Libra Compilation
From Esoteric Astrology, by Alice A. BaileySee Michael Robbins' Tapestry of the Gods, Volume III
Libra is unrelated
In connection with disciples and the zodiacal signs, Gemini and Libra are two constellations which—through their rulers—express 5th and 7th ray energy. For some occult reason, they remain unrelated to any other of the signs. (EA p 66)
Soul reaches a point of equilibrium in Libra
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 p 93)
Libra and the reversal of the wheel
3. The crisis of the burning ground, which is brought about through the activity of Uranus. This is entered through the free choice of the initiate who makes his choice in Libra, the point of balance where—usually—the moment for the reversal of the wheel takes place. There the man has to decide whether to proceed as usual and according to custom or, reversing the wheel, to pass through the burning ground to liberation. Libra is the polar opposite to Aries and therefore closely related.
You will note that the rays which are related to or expressing themselves through Aries are curiously balanced, Rays 1 and 7 are the highest and the lowest, and therefore demand a point of balance upon the wheel which is provided in Libra. (EA p 101)
Reorientation under Libra
3. Reorientation or the great cycle of repolarisation which takes place through the influence of Libra (the Cardinal Cross) and the "swerving of the Bull in mid-career," as it is called in the ancient books. This process of reorientation leads to a passage around the wheel in which, steadily and persistently, the inner subjective man comes into outer manifested expression and the personality recedes into the background. Finally, there come twelve lives wherein the final stage of
4. Renunciation is experienced and the disciple or initiate renounces all for the love of humanity and its service, and lays himself upon the altar of sacrifice. He achieves, as a result, the final liberation. (EA p 107)
Libra and equilibrised consciousness
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 p 145)
Libra releases the initiate from the power of the Lords of Karma
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."
Taurus—Guards the secret of light and confers illumination upon the initiate.
Gemini—Guards the mystery or secret of duality and presents the initiate with a word which leads to the fusion of the greater pairs of opposite.
Libra—Guards the secret of balance, of equilibrium and finally speaks the word which releases the initiate from the power of the Lords of Karma.
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 p 164-65)
The "released powers" of Taurus, Libra and Pisces
Fourth, on the Path of Initiation the activity of all the three Crosses is felt simultaneously through the medium of the "released powers" of Taurus, Libra and Pisces. You will note also that the first ray influence, expressing through Pluto and Vulcan, is only felt in a positive manner upon the Path of Discipleship. (EA p 166)
Libra admits the soul into the world centre which we call Shamballa
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. Libra demonstrates the perfect balance of spirit and matter which first came together in Aries. This balance and this relation of the great opposites, spirit and matter, is symbolised for us in the personality situation of balancing the pairs of opposites on the astral plane, and finding between them the "narrow razor-edged path" which leads the man into the kingdom of the soul. (EA p 168)
Libra controls the "hub of the wheel."
... A treatise could be written on the subject of the relation of the opposites in the zodiacal circle for they express spirit and matter and their inter-relation, plus the play of qualitative energies; they bear witness at the same time to the fact that these two are one and are simply the expression of great mutable, and yet fixed and initiated spiritual Lives.
It is for this reason that the constellation Libra occupies a unique place in the Great Wheel, for it is the energy coming from this constellation which controls what we might call (for lack of a more suitable word) the "hub of the wheel." This is that point in intermediate space where the twelve zodiacal energies meet and cross. Libra, therefore, controls the "moment of reversal of the wheel" in the life of every aspirant, for there comes a moment in the cycle of lives wherein a point of balance is reached and a relative equilibrium is attained, and over this event Libra presides.
Some day it will be of interest to make a scientific research and investigation into the power of balance which Libra wields and a consequent analysis of the effect of Libra in an individual life. It might then be possible to discover whether the particular life in which a man carries forward the process of reversal may not perhaps be one in which the sun is in Leo, with Libra rising. Such statistical studies have not yet been made, but there is much to be done along these lines; I only make suggestions, but it will, I think, be found that this is the case. (EA p 182-83)
Libra and Sagittarius are both signs of balance
Scorpio stands midway between two signs of balance or of equilibrium—Sagittarius and Libra. Libra marks an interlude or a notable point of balance before the strenuous testing and trial of Scorpio. Sagittarius marks another point of balance which follows after that testing, for the Archer has to acquire and hold a steady eye, hand and stance prior to firing the arrow which, when rightly directed and correctly followed, will carry him through the portal of initiation. (EA p 189-90)
Libra preparing for Scorpio
The final struggle in Scorpio only takes place when the point of balance between soul and body has been reached in Libra and it is in Scorpio that the preponderance of the spiritual energy is imposed upon the lower personal forces. (EA p 211)
Libra, the sign in which the first real vision of the Path appears
The sign Libra is one of peculiar interest, but in a most paradoxical manner, for much of its interest is based upon the fact that it lacks spectacular interest of any kind—except in the case of disciples or those nearing the Path. It is a sign of balancing, of careful weighing of values, and of achieving the right equilibrium between the pairs of opposites.
It might be regarded as the sign in which the first real vision of the Path appears and of the goal towards which the disciple must ultimately direct his steps. This Path is the narrow razor-edged Path which runs between the pairs of opposites and which—if it is to be safely trodden—requires the development of a sense of values and the power to utilise rightly the balancing, analytical faculty of the mind.
It is also the sign of intuitive perception and, on the ordinary way of progression around the zodiac, it comes after the normally drastic experience of the man in Scorpio; this is usually of such a nature that the instinct to self-preservation has been aroused to such an extent that in the dire need of the man (not the disciple, at this time) a call to the soul has gone forth and has evoked response. The first few faint flashes of the intuition have been sensed and vaguely recognised.
Then follows the experience in Libra wherein a life is spent in quiet, thoughtful reflection or in a condition of static unresponsiveness; it may be a life of balancing, of weighing this and that, and of determining which way the scales shall fall so that in the next sign certain designed results will occur. ... As progress is made, recurrently or cyclically, around the wheel of life, these experiences and vibratory activities intensify in character until the time comes when the reversal of the wheel takes place.
Then Libra leads on to Scorpio and the active soul life (active through the medium of the personality nature and not simply on its own plane) is registered, recorded and noted in Virgo, and balanced and assessed in Libra, eventually bringing about the tests and trials between the soul and the personality, which latter fights with power and determination to preserve the status quo of the balanced expression of these two where the preponderance of the personality influence is not possible. (EA p 227-28)
Libra, an "interlude between two activities"
Libra can also be spoken of in terms of the meditation process as taught both in East and West. It can, therefore, be regarded as the "interlude between two activities," which is the explanation given to that stage in meditation which we call contemplation. In the five stages of meditation (as usually taught) you have the following: Concentration, meditation, contemplation, illumination and inspiration. These five stages are paralleled in the five strictly human signs of the zodiac:
Leo—Concentration—Soul life focussed in form. Individualisation. Self-consciousness. Undeveloped and average man. Human experience.
Virgo—Meditation—Soul life, as sensed in man, the gestation period. The stage of the hidden Christ. Intelligent man. Personality, as hiding the Christ life.
Libra—Contemplation—Life of soul and form is balanced. Neither dominates. Equilibrium. An interlude wherein the soul organises itself for battle and the personality waits. This is the probationary path. Duality known.
Scorpio—Illumination—The soul triumphs. Experience in Taurus consummated. Astral glamour dissipated. [Page 229] Soul light pours in. The Path of Discipleship. The Disciple.
Sagittarius—Inspiration—Preparation for initiation. Soul inspires personality life. Soul expresses itself through personality. The Initiate. ... (EA p 228-29)
Libra, as the “place of judgment”
This sign is sometimes called "the place of judgment" for it is here that the decision is made and the die is cast which separate the "sheep from the goats" or those constellations ruled by Aries (the Ram or Lamb) and those ruled by Capricorn, the Goat. It really marks the distinction between the ordinary wheel of life and the reversed wheel. In the days before Leo-Virgo were divided into two signs, Libra was literally the midway point. (EA p 229-30)
Libra, and the "final judgment"
In this world period we have the division of the sign of the Sphinx into two signs (the Lion and the Virgin, soul and form) because the state of human evolution and conscious realisation is that of a recognised duality; it is only at what is called the "final judgment" that another fusion will take place and Virgo-Libra will form one sign, for then man's sense of antagonistic dualism will be ended and the scales will have been turned finally in favour of that which the Virgin-Mother has hidden from expression for aeons. (EA p 230-31)
Libra, and the balancing of desire
The history of desire is to be found in the four signs of Taurus, Libra, Scorpio and Pisces.
Taurus—the Bull of Desire.—Material desire rules.
(Life.)
Libra—the balancing of desire.—The opposite objective to desire is the scales or balances.
(Balance.)
Scorpio—the victory of spiritual desire.—The soul triumphant.
(Quality.)
Pisces—consummation of divine desire.—The "Desire of all nations." The Cosmic Christ.
(Appearance.)
There is therefore the individual experience in Libra of the balanced life wherein experiment is made and the consequent tipping of the Scales in one direction or another until either desire or spiritual aspiration weighs the balances down sufficiently so as to indicate the way that the man must go at the time.
There is the experience of humanity in Libra in which the same adjustments and experiments are being made, but this time the entire race of men is involved and not just an individual. This group experience, carried out upon the mental plane, will only happen when all men are polarised mentally and will take place and constitute the Judgment day, referred to above.
Of this, the "point of crisis" in Libra and the present world situation and needed adjustment is the forerunner; this time the balancing is, however, upon the astral plane and the desires of men are predominantly in a position of casting the deciding factor, whereas in the next great cycle it will be the minds of men which will do the deciding. Today, the foremost men of the age—disciples, aspirants and the intelligentsia—are being tested under the Scorpio experience whilst the masses are in the Scales; the weight of mass desire will turn them either up towards spiritual decision or down towards material and selfish ends.
It is because of this balancing quality in Libra that this constellation can be associated more specifically with the problem of sex than can any of the others. ... Esoterically, however, it is in Libra that the whole question comes up and will increasingly come up for answering, and it is in Libra that the balancing of the pairs of opposites must take place and reach solution through the activity of the judicial mind and the establishing of a point of equilibrium between the male and the female principles.
This again (for it is a piece of recurrent symbology) is the problem existing basically between the Sheep and the Goats, between negative and positive, and between those who blindly follow either instinct or custom and those who climb freely where they choose and are self-directed in conduct and attitude. This self-direction may lead them in either direction upon the wheel of life, following either selfish desire or spiritual aspiration, but the point to have in mind is that, judicially and with intent and after due reflection and balancing of the various ways, they then do as they will and as seems to them right and desirable.
This is of itself of a basic usefulness and thereby they learn; for all action produces results and the judicial mind weighs cause and effect more correctly than any other. (EA p 232-34)
Libra and the Law
Libra, as you know, governs the legal profession and holds the balances between so-called right and wrong, between negative and positive and also between East and West. This last point of adjustment may seem to you to be a meaningless phrase, but when the true and right relationship is established between the orient and the occident (which is not yet the case) it will come about through the activity of Libra and the work of the legal profession.
Libra has been the "sponsor of the law." Legislation has hitherto been engrossed with the enforcing of those negations and those attitudes of fear which have been preserved for us in the Mosaic code and imposed through the medium of punishment for infringement. This has been a probably necessary stage for child races and for the preservation of a "nursery regime" for men. But mankind is reaching maturity and a different interpretation of the purposes and intents of Libra through the medium of law is now required.
The law must become the custodian of a positive righteousness and not simply the instrument of enforcement. Just as we are attempting to eliminate force out of our national relationships, and just as it is obvious today that the process of drastic penalties has not succeeded in preventing crime or in deterring people from violent selfishness (for that is what all crime is), and just as the social attitude (in contradistinction to the anti-social position of all law-breakers) is being regarded as desirable and taught in our schools, so it is beginning to dawn upon the public consciousness that the inculcation of right relations and the spread of self-control and the growth of unselfishness (and these surely are the goal, subjective and oft unrealised, of all legal procedure) are the needed approach to the young.
The influence of Libra should be imposed in childhood along spiritual lines. Crime will be stamped out when the environing conditions in which children live are bettered, when physical attention is given in the early formative years to glandular balance as well as to teeth and eyes and ears, to right posture and correct feeding, and when there is also a more proper apportionment of time; when esoteric psychology and esoteric astrology give their contribution of knowledge to the bringing up of young people. The old methods must give way to the new and the conservative attitude must be dropped in favour of religious, psychic and physical training and experiment, scientifically applied and mystically motivated. ....
I have enlarged somewhat upon sex and the judicial system as they are both ruled and conditioned by Libra and this will be increasingly the case. The subject is too vast and too important for me to do more than indicate lines of approach. A cursory handling of the problem is of no real usefulness.
In this transition period through which the world is now passing and in this interlude between two activities—that of the Piscean Age which is passing and that of Aquarius which is coming in—Libra will eventually rule, and the end of this century will see the influence of Libra steadily coming into pronounced control and into a position of power in the planetary horoscope. There is, therefore, no need for real anxiety.
A certain relationship or configuration of stars—of which one is the star Regulus, in Leo—will bring about a situation wherein the re-orientation of the attitude of the legal profession will take place; its functions and duties will be centralised for the purpose of world usefulness, and in this process legislation for children will assume great importance and be the motivating power. This legal step will be primarily advocated by Russia and endorsed by the United States of America. Before 2035 A.D. such legislation will be universal in its sphere of influence and control.
All this will come about because Libra rules the present interlude and might be regarded as "the master of no-man's land," as one of the Masters of the Wisdom called it lately.
A study of The Bhagavad Gita and of Arjuna's problem when he sat down in despair between the two opposing armies will be found most illuminating in connection with Libra. The great battle which is related in that ancient scripture of India really took place in the first instance in mid-Atlantean days and in the sign Libra.
The major conflict of this present, Aryan period is being waged upon a higher turn of the spiral and is under the influence of Scorpio. That in the past prepared the world probationary disciple, humanity, for the path of true discipleship. That in the present is preparing the world disciple to take initiation.
During the vast interim between the Atlantean decisive happening and the present time, a great re-orientation upon the wheel of life has taken place; since then, several million men have passed from Scorpio into Libra (symbolically speaking) and there have been "weighed in the balances" and have afterwards refocussed their desire life towards spiritual aspiration and reinforced their determination to move forward and thus have returned into Scorpio upon the reversing wheel. Ponder upon this thought, for this constitutes the real problem for the masses of intelligent men at this time.
As you already know, Libra is one of the four arms of the Cardinal Cross. This accounts for our difficulty in understanding the real nature of its influence.
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. ... .
But consciousness and understanding of the larger purpose which lies behind the more exoteric intent of the unfoldment of the consciousness in this solar system, in the planet and in man, has to be grasped eventually towards the final stages of the evolutionary process. ... Then he becomes a cooperator in the great creative process and purpose.
He begins to create his own body of expression upon the Cardinal Cross and the impulse of Aries begins to appear to him. As yet he understands it not. He manifests consciously in the world that which he intends to carry forward and Cancer then reveals to him its secret. He becomes his own legislator, ruling his conduct wisely, controlling his impulses intellectually and then Libra enables him to balance the material and the spiritual law. ... (EA p 236-41)
Libra, air signs and the Supermind
Libra is an air sign; there are three air signs in the zodiac and their inter-relation makes a most interesting study and well worth the close investigation of the student as are all these major triplicities. Each of these signs is to he found in one or other of the three Crosses:
1. Gemini, the Twins Mutable Cross Duality.
2. Libra, the Balances Cardinal Cross Equilibrium.
3. Aquarius, the Water-Carrier Fixed Cross Initiation.
These three, therefore, stand for duality—sensed, overcome and resolved into the synthesis of the great World Server, identified with the Heavenly Man and bringing his contribution, wrested in his experience upon the wheel of life from the sum total of energy, to the service of the Whole. Forget not that initiation is but another name for synthesis and fusion.
From another angle, you have:
1. Gemini, the Twins Mind Cause of duality.
2. Libra, the Balances Supermind Cause of synthesis.
3. Aquarius, the Water-Carrier Universal Mind Soul.
These three signs are pre-eminently signs of the Mind of God as it expresses itself through man; the lower mind dominates at first, causing the recognition of the Self and the Not-Self, or the essential dualism which underlies all manifestation; the higher mind, however, steadily increases its power and control, producing the balancing of the pairs of opposites through the illumination which it brings to the lower mind, and then the Soul, the eternal Son of Mind, becomes the ultimate synthesis, focussing and relating the universal mind to the two lower aspects of the Mind of God. (EA p 241-42)
Gemini and Libra are the two strictly human signs
It is interesting that in the note to Tabulation V both Libra and Gemini are omitted from the list. This is not an oversight but a point of true significance and an omission warranting recognition.
This omission is based on two facts: First, that there was a time, as you have heard, when there were only ten signs, and in those ancient days as in the present time, there was a divergence of opinion among the astrological scientists; they differed as to which the ten signs might be and in this connection there were several schools of thought, but mainly two of importance.
One group fused or made one sign out of Leo-Virgo and perpetuated their belief in the Sphinx; the other omitted Gemini and Libra altogether. They were of an earlier date than the latter who in reality had a zodiac of eleven signs. This is a fact of importance to you today.
The other point of note and of a relative importance is that Gemini and Libra are the two strictly human signs; they are the signs of the ordinary man. Gemini upon the Mutable Cross stands for man's humanity, whilst Libra upon the Cardinal Cross rules man's subjective and spiritual life.
The other signs in their consummation carry man beyond the stage of ordinary humanity and produce the following states of consciousness:
Aries and Virgo.—The Cosmic Christ. Universal and individual.
Taurus and Pisces.—The world Saviours; i.e., Buddha and Christ.
Leo and Aquarius.—The world Servers; i.e., Hercules.
Sagittarius and Capricorn.—The world Initiates; i.e., Masters.
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 p 242-43)
The rulers of Libra
It is also peculiarly instructive to study the rulers of this sign. From the angle of orthodox astrology, Venus rules Libra, whilst—esoterically speaking—Uranus rules.
Saturn is the ruler in this sign of that stupendous Creative Hierarchy which is one of the three major groups of Builders, forming part of the third aspect of divinity; Their goal is the giving of form to the Sons of Mind and thereby offering opportunity for sacrifice and service. A study of the relation of this Hierarchy to that of the human egos, the fourth Creative Hierarchy, will prove most illuminating and is handled somewhat in my earlier Treatise on Cosmic Fire. The nature and purpose of the three rulers will emerge with clarity if this is done.
This sign is consequently closely connected with the third aspect of the Godhead and hence it is a governing sign and a major conditioning factor where Law, Sex and Money are concerned. Ponder on this. All the three divine aspects in themselves are triune and manifest in three manners or through three lesser aspects and this third aspect is no exception to this rule underlying all the triplicities which condition the processes of evolution and manifestation.
It is through a study of Libra that light upon the third aspect will come.
The first aspect of will or power expresses itself in this sign as Law, as legislation, legality, justice;
the second aspect manifests as the relation between the pairs of opposites (of which the scales are the symbol) and upon the physical plane shows itself as Sex;
the third aspect demonstrates as concretised energy and this we call Money. It is literally gold and this is the externalised symbol of that which is created by the bringing together of spirit and matter upon the physical plane. The third aspect is, as you know, the creator aspect and the energy which produces the outer tangible plane of manifestation—the form side of life.
If students will, therefore, make a careful study of these three—law, sex and money—as they express themselves today and as they can express themselves in the future, they will have a picture of physical human achievement and of future spiritual expression which will be instructive and most worthwhile. The whole process is accounted for by the activity of the three rulers of Libra: Venus, Uranus and Saturn.
Venus rules in Taurus, Libra and Capricorn, and is the source of the intelligent mind, acting either through desire (in the early stages) or love (in the later stages).
In Taurus, this means the mind expressing itself through intelligent desire, for that is the goal of knowledge for ordinary man.
In Libra, the point of balance or equilibrium is attained between material personal desire and intelligent spiritual love, for the two qualities of cosmic desire are brought to the fore in the consciousness in Libra and balanced one against the other.
In Capricorn, it stands for spiritual love, expressing itself perfectly when the work in Taurus and Libra has been accomplished.
Thus can the golden thread of evolutionary progress be traced throughout the zodiacal path from sign to sign, and thus the history of humanity can he seen and its goal visioned. At some later date, the same golden thread can be traced in connection with the other kingdoms in nature, but the time is not yet and such a theme would prove profitless and unimportant.
When, however, the consciousness of man is opened up in such a manner that it can register that which is proceeding and taking place in the three lower kingdoms in nature, then further light and information will be given. This will take place in a period of human history when Libra is dominant and the three divine aspects of the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, the Creator—law, sex and money—will give the clue to the three lower kingdoms.
Law, natural law (the externalisation of the subjective spiritual law) will give the clue to the animal kingdom;
sex or the consciousness of affinity will reveal the mystery of the vegetable kingdom;
money will unveil the secret of the mineral kingdom [Concentrations of Power]
and all this will come about through the activity of Venus and when this activity in the three signs of Taurus, Libra and Capricorn is better understood. ... Suffice it to say here that each of these three signs is related to one of these three aspects of divine life:
Taurus—animal kingdom—law—natural law.
Libra—vegetable kingdom—sex—natural affinity.
Capricorn—mineral kingdom—money—concrete expression of the Law of Supply, and all these form a triangle with Libra at the apex and dominating.
Uranus is the esoteric ruler and is of supreme importance in this sign for the seventh ray works through this planet and is the embodiment of the principle of concretion and the materialising of that which is in need of objective manifestation, through the bringing together of spirit and matter.
It is here that the whole mystery of money lies hid and the creation and production of money ... [Page 247]
Uranus Relating Aries, Aquarius and Libra
Through this planet, Uranus, Libra is related also to Aries and Aquarius and it is through Uranus that the great pair of opposites, Aries-Libra, are brought into touch with each other in a very deep sense. Through its activity, an intense interplay takes place, making for the attainment of equilibrium in Libra of that which had its beginning in Aries.
Aries, Libra and Aquarius constitute therefore another triangle of power which must later be considered; these triangles will, as I have earlier hinted, dominate the new astrology in a most interesting manner and condition the charts of those whose horoscopes are being considered.
Libra is related, therefore, to five signs of the zodiac—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Capricorn and Aquarius.
1. Aries Beginning Creation Evolution.
2. Taurus Desire Incentive Progress.
3. Gemini Duality Condition Interplay.
4. Capricorn Synthesis Initiation Attainment.
5. Aquarius Objective Inclusion Service.
This relation is established by the three rulers: Venus, Uranus and Saturn.
These five, with Libra at the point of balance, create one of the six-pointed stars of evolution and also bring into relation with them three planets which are peculiarly concerned with the expression of the Christ consciousness in the world. These three planets are (through the rays of which they are the medium) all to be found upon the first major line of force, the line of will or power and of purpose and visioned goal.
Uranus.—7th Ray of Ceremonial Magic. God the Father. He who relates. The Source of Duality. He who perceives the end from the beginning. Spiritual consciousness.
Intuition to Inspiration.
Venus.—5th Ray of Mind. God the Son. The Son of Mind. He who includes. Egoic consciousness.
Intellect to Intuition.
Saturn.—3rd Ray of Intelligence. God the Holy Spirit. He who knows. Mind. Human Consciousness.
Instinct to Intellect.
It is for this basic reason—founded upon the above triple relationship—that Libra is the "point of balance" in the zodiac. In most of the other constellations, at some stage or other, there comes a "point of crisis" wherein the effect of the energy pouring through the sign (via the ruling planets) to man is at its highest point of effectiveness. This in time precipitates the crisis which is required to release the man from the planetary influences which condition his personality and bring him more definitely and consciously under the influence of the sign of the zodiac.
But in Libra there is no such point of crisis any more than there is in Aries. There is only the interlude of balance as a prelude to a more effective and sensitive progress upon the path. It is the same in Aries. As it is esoterically said: "Before creation, silence and the stillness of a focussed point." This applies to both Aries and Libra—the one in a cosmic and creative sense and the other in an individual and progressive evolutionary sense. (EA p 243-48)
Libra and the rulers on the Cardinal Cross
The following planets and their rays govern the Cardinal Cross of which Libra is one of the points:
1. Mars 6th Ray Idealism Devotion Struggle.
2. Mercury 4th Ray Harmony through Conflict.
3. Uranus 7th Ray Ceremonial Order, Law or Magic.
4. Venus 5th Ray Concrete Knowledge or Science.
5. Saturn 3rd Ray Active Intelligence.
6. Neptune 6th Ray Idealism Devotion Struggle.
Here we have six planets and five rays of energy and the expression of the two lines of spiritual energy; Love-Wisdom in two of the rays and planets, and three of the rays and planets upon the first major stream of energy, will or power. You will note how three of these rays definitely predispose the Libran subject to concrete understanding, to intelligent will and to knowledge: the first ray (functioning through the 3rd and 5th rays) the fifth ray and the third ray. Hence the effectiveness of Libra upon the physical plane and the power of the developed Libran to project the inner spiritual purpose or intended will into physical expression. An instance of a person, equipped to do this, can be seen in H. P. Blavatsky. (EA p 248-49)
Planetary dignity in Libra and the balancing of the opposites
In this sign, Saturn is exalted for—at the point of balance—opportunity comes and a situation is staged which makes a choice and a determination inevitable. It is a choice which has to be made intelligently and upon the physical plane, in the waking brain consciousness. It is only now that the full purpose and the work of Saturn for humanity can reach a point of group usefulness, for it is only now that humanity has reached a point of general and widespread intelligence which can make any choice a definite conscious act, entailing responsibility. Prior to the present time, only a few pioneering disciples and a handful of intelligent people could be regarded as freely choosing at the "point of balance" the way that they intend "to tip the scales." Today, there are countless numbers and hence the intense activity of Saturn as we enter into the first decan of Aquarius and hence the same activity because humanity itself now stands upon the probationary path. This, Libra governs and controls, therefore the path of choices, of deliberately applied purificatory measures and the turning point before Scorpio, which governs the path of discipleship, can properly play its part.
The power of Mars is lessened in Libra; this is the sign of interlude and Mars is temporarily quiescent, prior to gathering his forces for a renewed effort in Scorpio or for the "quickening" of the spiritual life in Virgo, according to which way the wheel is turning for the man.
The Sun "falls" in this sign because again neither the personality nor the soul dominates in the man who is a pure Libran; a balance is achieved and thus they esoterically "tune each other out." Neither the voice of the personality nor of the soul is heard particularly but, as the Old Commentary puts it, "a gentle oscillation now proceeds. No strident note is heard; no violent colouring of the life affects (I know not how else to translate the original phrases) and no upsetting of the chariot of the soul."
The significance of the place of the planets in this sign will emerge clearly in your consciousness when you study them with care and the meaning of Libra will become definitely formulated in your mind. The characteristics of this sign are not easy to define or comprehend because they are in reality the synthesis of all past qualities and achievements and any clear presentation of the pairs of opposites is difficult to get. As regards man upon the probationary path or upon the verge of treading it, it might be said that his characteristics and qualities in this sign are:
BALANCE OF THE OPPOSITES IN LIBRA
Fickleness and variability A secure and settled position.
Imbalance Balance.
Bias. Prejudice Justice. Judgment.
Dull stupidity Enthusiastic wisdom.
Untrue, showy outer form life True correct expression.
Intrigue Straightforward conduct.
Materialistic attitudes Spiritual attitudes.
It is the balancing between the pairs of opposites which makes the man in Libra sometimes difficult to understand; he appears to vacillate but never for long and often unnoticeably, for there is always the final balancing of the qualities with which he is equipped. (EA p 250-51)
Decanate rulers of Libra
The true rulers of the decanates in Libra are Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury. I need not enlarge upon their effect except to point out that the result of the Jupiterian influence is to "open the door of the womb" in Virgo ... (EA p 251)
The Keynotes of Libra
The words or keynotes of this sign are so clear and plain that any elucidation of mine would serve but to confuse the issue. They speak straight to the heart and without obscurity. To the average man with no developed spiritual consciousness, the word goes forth again and again throughout the aeons: "And the Word said: Let choice be made." The response eventually comes back as a result of the evolutionary process and from the soul: "I choose the way which leads between the two great lines of force." (EA p 251)
Libra as a sign of Crisis
From this group of signs and their attendant constellations, three are omitted. These are Leo, Libra and Capricorn. These three signs are all signs of crisis and indicate the progressive influence of the other nine and the situations which evolve out of their activity. They are the testing points in the process of the play of energies from the other nine signs as these energies affect individual aspirants. They are:
Leo.—The Crisis of Individualisation. This shows itself in two stages as:
Diffused inchoate power.
Personality integration.
It signifies the emergence of personality and preparation for the Christ experience. It is self-consciousness and the lower synthesis.
Libra.—The Crisis of Balance. The emergence of the sense of self-direction and equilibrium. It is the point of equilibrium between soul and form. It signifies the emergence of free choice. It is consciousness of duality and the effort to balance the two.
Capricorn.—The Crisis of Initiation. This exists in five stages and signifies the emergence of the dominating Christ life. It means the higher synthesis and the control [Page 266] of the Christ consciousness which is group consciousness.
There are, therefore, nine signs through which potencies pour which are creative in their effect and which produce changes which are needed in the progress of the soul towards divine expression. You have also three signs of crisis whereby the point in evolution is determined. In this connection it should be noted that:
Leo-Libra-Capricorn.—Constitute the triangle of the father or will aspect; they mark points of attainment, through crisis met and triumphant achievement.
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.
A close study of the above ideas will prove fruitful in establishing methods and relationships; they should also indicate the key which astrologers can use when seeking to work with mass horoscopes. (EA p 264-66)
Libra related to the mental unit
Libra—is related to the mental unit and, as we saw when studying the sign Libra, produces eventually a balance between the pairs of opposites. This is brought about upon the astral plane. It is the attainment of this balance which produces the reversal of the mode of passing around the zodiacal wheel and it takes place when integration has occurred, and the man is focussed upon the mental plane. He can, then, through right use of the mind, discriminate between the pairs of opposites and find the narrow razor-edged path which passes between them and keep his balance upon it. (EA p 302)
The Light of Gemini and Libra
Keynote: Gemini moves towards Libra.
... Libra.—The Light that moves to rest. This is the light that oscillates until a point of balance is achieved. It is the light which is distinguished by a moving up and down. (EA p 330)
The Keynotes of Libra
7. Libra Unbalanced fiery passion. The weighing of the opposites. Divine Love. Balance attained.
Human love. Devotion and aspiration. Understanding.
Keynote: Libra relates the two in Gemini.
(EA p 333)
Libra and a study of the Cardinal Cross
Through a study of the Cardinal Cross—Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn—the astrologer can arrive at a clearer understanding:
Of ordinary, individual, human beings.
Of group beginnings.
Of the significance of the first initiation.
(EA p 335)
The Aries-Libra polarity
Aries-Libra.—Unstable embryonic beginnings leading to the balancing of the lower psychic nature and its expression through form. Embryonic desire for expression consummates in the passion of satisfaction. Lower love controls.
...
Libra-Aries.—The achieved equilibrium, at the point of rest, provides the mental impetus for soul control. Passion is transmuted into love and the initial desire of Aries becomes the full expression of love-wisdom. Desire to manifest becomes the aspiration to be. (EA p 337-38)
Libra as an air sign—is related to and transmits the potencies of the Pleiades.
In this occult statement is hidden one reason why Gemini is regarded as an air sign, for it is cosmically related (as are Libra and Aquarius, the other two points of the airy triplicity) in a most peculiar way to the Great Bear, to the Pleiades and to Sirius. The relation is essentially a sixfold one, and here you will find a hint as to the resolution of the pairs of opposites—involving as these three constellations do the three ideas of opposition-equilibrium-synthesis or universal fusion. It might be stated that:
Gemini—forms a point of entrance for cosmic energy from Sirius.
Libra—is related to and transmits the potencies of the Pleiades.
Aquarius—expresses the universal consciousness of the Great Bear.
(EA p 349)
Intermediate consummation in Libra
The influence of Mercury, as it relates Aries and Gemini to our Earth, establishes in time and space a unique situation, for it incites to trial efforts or initiates a series of beginnings in order to relate opposing forces and produce certain planned and definite effects upon our planet, thus influencing the kingdoms in nature or an individual soul-in-form. A conflict is thus initiated which leads finally to balance.
This leads to an intermediate consummation in Libra. (EA p 360)
Venus and Libra
Venus also establishes an interplay between Taurus, Gemini, Libra and Capricorn, which again (because the Earth is one of the rulers of Gemini) produces the "desperate conflict of the imprisoned soul upon the astral plane" which characterises our planetary life.
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. Taurus pours the energy stimulating desire, via Venus, onto our Earth; Gemini, via Venus, awakens in humanity (the focal point of our planetary effort) the sense of duality which is the basic factor in the conflict between desire and spiritual will; in Libra this 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. You will note, therefore, how necessary it is to realise accurately the point in evolution of the soul.
... Looking at the matter from another angle: Venus, the mind or the soul in Libra reveals to man the exoteric significance and results of desire. In Gemini, Venus reveals the desire of the pairs of opposites for each other for this is the underlying theme of the entire creative and evolutionary process—the interplay of the opposites. (EA pp 362-63 and 391-92)
Libra as a strictly human sign
Gemini.—Subjective in nature. Vital. Is not focussed upon the physical plane. Is focussed upon the mortal brother.
Cancer |
Leo |
Virgo > Are strictly human signs with their recognition of duality,
Libra | emphasised in the central sign Virgo.
Scorpio |
Sagittarius.—Subjective in nature. Vital. Is not focussed in consciousness upon the physical plane. Is focussed upon the immortal brother.
(EA pp 368-69)
Libra, the Sun and the Great Bear
Aries—Libra—The Sun (which are an expression of the Great Bear) bring about that focussing of energy in the life of the disciple which makes it possible for him to function consciously and with intention upon the Path of Initiation. He enters the realm of the formless worlds because Aries, the sign of beginnings makes this possible; through the potency of Libra, he has succeeded in achieving that point of balance which makes the final escape from the pairs of opposites possible. He now [Page 467] knows, through transcended feeling and from identification with the seen Vision, the true meaning of being.
This threefold process can also be covered by the three words: Sensitivity, Illumination and Inspiration. (EA 466-67)
Libra and the disciples escape out of the human kingdom
We have here three triangles but, at the same time, only seven influences for the effects of the conditioning forces of the two triangles predominantly active in the first two cycles are fused and blended in the third. These blended influences (with the aid of the remaining five constellations, Sagittarius, Libra, Taurus, Pisces and Aquarius) enable the disciple to escape out of the human kingdom into the kingdom of souls. (EA p 475)
Libra as part of a triangle of crisis
Leo appears again in this world situation as a part of a triangle of crisis, for the combination of the three constellations involved invariably produces crisis. These three are Leo, Libra and Capricorn. Leo, when dominating the triangle, produced in the past the crisis of individualisation. Later in human history, when the point of balance was reached, Leo was again potent. H.P.B. pointed out that there came a time when the balance was reached between spirit and matter and from that time on the tendency of humanity was towards evolution out of matter and not involution into matter; humanity turned towards the Path of Return and not the Path of Outgoing; this has become increasingly apparent. (EA p 487)
Libra inactive in triangle of Ray III
Libra is also found relatively inactive in the triangle of Ray III. Today there is no true balance but the opposition of spirit and matter is so violent that the Libran force is relatively quiescent. 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 p 491)
Libra and the evolution of consciousness
| The Achievement of the Hierarchy The self-consciousness of Leo
| gives place to the group
| consciousness of Aquarius.
| The FUTURE The merging of the human centre
Aquarius | and the Hierarchy.
| Soul Expansion Recognition of relation.
| The work of the Fellow Craft The building and service of the
| temple of humanity.
From the standpoint of our theme (the evolution of consciousness) it must never be forgotten that the aim is to bring the solar Angel, the Son of Mind (called in The Secret Doctrine, the Divine Manasaputra) into the seat of power. This task is pre-eminently entrusted to the three great Lives Who function through Gemini-Libra-Aquarius. (EA p 493)
Libra and the evolution of consciousness
These three constellations, cyclically and eternally, leading the "Eternal Pilgrim" along the path of mental unfoldment produce in him the final stage of mental evolution upon the Path of Initiation. Illumination, the term applied to that final stage, is a synthesis of instinct, intellect and intuition. Students must bear in mind that:
Gemini—expresses the relation of the pairs of opposites as they swing the man into activity and evoke his mental perception. With the aid of the ruling planets (Mercury and Venus) the mind begins to function and when the esoteric planet comes into expression and transmitting potency "the Messenger and the Angel exchange their understanding." (Venus and the divine Manasaputras are closely connected. A.A.B.)
Libra—expresses the point of balance achieved, prior to a secondary activity and the period of assimilation by the mind of past experience. These processes, when successfully carried forward, evoke the intuition and this brings into activity what is called the super-mind which is the response of the illumined mind to the Mind of God.
Aquarius—expresses the activity of the mind which has been initiated into the purposes of the Universal Mind. It is the sign which brings the soul into active cooperation with the inner plan of God. This we call service.
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 ... (EA p 494-96)
Venus and Libra
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 recognised and unions and friendships achieved. (EA p 538)
Libra and the Venusian influence
The Venusian influence—as you will have noted—brings in likewise the influences of Libra. You find today a cycle wherein an appropriate balance or point of equilibrium has been brought about which is a correspondence to the great point of balance on the Path of Involution when spirit and matter balanced each other, making the upward arc of evolution the next possible step. This time the balancing is on mental levels; in the earlier crisis, it was on the physical plane.
This point of equilibrium is to humanity, to the Sons of Mind, what the earlier point of crisis was to the planetary Logos. ...
In the human crisis, the same thing is possible. If the spirit of man triumphs, then the aspect of true love in its divine nature and with its group emphasis will be possible. Such are the issues involved.
To bring about the full presentation of the choice and to indicate the mode whereby the spirit of man can triumph, the influence of Pisces was called in or rather evoked. It is conditions which evoke, aided at times by voiced Words of Power on the part of the Hierarchy. (EA pp 544-46)
Libra and Uranus
Uranus. This planet is the exoteric ruler of Aquarius; it is also the esoteric ruler of Libra and the hierarchical ruler of Aries. It is peculiarly active at this time and brings in the energy of the seventh ray. The circulating of its energies can be portrayed by the following symbol or diagram:
picture
This triple inflow of seventh ray energy, coloured by the force of three great constellations, is potent to effect major changes in our little planet. It is interesting to realise that Aries, the Inaugurator, is rendered effective on the Earth through the organising potency of Uranus. Aries is the source, the beginning and the initiator of the New Age and its coming civilisations, of the appearance of the kingdom of God on earth and also of the individual initiate into the Mysteries. Aquarius is the present Determiner of the future.
That which is now initiated in Aries will become manifested in Aquarius, and Libra will enforce the achievement of a point of balance or (esoterically speaking) of the "escape from opposing forces at the midway point between the source and the goal." (EA p 548)
Saturn as hierarchical ruler of Libra
Saturn. This planet applies the tests and is so chosen or invoked because the third ray is not only its particular ray but is also the ray of our planet, the Earth. The two notes synchronise. Saturn is also the hierarchical ruler of Libra and, therefore, it brings to the manifestation of mankind and to the various hierarchies involved, a point of crisis to which the clue and the outcome lies in the recognition of balance. (EA p 552)
Libra, the Christ and the Cardinal Cross
Aries.—This sign, which is the sign of beginnings, provided the impulse and energy which enabled Him to inaugurate the Christian era; it initiated, through Him, the "age of Love" which is only now beginning to take form, and its potency is now so great that it has brought about (paradoxically) the present world cleavage.
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.
Libra.—Christ stood at the point of balance in human evolution; He stood between the old world and the new, between the East and the West. In the Christian era comes a "point of balance" or that "crisis of equilibrium" in the human kingdom.
Capricorn.—This sign marks the point of concretion and of crystallisation which results eventually in the death of the form. This we see happening today. In His triumph over death and in His resurrection into life, Christ indicated the deep mystery of Capricorn. (EA p 567)
Ray III, Libra and the ruling planets
| Libra working through five planets:
RAY III. Active | The Moon, Venus, Saturn,
Intelligence. | Neptune, Uranus.
| Capricorn.
(EA p 628)
Libra and the will-to-express
LIBRA. This constellation, as you know, connotes the point of balance in the long relationship and interplay between the pairs of opposites. It indicates the will-to-express—in perfected proportion and harmony—both the life of the spirit and the potency of matter. (EA p 632)
The Word of Libra
Libra.—And the Word said: Let choice be made.
...
Libra.—I choose the way that leads between the two great lines of force.
(EA p 653-54)
