Cancer Compilation
From Esoteric Astrology, by Alice A. BaileySee Michael Robbins' Tapestry of the Gods, Volume III
Cancer, the 7th Ray and the Creative Hierachies
It might here be appropriate if I interpolated a chart or a tabulation which may be found suggestive of some of these interlocking energies which play through, traverse, return, stimulate and energise every part of our solar system. They only evoke conscious response where the vehicle of expression and of response is adequate to the impact, and this statement is true of the solar Logos, the planetary Logoi, and of all forms in all the kingdoms upon our planet. Unconscious reaction will of course exist, but it will be on a general or mass scale, and much of it pours through to us from these distant constellations, via the fifth Creative Hierarchy.
This Hierarchy, being on the verge of liberation, is to be found on the intellectual level of consciousness and can, therefore, be used as a focal point and a transmitter of the higher energies to our solar system and to the planet. If you make a careful study of the chart of the twelve Creative Hierarchies, page 34, you will note that this Hierarchy is influencing, and is influenced by, the seventh Ray of Magical Order and of Ceremonial Organisation.
The basic function of this ray is to relate spirit and matter and produce the manifested form. The sign of the zodiac with which it is closely connected is that of Cancer, the Crab, which is a mass sign and one of the "gates" into manifested life. (EA p32-33)
Cancer and Sirius
| Cancer
1. Sirius................... | ......... Saturn..................................... Fifth Creative Hierarchy
| Capricorn (the 8th Unknown)
The Cardinal Cross
(EA p50)
Cancer – a dual sign
It is interesting to note also that seven of the symbols which express the twelve signs of the zodiac are dual in their nature, and duality can be inferred from them.
1. The two horns of the Ram in Aries.
2. The two horns of the Bull in Taurus.
3. The figures of the Twins in Gemini (two lines).
4. The two claws of the Crab in Cancer.
5. The two scales of the Balance in Libra.
6. The two Parallel Lines of force in Aquarius.
7. The two Fishes in Pisces.
These seven constellations are, therefore, closely related to six of the seven sacred planets and to one non-sacred planet. There are two signs which are simple figures and have no significance of duality. (EA p56)
The Mass consciousness of Cancer
From the standpoint of commencement in Aries until the man—through many turnings of the wheel of life—reaches the point of reversal and reorientation. The man progresses from the point where, in Cancer, he forms a part of the mass with the mass consciousness, inchoate and unfocussed, and with no recognition of objective (except the satisfaction of instinctual desire) until in Scorpio he becomes the triumphant disciple, having found himself in Leo.
Then comes the Crisis of Reorientation which may take a long time and constitute an interlude of many lives of struggle.
... Cancer Leo Aquarius.
Mass awareness Individual awareness Group awareness.
Instinctual consciousness Intelligent consciousness Intuitive consciousness.
(EA p60-61)
The Crab clears the ocean
Then, from the standpoint of achievement in Capricorn, he works for several lives around the zodiacal path, descending into the sea of the mass consciousness to become what is called in the ancient books "the Crab, who clears the ocean of matter which flows around the soul of man," and eventually to become a functioning world saviour in Pisces. He descends into the world of men to save mankind and to further the plan. He is then "the fish who swims free in the ocean of matter." (EA p62)
Cancer and Scorpio
5. Cancer and Scorpio, through Neptune and Mars, are related to Ray 6. Transformation of the mass consciousness into the inclusive consciousness of the disciple. The Triumphant Disciple (EA p67)
Cancer – the doorway into life
I would ask you to remember that though I shall trace the progress of the man from sign to sign around the zodiacal way, yet there is not necessarily this ordered sequence of travel or the smooth passage from sign to sign as I may portray it. All souls come into incarnation in the sign Cancer.
By this I mean that the very first human incarnation was always taken in this sign which has been recognised down the ages as "the doorway into life of those who must know death," just as the constellation Capricorn is ever regarded as another door and is called esoterically the "doorway into life of those who know not death."
As the ages slip away, the man passes into and out of all the signs, the particular sign being determined by the nature of the personality ray which itself changes, as you know, from life to life. In those signs he learns the needed lessons, broadens his horizon, integrates his personality, begins to sense the conditioning soul, and thus discovers his essential duality. (EA p83)
First human incarnation taken in Cancer
Aries initiates the cycle of manifestation. All souls, as individual entities, come into human incarnation for the first time in the sign of Cancer, emerging as mental entities in the sign Aries, as emotional-desire entities in the sign Taurus and as vital entities in the sign Gemini, taking then physical form in Cancer. This is an involutionary, subjective cycle. Thus they emerge into the ocean of physical plane existence, into the world of matter. Yet the first impulse is awakened in Aries, for Aries is the place where the initial idea to institute activity takes form. (EA p92)
Cancer and the first incarnation in form
What appears in Aries as spiritual energy enters into the soul stage in Cancer, in which sign the soul incarnates for the first time in form, reaches a point of equilibrium in Libra, in which sign soul and personality achieve a balance of cooperation and, in Capricorn, the will nature arrives at fulfilment and a visioned goal is reached. (EA p93)
Cancer, the "birthplace into the life of form"
2. Cancer, the "birthplace into the life of form," the door into physical incarnation. This is the sign in which humanity, as a whole integrated unit, is born, the scene of the emergence of the fourth kingdom in nature. Humanity has "emerged from rock and water and brings its habitation with it" (as the Old Commentary expresses it) and mass instinctual consciousness comes into being. Note that phrase.
3. Leo, the "birthplace of the individual," the coming into form of individual self-conscious man who emerges out of the mass and herd in Cancer, substituting, for instinctual consciousness, self-awareness and a sense of responsibility of an individual kind. (EA p102)
Cancer and re-creation
Re-creation in which the influence of Cancer, combined with that of Aries, produces the pull into incarnation upon the physical plane. (EA p107)
Cancer and the Anima Mundi
The anima mundi on the involutionary arc proceeds this way and not as the personality proceeds. The anima mundi passes to Pisces at the close of every great cycle and not to Taurus. It emerges into outer manifestation in Cancer, the sign of mass or group life, of mass or group activity; its diffused consciousness has not yet been individualised as has the consciousness of man.
When the world soul after having progressed around the Great Wheel, reached Cancer and the time came for the fourth Creative Hierarchy to manifest through the fourth kingdom in nature, a reversal took place and then proceeded as now. It should be remembered with emphatic care that it is only man, individualised man whose progress we are studying, plus his reactions to zodiacal and planetary influences; we are dealing with his reactions, mental and emotional, to the great illusion and to spiritual reality as these two work in his life, objective and subjective. (EA p112-13)
Individual Man emerging in Cancer
When the individual man enters upon his cycle of incarnations, and emerges in the sign Cancer, which is found in the Cardinal Cross, he metaphorically mounts the Mutable Cross and his long term of imprisonment in form begins and the lessons of servitude must be learned. He goes on learning until he has transformed servitude into service. (EA p117)
Cancer and mediums
Whether those mediums who are becoming more positive and more self-controlled and who are beginning to get a glimpse of the higher correspondences in their work—mediatorship and interpretive activity—have not got Virgo appearing somewhere with real potency and activity. This might indicate the awakening of the mind, in the first instance, and eventually that there was a shift in the influence controlling them, from the orthodox planetary rulership to that of the more esoteric planets.
It might be added that spiritualism and the work of the spiritualistic movement are under the influence of Pisces with Cancer rising, or in some stages with the reverse—Cancer with Pisces rising. (EA p124-25)
Entering form in Cancer
Gemini and Sagittarius are connected through their ruling planets (because the Earth is more closely related to Venus than to any other planet) and thus again you have the six potencies which produce release from the bondage of form, entered into in Cancer as far as the mass of humanity is concerned (by this I mean the birth of the human kingdom) and in Pisces as far as the individual is considered. (EA p131)
Mass consciousness in Cancer
In connection with the question of consciousness, students would find it illuminating to study the subject along the following lines:
1. Subjective latent consciousness In Aries
2. The consciousness of duality In Gemini
3. Mass consciousness In Cancer
4. Individual self-consciousness In Leo
5. Equilibrised consciousness In Libra
6. Group consciousness In Aquarius
(EA p145)
Cancer and the involutionary stage
Humanity, as a whole, is in a state of turmoil, prior to a great step forward in self-conscious unfoldment, and in the expression of the sense of responsibility which is the first flower and fruit of self-conscious awareness.
This fact is responsible for sweeping into the conflict in a peculiar and pronounced manner, the forces of Cancer (involutionary in nature), of Leo (concerned with individualisation), and of Gemini (expressive of man's essential duality). You find, therefore, today, the activity of the mass consciousness of Cancer which is indicative of the activity of the Cardinal Cross in the involutionary stage; the self-consciousness of man as indicated by Leo, the most human sign of all, and indicative of the Fixed Cross; and Gemini, which gives the sense of the dual nature of man —human and divine—which is the goal of the consciousness of experience upon the Mutable Cross.
You consequently have a sign in each of the three Crosses particularly active today in influencing the masses of men everywhere. A little study of world conditions, as far as man is concerned, will prove this. (EA p161-62)
Gates of Cancer and Capricorn
Cancer |
| The Cardinal Cross. "Both Gates stand wide."
Capricorn |
(EA p163)
Cancer and the Path of Evolution
Path Rays Planets Constellations
Evolution 6 and 4 Mars. Mercury Aries. Gemini. Cancer.
Virgo. Scorpio
(EA p166)
The Gates of Cancer and Capricorn
The polar opposite to Capricorn is Cancer and, as you have been taught, these two signs are the two great Gates of the zodiac—one opening the door into incarnation, into mass life, and into human experience, whilst the other opens the door into the life of the spirit, into the life of the Kingdom of God, the life and purposes of the Hierarchy of our planet.
Cancer admits the soul into the world centre which we call Humanity. Capricorn admits the soul into conscious participation in the life of that world centre which we call the Hierarchy. Libra admits the soul into the world centre which we call Shamballa, for it is the polar opposite of Aries which is the place of beginnings.
…
As man passes around and around the zodiac in the ordinary manner, he continually and consciously enters into life in Cancer, the constellation under which the Law of Rebirth is applied and administered. But it is only on the reversed zodiac that the man learns to pass with equally conscious purpose through the gate of Capricorn. Five times he has to pass through that Gate in full waking consciousness and these five happenings are frequently called the five major initiations.
Viewing the fourth Creative Hierarchy as a whole, the appearance and experiences of the life of the planetary Logos through the medium of the five races—two past, one present, the Aryan, and two to come—are planetary correspondences to the five initiations. This is peculiarly interesting to study because at the time that any particular race comes into being both the doors in Cancer and Capricorn stand wide open, being then occultly aligned. (EA p168-69)
Dignities of Cancer
But as evolution proceeds, the power of the Moon, which is the symbol and ruler of form, grows less and less, and the man upon the reversed wheel is steadily freeing himself from the control of matter. The attractive lure of that which is material wanes increasingly. Jupiter, which has been the ruler of Pisces and also of Aquarius, falls in this sign.
This fall must be studied from two angles, for Jupiter in its lowest aspect gives the fulfilment of desire and satisfied demand, whilst in its highest Jupiter is the outgoing expression of love, which attracts magnetically to itself that which is desired—this time the good of the whole. In Capricorn, therefore, Jupiter reaches its lowest point of expression in the densest material aspect, and then—as love and selflessness triumph—this lowest aspect vanishes and disappears.
It is to the "fall" of the highest aspect that the symbolism refers, and then later to the fall or disappearance of all that is base and low. Love is fallen and blinded when desire is rampant; desire vanishes when love triumphs. Neptune is often spoken of as falling in this sign and for the same reasons. Neptune is the God of the waters, and is esoterically related to Pisces.
It should be noted that both Neptune and Jupiter are exalted in Cancer, the great sign wherein the desire for incarnation finds its fulfilment; the power of both is lessened in Virgo, wherein the first signs of the Christ consciousness are felt; both fall in Capricorn, when the Christ life and consciousness come to full fruition. There is much, as you can see, to be worked out along these three lines and the above suggestions will indicate how a comparative study and a philosophical research can be fruitfully made. (EA p170-71)
Cancer and the door of earthly gratification
The key words upon the ordinary wheel are "And the Word said: Let ambition rule and let the door stand wide." Here we have the key to the evolutionary urge, to the secret of rebirth, and of that word which reverberates from Cancer to Capricorn. The door of initiation stands ever open, but for aeons of time man prefers the open door in Cancer. Ambition urges him on from life to life until he has discovered the worthlessness of all earthly gratification.
Gradually then spiritual ambition and a desire for liberation take the place of worldly ambition, and become an impelling impulse, until finally the moment arrives when a true sense of reality supersedes both earthly and spiritual ambition. The man can then say with truth "Lost am I in light supernal yet on that light I turn my back."
For him there remains now no goal but service. He therefore passes back through the gate of Cancer, but with his consciousness held steadily in the sign Aquarius. From being the world initiate in Capricorn he becomes an incarnated world server in Aquarius, and later a world saviour in Pisces. (EA p173-74)
Instinct in Cancer
1. Instinct, governing desire—Cancer. Mass unevolved consciousness.
I desire.
(EA p178)
Cancer and imprisonment
In these signs—Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces—you have the six signs which constitute the six pointed star of the human or fourth Creative Hierarchy; Cancer and Pisces marking the two extremes. The Crab symbolises imprisonment (the hard shell and the rocks under which the Crab ever takes shelter), and the Fish signifies freedom.
Cancer and the instinctual life
We have seen that Cancer is the sign of instinctual life, and that in Leo the intellect or mind became part of the individual man's equipment. This intellectual awareness is the result of a slow evolution of the instinctual nature which, when it has reached a certain stage of development, came under the direct influence of the Hierarchy of the planet in a new way, and then—under the stimulation of energies from the planet Venus—a fusion took place which resulted in the emergence of individual self-conscious man.
Gradually, as the aeons have slipped away, the instinctual nature has receded steadily into the background or below the threshold of consciousness, whilst the intellect has become more and more dominant and an increasingly potent factor. (EA p179)
Entering into manifestation in Cancer
Scorpio is also most interestingly connected with the constellation, Cancer, through the influences of the sixth ray, for it should be remembered that that ray is also expressing itself through Neptune, but in a spiritual and esoteric manner. Neptune governs Cancer esoterically. The significance is therefore clear, for Cancer is the sign of birth; it is the door into incarnation and the sign of generation. (EA p217)
Cancer and the eighth Creative Hierarchy
A great mystery is veiled and hidden in the above relationship, for Cancer-Neptune is expressive of the seventh ray which rules and controls the eighth Creative Hierarchy. This is one of the five Hierarchies whose names are unknown to us and this particular one stands upon the verge of liberation. At the same time it is closely connected with the mind principle as it works out through the solar Angels or through the human hierarchy.
It is related to the birth of the fourth Creative Hierarchy in a sense not to be understood by anyone below the stage of the fourth initiation, but it is an interesting fact to remember for it is in the connection between the sixth and seventh rays that that potent "desire for incarnation" was aroused which resulted in the fall of the angels in primordial times.
This sixth ray influence coming from three angles—orthodox, esoteric and hierarchical—and hence involving both Neptune and Mars—predisposes the race and individual man as well to become one-pointed disciples in Sagittarius. This latter constellation is ruled by Mars, bringing the man into control or closer touch with the lunar lords, the sixth Creative Hierarchy. Students
should study their charts with care, remembering to differentiate between the five Hierarchies which are the non-manifesting Hierarchies, and the seven Hierarchies which are in expression now, and of which the sixth Creative Hierarchy is a part.
This Hierarchy, from the larger angle of the entire twelve hierarchies and not simply the seven manifesting hierarchies, is the eleventh or the second. The sixth Ray of Devotion is consequently most powerful in this age or cycle and hence the expression in every land today of its best and its worst features, of which the intense devotion to material things and the intense devotion to spiritual values are dramatic instances. (EA p218)
Cancer and the Moon
Scorpio and Aquarius are also in a peculiar relation to each other through the planet Mercury which governs the human family (being the hierarchical planet in Scorpio), and through Neptune which rules Cancer, thus governing expression upon the physical plane. In this connection the Moon is given as the orthodox ruler and the hierarchical rule of Aquarius.
I would here remind you that the Moon is usually regarded as "veiling" or "hiding" some planet and of these there are three which the Moon may be veiling. Here the intuition of the astrologer and of the esoteric student must be called out. These planets are Vulcan, Neptune or Uranus. These three create and influence certain aspects of the Mother principle, which nourish and feed the life of the inner divine reality until the time comes when the Christ child is brought to the birth. They determine or condition the physical, astral and mental natures, thus creating the personality. They form a triangle of immense creative potency, upon which theme I will later enlarge when dealing with the Science of Triangles. (EA p218-19)
Cancer and the focussed impulse
2. Cancer Cardinal Cross Focussed impulse Incarnation.
(EA p221)
Cancer and the history of the race
This involves its mental beginnings in Aries (the will to manifest) and the start of the outgoing life; you have its directed desire in Taurus, producing manifestation; then emerges its dual consciousness in Gemini or the soul-body realisation; the processes of physical incarnation go forward in Cancer, followed by the dual development of the soul-body, or the subjective and objective consciousness, and the God-man in Leo-Virgo. (EA p230)
Cancer and Manifestation
The significance of the energies working out into our solar system through the medium of the four arms of this Cross, or from the four constellations, Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, can be summed up in the four words: Creation, Manifestation, Legislation and Initiation. Having given you these words, their very scope and meaning make it hard for you to understand.
… Cosmically, they mean the activity of Deity when spirit and matter are brought into a definite relationship and, under divine purpose, produce that fusion of living energies which will be adequately potent in time and space to bring that purpose to its desired consummation.
This is Creation, or Aries in activity. They mean also the objective appearing of the thoughtform which God has thus created and in which is embodied His desire, His will, His purpose and His plan.
This is Manifestation, or Cancer in activity. They mean again the working out of the plan under spiritual and natural law which is evolutionary in expression; this is the goal of evolution and its expression and is steadily revealing the nature of God, for the laws under which this solar system of ours is governed are expressions of God's quality and character.
This is Legislation, or Libra in activity. They mean, finally, the processes of initiation wherein, step by step and stage by stage, under law and through the method of gained experience whilst in manifestation, the creative plan is realised in consciousness. The unfoldment of the plan is thus carried forward through a progressed series of beginnings, of manifestations, and of consummations—all relative in nature but leading to an absolute consummation.
This is Initiation, or activity in Capricorn.
All this is on a somewhat vast and incomprehensible scale as far as the human understanding is concerned. (EA p239-40)
Cancer and the Triumphant Disciple
The other signs in their consummation carry man beyond the stage of [Page 243] ordinary humanity and produce the following states of consciousness:
1. Aries and Virgo.—The Cosmic Christ. Universal and individual.
2. Taurus and Pisces.—The world Saviours; i.e., Buddha and Christ.
3. Leo and Aquarius.—The world Servers; i.e., Hercules.
4. Sagittarius and Capricorn.—The world Initiates; i.e., Masters.
5. Cancer and Scorpio.—The triumphant Disciples.
The emphasis, however, on Gemini and Libra as far as humanity is concerned is on human attainment and achieving the point of balance before the other attainments become possible. (EA p242-43)
Cancer and the previous solar system
Another sign of the zodiac which is also closely related to the previous solar system is Cancer; it might be said that Cancer is an expression (in the stage of great advancement) of the first half of the life cycle in solar system one, whilst Virgo is an equally advanced expression of the second half. In an effort to grasp the situation, it should he remembered that the consciousness aspect, as we understand the ability to be aware, was lacking entirely except in such an embryonic manner that the whole process resembled the stage of the embryo in the womb, prior to the quickening at the middle point of the gestation process. (EA p256)
Mass fusion in Cancer
2. Sensed and recognised duality through
a. Mass fusion in Cancer.
b. Individual consciousness in Leo.
The stage of Humanity.
(EA p257)
Cancer as the third month of the gestation process (Pluto Epoch)
Today it would seem (curiously and convincingly) that we are entering into the eighth month of the gestation period; this is almost literally the case where humanity is concerned for—counting from Virgo to Aquarius, the sign into which we are now entering—we find that there are just eight signs: Virgo, Leo, Cancer, Gemini, Taurus, Aries, Pisces and Aquarius, and this is surely the guarantee that the birth of the new age, of the new consciousness and the new civilisation and culture is inevitable and sure. (EA p260-61)
Cancer and the Mother aspect
- Cancer-Virgo-Pisces.—Constitute the triangle of the Mother or matter aspect, conditioned by intelligent activity. They indicate points of opportunity of an inner kind where consciousness is concerned, and therefore you have the recognition of mass, individual and group consciousness. (EA p266)
Cancer and the Christ
It has been said esoterically that four of the names by which the Christ Avatar is ever called are:
1. The Desire of All Nations . . . Taurus . . . Fixed Cross.
2. He Whom the masses sense or He Whom they anticipate . . . Cancer . . . Cardinal Cross.
3. He Who is, for Her, the purpose of existence . . . Virgo . . . Mutable Cross.
4. He Who shows the light and gives the water . . . Aquarius . . . Fixed Cross.
All these signs indicate forms of consciousness, which are conditioned and manifested by the energies of these signs, performing cyclically and ceaselessly their appointed task. They, therefore, are primarily concerned with the stage of discipleship and the manifestation of a solar disciple. (EA p273)
Cancer and the Mass life
Neptune is as you know, the God of the waters, and the term "water" covers many angles of the esoteric wisdom, such as:
1. The whole concept of matter—universal and itemised.
2. The "waters of substance."
3. The ocean of life.
4. The world of astral glamour and reaction.
5. The astral plane as a whole.
6. The desire and the emotional nature.
7. The world of focussed incarnation for the masses.
8. Mass existence, as in Cancer.
Of all these attributes or conditions of the feminine pole in existence (the material aspect), the constellation Cancer is outstandingly symbolic. It precedes Leo, the sign of individuality and of self-conscious effort, and is concerned with the slow rhythm of mass life—either instinctually active or the reactions of an imposed consciousness which is a result of chosen experience after initiation.
It connotes mass life, leading to group life after the experience of initiation, for which its polar opposite, Capricorn, stands and which finds full expression in Aquarius which completes the experience of Leo and fuses it with that of Cancer and Capricorn. These six signs:
Cancer Leo Virgo
Capricorn Aquarius Pisces
form another six-pointed star of profound significance which is the subjective counterpart of the six-pointed star (the interlaced triangles) which we call King Solomon's seal. This interlacing of the two above triangles constitutes what is called a triangle of humanity and—under the theories of the Science of Triangles—it concerns the relation of the individual to the mass of humanity and of the disciple to the group. These triangles warrant most careful study.
It is the planet Neptune which is predominantly active in bringing about such an activity in Cancer that adequate momentum can be set up which will produce progress (through the intervening signs) to Aquarius. (EA p275-76)
Cancer and movement
Some idea of the creative story above indicated can be gained if the tabulation of the nine constellations with their signs is studied.
1. Aries Beginning Cardinal Cross.
2. Gemini Relation Mutable Cross.
3. Taurus Desire Fixed Cross.
4. Cancer Movement Cardinal Cross.
5. Scorpio Test—Trial Fixed Cross.
6. Sagittarius Direction Mutable Cross.
7. Aquarius Service Fixed Cross.
8. Pisces Salvation Mutable Cross.
9. VIRGO THE MOTHER MUTABLE CROSS.
(EA p278)
Cancer and Purification
In Cancer, the purificatory waters of experience begin their beneficent work. This is begun upon the Cardinal Cross because that cross deals only with wholes and, therefore, with mass experience.
In Scorpio, the purificatory waters of testing and trials are applied. This takes place upon the Fixed Cross and their effect is drastic in the extreme.
In Pisces, the waters of purification are applied through daily life and the processes of incarnation; they apply to the "fish swimming in the waters of matter and finding there its sustenance." This is upon the Mutable Cross of ordinary material existence and experience.
Thus the influence of the three crosses is brought to bear upon the incarnated Son of God upon the wheel of ordinary life and in the usual order. Upon the wheel reversed, the fire takes the place of water and burns away all dross. (EA p287-88)
Mass consciousness in Cancer
Mass consciousness in Cancer gives place to individual consciousness in Leo. Out of the mass or the herd emerges the self-sufficient unit which becomes increasingly aware of its oneness, its aloneness and its isolated attitude as the "one in the centre" of its small cosmos.
This attitude continues to develop and to become emphatic and dynamic (I use these words with intent), leading to the pronounced ego-centric consciousness of the selfish, intelligent man and to the ambitious display of selfish power of the man who desires place and position. (EA p292)
Cancer and the developing consciousness in humanity
This sign is not an easy one for the average student to understand for it is the polar opposite — psychologically speaking — of the state of group consciousness towards which humanity is, at this time, tending. It is difficult for the casual student to distinguish accurately between mass consciousness and group consciousness.
Human beings stand today at a midway point, generally speaking, between these two states of mind, though perhaps it might be more correct to say that a fairly large minority are becoming group conscious, whilst the majority are emerging out of the mass conscious stage and becoming self-conscious individuals. This accounts for much of the present world difficulty and for the clash of idealisms.
The two groups bring a different approach to the world problems as we now find them. We have, therefore, three signs which (from the angle of consciousness) are closely connected yet are widely separate and different in effect.
1. Cancer—mass consciousness—instinctual awareness.
2. Leo—self consciousness—intelligent awareness.
3. Aquarius—group consciousness—intuitional awareness.
(EA p311-12)
Cancer one of two gates of the zodiac
This sign is, as you already know, one of the two gates of the zodiac because through it souls pass into outer manifestation and to the appropriation of form, and subsequent identification with it for many long cycles.
It is "the gate which stands wide open, broad and easy to pass through and yet it leads unto the place of death and to that long imprisonment which precedes the final revolt." It is allied with material nature, and with the mother of forms, just as the other gate, Capricorn, is allied with spirit, the father of all that IS.
In this sign lies hid the whole problem of the Law of Rebirth. Reincarnation is implicit in the manifested universe and is a basic and fundamental theme underlying systemic pulsation. There are certain things which I would like to make clear in connection with reincarnation. (EA p312)
Cancer an elusive and cardinal sign
This sign, Cancer, being concerned primarily with the world of causes, has about its inner meaning much indefiniteness and an apparently vague subtlety which proves most elusive to the ordinary thinker. This also is true of all the signs which go to the forming of the Cardinal Cross of the Heavens.
Keynotes of Cancer
When you, for instance, read that the keynotes of this sign can be expressed in the Biblical phrase "the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" does it, in reality, mean anything specific to you? You might reply by saying that it means, God moved in substance and produced by moving the outer tangible forms. But does that truly convey to you an intelligible truth? In Cancer, God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. In these words, you have established the relation which exists in the mind of God between spirit (the breath of life) the soul (consciousness) and man (the form). However, does that statement convey an intelligible concept to your mind? I think not, because the synthesis of the final relation is beyond the average grasp and its `linking' or essential unity (lying as it does outside of consciousness and known reality) takes place first of all in this sign—one of the most ancient of the signs and one of the first to be recognised and established as an influencing factor by ancient humanity. (EA p313)
Cancer and the esoteric quaternary
I state a basic truth—vaguely acknowledged by you—that in Aries the essential substance of manifestation awoke to renewed activity under the impact of divine desire, impelled by the divine Breath, by divine Life or Spirit.
In Cancer this living substance assumed a triple differentiated relationship to which we give the names of Life (Aries) of Consciousness (Taurus, the next sign to Aries) and manifested duality (Gemini, the sign preceding Cancer) and these three, blended together, came into outer manifestation in Cancer, thus completing an esoteric quaternary of great importance. Here the first major fusion, inchoate and unrealised, took place. (EA p313-14)
Cancer and the “Doors of the Zodiac”
There are two words also which convey the purpose and intent of expression upon the Cardinal Cross. They give the reason why the two "Doors of the Zodiac" open [Page 316] wide to the impulse and demand of the divine Spirit. One is the word "self-preservation" which leads to the impulse to incarnate in Cancer, which is the Door to the physical plane expression of spirit.
This impulse (when the form is the prime object of the attention of the soul and that with which it primarily identifies itself) brings about the stage of static concretion in the earth sign Capricorn. The other word is "immortality" which is the divine aspect of self-preservation; it is the major conditioning factor in the creative process and leads to the whole revelation of evolution, to the recurrent appearance of life in form, and to the revelation of life in form. In Capricorn, at the third initiation, this life aspect assumes primary importance. (EA p315-16)
Cancer so little understood
You will see, therefore, why the Cardinal Cross is so mysterious; also why both Cancer and Capricorn are so little understood by modern astrology and why, in the last analysis, only the initiated Sons of God can grasp the significance of the four signs which comprise the Cardinal Cross, or understand the relation which exists between the four major divine energies which—pouring through the four arms of this Cross—produce the vortex of force (a synthetic force) which constitutes that "pool of pure, fiery light" through which all those who take the higher initiations must eventually pass.
Those taking the first two initiations must tread the Path as it passes through the Burning Ground. Those taking the higher initiations have to plunge into the sea or pool of fire which is essentially the fire of God as it has been cleansed from every aspect of the material form through the complete purification of desire. (EA p316)
Cancer is one point of the watery triplicity
Cancer is one point of the watery triplicity, and the symbolism which underlies the three water signs is most interesting in one particular direction. You have, as you know, the Crab, the Scorpion and the Fish Goddesses of the sign Pisces. In ancient Lemuria, the symbol of Pisces was a woman with the tail of a fish, and of this symbol the legendary mermaid is the memory.
It was only in late Atlantean times (when the conscious sense of duality was becoming present in the minds of the advanced humanity of the period) that the woman part of the symbol was dropped altogether and the two linked fishes took the place of the fish Goddesses. You have, therefore, the Crab, the Scorpion with the sting in its tail and the Fish.
- The slow moving Crab, identified with its dwelling place and carrying its house upon its back, lives upon the land (physical plane life) and also in the sea (the life of the emotions);
- the Scorpion is rapid in movement, deadly in its effect upon men around it and is a creature of the land; it is also the symbol of the transformed Crab and the result of the evolutionary process, and indicates the dangerous nature of the man who is not transformed and is therefore harmful and hurtful to others;
- the Fishes indicate the man from whom the symbol of materiality has been taken by the removal of half of the original symbol, thus indicating freedom from matter.
The three water signs give us, therefore, a brief and symbolic history of man's growth and true personality development. It is a picture of the law of cause and effect. (EA p317-18)
The esoteric linking of Cancer-Virgo-Scorpio-Capricorn-Pisces on the Path of Discipleship
There is also a significant relationship between five signs which are deeply esoteric in their nature and their effects when swept into this particular interplay. They are only called into activity during the return half of the wheel of life or the "wheel of living action or of conscious undertaking" as it is called in the Old Commentary. This name is given to the wheel as it turns anti-clockwise from Aries to Pisces via Taurus.
This fivefold relationship is only established upon the Path of Discipleship and is brought about by the esoteric linking of Cancer-Virgo-Scorpio-Capricorn-Pisces. In the future horoscopes of disciples, this significant interplay of forces will be recognised as dominating the chart at a particular and peculiar stage of discipleship. In this case, disciples will be born in one or other of these signs or with one of other of these signs rising.
You have two signs of water and earth (Cancer and Virgo) in the stage of sub-conscious emphasis wherein everything is latent and hidden. Human consciousness is only embryonic in Cancer, for it is the mass mind which dominates and not the individual mind. In Virgo, the Christ life or consciousness is hidden and the Christ Child is as yet embryonic in the womb of matter and of time, and during this stage, the emphasis is upon the form which veils and hides the reality. The human soul and the divine soul (the essential duality) are there but their presence is not easily detected. In Scorpio comes a point of transition, of change and of re-orientation. That which has been hitherto hidden appears and is brought to the surface by means of the experience, the tests, the trials and the "sting of life."
In Capricorn—as a result of the effects of the influences of Cancer, Virgo and Scorpio—the disciple begins to demonstrate the capacity to express the life of two kingdoms, at least in some measure, and is a developed human being and also a citizen of the kingdom of God. Therefore, for an initiate and for a period of three incarnations, the four signs of revelation (Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio and Capricorn) intensify their effect upon him, until in the fourth incarnation he begins to respond to the inner influence of Pisces.
He thus demonstrates his ability to react to the Shamballa influence and, when this influence is established, he goes out to salvage and to save. He acts consciously as a world mediator. Therefore, it might be stated that:
1. In Cancer, the influence of the human Hierarchy begins to make its presence felt and to include the dualism of man. This emerges clearly in Virgo. Soul and body are closely related and knit together in one form. Man is a conscious personality, and this is a result of the Cancer experience, consummated in Virgo.
Such is the way of humanity. The human centre is active.
2. In Scorpio, the influence of the occult Hierarchy begins to set its seal on the human being, and his essential duality is put to the test. This is preparatory to a new and higher unity. He is at the miserable stage of being neither the soul nor the form—the stage of transition.
Such is the way of the disciple. The hierarchical centre is affecting him powerfully.
3. In Pisces, the influence of Shamballa claims the initiate as its field of activity and the dualism of soul and spirit emerges instead of that of soul and body which has hitherto been of major importance. The power of the form to hold the soul in captivity has been negated and tests and trials of the initiate up to the third initiation are directed to this end.
Such is the way of the initiate. (EA p318-20)
The rulers of Cancer
There is one point which I would like to make clear and that is that in the two rulers of this sign—the Moon and Neptune— you have the symbols of a close relationship between the Mother of all Forms and the God of the Waters, that is between the two planets.
In this esoteric marriage, you have pictured for humanity a major synthesis of form and of desire-sensitivity and, consequently, a true statement of the stage of consciousness which we call Atlantean. There is much of this today and of this stage, mass sensitivity and mass identification with form and with forms is the significant indication and the outstanding characteristic of Cancer and its subjects.
The Moon, however, relates Cancer to two other signs and these form a cosmic triangle. They are Cancer-Virgo-Aquarius. In this combination, you have the sign of mass-consciousness, the sign of the Christ-consciousness and the sign of universal consciousness very closely related to each other and all of them through the medium of the influence of Neptune, which the Moon veils.
Like Leo, which is ruled in all its three expressions (orthodox, esoteric and hierarchical) by the Sun, Cancer is the only other sign which is ruled by only one planet, though in orthodox astrology, the Moon is substituted for Neptune because it is the form nature which is dominant in the longest stage of human unfoldment, just as esoterically, it is the feeling-sensitive nature which dominates the average man; it is with this stable tendency that the disciple has to wrestle.
In the mass mind (of which Cancer is the truest expression), it is fortunate that Neptune is veiled by the Moon and that the form fails to register or step down many of the impacts to which the true man is sensitive. Average humanity is not yet fully equipped to bear the full range of these impacts, to handle them constructively or to transmute them and interpret them accurately.
Upon the Path of Discipleship and along the line of esoteric development, one of the major difficulties and great problems of the disciple is his extreme sensitivity to impacts from every side and his rapid ability to respond to contacts coming from "all points of the compass, from every angle of the zodiacal wheel and from that which is within as well as from that which is without, from that which lies above, below, and upon every hand," as the Old Commentary expresses it. It is also as difficult and hard for the average student of modern times to grasp the mass-consciousness of Cancer as it is for him to grasp the group-awareness or the universal consciousness of Aquarius and to this final development, humanity is hierarchically related by the Moon, veiling Neptune. The average human being is just beginning to grasp the stage of the individual Christ consciousness of Virgo to which he is related by the same planet.
The unveiled Neptune relates Cancer to no other constellation or sign, and this fact is of very great importance, because it indicates the fact that when a man is an initiate, he does not react to ordinary feeling, sentiment or to personality relations as they express themselves in pleasure or pain. All these are surmounted and eventually the watery life of emotional reaction is superseded by the life of true and of inclusive love.
Soul control esoterically "obliterates" the Moon and all traces of Neptunian life. The initiate is no longer ruled by the Mother of Forms or by the God of the Waters. When the "waters break and are carried away," the Mother gives birth to the Son and that individual spiritual entity then stands free. I would ask you to ponder upon this point.
These two—the Moon and Neptune—are, therefore, the direct influences which are brought to bear upon the Cancer subject and thus lead to the unfoldment of the form of life and of the emotional-astral body. The supreme usefulness of these aspects will be grasped if you will intelligently realise that without the form and without the ability to bear in mind the need to respond sensitively to the environing conditions and circumstance, the soul would never awaken to knowledge in the three worlds and, therefore, would never know God in manifestation. (EA p321-23)
Cancerian subject is affected by or influenced by five planets
Indirectly, and via the influences of the Cardinal Cross (of which Cancer is a part), the Cancerian subject is affected by or influenced by five other planets, which are Mars, Mercury, Uranus, Venus and Saturn. The Cancerian subject becomes responsive to the uses of conflict (Mars), to the functioning of the light of intuition (Mercury) and to the cosmic pull of Uranus, plus the intellect of Venus and the presentation of opportunity (Saturn).
These, however, play subjectively upon the dweller in the form and are not consciously registered as potencies by the individual for many aeons of time and not until the life of the form and the reaction to sensitive emotion-feeling has played an active and an educational part in the awakening of the mind.
Once that awakening of desire and its transmutation into the higher aspiration has taken place, then the Virgo influence comes in and the responsive soul—developed by the five indirect influences of the Cardinal Cross—begins its active conscious participation in the drama of life. Thus the direct and the indirect influences of the seven planets play their varied parts in man's unfoldment, and students would find it of interest and of value to relate the effects of these seven planetary forces to the unfolding seven principles of man. (EA p323-24)
Cancer and the Law of Rebirth
It is here that there will be found certain basic indications as to the nature and the processes of the Law of Rebirth. It would appear that as yet only two rules are posited in connection with the return of an ego to physical incarnation.
The first is that if perfection has not been achieved then the soul must return and continue the perfecting process upon the Earth.
The second is that the impulse predisposing the ego to such action is some form of unsatisfied desire.
Both these statements are true in part and generic in effect but they are only partial truths and incident to larger truths which have not yet been sensed or noted accurately by esotericists; they are secondary in nature and are expressed in terms of the three worlds of human evolution, of personality intent, and of time-space concepts. Basically, it is not desire which prompts return but will and knowledge of the plan. It is not the need for achieving an ultimate perfection which goads the ego on to experience in form, for the ego is already perfect.
The main incentive is sacrifice and service to those lesser lives that are dependent upon the higher inspiration (which the spiritual soul can give) and the determination that they too may attain planetary status equivalent to that of the sacrificing soul. It is in order eventually to negate the space-time concept and to prove it an illusion that the door in Cancer opens to the sacrificing, serving soul. Bear this always in mind as you study the subject of rebirth.
In themselves, rebirth and reincarnation are misleading [Page 325] terms and "cyclic impulsion," "intelligent purposeful repetition" and "conscious in-breathing and out-breathing" would describe more accurately this cosmic process.
It is, however, difficult for you to grasp this idea, for it necessitates the ability to identify oneself with the One Who thus breathes—the planetary Logos—and the entire theme must therefore remain relatively obscure until initiation has been taken. Esoterically speaking, the point of greatest interest lies in the fact that it is group rebirth which is taking place all the time and that the incarnation of the individual is only incidental to this greater happening. This has been largely ignored or forgotten because of the intense and selfish interest in personal experience and living, evidenced in the speculative details anent individual return given in the current so-called occult books, most of which are largely inaccurate and certainly unimportant.
An intelligent understanding of the Plan is needed before the real truth anent reincarnation can emerge with clarity in the public consciousness. Groups of souls come into incarnation cyclically and together in order to further the Plan and permit that interplay to proceed between spirit and matter which makes manifestation possible and which extends the working out of the divine ideas as they exist in the Mind of God.
When the Plan (as the Hierarchy understands it) is more familiar in its objectives and its mode of functioning upon the outer plane of life, we shall see a complete change in the presentation of the teaching concerning the Law of Rebirth. We shall see more clearly the existent synthesis of:
1. The divine plan as it manifests in time.
2. The basic relations as they manifest in space.
3. The developing effects as they demonstrate in groups.
4. The evolving understanding as intellect merges into the intuition.
5. The fivefold nature of the logoic expression as it unfolds itself through the five kingdoms.
and this, when correctly intuited, will produce a revelation, and a presentation of this abstruse theme beyond anything at this time sensed by man. It is one of the secrets of the first initiation and these secrets are today in process of externalisation.
It will be found that rebirth is, in truth, a magical and magnetic interplay between the form side of life and life itself. This interplay is consciously undertaken by the soul which is the product of the two related factors. The above statement is, in itself, complex and difficult and far from easy to grasp; it however expresses a significant fact which the Old Commentary phrases as follows:
"Those who are demanding to be saved have cried aloud. Their voices penetrate into the formless world and there evoke response.
"Those who in distant aeons have pledged themselves to save and serve respond. Their cry too rings forth and, ringing, penetrates into the dark and distant places within the worlds of form.
"And thus a vortex is established and kept alive by that constant dual sound. And then a touch is made and for a space and during time, the two are one—the Saving Souls and the Units to be served.
"Slowly the vision of the Saving One becomes a light which guides the Crying Ones into the place of light."
I would suggest to investigators that the entire theme of "cyclic impulse" be approached from the angle of the group, forgetting, as this is done, the glamour of the personality [Page 327] impress. The sweep of known history will aid in this, indicating—as it does—the possibility of clarification and the usefulness of classifying and isolating group activity and character down the ages.
When the major reincarnating groups are thus distinguished and their work for the fourth kingdom along many lines is more clearly seen then the whole subject will be better understood, evoking the play of the intuition. This demonstrates a second fact of importance, namely that, as yet, it will only be possible to trace the progress of advanced souls in incarnation and not trace, at this time, the cyclic appearing of the unevolved. They are the "material units" which have to be saved by the more advanced. The theme of service and sacrifice runs, unrecognised, through history.
The key to the understanding of these reincarnating, saving factors lies in a coming intuitive ability to recognise the reincarnating groups, as groups and not individuals, through their ray qualities, and it was for this purpose that I gave in Destiny of the Nations a statement as to the rays governing certain nations. Groups are governed by the astrological signs and by the rays just as individuals are, and these rays affect them, via the ruling planets.
I have here opened up to you a very wide field of research and I have indicated a most interesting new form of historical investigation and record. The history of the future will be the history of the evolving plans of God as they work out through the serving groups of egos who will come into physical incarnation under the influence of "divine duality" to carry forward the development of the lives which constitute the form through which divinity is seeking full expression. (EA p324-27)
Cancer and Law of Rebirth
There is so much to be reckoned with in the new esoteric astrology—prediction, interpretation from the standpoint of both the personality and the soul, character indications, as well as a close study of the Law of Rebirth as it can be arrived at through an understanding of the influences of Cancer.
One thing which will later emerge, but which is at present impossible of elucidation, is the fact that the twelve Creative Hierarchies are all connected with one or other of the twelve signs of the zodiac and these all definitely affect the human family and the unit in that family also. (EA p334-35)
Cancer, its rays and the fourth Creative Hierarchy
The relation of the fourth ray to the fourth kingdom in nature (which is the fourth Creative Hierarchy) is a predetermining influence in all world conflict up to date and is the cause which has produced the history of war and conflict down the ages.
The theme of that ray is "Harmony through Conflict" and it is the lower aspect of the ray energy, producing conflict which has hitherto controlled, and is climaxing now through the impetus of the new incoming Shamballa force.
As it exhausts itself (and this is rapidly coming about) there will be a shift of direction and force to that major ray, the second Ray of Love-Wisdom, of which the fourth ray is an aspect. This second ray energy is very potently focussed through the constellation Gemini via the planet, Jupiter. We shall then have the inauguration of a long cycle of beneficent development in which the conflict essential to the interplay between the dualities will be stabilised upon the mental plane and—under the influence of the salvaging, serving egos of the fifth kingdom—entirely change world civilisation.
It is valuable also to remember that in the studying of the ray forces and their effects in Cancer, we must do so from the angle of the mass mind and the mass reaction and not from that of the individual. (EA p327-28)
Cancer and synthesis
This is one of the signs of synthesis and of a relative fusion, but it is a fusion on the lower level of the spiral and connotes the fusion of the physical body and the soul but only in the embryonic stage and with the psychic stage still unindividualised. It is the stage of mass reaction to the incoming of the Sons of Light. (EA p328)
Cancer in relation to the theme of light
4. Cancer.—The Light within the form. This is the diffused light of substance itself, the "dark light" of matter, referred to in The Secret Doctrine. It is the light awaiting the stimulation coming from the soul light.
…
It is because—speaking in parables—the light of Cancer is only diffused, vague and inchoate that the influences of the first Ray of Focussed Intention and of purposeful Will and of the second Ray of Love-Wisdom (recognised duality and gained experience) are found to be missing. Their influences are not present, except in so far that love and purpose underlie all manifestation. But they are not focussed in this [Page 331] sign. (EA p329, 330-31)
Five influencing rays in Cancer
Only five rays play through this constellation which even at a relatively high point of development and upon the returning wheel preserves ever the mass relationship for the benefit of the incarnating individual and in order to guarantee the ultimate salvation of substance itself.
Human beings, without initiated vision, are apt to interpret all the signs and their effects in terms of individual man, whereas the purpose of their coordinated influence is both planetary, solar and cosmic. The initiate who has taken the three lower initiations is occupied henceforth with the effects of the cosmic influences upon the planet and incidentally upon the fourth kingdom in nature and with the higher mental study of their effects as they produce basic and fundamental changes in the systemic life which, in its turn, affects our planet, its kingdoms in nature and incidentally human beings. (EA p331)
The development stages in Cancer
I would here like to give you a tabulation which will indicate somewhat the nature of the response of the man during the three stages of his development—undeveloped, advanced and upon the Path—to the various influences to which he is subjected when he enters into physical plane existence through the open door of Cancer, and proceeds then through all the signs.
Sign Undeveloped Man Advanced Man Disciple Initiate
4. Cancer The blind unit is lost. The unit awakens to that The Whole is seen as
which is around. one.
The Mass. The House. Humanity.
Keynote: Cancer visions life in Leo.
5. Leo The Lower Self. The Higher Self. The One Self.
The hidden point. The revealing point. The relinquished point.
Keynote: Leo seeks release in Scorpio.
… You will note that these relationships between the signs are not those of the opposites but intermediate signs and, therefore, marking the intermediate period of relationship and not consummation as is the case when such opposites as Leo and Aquarius or Cancer and Capricorn are considered. (EA p331-34)
Cancer and the significance of the third initiation
Simple as it sounds when stated, the most fundamental point for astrologers to grasp today is the need for them to know—prior to interpretation—where, upon the path of evolution, the subject under consideration stands. One other hint I will give. It will be from a study of those people who are born in the Cardinal Signs that the clearest information will emerge in this connection. It might be useful to point out here that:
1. Through a study of the Cardinal Cross—Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn—the astrologer can arrive at a clearer understanding:
a. Of ordinary, individual, human beings.
b. Of group beginnings.
c. Of the significance of the first initiation. (EA p335)
The focussed energy of Cancer
It is the focussed energy of Cancer which makes it a major magnetic or attractive focal point leading to the processes of incarnation. Through the door of Cancer streams the "magnetic magical light which guides the soul into the dark place of experience." Similarly, it is the magical pull of Capricornian energy which upon the returning wheel (in contradistinction to the wheel of rebirth or the outgoing wheel) of expression and of discipleship draws the soul steadily away from form life and experience and constitutes that "radiant light which leads the soul in safety to the mountain top."
In the recognition of this comes elucidation of the fact that in time and space the controlling factor and determining condition is the sensitivity of the incarnated soul to form life, leading to incarnation through the door of Cancer, or to soul life, leading to initiation through the door of Capricorn. It is also in the relation of these two signs to each other that you get one of the clearest pictures of the interplay between the pairs of opposites as they exist in the zodiac, and it might profit us here for a minute to study the two types of consummation which this interplay between opposite signs brings about.
…
ON THE WHEEL TURNING CLOCKWISE
(Aries to Taurus, via Pisces)
For ordinary humanity.
4. Cancer-Capricorn.—The urge to incarnate leads to the densest incarnation and immersion in form. The pull of form life and the processes of concretisation control. The man arrives after many incarnations at a point of crystallisation.
ON THE WHEEL TURNING ANTI-CLOCKWISE
(Aries to Pisces, via Taurus)
The Disciple and Initiate.
4. Capricorn-Cancer.—The initiate now chooses to incarnate and passes freely and at will through both doors. The pull of matter is superseded by the free choice of the soul. Form life becomes a conscious method of expression for service.
… You will, therefore, note that when the pull of the energies pouring into and through the signs of the zodiac is in the direction of form expression that the result of the interplay between the opposite signs leads to some aspect of definite personality manifestation, this being largely determined by the ray of the personality. When the life tendency is being withdrawn from form and the soul is in process of revelation then there is soul or egoic emphasis, and this again is determined, as to quality, by the nature of the egoic ray. (EA p336-40)
Cancer ruled by Moon and Neptune
It will now be clear to you why the Moon and Neptune, transmitting the energies of the psychic nature and of form, plus the tendency to achieve through the medium of conflict, rule Cancer so potently, both directly and indirectly.
They control the form and the lower psychic nature and produce the battle ground (later to be transmuted into the burning ground) whereon these two "face in the final conflict" their higher correspondence, the soul and spirit, for matter is spirit at its lowest point and spirit is matter at its highest. In these words you have the true clue to the Cancer-Capricorn relationship.
When to these potent influences is added the force of the seventh ray (producing a synthesis of expression upon the physical plane) and of the third ray (producing intense activity in matter) you will note how in this sign all the energies concerned tend to bring about the incarnation of the soul in the three worlds of experience and human expression. (EA p340)
Venus and Cancer
The power of Venus in this sign tends to make the mind the servant of the personality and this is aided by the forces of the third Ray of Active Intelligence. Thus the stage is set for the appearance of the soul in form. (EA p340)
Jupiter and Neptune in relation to Cancer
Two planets are exalted in this sign, Jupiter and Neptune. As this is the sign of rebirth, these two planets indicate the successful development and eventual use of the form aspect and the development of psychic sensitivity both in the higher and the lower senses.
These are important developments for the soul who has chosen to incarnate. The building of adequate forms and the use and control of form are essential if there is to be wise and right cooperation with the Plan of God. Jupiter guarantees this in Cancer from the very initial stage of birth. Love as relationship to divinity and wisdom as relationship to form lie behind the soul's intent. In space and time, for long aeons, form controls and hides the soul. This is equally true in regard to the fluid psychic nature.
These (the form aspect and the psychic nature) reach an eventual concrete perfection in Capricorn to become again in Cancer the perfect instrument of service which the initiate wields as he seeks to render mass service instead of being involved and lost in the mass. (EA p341-42)
The power of Saturn in Cancer
The power of Saturn in this sign furthers the ends and purposes of the governing energies or rays of harmony through conflicts (the Moon and Mercury) and of Neptune, for in this sign Saturn is in the home of its detriment and thus produces those difficult conditions and situations which will lead to the needed struggle. This makes Cancer a place of symbolic imprisonment and emphasises the pains and penalties of wrong orientation. (EA p342)
Decanates of Cancer
Curiously it is Sepharial who places the rulers of the decanates more accurately than does Leo. Usually this is reversed and Leo is the more correct of the two astrologers. Sepharial gives us Venus, Mercury and the Moon whereas Leo apportions the Moon, Mars and Jupiter to these decanates. (EA p342-43)
The Words of Cancer
In the Words given for this sign, the Word of the soul indicates the objective of the Cancer experience and the purpose for which incarnation has been taken: "I build a lighted house and therein dwell." The temporary method of the personality is also clearly given when we are told that the Word proclaimed by the soul as it takes incarnation is "Let isolation be the rule and yet—the crowd exists."
This sign can carry deep meaning to all. You are in process of incarnation; you are following your chosen way. Is the house you are building yet lit? Is it a lighted house, or is it a dark prison? If it is a lighted house, you will attract to its light and warmth all who are around you and the magnetic pull of your soul, whose nature is light and love, will save many. If you are still an isolated soul, you will have to pass through the horrors of a more complete isolation and loneliness, treading alone the dark way of the soul.
Yet this isolation, this loneliness and this separation in the dark night are all part of the Great Illusion. It is, however, an illusion into which the whole of humanity is now precipitated in preparation for unity, freedom and release. Some are lost in the illusion and know not what is reality and truth. Others walk free in the world of illusion for the purposes of saving and lifting their brothers, and if you cannot do this, you will have to learn so to walk. (EA p343)
Form-taking experience in Cancer
In this world cycle, Gemini, Taurus and Aries are three subjective energies or the three conditioning signs which lie behind manifestation. They lie behind the form-taking experience in Cancer and they also lie behind manifestation in Pisces. (EA p344)
Cancer and the physical Sun
Gemini is, therefore, connected with the heart of the Sun, just as Cancer is related to the physical Sun and Aquarius to the central spiritual Sun. Here again, you have a significant triangle of a cosmic nature, the energies of which are focussed through the three aspects of the Sun in a most mysterious fashion:
1. Cancer . . . physical Sun . . . 3rd aspect . . . intelligent activity of the Whole.
2. Gemini . . . heart of the Sun . . . 2nd aspect . . . love of the Whole.
3. Aquarius . . . central spiritual Sun . . . 1st aspect . . . the will of the Whole.
Through these signs the three major aspects of divinity are at this time focussed. In casting the horoscope of the planet (a thing that has never yet been accurately done, owing to the lack of data available to the exoteric astrologer) it is the influence of these three constellations which will be found of dominating importance.
In Cancer, you have the intelligent synthetic consciousness of the mass, viewing it from the consciousness of matter itself and the awareness of all forms and atoms; in Gemini, you have an emerging recognition of duality, leading to experience and growth in all separative intelligent forms; in Aquarius, you have the results of the activity of Cancer and Gemini, producing a higher synthesis and a universal group awareness. (EA p352)
Conscious direction in Cancer
… these three signs, Aries, Taurus and Gemini are (from the standpoint of the disciple and initiate) purely subjective in their effects within the life of these signs. They can only find outward expression in the life of the subject and be consciously directed and controlled in Cancer, thus leading to the great liberation which takes place in the polar opposite to Cancer, Capricorn and also in Aquarius and Pisces. (EA p389)
Cancer triangle
The Pleiades . . . Cancer . . . Venus.
Humanity.
(EA p416)
Cancer and the continents and races
a. Cancer
b. Leo
c. Scorpio
d. Capricorn
e. Pisces
_______________
Pineal (Crown)
Pituitary (Ajna)—South America
Thyroids (Throat) Europe Capricorn
Thymus (Heart) America Pisces
Pancreas (Solar Plexus) Asia Scorpio
Gonads (Sacral) Australia Leo (veiling Uranus—division of the sexes) Planting of authenticity. Starting of the individual
Adrenals (Base) Africa Cancer: Moon Veiling Vulcan Black—Smith.
These five signs are related in the planetary sense to the five great races of which our present race, the Aryan, is the fifth. These five races, under the influence of the five signs, produce the externalisations which are called the five continents—Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, America. These five continents are to the planetary Life what five major endocrine glands are to the human being. They are related to five centres. (EA p426)
Cancer, New York and Tokyo
City Soul Personality Sign
1. London 5th 7th Gemini.
2. New York 2nd 3rd Cancer.
3. Tokyo 6th 4th Cancer.
4. Geneva 1st 2nd Leo.
5. Darjeeling 2nd 5th Scorpio.
(EA p458)
Cancer and Sirius
- Cancer—Capricorn—Saturn (which are an expression of Sirian energy) enable the aspirant to tread the Path of Purification, of Probation. These energies focus and qualify the energy of the Great Lodge of the Most High in that distant Sun. They pour through the Hierarchy upon the mass of men and enable the unit in that mass to "isolate himself and turn his back upon the past and find his way on to that section of the Path wherein he learns to feel." (EA p466)
Cancer and the Crises of the Soul
Crisis Quality Constellation Cross
1. Crisis of Incarnation Individualisation Cancer Cardinal
2. Crisis of Orientation Reversal Aries Cardinal
3. Crisis of Initiation Expansion Capricorn Cardinal
4. Crisis of Renunciation Crucifixion Gemini Mutable
5. Crisis of the Battlefield Conflict Scorpio Fixed
6. Crisis of the Birthplace Initiation Virgo Mutable
7. Crisis of Burning ground Liberation Leo Fixed
(EA p472)
Cancer amongst Seven constellations to Path of Discipleship
1. Seven constellations
Cancer, Aries, Gemini, Scorpio, Capricorn, Virgo, Leo, which bring the man from the stage of individualisation to the Path of Discipleship. (EA p475)
Rays of Cancer
Ray I Aries Leo Capricorn
Ray II Gemini Virgo Pisces
Ray III Cancer Libra Capricorn
Ray IV Taurus Scorpio Sagittarius
Ray V Leo Sagittarius Aquarius
Ray VI Virgo Sagittarius Pisces
Ray VIIAries Cancer Capricorn
...
Ray III.—Cancer: The mass movement towards liberty, release and light, so dominant today, is caused by the energy of this sign.
… Ray III is expressing itself through Cancer, as far as the mass is concerned and through Capricorn, on a much smaller scale, in relation to the world disciples. Capricorn esoterically leads towards the externalisation of the Mysteries. (EA p489, 491)
Cancer and the experience of realisation
There are, therefore, great Triangles of energy which affect the mental response apparatus of humanity and to the above triangle which concerns the unfoldment of the mind, two others can be added:
| 1. Taurus Desire the incentive to evolutionary
| unfoldment in the human
I. | kingdom.
| 2. Scorpio Aspiration the key to the testing of the disciple.
| 3. Capricorn Illumination the liberation of the initiate.
| 1. Sagittarius Direction expression of the intuition.
II. | 2. Cancer Incarnation experience of realisation.
| 3. Leo Self-consciousness mode of development.
There are other major triangles which are called "triangles in consciousness" and, as you well know, the most important of these for mankind is the triangle of Cancer, Leo and Aquarius. (EA p496-97)
Cancer, the Moon and a sacred planet
Cancer—ruled by the Moon, veiling a sacred planet.
Leo—ruled by the Sun, veiling a sacred planet.
…
Again, the Moon is the ruler of Cancer and is related to the fourth ray, and rules the fourth house. Here you have the idea of form being the custodian of a living spiritual essence, of the home, whether the home is the fourth or lowest aspect of the personality or the fourth kingdom in nature, but all ruled by the fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict—a harmony to be wrought out within the form on Earth. (EA p507, 508)
Cancer and the sheep
Cancer.—The potency of this sign is expressed for us by Christ in the oft misinterpreted words: "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold, them also I must bring." This refers to the mass consciousness in contradistinction to the initiate consciousness of His disciples. Cancer is a mass sign. (EA p567)
Cancer and public opinion
CANCER. This is the constellation which symbolises the will of the mass, which conditions mass response and mass psychology. This has not yet been the theme of astrological study for it connotes far more than the mass consciousness.
It is basically the focussing of the mass will through the medium of the mass consciousness—a thing unknown as yet, though the rudiments of this knowledge can be seen in that peculiar factor in the life of humanity which we call `public opinion.' This is now being brought into the educational field through what is commonly called propaganda. The implications will be clear to you.
A trained and enlightened public opinion is an unknown thing on a world-wide scale, though enlightened groups are rapidly appearing. Out of public opinion (which is the focussed expression of the growth of mass consciousness) will emerge the mass will-to-good, inherent in every individual; for this humanity must work and wait (EA p632)
Words of Cancer
9. Cancer.—And the Word said: Let isolation be the rule and yet the crowd exists. …
4. Cancer.—I build a lighted house and therein dwell.
(EA p654)
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