nature seems to express the seventh ray. Jefferson was a man of order and regular habits. Appearance was very important to him (a seventh ray, fourth ray trait). He loved good food and saw that it was prepared perfectly and in style. He took great pains with presentation on the physical plane. Under the present hypothesis, his seventh ray soul would have an excellent instrument in a seventh ray body and brain.

Summary of the Hypothesized Rays of Thomas Jefferson

We may hypothesize the following rays for Thomas Jefferson:

Soul:                 VII

Persona:           1₆, with Sun-sign contributing R1 and R 7

Mind:                4₅

Astral:              6

Body:                7

The monadic ray must necessarily remain uncertain, but with his devotion to education, ray TWO may be suggested. It is also possible that as he entered his later years, the second ray may have begun to qualify his personality.

There are some who might propose that Jefferson’s true soul ray is the first while his personality should be seen as the seventh. Good arguments might be marshaled to this end. Perhaps we should ask ourselves whether we can see Jefferson in closer relationship to the Master M. or to the Comte de St. Germain (the Master R.). If we were to consider this question in relation George Washington, there would be no question concerning our conclusion. If, similarly, we were to ask the same question about Benjamin Franklin, the conclusion would be equally clear, though opposite. Benjamin Franklin was certainly more related to the Master R.

Because Jefferson displayed both seventh ray and first ray characteristics, the question is more difficult, though perhaps his life could be contrasted with that of Washington, another Virginia plantation owner, whose rays may also have been the first and seventh, with the first confirmed as the soul.

 

Astrology and the Rays

It is noteworthy to realize that with respect to the rays proposed, Jefferson has:

a.              A planet in every seventh ray sign: Aries, Cancer, Capricorn

b.              A planet in every first ray sign: Aries, Leo, Capricorn

c.              A planet in every sixth ray sign: Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces,

d.              A planet in every fourth ray sign: Taurus, Scorpio, Sagittarius

e.              A planet or indicator in every fifth ray sign: Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius (the Rising Sign)

This is definitely unusual and speaks to a certain universality and a balance among the demonstration of these rays.

Of second ray signs, there are two which hold planets: Virgo and Pisces

Of third ray signs, there are two which hold planets: Cancer and Capricorn

No ray is left unrepresented from the astrological-constellational perspective and a sense of general balance prevails.

Important Chart Features—Esoterically and Exoterically Considered

a.        The Ascendant in the first degree of Aquarius is a proposed position, but reasonably justified above. This Ascendant is of defining importance in Thomas Jefferson’s life, as an apostle of liberty, freedom and of a New Order. Sir Francis Bacon another great thinker with Aquarius on the Ascendant promised a “new order of the ages”. Jefferson became an apostle of that new order. Bacon, of course, later became the Master R.

b.        The rulers of the proposed Ascendant are Uranus in Capricorn (breaking down and reorganizing the outmoded forms of government) and, (esoterically) Jupiter, placed in the sign Virgo, which it rules, hierarchically. This Jupiter position gave Jefferson the capacity to organize a vast amount of detail synthetically and contributed to his diversified practical capacities upon the physical plane. If the monadic ray were the second, and if Jefferson were approaching the point in evolution when some response to that energy were possible, the Jupiter in Virgo position (in its own right archetypally associated with the monad and the monadic plane— EA 36 ) would be an excellent conduit for that exalted energy—the dynamic energy of the second ray (“dynamic” because related to spirit).

c.        The Sun is in Aries, the sign of its exaltation, and makes powerful aspects to three planets which can be reasonably associated with the first ray—Uranus (which squares it from Capricorn) and Saturn and Mars which trine it from their positions in Leo. The Sun is quite closely trine to the midpoint of Saturn/Mars.

d.        If, as the astrologer Niklas Nihlen hypothesizes, the ray of the personality may be determined by whether a planet or planets transmitting the personality ray aspect the Sun, these three planets (all in signs which convey the first ray) do significantly aspect the Sun. Of course, it is realized that the rays usually associated with these three planets are the seventh, the third and the sixth respectively.

e.        The Sun in ardent Aries square to revolutionary Uranus, is one of those aspects which made Jefferson the great individualist, non-conformist, rebel and revolutionary advocate of a new socio-political order. The trines from Saturn and Mars strengthen the vitality and given staying power. All these aspects suggest considerable personality strength.

f.         The normal ruler of the Aries Sun is Mars, which is found powerfully positioned in the seventh house in stressful, dynamic square aspects with Venus, Pluto and the Nodal Axis. These inharmonious aspects would make Jefferson formidable in his desire nature; the intensity of his ardor for women must have been considerable. Accounts of his life in France seem to suggest this, as do his “torrid affair” with Maria Cosway, and his passionate and enduring ‘affair/relationship’ with his slave, Sally Hemings.

g.        From a higher perspective, Jefferson’s emphasis on personal liberty, free from the intrusion of any government, can be understood partially in terms of this T-square focusing on Mars, partially through the meaning of individualistic Aries and partially through Uranus (planet of authentic self-direction) so close to the Ascendant which it exoterically rules.

h.        From a different perspective, the T-square between Mars, Venus and Pluto, is a scientific configuration, giving powers of investigation and practical application.

i.          Mercury is the esoteric ruler of Aries, and in the case of the “initiate” (including, presumably, the initiate of the first and second degree, among which we can number Jefferson) it can be considered significant. Mercury is placed in subtle Pisces contributing to the elusive quality of Jefferson’s personality. This placement would promote imagination. Its biquintile to Mars (since the quintile is a mental/creative aspect) would contribute to Jefferson’s inventiveness, as well as Mercury’s conjunction with the famous star of daring free-thinkers, Scheat.

j.          Mercury plays an important role because of its sextile to revolutionary Uranus and its trine to the MC placed in radical Scorpio. Jefferson’s mental astuteness and subtle thought stirring presentation of thought, awakened and inspired his compatriots, and promoted the revolutionary cause.

k.        The fact that Jefferson never became an accomplished public speaker or orator can be understood as related to articulate Mercury’s placement in Pisces (as sign which inclines toward indirection and work behind the scenes). There are accounts also that Jefferson (like a number of Aries people) stuttered.

l.          One point touching on his aversion to publish speaking is worth considering. When a chart is created placing the Sun on the Ascendant, elusive Neptune and Chiron (the planet of pain with which Neptune is so closely conjuncted) find their way into the third house of verbal expression (and also the house of written expression). A painful shyness concerning speech may thereby be indicated, but also great subtlety (Pisces) in thought and the power to guide (Chiron) through the written word. The fifth house (another area of the chart related to self-expression) is also emphasized, showing both inhibition (Saturn in Leo) and more expansive expression (Jupiter in Virgo). Such “Solar Charts” (with the Sun retaining its proper degrees and minutes of arc, as at birth, and yet placed on the Ascendant) are said to indicate matters which are more strictly personality based—because the Sun is the center of focus).

 

m.     

 

n.        The Moon is placed in idealistic Sagittarius, giving Jefferson his spirit of adventure, his vision of westward expansion (greatly stimulated by the Louisiana Purchase), his progressive spirit and his enthusiasm for exploration (in response to which he commissioned the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition for the exploration of newly acquired lands). This position must also have contributed to Jefferson’s one pointed idealism, and perhaps, occasionally, to escapist tendencies. It is also a freedom-loving position and wishes to act without restraint. All of the fire signs (with which Jefferson was amply endowed) carry this dislike of restraint.

o.        Illuminating Venus in Taurus (the “mother of illumination”) in the third house of mind is, for Jefferson, a strong mental indicator blending the practical and aesthetic minds.

p.        Saturn and Mars together in Leo say much about the authority (Leo) against which Jefferson set up his life-long rebellion. There were clearly aspects of his own nature which were imperious and autocratic, and against these he fought by fighting them in the social and political arenas.

q.        Saturn in Leo either hardens the ego, or subjects it to stern self-control (especially since, in Jefferson’s case, it is placed in the final degree of the sign—the ‘last chance’). Saturn in this sign is easily connected with despotism and tyrannical rule. Placed conjunct the Virgoan Vertex, it represents a confrontation with dictatorship which he could not avoid (since, in a way, dictatorship was very much a part of his character). The freedom loving, democratic Aquarius nature and the controlling, dominating nature of Leo are very much in qualitative opposition in his chart.

r.         It is interesting that his major battles were against centralized government in any form. We realize that Leo is the foremost sign of centralization, and can understand that he was battling tendencies in his own nature. Indeed on a number of occasions he flew in the face of his own principles, acting autocratically and without respect for the freedom of expression of others. Contradiction again.

s.        All those who study human psychology carefully will realize that the forces against which we most strenuously fight in the outer world are projections of those same forces within our nature.

t.         Not much mention has been made of the sensitive Neptune position in Cancer, conjuncted with Chiron (the wound, and the healing of the wound). Neptune with Chiron speaks of susceptibility and vulnerability. We note that it is in the house of service and servants, and could be a contributing cause to the relationship with Sally Hemings into which he entered despite his outspoken statements against exactly such relationships. When we see the trine between Neptune/Chiron and Juno, the asteroid of relationships placed in susceptible Pisces, we realize that a very soft and sensitive dynamic in Jefferson’s life is thereby described. He was deeply wounded by his wife’s death. It would be reasonable to think that his progressed Ascendant was still ruled by Pisces when she died, indicating a rulership by Neptune conjunct the planet of pain, Chiron). This would require a time of birth some tens of seconds earlier.

u.        The Midheaven is found in the radical sign Scorpio. Mars and Pluto are the two rulers (both exoterically and esoterically) and they are in square. Pluto, moreover, is conjunct the South Node. We cannot know how Jefferson’s former lives prepared him for his role as ideological revolutionary, but the positions make us suspect that bitter experiences lay in the past—wrongs (done to him or by him) which he was redressing in the present incarnation.

v.        Pluto in the ninth house is a destroyer of the illusions of the mind. In Jefferson’s case it was a dedication to the destruction of a world view (monarchism, despotism, autocracy) which he considered to be the enemy of human progress.

The quintile from Jupiter to Pluto however, shows that all intended destruction could give way to the emergence of greater consciousness.

w.      The IC is found in Taurus, the sign of light. With its normal ruler, Venus, placed in the third house of mind, and with first ray Vulcan, its esoteric ruler, placed there as well (or in the house to which it is most attuned, the second) we can understand Jefferson’s role in founding the University of Virginia as a kind of ‘station of light’. Pluto wielded destruction in the upper part of the chart and Venus and Taurus with Vulcan built a lighted foundation for the future—once Pluto, Scorpio and the first ray had cleared the way.

x.        Perhaps we should consider the Earth Point, the heliocentric placement of Earth at the point opposite the Sun. This is hypothesized as the ‘Monadic Point’ and is the place where the influence of the monad may be found to enter the chart if the individual concerned is sufficiently advanced. Jefferson articulated a vision of spiritual equality (“all men are created equal”) which Libra (perhaps in conjunction with the second ray on the highest level of his energy system) bestows.

y.        The great watchwords articulated by the revolutionary spirits of France were “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”. Liberty is an expression of Aquarius, Equality of Libra and Fraternity of Gemini (the sign of the “Two Brothers”, and thus of brotherhood). We can see that Jefferson’s soul point, the Ascendant, expressed Liberty ; the far more remote monadic point expressed Equality.

z.        The high monadic call of human equality inspired him, but he was unable or unwilling to apply it in any thoroughgoing way to his practical life. His was the task of sounding the ideal, and articulating the vision. As his life went on, he must have realized how very difficult it is to apply these visions and ideals in a practical manner to one’s own personal life.

 

The Testimony of the Declinations

a. As we examine the parallels of declination, we find that Mars (orthodox ruler of the Aries Sun-sign) appears in strength. It is parallel the North Node, emphasizing the necessity for its conscious use. As well, we find Mars, the IC and the North Node contraparallel to the MC conjoined to the South Node. Jefferson was a “builder of the foundation” and a staunch rebel (Mars) against the “mother country” (represented by the IC). The IC also represents his own “mother country” in relation to which he was a passionate patriot insisting on the individual freedom (Mars in Leo) of its people.

b. We note that the Moon (in Sagittarius) is extreme in its declination (“beyond the turn” of some twenty-three and two-third degrees). Again this will emphasize the theme of personal (Moon) freedom (Sagittarius). The Moon is contraparallel to the Part of Fortune which is also “out of bounds” and “beyond the turn” defined by the boundaries of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Freedom (the Sagittarian Moon) and a happy flow of personal energy (Part of Fortune) are closely related.

c. There are few parallels involving asteroids and explaining Jefferson’s probable need for intimate conversation (Mercury/Juno) and the rather unconventional care (Uranus/Ceres) he offered his children after their mother’s death. He invited them to France , then, sent them to a convent! As well, the children he had with Sally Hemings were in an unconventional situation with respect to him, and he with respect to them. This situation must have contributed to yet another conflict in his often paradoxical life.

 

The Testimony of the Fixed Stars

a. With his Sagittarius Moon closely parallel to the nebula Facies, he took aim at his ideological enemies and destroyed their position with his brilliant revolutionary spirit. We remember also that Pluto is placed in the Sagittarian house—the ninth.

b. Mercury is within a degree of conjunction of the star Scheat which is often associated with misfortune but also with mental brilliance, and with rapid and daring thought. It produces the free-thinker.

c. Lighted Venus is very closely parallel both Aldebaran (the “Eye of the Bull”) and Denebola (a star which inclines those it influences to go against convention and be out of step with customary views). Jefferson was a major light-bringer in the field of political thought, clarifying men’s minds regarding their freedoms and their rights. He certainly went against the views of those who sought to remain loyal to the mother country and its control over the colonies. Later as founder and architect of the University of Virginia, the great illumination provided by the close parallel between Venus and Aldebaran worked in way directly related to the light of mind.

d. His Mars is contraparallel to Mirzam, the “Announcer”, the star of one who makes a statement, carries a message or brings new thought to the world. We can understand the connection between courageous Mars and outspoken Mirzam as related to the Declaration of Independence, and Jefferson’s boldly-articulated views about individual freedom. Combined with the truth-telling Sagittarian Moon, we see an individual who definitely made his thought known in no uncertain terms.

e. Jupiter (the esoteric ruler of his Ascendant) is within a degree of conjunction of Thuban, the star which guards a treasure. We see Jefferson as a guardian and nurturer of the “spirit of ‘76”, conducting his life under the guidance of a “sacred trust”, protecting what he considered to be the sacred value of the will of the individual and the will of the people. While Jefferson was, himself, something of an aristocrat, his highest ideals envisioned the elevation of “the people” (through personal freedom and expanded educational opportunity). His ideals (always ahead of his performance, were far more democratic than his customary way of living.

f.                     While we must be carefully about interpreting the outer planets in too personal a manner (for many people had these same aspects at the same time) the close parallel of Neptune to Hamal (a rather violent star) suggests the blows of fate to which the more vulnerable side of his nature was subjected. Also, the ideal ( Neptune) of independence (Hamal) would be promoted by this position, but the dichotomy between dependence and independence would also be a feature of this position (for although the star promoted independence, the sign Cancer and the planet Neptune so not. Indeed, this dichotomy may have been a feature (somewhat hidden) of Jefferson’s life. Apparently an independent individual in every way, his emotional life may have illustrated dependencies which have not been much explored.

g. The very close conjunction between transformative Pluto and Zuben El Schemali (sometimes considered as star of “negative social reform”) is highly interesting, given the profound impact of the Declaration of Independence and the manner in which it was perceived in England . This close conjunction reinforces Jefferson’s role as an agent of transformation and of severance from the old.

h. Interestingly, Chiron is both conjunct Sirius (within less than a degree) and exactly contraparallel to it. This close connection singles out Jefferson as a guide (Chiron) towards all that Sirius represents; we remember that the Law of Freedom emanates from Sirius. The Aquarian endorsement of Liberty, is itself, reinforced by the Sirius/Chiron connection. As well, the price to be paid for Liberty is made manifest to the consciousness.

i.                      The MC is opposed to Algol which means that Algol is conjunct the IC. In a way, this can indicate one who “risks his head”, or his “neck” (Algol) for his country (fourth house). The consequence for all signers of the Declaration of Independence (had they been caught) would have been death by hanging (a form of death over which Algol rules). We can also interpret its position on the IC as the life and death matters with which Jefferson was perforce involved. His document was a highly significant factor in precipitating the Revolutionary War.

j.                      Finally, Deneb Adige (a most powerful star known as the “Emperor”) opposes his Vertex very closely (in the slightly later chart for 1:53:48) and is thus very closely, within five minutes of arc, conjunct the Anti-Vertex. Great iimages of freedom arise when one contemplates the constellation of the “Swan” (“Hamsa”, the “Bird outside of time and space”).

The constellation signifies the Sun-God taking the guise of a Bird. It inclines one to be powerful, clear and determined, combining a strong will and a strong temper. The constellation as a whole has a first ray quality, although the star itself is said to have a nature more akin to Venus and Mercury in combination, conferring an ingenious nature and a clever intellect which is quick at learning. Both interpretations are true in the case of Jefferson.

The Anti-Vertex is an important point, hypothesized to be as significant for freedom and unconditioned action as the Vertex is for fate and constraint. To have one of the most powerful of our local stars (almost 40,000 times brighter than our Sun) conjunct a point in the chart which signifies unconstrained freedom must be significant in the chart of America ’s foremost “apostle of freedom”.

 

Techniques of Superimposition

New Ways to Understand the Deeper Indications of the Astrological Chart

a. The Tibetan suggests that charts may be superimposed upon each other to reveal unsuspected relationships. In the chart below, Jefferson’s Sun-sign Aries, is moved forward about 278° so that it comes into exact conjunction with the Ascendant in Aquarius. The Sun, therefore, in this superimposed chart (the outer chart) has the same degree and minutes of arc as the Ascendant. All planets are moved by exactly the same number of degrees which the Sun is moved.

b. Since the Ascendant directs towards the soul, and the Sun stands, in the main, for the personality, bringing the Sun to the Ascendant is like aligning the personality with the soul.

c. It is not always easy to interpret such charts and much work remains to be done in this new field of astrological research, but a few important indications may appear.

 

 

d. In this chart, the advanced MC is brought to the first degree of Virgo and therefore conjuncts both the natal Vertex and the Jupiter position of the natal chart. We must remember that Jupiter (the hierarchical ruler of Virgo) is the esoteric ruler of the Aquarius Ascendant.

The suggestion may be that the disciple (Jefferson) must bring his dharmic calling (MC) in line with the Virgo energy which he is fated (through the natal Vertex) to encounter. The Jupiter in Virgo position, already conjunct the natal Vertex takes on even more importance. These alignments indicate Jefferson as a kind of ‘seed’ (Aries) for some future fulfillment for humanity involving a broadened consciousness (Jupiter) which may come to birth (Virgo) in the fulness of time (Virgo). Somehow his labors were important for setting up conditions in the United States (and eventually in the world) whereby the Christ energy could come more fully to birth in human consciousness.

e. The Ascendant and Uranus in the original natal chart have been advanced to the ninth house where they are found in the sign Scorpio; from this we may see how important it was for Jefferson to present an alternative world view based upon freedom. Upon returning from the Continental Congress, Jefferson launched into promoting reforms in his native state of Virginia. In addition to promoting certain reforms attempting to correct antiquated methods of inheriting property, he proposed a comprehensive plan of educational reform designed to assure access at the lowest level for all citizens, and state support at the higher levels for the most talented. He also advocated a law requiring complete separation of church and state. His “Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom” was finally enacted only in 1786 when James Madison (ever the loyal Jeffersonian disciple) was able to carry the project to completion (with a solar eclipse at Jefferson’s seventh house cusp, just as when he successfully stood for office in his youth some nineteen years earlier).

f.                     We can see, therefore, how significant is this new position for the Ascendant and Uranus, for it is seventh ray, transformative Uranus in the ninth that relates to the establishment of religious freedom and later, to the founding of the University of Virginia which (unlike any other universities of the period) had no religious affiliation and imposed no religious requirement on its students. We would not see this particular relationship of planets and houses without this new mode of superimposition.

g. When superimposing in this manner the presence of the soul-ray ruler is most important by house or arm of the chart. In this case we hypothesize it to be Uranus, in the ninth house (though in the tenth arm). The chart can be read significantly in either manner, for not only was Jefferson a reformer in the area of religious freedoms and education (ninth house), but his effect upon government (and later many national governments) was revolutionary.

h. At least one other position created by advancing the chart by this mode of superimposition is significant—the arrival of the visionary Neptune/Chiron conjunction to the later third house where is conjunct the Sun in Aries (natally on the cusp of the third). From the perspective of the “arms” of the chart, both Neptune and Chiron as well as the natal Sun are in the “third arm” (having to do with the mental vehicle and all manner of writing and communications). Neptune is the planet of idealism and Chiron the “Quest Guide”. We can see that the Neptune/Chiron potencies, to be properly used in a manner which promotes personality and soul alignment, would promote in Jefferson the sense of a great, idealistic ( Neptune) quest (Chiron) to inaugurate the new (Aries)—especially a new way of thinking (third house). It promotes that aspect of him which is the visionary pioneer and accentuates the sixth ray factors in his life.

i.                      Yet another type of even more advanced chart would bring the Ascendant to the “Earth Point” with extremely subtle implications for the alignment of soul with spirit

 

 

j.                      The implications of this chart or of any such chart are immense. The hierarchical ruler of the “Earth Point”/Ascendant becomes extremely important, and here we find it closely conjunct the Vertex with the IC midway between the two.

k. We can interpret this in terms of Jefferson’s founding and designing of the University of Virginia—anchoring a station of light.

l.                      More on this same line is seen with Venus rising in Aquarius, shedding the light of the soul throughout the group and emphasizing the light of the mind and the light of science.

m.                  Where it is relevant (and we cannot fully say it is so here) the major ray of the monad is of importance and may be traced in such a superimposed chart. In the case of Jefferson it is almost certainly TWO or THREE. Fortunately for this interpretation, they are both in Taurus very near the IC. A great anchoring is occurring. Is it ‘spirit directed’? We will have to reserve judgment. 

 

The Dimension of Discipleship: Soul Purpose and its Expression

a. Soul-purpose is a complex matter; it cannot be contained by one feature or two of any possible astrological chart. However we may look, as the Tibetan advises us, to the Ascendant (in this case Aquarius) and to the degree of that Ascendant.

b.                    Jefferson ’s vision is that of a New World Order. If we consult the Sabian Symbols for meaning of the degrees we find for the first degree “An Old Adobe Mission”. The Keynote according to Dane Rudhyar is “The power inherent in all great human works to endure far beyond the worker’s life spans”. The essentialization of the degree is “ THE CONCRETIZATION OF AN IDEAL ”. All this is most appropriate for one of the major revolutionary reformers of the 18^th century.

c. It was Thomas Jefferson’s purpose to help humanity envision a “New World Order” based on democracy, individual liberty and a type of governmental authority which existed only through the consent of the governed.

d. If we think of the purpose of Uranus, we can see how closely Jefferson is identified with transformative nature of this revolutionary planet. The ideas he ‘declared’ in ’76 inspired revolutions against unjust authorities for more than two hundred years. The impact of his vision of freedom has been immense, reaching far beyond American borders.

e. Under soul impression, he was to become a great democrat. However, the strong authoritarian elements of his personality warred with soul direction and he never fully succeeded in disciplining his personal life so it reflected the soul ideal.

f.                     Yet his efforts on behalf of humanity continued into his old age; he began his founding work with the University of Virginia when he was seventy-six!

g. Humanity as a whole experienced the benefit of his burning soul-impulse. Although the expression of his ideals remained incomplete in his personal life, his inspiration continues to live today.

 

The Place of Thomas Jefferson in Relation to the Divine Plan

a. The Divine Plan can be summarized as “the illumination of the mind, the revelation of love and the evocation of the will”. In two of these areas, especially, Jefferson excelled—the first and the third.

b. The author finds it impossible to think of Thomas Jefferson without thinking of Sir Francis Bacon and the Comte de St. Germain. Francis Bacon (now, in a later incarnation, the “Lord of Civilization”) took a great interest in the “New Atlantis”, his version of utopia to be established on the American continent. As previously stated, Bacon’s Ascendant (and Sun sign) were Aquarius; Jefferson’s Ascendant was Aquarius and his Sun-sign Aries, the sign which inaugurates the New Age.

c. Can it be that Thomas Jefferson (consciously or unconsciously) fit into the plans of the Count? Can it be that he was truly a worker for the Divine Plan as the Hierarchy sought to see that Plan enacted in the “ New World”? There are strong reasons to think that this is the case.

d. Under Jefferson’s responsiveness to greater minds than his own (influencing from the subtle planes) the great seventh ray ideal of a “New Order of the Ages” began to unfold. Jefferson’s heart was with this and in his finer moments he embraced the vision of what humanity might be. It was only his stubborn, self-willed and radically independent Aries personality which at times stood separatively in the way of the manifestation of his highest ideals. This perspective obviously argues for the seventh ray soul and a first ray personality (with strong elements of the ray six present).

e. It is as if Jefferson was commissioned to see to the ‘ideological overthrow” of the old order—the “dead hand” of the past, the pall of encrusted privileges which had to be torn aside in order to permit the natural energies of individual citizens to flow freely. This is an amazingly Aquarian ideal.

f.                     As an influential worker for the Divine Plan, he was obviously a disciple of some standing. Perhaps Benjamin Franklin became a true initiate. Was this the case for Thomas Jefferson?

g. There is a sense that full illumination still remained a divine possibility but not an actuality. The idealism which animates those whose consciousness hovers about the second degree seemed to characterize him. No one can question the purity of his idealism, but some integrative tasks yet remained to be accomplished. The head was fully alive, and like a candidate capable of taking the second degree he had “spiritual intelligence” and an “illumined mind” (though he probably would not think in such religious/philosophical/esoteric terminology). More remained, it seems, to be done with the heart.

h.                    Jefferson ’s was one of the most resounding voices insisting on the separation of church and state. (This separation, by the way, is one of the firm convictions of the Masonic Order, even though it cannot be established indisputably that Jefferson, like Franklin and Washington, was a Mason.) He has no use for theocracy or “monkish ignorance and superstition”. He was an utterly modern man, who anticipated the Aquarian Age of Brotherhood in his idealism if not fully in his personal life.

i.                      The difference between a third degree initiate and one who exemplifies second degree attainments is the degree to which high ideals may be made a practical way of life. There is usually much failure in this regard on the way to the third degree.

j.                      One thing seems clear: Thomas Jefferson, with his Aquarian Ascendant and his initiating Aries Sun, belonged more to the Age of Aquarius than to the Age of Pisces. Like Francis Bacon, he was an Aquarian spirit planted in the latter days of Pisceanism, intent on forcing the hasty retreat of the old Age (with all its ignorance and superstition) and the founding of a new and enlightened order which would benefit all men. Jefferson expressed ideals which still inspire those who envision a freer and more enlightened human civilization. If we think of him as a ‘beacon for the New Age’ (despite his personal insubordination to his own ideals) we shall grasp something of his historical importance not only for his country but for humanity.

k. It was the heart that needed more development. It is probable that this was (will be) the intent of the incarnation which followed (will follow) the one of which we now speak.

Quotations By or About Thomas Jefferson

Astrological, Rayological and Character Implications

a.         I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. (From a private letter in the thick of party conflict, 1800)

Here we see the fervent power of the sixth ray, Aries and Mars combined. Jefferson had four major planets in fire. We note that Jefferson is fighting for the light, for it is tyranny over the mind of man which he abhors, even more than over the body. Fifth ray Venus in Taurus, the sign of illumination, and in the third house of mind, is of great significance.

b.        For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and
armed militia is their best security.

Mars and Aries again speak.

c.         From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots. (Thomas Jefferson: message to Congress, Nov. 1808)

We note the metaphoric approach of the fourth ray, fueled by the idealism of the sixth and strengthened by the first. The opposites are seen—both tyrants and patriots must suffer. The fourth ray sees both sides.

d.        War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.

This is not a solider speaking but one who seeks the contradiction (via the fourth ray) and stupidity of war.

e.         Force is the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism.

There is much of a forceful nature in Jefferson’s chart, but he was loathe to use it coercively on the physical plane. His forcefulness was in the realm of ideas which were of tremendous potency (Mercury as the esoteric ruler of his Aries Sun).

f.          The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

This is one of Jefferson’s great quotes and an inspiration to all patriots. The persistent first and sixth rays are combined, and the alertness of Aries and Mars. Jefferson is demanding that we live at a keen point of tension, alert to encroachments on our freedoms. The idea again strikes that in immediately former incarnations, he suffered much through tyranny.

g.        If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

We find Jefferson again speaking for the mind. One of his major wars was the ‘war against ignorance’. George Washington fought a war of blood and iron on the physical plane; Jefferson chose a different battle. It is interesting that during his eight year administration there was no major war to be fought. The focus was instead on reconstruction, on nation-building and on commerce and finance.

Again we note the ability to see the contradiction and to point it out in such a way that it makes its point, dramatically.

h.        There is not a truth existing which I fear or would wish unknown to the whole world.

Here is the truly modern spirit, breaking open the secretive withholding of the knowledge by those who wish to preserve power for themselves. He speaks with the spirit of the Enlightenment. This brave facing of the truth is the gift of the first ray (which has the quality of “truth through fearlessness”). The fifth ray component of his nature, aided by fifth ray Venus in Taurus, and stimulated by Mars in Leo and Pluto in Scorpio emerges here.

i.      A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit.

One senses Jefferson’s high resolve and the essential identification of Aries with the spirit aspect; Aquarius, too, can be identified with the limitless spirit. There is an aspect of his character which seeks to rise above every pettiness.

j.      A superintending power to maintain the Universe in its course and order.

Here a belief in God is expressed in terms of a divine supervision which provides order. The sentence is filled with seventh ray code words.

k.     All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

Again in Jefferson we see the wedding of reason and will. When the words “sacred principle” are invoked, we see a blend of the sixth and first rays: “sacred” (the word of the sixth ray) and “principle” (the word of the first).

l.      All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.

We have seen Jefferson ’s outspokenness through the boldness of Aries, the declarative nature of Mars, the forthright Sagittarian Moon, the strong presence of Mirzam, the “Announcer”. There is much of the chastening first ray in this statement.

m.   Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.

It cannot be denied that Jefferson was a brilliant individual (and so was/is the Count, Master R. and His disciple, Benjamin Franklin). If one has to look for a touchstone to distinguish seventh ray disciples from those on the first ray, it will be the mental emphasis of the former and the emphasis upon physical energy and force of the latter. We see that the factor of “light” is of continual importance for Jefferson. We do not, for instance, find Washington speaking this way nor many of the great dictators, whose emphasis was not so much on enlightenment as on control.

n.    Delay is preferable to error.

This is an amazingly revelatory statement for an Aries individual. We see that agitative Mars and restraining Saturn both aspect the Aries Sun. Perhaps any mature person in government would say these words, but it seems especially related to the cautious seventh ray rather than the first ray which specializes in sudden actions which break through. There is a quincunx aspect between Saturn and Uranus which contributes to caution. Also Saturn is conjunct the Vertex. With all his emphasis on enlightenment and the light, does Jefferson have second ray at a deep level, as can be presumed in the case of Abraham Lincoln?

“The will which brings fulfilment demonstrates through the second ray by the means of that driving force which enables the second ray soul steadily to achieve its goal, relentlessly pushing forward, permitting itself no let-up or leeway until the desired goal is reached. This is a different expression to the will of the first ray which is dynamic and which crashes forward in spite of all obstacles; the latter does not require the slower methods of the steady drive.” (EA 624)

o.    Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.

Aries speaks! The caution of the earlier quotation is thrown to the wind. We also see the blend of the first and seventh rays, both of which pour through Aries constellationally.

p.    Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.

One suspects something of a profound second ray nature in Thomas Jefferson. His idealistic concern for the masses can be traced to the Aquarian spirit and its esoteric ruler in Virgo (which provides for those whose lot it is to serve).  Through his Venus in Taurus (and whatever other factors of a second ray nature may animate him—including the possibility of a growing second ray personality) Thomas Jefferson is identified with the Forces of Enlightenment (Taurus). From other perspectives we can see him identified with the Forces of Restoration (Aries) and the Forces of Reconstruction (Gemini, but allied also to Uranus).

q.    Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.

Aries, Mars and the first and sixth rays!

r.          Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.

This is the head speaking and not the heart. With so much Mars, Aries and the fourth ray represented, he has a fine sense of irony.

s.     Every generation needs a new revolution.

Aquarius-rising, Uranus on the Ascendant, Aries and Mars combine to create the enlightened revolutionary. Jefferson is speaking here of the need for constant renewal, which his two most prominent signs demand.

t.      For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead...

Here are seen idealism and courage in the service of the light.

u.    Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

This comes from the Sagittarian Moon, the fifth ray component of his mind, and his fearless first ray. We note the invocation of the word “wisdom”, again aligning him with the Forces of Enlightenment.

v.    I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.

This is one of the few statements which is recognizable as coming from the heart.

w.   I cannot live without books.

Usually, those who are fundamentally upon the first ray will not say this. It is a second ray statement, or comes from one who values the mind highly and seeks the light.

x.     I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.

This statement brings together the first two aspects of divinity—Love-Wisdom and Will-Power. There can be little question that, for Jefferson, the Wisdom Aspect takes precedence over the power aspect. Power is a means to an end and so are independence and freedom. The “pursuit of happiness” is paramount, and it correlates to joy and bliss (both, essentially upon the second ray).

y.    I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

Jefferson’s two major signs (Aquarius and Aries) are both futuristic. The idealism of Aquarius is here expressed, along with the visionary, dreaming Sagittarian Moon. The third ray, per se, as ‘Lord of History’ was not Jefferson ’s preoccupation. His only relation to tradition (Capricorn) was to shatter it (Uranus).

z.     In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

The seventh ray, first ray, sixth ray aspects of his nature know how to stand. The fourth ray, proposed as influencing his mind, is adaptable as is his Piscean Mercury. However, he did a lot of standing.

aa. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God.

This is Jefferson insisting upon religious freedom. His Pluto in the ninth house breaks up the old religious illusions, and his Venus in Taurus mind in the third house, far prefers light to superstitious belief. This is fundamentally a tolerant, free-thinking Aquarian attitude.

bb.     It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than to believe what is wrong.

The spirit of scientific agnosticism emerges in this statement. Jefferson wishes to destroy illusion, but is not eager to place yet another belief system in place of that which has been eradicated (Pluto in the ninth).

cc. It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.

Thomas Paine said, ‘The world is my church and to do good is my religion”. Among enlightened, free-thinking individuals, there was at this time much rejection of conventional religious approaches. Aquarius and Uranus, we realize, are hostile to the usual sanctimony. We find Jefferson calling for action and an end to hypocrisy. However, he, himself, had difficulty performing the task.

dd.     My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me.

One wonders if that dread came upon him in his later years, for his was a long life (ending in the unhappy condition of massive debt).

ee. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.

This is a classical statement for those strongly upon the seventh ray. As well, we find Jefferson with three sacred planets in earth signs—Venus, Jupiter and Uranus (all of them involved in the life-expression of some great (and undisclosed) second ray Entity.

Seventh ray types love their garden and agriculture in general. The patterns in heaven come forth through the fruitfulness of each.

ff.    One man with courage is a majority.

A bold Aries/Leo first ray statement. Jefferson was not an orator of the voice but an ‘orator of the pen’. Mars is in a strong, creative bi-quintile relationship with Mercury.

gg.     Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.

A man of the Enlightenment speaks again. God does not want to be worshipped. God values those who approach Him with reasonable thought.

hh.     Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.

Again, a statement identifying him with the Forces of Enlightenment! It is unusual to hear leaders speak so much of the mind and the light. For Jefferson , education comes first. Force is a poor second and simply a necessity to protect the kind of life in which education may be pursued.

ii.         May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. All eyes are opened or opening to the rights of men. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others; for ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

Just before his death, Thomas Jefferson mustered all his strength to pen these words. He had been invited to deliver them in person on the July 4, 1826. He realize that he was in no condition to travel to Washington, and instead, chose to die on the day they were read (as did John Adams)—one of history’s mightiest coincidences (no doubt engineered by the soul for its dramatic impact).

The language is stirring and colorful. Jeffersonian idealism shines through. God and man are united in one mighty task. The major metaphor (that one man is not to “ride” another) disposes of tyranny handily. He ends with words of hope, ever-renewing life and “undiminished devotion”. The sixth ray was strong.

jj.         We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

These words are Jefferson’s most famous and are distinctively “American” in the best sense. They are ‘words of spirit’—literally, for they speak of monadic perception as understood on that plane whereon, indeed, “all men are created equal”. We remember Jefferson’s ‘Monadic Point’ in the sign of equality, Libra, opposite his Aries Sun. One finds here, also, the contributions of the spiritual triad, which, through buddhi, intuitively reveals that which is “self evident”. The rights of man come from the atmic plane. The monad lives and is free—thus “life” and “liberty”. The pursuit of happiness is the pursuit of bliss—the normal state of the free spirit, the monad.