Tapestry of the Gods
Volume III
by Michael D. Robbins

Astro-Rayology
in progress

Interpretations of Famous People by Ray, Sign and Life Emphasis
With Explanations of All Astrological and Rayological Elements

Venus in Capricorn

Venus in Capricorn or Venus in Relation to Capricorn

(from Esoteric Astrology)

1. Venus in Capricorn—Related to the Third Initiation, the Transfiguration:

“The exoteric and the esoteric planetary rulers of Capricorn are the same, and Saturn rules the career of the man in this sign, no matter whether he is on the ordinary or the reversed wheel, or whether he is on the Mutable or the Fixed Cross. When he has taken the third initiation and can consciously mount the Cardinal Cross, he is then released from the ruling of Saturn and comes under the influence of Venus, who is governor or ruler of the Hierarchy which is that of the Crocodiles.” (EA 163)

2. The Line of Transmission from the Third and Fifth Rays, Through Capricorn, to Venus and Saturn:

“Capricorn is an earth sign and because the third and fifth rays work pre-eminently through this sign, embodying the third major aspect of divinity, active intelligence plus that of its subsidiary power, the fifth Ray of Mind. These pour through Capricorn to Saturn and to Venus and so reach our planet, the Earth.” (EA 164)

3. Venus Connecting Capricorn with other Constellations (all of which have Secrets):

“Through Saturn and Venus, therefore, Capricorn is connected with Libra and also with Gemini and Taurus, and these four constellations—Taurus, Gemini, Libra and Capricorn—constitute a potent quaternary of energies and between them produce those conditions and situations which will enable the initiate to demonstrate his readiness and capacity for initiation. They are called the ‘Guardians of the Four Secrets’.”

Capricorn—Guards the secret of the soul itself and this it reveals to the initiate at the time of the third initiation. This is sometimes called the ‘secret of the hidden glory’.” (EA 164-165)

4. Venus in Capricorn as the Mount of Transfiguration:

“The Mount of Transfiguration in the New Testament is Venus in Capricorn when love and mind and will meet in the person of the Christ, and ‘He was transfigured’ before all men. At the same time he received the vision of the Father and of what He had to do as He ‘went up to Jerusalem’, the place of death and likewise the city of peace.” (EA 167)

5. Capricorn and Venus in a Progression in the Life of Christ:

“Christ was born in Capricorn, fulfilled the law under Saturn, initiated the era of intelligent brotherhood under Venus and is the perfect example of the Capricornian initiate who becomes the world Server in Aquarius, and the world Saviour in Pisces, thus completing the round of the zodiac and able to say triumphantly in Pisces ‘It is finished’.” (EA 168)

6. Venus is the Ruler of the Second Decanate in Capricorn:

“Two sets of rulers for the three decanates are available. According to Alan Leo, we have Saturn, Venus and Mercury. According to Sepharial we have Jupiter, Mars and the Sun. Of these two, the first is the more correct and the more esoteric. The true rulers are Saturn, Venus and the Sun. … Venus reveals the nature of the second aspect, which is consciousness or intelligent love,…” (EA 172-173)

7. Venus in Capricorn—Intelligent Mind Acting Through Love:

“Venus rules in ... Capricorn, and is the source of intelligent mind, acting ... through ... love (in the later stages).” (EA 244)

8. Venus in Capricorn—Spiritual Love Expressing Itself Perfectly:

“In Capricorn [Venus] stands for spiritual love, expressing itself perfectly when the work in Taurus and Libra has been accomplished.” (EA 245)

9. Venus in Relation to Capricorn—the Mineral Kingdom:

“[Venus in relation to Capricorn signifies the] mineral kingdom—money—concrete expression of the Law of Supply.” (EA 245)

10. Venus in Relation to Capricorn—the Power of the Mind in Relation to Initiation:

“You will note that Venus is also the hierarchical ruler of Capricorn, thus showing the power of the mind and its place and purpose in connection with both the major human crises: Individualisation and Initiation.” (EA 355)

11. Venus Under the Influence of Capricorn Enables Man to Take Initiation:

“Ray 5.—Concrete Knowledge or Science, under the influence of Capricorn, focussed through Venus, which will enable the man to take initiation.” (EA 355)

12. Venus in Capricorn Related to One of the Minor Initiations of the Astral Plane—Venus in Taurus, Gemini and Libra, to Others:

“These four-fold influences and relationships produce the minor initiations of the astral plane which ever precede the major initiations in Capricorn, in their turn prepared for in Scorpio.” (EA 362)

13. Capricorn Ensures the Success of the Disciple and Transmits its Influence Via Venus:

“in Libra this [the conflict between desire and spiritual will] reaches a point of balance wherein the one who struggles sees the issues clearly and achieves a desirable point of equilibrium through the wise use of the Mercury-Venus mind, ensuring the success of its final efforts in Capricorn.” (EA 362)

14. Venus in Capricorn—Reveals to Man the Desire for the Whole:

“In Capricorn, Venus reveals to man that desire for the whole, for the universal, which is the hallmark of the initiate and the true expression of the spiritual life.” (EA 391-392)

15. Venus, as Hierarchical Ruler of Capricorn—Related to Second and Seventh Houses:

“Capricorn Ruler: Venus governing the second House which is concerned with economics, the distribution of money and metals and which rules Taurus, the ‘seed house’ of illumination and the new emerging light. Venus also rules Libra exoterically and the seventh House wherein enemies are recognized and unions and friendships achieved.” (EA 538)

16. Venus Among the Holy Triangle and Capricorn Among the Holiest Three:

“He who sees in the dark light of Shamballa penetrates to that which lies beyond our little sphere to that which can be sensed behind the holy triangle (Venus, Mercury, the Earth, A.A.B.). There is to be found the point of radiant fire which shines within the eye (Taurus), which burns upon the mountain-top (Capricorn) and which the water cannot quench (Aquarius). These are the holiest three.”

17. Venus—Ruler of the Fifth Manifested Hierarchy (the Capricorn Hierarchy)

“Hierarchy #10 (Numbering Down)
Ray: V
Name: Human Personality; the Crocodiles; Makara, the mystery (This may be the mystery of the White and Black Lodges)
Sign: Capricorn; Planet Venus; Color Indigo
Energy: Ichchhashakti; Will to manifest
Comments: Fire; Mental Plane
Hierarchy #3 (Numbering Up) (EA 34)

Specific Expressions of Venus in Capricorn

Venus in Capricorn for the Average or Undeveloped Man

1. Venus in Capricorn—Attraction to Status, Social Climbing:
Upon the Mutable Cross, Capricorn stands for ambition, which may manifest as attraction for the “high life”, status, renown, and recognition. Venus, upon the Mutable Cross, is affection, attraction and sexuality. Together, Venus in Capricorn may indicate the love (Venus) of status (Capricorn) and the use of love to achieve status. The intelligence is used for the elevation of the lower ego. It is “who one knows” that counts. This combination can create the “social (Venus) climber (Capricorn)”.

2. Venus in Capricorn—Materialistic Attitudes in Love:
Early Capricorn is densely materialistic. Venus, the planet of values, placed in this sign confers, as one would expect, materialistic values. This combination, ill-used, will put the second, or love aspect of divinity under the domination of the third, or material aspect. On the lower turn of the spiral, Capricorn is not ‘atmosphere’ conducive to the expression of the Venusian energy. Love will be used to advance materialistic attitudes and ambitions.

3. Venus in Capricorn—Conventional Love and Mating Rituals:
Early Capricorn is conventional, traditional and unimaginative. Venus in Capricorn, therefore, gives an conventionalized expression of love and affection. In matters of courtship and the “mating rituals” of society, acceptable and respectable behavior is expected; propriety is observed, and only those approaches are used which are morally condoned. What other people (“they”) say and think becomes very important. Such people seek, above all, approval through the preservation of a respectable appearance. In fact, this position is one of those much given to “keeping up appearances”.

4. Venus in Capricorn—Inhibited Affections:
Upon the Mutable Cross, Venus rules the life of the affections. Saturn-ruled Capricorn, acting according to rules, regulations and acceptable standards, inclines towards inhibition and non-spontaneity. Love and affection are either deliberately suppressed or semi-consciously inhibited. Capricorn seeks the preservation of dignity and respectable appearance at all times; the expression of love and affection (rather ungovernable energies) can compromise the appearance of dignity and respectability. For this reason, they are suppressed.

5. Venus in Capricorn—Unsentimental Love:
The person strongly influenced by Venus in Cancer is easily moved by sentiment—not so, those with Venus in Capricorn. Not only are exclusively hard-line rays transmitted through Capricorn, constellationally, but both rulers (Saturn and Venus) primarily transmit hard-line rays. The Capricornian ‘atmosphere’ is heavily influenced by will and mind; sentimental love (love based upon personal feeling rather than thought) has little chance to survive.

6. Venus in Capricorn—Coldness in Love:
A corollary and extension of non-sentimentality is coldness, even frigidity. In and of itself, this is not a demonstratively affectionate placement though, from another perspective, and later in the evolutionary process, the deepest kind of love is possible with this combination.

7. Venus in Capricorn: Hardness in Love:
Hardness comes with coldness. Venus is a planet of magnetic receptivity, but the rigidity of Capricorn does not easily allow love ‘in’ just as it does not allow love to flow ‘out’. The will and mind will suppress the flow; the “wall is up”.

8. Venus in Capricorn—Responsibility and Duty Inhibit Love and Affection:
With Capricorn, duty and responsibility come first—love, definitely second. Venus is the planet of appeal, but that which appeals is secondary to that which “must be done”. Excessive work and attention to responsibilities can rob life of the time to express love. This conflict can be seen on the Cardinal Cross (exoterically considered) and in relation to the houses associated with this Cross. Capricorn conflicts with Libra, just as the tenth house represents those activities which, carried to success, definitely interfere with love and relationship. The opposite, of course, is also true. The issue of balance is particularly acute when considering signs in square or opposition to each other.

9. Venus in Capricorn—Paternalism in Love:
Capricorn is, perhaps, the most paternal sign. A woman with Venus in Capricorn is often attracted to ‘older’ men who serve as “father figures”. Psychologically, the father and the partner merge. The dimension of equality is not characteristic of such relationships. Those with Venus in Capricorn tend to treat others paternalistically—disciplining them, providing for them, watching over them, governing them. Conversely, they may hope to be treated in a similar manner. The duties and responsibilities of love are foremost in the mind, rather than the spontaneous flow of the energy of love.

10. Venus in Capricorn—Financial Power:
Capricorn is a “power” sign, and Venus is associated with that which is valuable—including money. People with this position may wield considerable financial (Venus) authority (Capricorn). Money comes to them, and they are in a good position to use it. This combination can be an indicator of the “rich and famous”.

11. Venus in Capricorn—Jewelry:
Capricorn rules the formation of crystals. All exact and geometrical relationship in matter comes under its rulership. Characteristically, jewels (especially precious stones) are cut in geometrical shapes. In this respect, jewels are ruled by Capricorn. Interestingly, the Jewish People have Capricorn as their personality ruler, and historically they have been much associated with the handling and sale of jewelry—especially diamonds (a stone much associated with Capricorn, because of its extreme hardness). Venus, of course, rules all objects of beauty. One can see, therefore, how closely related to beautiful jewelry would be the combination of Venus in Capricorn.

12. Venus in Capricorn—Very Elegant People:
Venus and Capricorn are both interested in appearances; they seek to be looked upon favorably. Venus represents the beautiful, and Capricorn, perfected form (reflective of the perfected form of the crystal). People who dress beautifully—for respect, admiration and power—come often under this influence.

13. Venus in Capricorn—“Conditional” Love:
If Venus in Pisces is one of the main indicators of unconditional love, then Venus in Capricorn places many conditions upon the sharing of love. Capricorn has certain high standards which it demands must be respected. Capricornian, love thus, is strongly subject to approval and disapproval. If loved ones conform, they are loved; if they fail to observe the necessary standards, love is withheld. The operative statement is: “I will love you, if….”. Formal and circumstantial conditions relating to the time-space world are obviously valued more than the energy of love. Again, love is made the servant matter and form.

14. Venus in Capricorn—Arranged Marriages:
Capricorn rules the personality of India where the practice of arranging marriages has been very common. Whether or not one is “in love” (Venus) is not the issue; more important considerations relate to family status, duties, responsibilities, properties, businesses, and to traditions which must be respected. The usual human affections (Venus) are subject to those constricting influences.

15. Venus in Capricorn—Loneliness in Love:
Capricorn is the sign of isolation (especially in the early stages of evolution), and Venus is the planet of relationship (which is the means for ending isolation). Thus, these two energies can easily work at cross purposes. Upon the Mutable Cross, however, the material side of Capricorn is stronger than the energies of love transmitted by Venus. Venus cannot penetrate the Capricornian wall to make the bridge, and the person so influenced cannot make successful, magnetic contact with others. The initial result is loneliness and the frustration of love and affection. Through psychological compensation, this frustration may work out in the love of power and status. The energy must go somewhere; if it cannot more horizontally, it will move vertically—either up or down.

16. Venus in Capricorn—Few but Solid Relationships:
Venus is the planet of relationship; Capricorn is a sign of restriction and discipline—and endurance. When responsibility has grown sufficiently, there will be few relationships, but, once formed, they will be solid.

17. Venus in Capricorn—“Marriage of Reason”; Marriage of Necessity:
In Capricorn will and reason rule the heart. The French (with their Capital city, Paris, ruled by Capricorn) have invented the term, “marriage de raison”, suggesting marriage for purposes other than love. Venus-in-Capricorn people do not have great difficulty in putting practical considerations ahead of the pleasures of affection; Capricorn is an ascetic sign. It is not such an emotional position, it is out of necessity or practicality

18. Venus in Capricorn—Crude, Satyr-Like Expression of Love:
Nymphs and Satyrs (symbols of insatiable sexual appetite) are found in relation to the sign Capricorn. The early expression of Venus is affectional-sexual, unlike its later, more spiritual expression. Venus in Capricorn, therefore, need not represent inhibited sexuality, but quite the reverse—a completely physical and insatiable sexuality. Perhaps this would be most demonstrated in the second decanate of Capricorn, ruled as it is by Venus.

19. Venus in Capricorn—the Prostitution of ‘Love’ and Sex:
The best and the worst men are born in Capricorn, the Tibetan informs us. (cf. EA 169) Selfish, hard, materialistic, exploitative and cruel people are found in this sign; they think nothing of debasing the second aspect in favor of the money and power (representing the third and first aspects). Capricorn is ever a utilitarian sign, and in the case of the prostitution of the energy of sex for material gain, the second aspect energies are definitely used for base purposes. This degrading use of the energies of love and sex is only possible because of the inherently detached attitude of Capricorn, which, in early days, renders them insensitive to the more tender energies. Later, this same capacity for detachment will serve the emergence of the soul rather than its debasement.

20. Venus in Capricorn—Miscellaneous”
a. Staying with a marriage.
b. Class consciousness in relationship; putting place and position before love
c. Crudity and hardness in love relationships
d. Using ‘love’ to serve ambition
e. Not so likely to show affections in public
f. Inhibition. Cold response: with difficult Saturn aspects, frigidity.
g. Suppression of feelings.
h. The search for social status in love; when status is gone, the ‘love’ is gone

Venus in Capricorn for the Advanced Man

1. Venus in Capricorn—Organized Mind:
Venus is the “intelligent mind”; Capricorn transmits (either directly or indirectly) all the hard-line rays—two rays of mind and two of will. The seventh ray of organization, is transmitted most powerfully by Capricorn. For the advanced man with this combination, the intellect is powerful, and especially in relation to matters of form. This is a mind which understands structure. Instinct has been transcended and we have the fully illuminated intellect Good form (there is something sculptural about this position).

2. Venus in Capricorn—Serious Mind:
Capricorn is as sign given to pondering and brooding. Things are not taken lightly (though, interestingly, there is often much “sad-sack” humor associated with this sign). The intelligence of Venus is concentrated in Capricorn. This is steady mind, given much to planning and forethought. Introversion and the capacity to keep one’s own counsel are also emphasized. The full lighted potential of the Venus-in-Capricorn mind does not occur until the third initiation, but even in the stage of the advanced man, much light is thrown upon all structural, time-space considerations.

3. Venus in Capricorn—the Love of Work and Duty; Work and Duty before Love:
These characteristics persist throughout the entire development of the Capricorn individual. While, most frequently, work and the pleasures of love are experienced as opposites, individuals with this combination eventually find a way of putting them together. Finally, they love their work, and compensate for the lack of more normal and relaxed affectional exchange by investing themselves entirely in work.

4. Venus in Capricorn—Love and Responsibility Equated:
Responsibility is not an early development upon the Mutable Cross. On the later Mutable Cross, Capricorn becomes one of the most responsible signs. In choices between love and responsibility, where the natives of other signs would choose love, Capricorn chooses responsibility. With Venus, the question is always how love is felt and expressed. demonstrated. Venus in Capricorn is a responsible position, emphasizing the mind in matters of love. With this combination there appears the following attitude: “I show my love to you by being responsible towards you.”

5. Venus in Capricorn—Strictness in Relationship:
Capricorn is a sign of law, rules and regulations; it is strict. Venus, the planet of relationship, must conform to these laws. Its magnetism is not allowed the latitude permitted by so many other signs. Capricorn has its expectations; the expression of Venus is trained according to high standards of morality.

6. Venus in Capricorn—Right Human Relations into Business:
Under Venus, the structures, bureaucracies, organizations represented by Capricorn become refined, illumined and more responsive to the energy of love. We see, for instance, in today’s world, the development of “business with a heart”.

7. Venus in Capricorn—Sculpture and Architecture:
Capricorn confers upon those it influences a strong sense of form and structure. Venus, the planet of art, when it expresses through Capricorn, expresses powerfully through sculpture and architecture—two disciplines in which the ability to think and work in relation to three-dimensional form is definitely required. Further, architecture is related to geometry, as are many forms of sculpture; the relationship of Capricorn to geometry—especially applied geometry—is well recognized.

8. Venus in Capricorn—Realism in Art:
Realism in art reflects what the sense of sight reveals rather than what the imagination conceives. In general, the earth signs are more faithful reflectors of the senses. Venus in Capricorn can contribute to what we might call ‘photographic realism’, and indeed, there are degrees in Capricorn which research has shown to be related to photography. Probably one day, every degree of the three hundred sixty will reveal its secrets. Aspects from Neptune or Uranus may alter this realistic approach, but in general, Venus in Capricorn will express through representational forms.

9. Venus in Capricorn—Classical Art:
When people have this combination in their horoscopes, they may tend towards the appreciation (and creation) of classical music more than jazz or rock. If their taste does lean towards jazz or rock, they will prefer what has been called “classical jazz” or “classical rock”. Classical music is characterized by much greater attention to structure. Both Capricorn and its exoteric and esoteric ruler Saturn promote an appreciation of well-formed, well-integrated structures. Venus, the planet of the arts, when found in Capricorn, identifies beauty with (among other things) a refined and intelligently integrated form.. Venus in Capricorn may indicate those who have studied the traditional arts, have a well-developed sense of the history of the various arts, and who accept (as beautiful) certain traditional forms which, historically, have characterized expression in those arts. ‘Wild’ experimentalism in artistic expression would be more characteristic of Venus in Sagittarius or Aquarius, and of Uranian aspects to that Venus, than it would be of Venus in Capricorn.

10. Venus in Capricorn—Respect as a Sign of Love:
There are those individuals who, given the choice, would rather be respected than loved. Probably they have much first ray in their nature. For individuals with Venus in Capricorn, love and respect are inseparable. They do not wish to be treated lightly or too familiarly. Their real love and affection (not easily gained) are only given to those whom they really respect. Further, if someone hopes to gain their love, he must show them respect first.

11. Venus in Capricorn—Loyalty in Love:
Capricorn observes the law and when the individual is an advanced human being, there will be an attitude of loyalty and morality in committed relationships. Love and law unite.

12. Venus in Capricorn—Detachment in Love; Impersonal Love:
Capricorn is a sign of impersonality and detachment; Venus, during the early phases of the evolutionary cycle, rules attachment. With Venus in Capricorn, there is the capacity to stand back and create a psychological distance from one’s magnetisms and attachments. Capricorn confers upon Venus a certain coldness; the mental aspect of Venus is emphasized. Purpose figures strongly into every Venusian relationship, and regulates the expression of attraction and love. For Venus in Capricorn there are always other considerations of greater importance than the love itself. This is due to Capricorn’s deep awareness of will and law.

It could be said that Venus in Scorpio is ‘hotter’ and learns detachment through pain. Venus is Capricorn is at once ‘colder’ and more luminous and does not need to work so hard to achieve detachment and impersonality.

13. Venus in Capricorn—Love of Beautiful Forms and Structures:
Capricorn (bringing into manifestation more of the seventh ray than any other sign during this world period) is one of the most organized of signs and Venus brings the sense of aesthetic appreciation. Venus is also the “eye”. Together they produce individuals with an excellent “eye” for beauty of form and structure.

14. Venus in Capricorn—Miscellaneous:

a. The ajna center as the center for personality control
b. Sense of duty in love relationships.
c. Appropriate behavior
d. An ‘elevated’ sense of values
e. Governmental support of culture and the arts; minister of culture

Venus in Capricorn for the Disciple-Initiate

1. Venus in Capricorn—Light Supernal, Light Transcendent:
Venus in Capricorn represents the supernal light of the soul undimmed by the veils of form, and expressing through matter rendered relatively translucent by long preparation. This is an intense light illuminating the mind with initiate vision, and representing the full luminescence of the soul blazing in transfigured glory.

2. Venus in Capricorn—Transfiguration; Light, Love and Life Beyond the Form:
Through the process of transfiguration, we move beyond the form—as customarily conceived. Form and figure are one; if we move beyond figure (trans-figure), we also move beyond form, and find ourselves polarized within (or at least highly responsive to) the buddhic world, which is a trans-figured dimension.

Venus in Capricorn is usually a very formal influence; for the advanced man, it works so much with form and its aesthetics are highly structured and geometrical. At more subjective levels, Venus in Caprico-nt of tension (in which knowledge, wisdom and beauty are united) and, secondly, the capacity to reveal the quality of that point of tension through highly refined and beautified forms within the three worlds.

3. Venus in Capricorn—Seeing Through the Form:
Venus in Capricorn confers a vision from the mountaintop of initiation. This vision includes the power to see into the form in such a way that the “light supernal” within the form is revealed. The transfigured initiate looks out upon a world transfigured—i.e., all figure/forms contain the “trans-factor”; all figures are illumined and pervaded by supernal light. The figure does not disappear, but its archetype is revealed, and also its relationship to the world of light. All things come from the Light and return to Light; all things are the Light. The Christ referred to Himself as the “Light of the World”; and so it is with all great Teachers. Transfigured sight reveals all things within and emergent from the World of Light.

4. Venus in Capricorn—Consummation:
Capricorn is a sign of consummation—a word which contains the idea of the “summit”. Venus is penultimately consummated in Capricorn, and ultimately consummated in Pisces. In Capricorn Venus signifies the overcoming of the substance of the Earth. There is a consummated blending of the second and third divine aspects. Aspiration has become achievement; the “lower brother” has been drawn up and has become one with the “higher brother” in the Light. Magnetic Venus has drawn the “brothers” together; this drawing-up and blending is an expression of the highest magnetism of Venus. The light of one (Pollux) has waxed nearly to its fullest measure; the light of the other (sixfold Castor) has waned almost entirely. (Waxing and waning continues during the interval between the third and fourth initiations.)

The absorption is a lower reflection of the absorption which may one day occur between Venus and the Earth (though final absorption may take these two in the direction of different synthesizing planets—Neptune in one case, Saturn in the other {cf. TCF 405-406}). The relationship between the two brothers is no longer characterized merely by cooperation and interplay, necessitated by duality. Duality is, for all practical purposes, overcome; instead, there supervene unity and fusion resulting from attainment.

5. Venus in Capricorn—the Third Aspect Consummated and United to the Second:
Venus in Capricorn represents the first real consummation of the third aspect and its initial union with the second. (Mastership—the fifth initiation—represents a still more complete consummation in which the second aspect dominates entirely). Until the time of the transfiguration, the disciple has been struggling with third aspect issues, seeking to emerge from under the load of karma which he has heaped upon himself through the actions of many lives. From another perspective, he struggles to climb the mountain of karma and symbolically stand at its peak, with exhausted karma symbolically “under foot”. The Mount of Karma, surmounted, becomes the Mountain of Transfiguration. Upon this peak, we witness the first triumph of truly impersonal love, emanating from the planet Venus. Prior to that, all that we have called ‘love’ is more animal than human. Until the third degree, in fact, we are not really human at all, but still under the sway of Mars and the Moon (which is why these two planets must be defeated and transformed at that degree) (cf. EA 70-71)

It is the role of Venus to turn the animal (impulsed by Sagittarius) into the angel (impulsed by Gemini). Sat the third degree, the true human being is born. The human being is not meant to remain under the sway of the third aspect. The fourth ray soul of humanity must come under the influence of the second ray. Humanity is meant to be a buddhic being; indeed, the fourth Creative Hierarchy is found expressing itself principally upon the buddhic plane. The third initiation, under Venus/Capricorn, is the beginning of this buddhic transformation.

6. Venus in Capricorn—the Personality is Entirely Drawn Up into the Soul:
The transfiguration represents the elevation the Earth until it comes irrevocably under the sway of Venus. Venus is irresistibly magnetic to all that the Earth represents. The “man of earth and clay” becomes the ‘man of love and light’. Capricorn rules the “Law of Elevation” and Venus governs the sublimation of the human personality. Under Venus in Capricorn these words of the Christ demonstrate their truth: “I if I be lifted up will draw all men unto me.” The transfigured initiate radiates love-wisdom from the summit of the material world (Capricorn), and draws others towards the beauty of the soul.

7. Venus in Capricorn—‘Makaric’ Love:
This combination is directly related to the Makara, the redeeming Solar Angels who work under the inspiration of Venus, the Heart of the Sun and Sirius. Venus is the hierarchical ruler of the Fifth Creative Hierarchy, which is conditioned by the sign Capricorn. There is something Makaric here Venus, Capricorn, the Fifth Creative Hierarchy. The purpose of the Makara is the elevation of humanity through love and light. The first irrevocable point of achievement in this elevation is the transfiguration. At that point, man knows what it is to be a Solar Angel, though he has not yet achieved this high status.

8. Venus in Capricorn—Isolated Unity:
Venus is a planet of ‘unitive mind’; it integrates the mind and unites it into a luminous sphere. Capricorn is a sign of isolation—and represents the isolation of the Mountain of Initiation (which, in another respect, is no isolation at all). Together Venus in Capricorn contribute to the understanding of and participation in “Isolated Unity”. There is complete detachment from the world of form, yet a realization that all forms are one within a revealed wholeness—a wholeness mysteriously isolated from all other perceptions.

9. Venus in Capricorn—Energy Streams Revealed to the Astounded Disciple:
The following sentences discuss the vision seen from atop the Mount of Transfiguration: “It has been occultly said that a vision of these powers and their many weaving lines (seen as rivers and streams of light) is given to the initiate from the mountain top of Capricorn, once that summit has been reached. It is at the Transfiguration initiation that this vision appears before the eyes of the astounded disciple.” (EA 167) This revelation is part of the beauty of the unitive vision, the beauty of synthesis which the unitive mind of Venus discloses from its elevated, mountaintop position.

10. Venus in Capricorn—the Beacon of Light:
Venus in Capricorn represents a beacon of light shining from atop the Mountain of Transfiguration. This beacon can be turned upon any situation within the lower three worlds, bringing light and revelation to that situation. The beacon also serves as a point of luminous inspiration to all those who aspire to ascend the mountain.

11. Venus in Capricorn—Completed Soul Vision:
In Sagittarius, the disciple (through flashes of intuition) begins to see with the eyes of the soul; in Capricorn, under the influence of Venus, he sees with the “single eye” of the soul. Capricorn is akin to Taurus in this respect, but even more powerful.

12. Venus in Capricorn—the Return of Venus to its own Realm:
Venus entered its first detriment in Aries when it, symbolically descended into incarnation. Various points of powerful expression were reached in its progress through the signs; in Taurus, Gemini and Libra it expressed powerfully; in Virgo and Scorpio, again, it was initially weakened. In Capricorn Venus has (for the first time since its descent in Aries) re-entered its own realm and, there, triumphed. Scorpio saw a triumph of a kind (despite the detriment) for Venus (when symbolizing the Solar Angel) empowers the disciple to triumph over negativity—the lunar lords can no longer gain the upper hand. But its triumph in Capricorn is of another order, for this triumph occurs in its own domain—the higher mental plane (resonant with the number five), and realm of expression for the members of the Fifth Kingdom of Nature and the Fifth Creative Hierarchy.

13. Venus in Capricorn—in Contrast with Venus in Cancer:
Within Cancer, the light of Venus is covered or veiled by the processes of the three worlds (especially physical and emotional processes). The process by which soul light refines the “dark light” of matter slowly proceeds. In Capricorn, soul light is liberated, and shines from the mountaintop for all to see.

14. Venus in Capricorn—In Contrast with Venus in Leo:
Venus in Leo is also capable of brilliant display and can certainly signify the “light of the soul” (which is the quality of light especially associated with Leo). (EA 293,331) The quality of light transmitted by Venus in Capricorn, however, has less to do with the personality and even with the individuality (the pattern of the ‘trans-personality’ or Egoic Self) than has the light from Venus in Leo. The light of Venus in Capricorn is somehow purer, more austere, and represents the elevated impersonality of the soul—the soul in its transcendent rather than immanent mode.

15. Venus in Capricorn—Loving Responsibility:
The attitude of the disciple is one of loving responsibility. Through the combination of Venus with Capricorn, the third and second aspects have been united and function harmoniously. There is a recognition of all responsibilities that true love brings; those responsibilities, lovingly fulfilled, bring about a still greater fusion between soul and personality.

16. Venus in Capricorn—Love Under Law; the Law of Love:
Under the combination of Venus and Capricorn love is subjected to divine law. This may be uncomfortable for the personality at first, for the love nature may feel thwarted and suppressed. Eventually, however, the fulfillment of divine law brings out the highest demonstration of love—chastened and purified from the taint of lower magnetisms. Love and law are reconciled by the fact that God’s Will expresses through God’s Law, the first and most important of which (on this planet and in this solar system) is the Law of Love.

17. Venus in Capricorn—the “Shiva Eye”, “All-Seeing”:
Upon the Mountain of Initiation in Capricorn the “Shiva Eye” (which panoramically beholds the world of the soul, and also the phantasmagoria of the three worlds.) is opened and empowered. Venus in Capricorn has to do with the opening and unitive consciousness of this eye—the “Third Eye”, the “Wisdom Eye”, the ‘Unifying Eye’; Vulcan relates to its empowerment, which is symbolized by the long horn of the Holy Unicorn. Vulcan and Venus are united in “marriage” at this initiation, through the interplay and fusion of the crown and ajna centers. Venus in Capricorn, therefore, represents the union of the third and second aspects, which occurs at the Transfiguration; Vulcan in relation to the third decanate of Capricorn represents the power of the first aspect which also emerges at this initiation. All three aspects are united in the nature and potency of the “Third Eye”.

18. Venus in Capricorn—the Divine Beauty of Geometry:
Venus in Capricorn reveals the beauty of divine geometry. Venus is the eye, seeing all things in relationship, sensitive to symmetry and proportion. Capricorn represents the laws of spatial relationship reflected in perfected crystalline structure based upon God’s geometry. Interestingly Johannes Kepler, who did so much work with the “Platonic Solids” (the five figures which embody the essence of divine geometry) , had Sun conjunct Venus in Capricorn. Venus in Capricorn represents the full luminosity of the higher mind (the higher three subplanes of the mental plane). The higher mind is the home of geometry. As well, the “Universal Mind” possesses a “geometrical faculty” (EP I 227) “God geometrizes”, structuring all worlds according to geometrical principles; Venus in Capricorn gives insight into these principles. Such a study is the antechamber to the buddhic plane whence arises a deep intuitive understanding that God’s design is beautifully rational.

19. Venus in Capricorn—the Limitations of the Second Decanate:
Venus rules in the second decanate of Capricorn, indicating that there is more to the process of Transfiguration than the influence of Venus can bestow. The Sun, Mercury and Vulcan (co-rulers of the third decanate) are needed. Thus, the Mount of Illumination relates to the second decanate, but the climax of the process awaits the energies of the third decanate. This means that there is a further step beyond illumined consciousness—a step into power. While illumination confers power of a kind (the power to see and know), the function of Venus is more to refine the form so it can withstand the power of the first aspect (represented by the Sun and Vulcan).Under the first aspect, man becomes an expression of will and law; his life is structured as a living demonstration of God’s Purpose and Fixed Design.

20. Venus in Capricorn—Conferring a Vision of the Will:
Venus in Capricorn is not the symbol of the Will of God, except to the extent that God’s Will is Love. Under the illumination conferred by Venus, the initiate receives his first real, undeflectable impress from the Divine Will (from the “Father”). From that time forward the divine will is a steady Presence in his life (though the intensity of that Presence will, of course, vary) Venus in Capricorn is thus, instrumental in conferring a vision of the Will, consciousness of the Will, and the possibility of receiving the Will. With respect to the divine will, however, the function of Venus is preparatory.

21. Venus in Capricorn—the Solar Angel Serves the Will of God:
Through the combination of Venus with Capricorn we understand how the Solar Angel functions as the servant of the Will of God. That Angel prepares the way for the coming of the divine will, and serves for aeons as the vessel of that will. Will is mediated through the Solar Angel and its instrument of expression the causal body, just as Vulcan (symbol of the Monad) is mediated through Venus (symbol of the soul).

22. Venus in Capricorn—a Position of Relative Synthesis:
Through Venus in Capricorn, love and mind are effectively synthesized (though the degree of synthesis will continue to increase until the fifth initiation). It is at the fifth initiation, that mind, love and will are effectively synthesized. The divine will is irrefutably introduced at the third degree, but becomes a functioning and dependable part of the initiate’s equipment only at the fifth (though powerfully appropriated at the fourth).

23. Venus in Capricorn—Integration into the Structured Beauty of Ashramic Life:
Venus in Capricorn represents definite integration within the Ashram. Capricorn rules the Law of Group Progress (the Law of Elevation). Venus, through Libra, must be connected with the Law of Magnetic Impulse (the Law of Polar Union). These two soul laws characterize important aspects of the life of the Ashram—a progressive, elevated group, functioning unitedly in love as liberated souls. When this combination is in power, the disruptive tendencies of Mars have been overcome; Mars is then elevated to its higher functions (for it is exalted in Capricorn). The light, love and harmony of Venus now hold sway. The initiate is integrated into the beautifully structured geometry of ashramic life, and is solidly (yet appropriately) part of the ashramic power structure.

24. If Venus is taken as the soul
—it is the soul law which is being applied in this placements. Soul status is operative. Relationship within the soul life, on its own plane. The Law of the Soul is being expressed as it should be. The Laws of the Soul are natural to the ‘soul altitude’.

25. Venus in Capricorn—Miscellaneous:

a. The first apotheosis of soul-expression
b. The ajna center in the service of the light
c. The increasing union of the head (Capricorn) and ajna (Venus) centers.
d. Transfigured vision; soul vision
e. The ability to deny oneself, to make sacrifices for the sake of the love and for soul expression
f. The loving authority of the soul
g. High, impersonal love, devoid of sentiment

Individuals with Venus in Capricorn

Ludwig Von Beethoven
Hector Berlioz
William Blake
Robert Bly
Eva Braun
Walt Disney
Gaetano Donizetti
Christian Doppler
Fyodor Dosteovski
Benjamin Franklin
Indira Gandhi
Michael Gorbachev
Werner Heisenberg
William James
Joan of Arc
Johannes Kepler
John Milton
Nero
Louis Pasteur
George Patton
Elvis Presley
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Franz Schubert
Baruch Spinoza
Swami Vivekananda