Epiphany, the Ark, Retrogrades & Our Gifts of Self
Here we are in our second week of the new year, 2022, a number that equals six (2+2+2=6). Six for the sixth day of the week, Saturn. Six for the sixth sign – Virgo. Six for Ray 6, the ray of devotion and dedication, of hopes, wishes, dreams and visions of the future. And January 6, Epiphany (Twelfth Night), when the Three Magi Astrologer Kings discover the holy child, Epiphany occurs this Thursday, during Pisces moon, a most appropriate moon for Epiphany when a revelation of great import is offered to the world.
And so, another year has unfolded. We continue in our Noah’s Ark, sailing into the new Aquarian era. We sense what’s to come, both the dark and the light, making their appearance so we may choose our future. The Ark is our celestial boat, transporting us, like seeds into a new world, giving humanity another chance at the Divine Plan of redeeming the Earth. We travel in the ark in pairs navigating new waters of a new world. Each year a new wisdom is given to humanity from the stars.
Two Retrogrades in January – 2022 began in a Venus retrograde (‘til the end of January). And Mercury retrograde begins Friday, January 14. Mercury entered Aquarius (new era) on New Year’s Day, but it will return to practical Capricorn for several weeks before re-entering Aquarius. Two personal planets retrograding simultaneously is quite a workout in terms of assessing and evaluating the past. Venus is values, resources and relationships. Mercury is how we think, talk and make contact.
Having walked with the Magi since Christmas, we know of the gifts they will offer – that of gold, frankincense & myrrh (or Mercy) – gifts of the Soul. We too have gifts to offer, the gift of ourselves. As we enter a new year, the months overseen by the zodiac, it’s good to remember the gifts (purpose, tasks, surprises, nature) we carry within ourselves, the gifts of each sign, Aries to Pisces. These gifts of ourselves we offer the world. Knowing them also leads to an understanding of each other. Each sign, each person and each gift is important and significant in the evolution of the world. The gifts…. I post them several times a year, so we don’t forget that we, too are each a gift.
ARIES: Creates the beginnings of things, has a fiery, quick-thinking mind, does not exhibit patience (especially for slower signs Pisces, Taurus, Scorpio, Cap), is filled with enthusiasm (filled with God). Using the “I” word constantly, Aries is developing a sense of self-identity, amidst being decisive, competitive, aggressive, proving themselves as impulsive risk takers. The Hierarchy looks on to see if you’re a good risk for them. Can you change the world?
TAURUS: People often call Taurus stubborn, but that’s not the reality. Taurus people must think deeply before responding to questions. Their mind is based upon sensibility and practicality. Give them time to ponder on all aspects of a question before answering. Taurus loves gold and beauty (Venus). Gold is valuable, and like every Taurus, a serious long-lasting investment. Taurus is to illuminate the minds of humanity. Beginning with themselves first. Venus is their companion.
GEMINI: Your eyes are special, different than the other signs except for Aquarius. Your eyes “see” things others cannot see. Your eyes gather information in order to disperse that information to others. Gemini is the messenger (Mercury), quite imaginative, sometimes a gossip, can be charming when it’s important and absent when it’s not. Your purpose, after dispensing information, is to love beyond everyone else’s capacity. Sirius is your guiding star. Become acquainted.
CANCER: Truly a crab, circling whatever interests them, never moving in a straight line. You’re circuitous in order to assess safety and well-being. When safety is assured, you feed, nurture and nourish all beings – people, plants, kingdoms, babies, animals, gardens, the broccoli deva, etc. Shy and evasive in public, you’re lively and talkative with intimates. And very opinionated! Following moon cycles and oceans’ tides, you’re sensitive, moody, refined. Neptune summons you.
LEO: The proud lion, the heart of the matter, the world is their jungle. They have strong will, great intelligence, a high forehead, often big hair, can be generous, intense, over-confident, and at times a pain to everyone. You’re a leader, must be in charge, very creative, inspiring others and sensitive like Cancer. Your purpose is to awaken, cultivate your gifts, then offer them to humanity. You are a “fire child.” That fire is God (Agni).
VIRGO: Known as a perfectionist, you’re to bring order and organization into the world. However, before understanding this task, you’re often disorderly, critical, judgmental, opinionated and silently unappreciative. But this is just a stage. Later you become trustworthy, exploratory, appreciative and organized. Your purpose is to gestate new realities and realize that “love underlies all the happenings of the times.” Archangel Gabriel is your protector.
LIBRA: Libra likes to play, have fun, be social and cooperate. With their sense of beauty and justice Libras seek to bring balance to everyone’s life. Libras have many relationships. In each one, they are learning how to be in relationships, how to choose and discriminate, how to share and love and extend themselves so they can radiate Goodwill and Right Relations in all interactions. Librans are mediators, servers and are always beautiful.
SCORPIO: The sign of potent and emotional feelings and the deepest of desires, Scorpios also have strong powerful wills. Serious, at times unfathomable, secretive, mysterious, they are extraordinary researchers and always somewhat in a Halloween situation. Always facing death and rebirth, Scorpios ask others to walk with them. As everyone declines the invitation and withdraws, Scorpios can walk alone and never show weakness. They can be harsh and undiplomatic. Often, they suffer, and we find them deeply and unequivocally the admirable warrior.
SAGITTARIUS: The truth sign. Sags are like an arrow of light – bright, straightforward, uncomplicated, undemanding, focused upon what’s ahead, eyes ever on the mountain tops, riding over the plains toward a goal almost no one sees & usually unreachable. They’re adventurous, cultural, publishers, filled with music, love of food, the need for freedom and always on a journey. Their companion is Jupiter which suggests Joy. But sometimes, for little moments, they can also be sad at the injustices in the world.
CAPRICORN: The sign of self-reliance, like Taurus but different, Caps never ask for help for they must prove to themselves they’re responsible, accountable, dependable and trustworthy. Often, no matter how much Caps accomplish, they feel unworthy & undeserving, judging themselves as not having done enough. Caps need help understanding they are always on the Path, climbing the ladder, having earned a starry place among their serving brothers and sisters. Caps need to know they are the “rising sun.”
AQUARIUS: Honest and sincere, understanding brotherhood and seeking freedom, bringing the future into the present, always different, unique and revolutionary, Aquarians are comforted by knowing everyone in town. They love parties and groups. They’re loyal and sympathetic. These “waters of life” star children, quirky and eccentric, sometimes very determined, learn by being both alone and in groups and consider their work with deep seriousness. Aquarians are the “light that shines on Earth, across the sea.” They are the future. Uranus trails them.
PISCES: Very sensitive (like Cancer), a delicate fish (actually two), most comfortable in warm waters (pools, rivers, lakes, oceans, rainfalls), Pisces can suffer tremendously, not understanding life in form and matter. Sometimes the fish finds themselves in places and positions not quite right, sometimes with broken feet and bones. This is frightful for them. The Talmud says that “Every blade of grass has its angel bending over it, whispering, ‘Grow, grow.’” Pisces has their angel, bending over them, too. It’s just invisible to everyone else.
Risa – writer, educator, teacher, psychological-spiritual counselor, mentor, astrologer & esotericist. Founder & Director of The Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute/College, a contemporary Wisdom School for the Ageless Wisdom teachings. The foundations of the Teachings are the study & application of exoteric & esoteric Astrology, the Seven Rays & Raja Yoga meditation. risagoodwill@gmail.com, www.nightlightnews.org/
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Recognition of the unique value of every living being expresses itself in reverence for life, compassion for all, sympathy with the need of all individuals to find truth for themselves, and respect for all religious traditions. ~The Esoteric & Theosophical Worldview.