the 12 paths of spirituality - shamanic astrology mystery...
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The12PathsofSpirituality The12Dharmasandthe12Yogas
EachMysterySchoolhasitsownway,itsownapproachtoafullyrealizedlife.Therefore,eachMysterySchoolhasitsownview,itsowndefini<onofso-called“enlightenment.”OCenselfrealiza*onandenlightenmentareusedinterchangeably.Evenifitwerepossible,thereisnoaEemptbeingmadeheretoconclusivelydefineeitherterm.Theassump<onmade,however,isthateachMysterySchoolhasitsownuniquewayoffulfillingitsinten<on.Thiscoversthe12waysthroughanarra<veofeachinten<on,lookingatthevaluablecategoriesofdharmaandyoga.
Dharma
Dharmaisawordthathasbeenusedinmanywaysthroughouthistory.Usually,it’sdefinedasduty,withalinkagetokarmaandcauseandeffect.Apersonisbornwithaspecificdutyordharma.ThiscanbelinkedtotheShamanicAstrology’sviewoflineage.Ourpreviouslifeexperiences,whetherviewedasDNA,familyhistory,orpastlives,willpredisposeustohaveacertaindutyoracertainwayoflife.
However,theShamanicAstrologyParadigmdoesnotacceptsuchadeterminis<ccauseandeffectview.Rather,ourviewhasagreateremphasisonthe“intent”forcurrentlifepurposeassymbolizedbytheAscendantincombina<onwiththehouseposi<onoftheNorthNode,andthenexecutedbytheGoddessorGodsymbolizedbyaman’sMarsorawoman’sVenus.
Therefore,inthiscontext,thedharmaisrepresentedbytheAscendantpathandaugmentedbythearchetypalmysteriesseenthroughthesymbolofJupiterbysign.Dharmaisthe“intended”wayoflifethatisourdutytoperform,soonerorlater.ThisisoCennotthepathofleastresistance.
Yoga
Yoga—anotherwordwithmul<plemeanings—referencestechniquesorprac<cesthatbestcomplementandassisttheaccomplishmentofoneofthe12dharmas.ThoughoCendefinedas“union,”orasaprac<cetoaEainunion,hereitisseenasspecificyogaorprac<cedesignedtofulfilltheinten<onstowardafullyrealizedlife.Yogaisnotonespecificthingandnotonly,forexample,aspecificmedita<onprac<ceorsomeyogaasana,butratheranyofagreatnumberofprac<cesthatassistinaccomplishingaspecificdharma.Rela<onship,includingmarriage,canbeayogaasmuchasamar<alartcouldbeconsideredayoga.
Everyoneofthe12pathshasitsownuniquespirituality.Allhaveaspiritualpath,andallcanbeinalignmentwithspirit,notonlytheMysterySchoolsdescribedasbeingInServicetoSpirit(Virgo,Pisces,Gemini,SagiEarius).
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� !Involu<onAndEvolu<on
Tradi<onally,theFireandAirsignMysterySchoolshavebeenseenasmasculine,orsome<mestheterm“posi<ve”isused.Meanwhile,theEarthandWatersignswerecategorizedasfeminine,some<mesusingtheword“nega<ve.”
AcentralfeatureoftheShamanicAstrologyparadigmistoreduceandifpossible,eliminatewordsthatareloadedwithjudgments,ranking,hierarchy,andgendertermsthatarehistoricallyandculturallyrela<ve.Evenifthesetermswerenotintendedtobejudgmentalorhierarchical,forexample,posi<vevs.nega<ve,neverthelessourmindstodaycon<nuetogothere.Thisisequallytruewiththeconceptwordsmasculineandfeminine.
Therefore,theShamanicAstrologyParadigmusesevolu*onforarchetypalmasculine,andinvolu*onforarchetypalfeminine.Althoughthisisfullyexplainedelsewhere,thesecategoriesareextremelyusefulinexploringthe12pathsofspirituality,yoga,anddharma.
Inshort,thepathofevolu*onbeginswithEarthandWater,embodiedwithinformandmaEer,andmovesinanascendingdirec<ontowardAirandFire.Thisisthearchetypalmasculinejourneytowardconsciousnessandspirit.Thejourneyofinvolu*on,ontheotherhand,beginswithFireandAir,inconsciousnessandspirit,anddescendsintoincarna<on,intoform,intomaEer,andintoEarthandWater.Thispathofinvolu<onisthearchetypalfemininejourney.
Thesetermsarenevertobesuperficiallyappliedtomenorwomen.Anyperson,whatevergender,canbeonanevolu<onaryorinvolu<onaryjourney.Addi<onally,thereisneveranyranking,nogoodorbad,beEerorworse,higherorlower,orironically,moreorlessevolved!
ThreeBroadCategories:
Householder/CultureBearer:Aries,Cancer,Libra,Capricorn
ThesefouraretheMysterySchoolsthatbuild,maintain,andestablishforthefuture,thewaysofthesecular,in-the-world,andin-the-mainstreamwaysoflife.Theseincludetherolesofmothers,fathers,husbands,wives,andprotectors.Ingeneral,thesefourarewhoNa<veAmericansrefertowhensaying“wemakenodecisionssaveforthebenefitofthesevengenera<onstofollow.”ThedharmaoftheHouseholderschoolsisinherentlytradi<onalandconserva<ve(notpoli<callyconserva<ve),honoringwhathasworkedinthepastasmuchasbeingthefounda<onforfuturegenera<ons.
Self-Interest:Taurus,Leo,Scorpio,Aquarius
ThesefourMysterySchoolsexplorelifeexperienceforitsownsake.Self-Interestisnottobeconfusedwith“selfish,”althoughotherschoolssome<mesdo.Itistheresponsibilityoftheseschoolstoexpandanddeeplyexploretheinnerandouterboundariesofthefourelements.Theseinves<ga<onscanresultinknowledgeandexperiencethatbenefittheworldandhersocie<esandpeoples,butthatisnottheprimarymo<va<on.
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InServicetoSpirit:Gemini,Virgo,SagiLarius,Pisces
Allmysteryschoolshaveaspiritualpath,notjusttheoneswecallInServicetoSpirit.However,thesefourmysteryschoolshaveastheirprimarymo<va<onandpurposetofirstandforemostbeInServicetoSpirit.Whatdoesthismean?Itmeansthatotheragenciescalled“spirit”aredirec<ngtheac<oninfourdifferentways.
ThetermSpiritisadmiEedlyvague.Itdoesnotmean“spirits”asdisembodieden<<esandisnotreferringtoghosts.Incoreshamanism,asseenintheworksofDavidAbram,spiritmeansallthatisthathasconsciousness,exceptforhumanbeings.Sothatincludesanimals,plants,stars,rocks,andinpar<cular,theplanetEarthandspaceasaconsciousbeing.Therefore,theMysterySchoolsthatareInServicetoSpiritdonotgetguidancefromotherhumans,anditiscertainlynotsecular.Themo<vesareneverofself-interesteither.Thisisalwaysintendedtobeexternalguidancefromspirit.
EssenceLikemanywordscommonlyused,(suchasyogaanddharma)“essence”canbealsobeusedinmanydifferentways.Originally“essence”comesfrom“esse”or“essen<a”andmeans“tobe.”Itisusedtomeanthebasicelementorelementsinanything.
IntheShamanicAstrologyparadigmandintheShamanicAstrologyMysterySchool,thetermessenceisbeingusedinaspecificway.Iwasinspiredtouseessenceintheseways,primarilyfrommyinvolvementasastudentintheRidhwanSchool.Essenceisusedtoenumerateanddescribetheprimarycharacteris<csofanAuthen<cHumanBeing.Thedifferentessencesforeacharchetypearedescribedinthenextsec<on.
EveryplaceontheWheelofLife,andwithineveryMysterySchool(theAscendantandJupiter),hasapurposeandafunc<on.YourcurrentlifeMysterySchooloryourlineage(theMoon)involvescertaintalents,abili<es,andintendedcharacteris<cs,oressences.
ItisasifCreatororGreatMysteryhasallocatedcertainessencesforyoutoexpress.YourMoon(lineage)iswhatyouhavemasteredbeforeandwhatyoubringintothislife.YourstorylineofLifePurpose(AscendantplusNorthNodehouse),aswellasyourVenusandMarsplacements,definewhatyouhavebeenallocatedtoworkwithnow.
EachMysterySchoolreceivesdifferentalloca<ons,differentanduniqueessences.ThesearetheessenceslistedforthedifferentMysterySchoolsofLifeandareanindeterminatenumberbutarenotinfinite.
Therearealsouniversalessences,suchasUncondi<onalLove,Grace,andSelf-Love,andthesetendtobelistedassomeofthepersonalessencesallocatedtothemoreuniversalortranscendentalMysterySchools,suchasPiscesandAquarius.
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SatchitanadaSat_Chit_Ananda
SatisTruth,Existence,orPureBeing;ChitisConsciousness;andAnandaisBlissAnotherusefulwayofcategorizingthepathsofspiritualityforthe12MysterySchoolsinShamanicAstrologyisthroughthephilosophicalconceptfromIndiaknownasSatchitananda.ThisworddescribestheOneReality,theAbsoluteUndifferen<atedReality,theGreatMystery,theUnity,orTheOneBecomesThree.AlthoughthesethreeSanskrittermshaveheldavarietyofmeanings,thewayIhavealwaysunderstoodthem,andhowIamusingthemhere,generatesthefollowingmeanings:
SatSatisExistence,meaningthatthereexists“something”ratherthan“nothing.”Thisincidentallyistheul<matephilosophicalques<on:“Whyistheresomething,ratherthannothing?”ThetermSatmaynotanswerthe“why,”butitcertainlydoesindicatetherealityandexperiencethatthereISexistence.
IrelateSattotheHouseholder/CultureBearerMysterySchools,andalsotoKarmaYoga.Thesearethearchetypesthatvalueac<onandcommitmentsintheobjec<veworldwithsustainabilityanddura<onover<me.Forexample,AriesisapureSatMysterySchool.
ChitChitisConsciousnessandAwareness,anddescribestheemergenceoutoftheOneRealityofconsciousnessanditsawarenessofitself.ChitrelatestothearchetypalMysterySchoolsthatemphasizemind,consciousness,objec<vity,andthethinkingfunc<on.Ithasaconnec<onwithGyanaYoga(alsoknownasJnanaYoga).Aquarius,SagiEarius,andGeminiarepureChit.
AnandaAnandaismuchhardertodescribeinoneortwowordsbecauseitislikenedtoenergy,thefeelinganddirectexperienceofthatenergy,andthealivenessoftheOneReality.OCentheword“bliss”isusedforAnanda,buteventhatdoesnotfullydescribeAnanadaasitistheintenselyfeltenerge<cexperienceoflove,butnotloveasaconcept,idea,oraEributeofconsciousness.Ithastheflavorofrapture,ecstasy,andorgasm.Ithasaconnec<onwithTantraandKundaliniYoga.TaurusandScorpioarePureAnanda.AlltheotherMysterySchoolsarehybrids,asweshallsee.
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Aries(Sat)AriesaHouseholder/CultureBearerMysterySchool.Itistradi<onallyreferredtoasa“posi<ve”and“masculine”wayoflife.InShamanicAstrology,itfallsintotheevolu<onpathway,bywayofFire(intui<vefunc<on).
Historically,thosewithAriesdharmawerethedefendersofthewaysoflifewithintheculture.Theydefendedthehierarchies,theleaders,andthepeople.InIndiatheyweretheKshatryiaCaste,inJapantheSamurai,andinmedieval<mestheknights.
Psychologically,theaimofAriesisthecapacitytocommitandtobecompletelyfocused,withastrongindomitablewill,totallyall-in,indedica<ontoanoblecause,mission,orpurpose.ForAries,commitmentisthefounda<onfortruefreedom.
Spiritually,thegoalofclearcommitmenttoone’sdharmacanonlybegainedthroughthesurrenderofone’sanaly<calevalua<onandtheabandonmentofanyaEachmenttoduality.Transcendingdualityandsurrenderinganyneedtofigurethingsoutwillleadtotheintui<verevela<onofone’struedharma,thegenuinemissionandpurpose.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfAriesIncludes:
• Commitment• One-pointedness• Nobility• Valor• Honor• Righteousness
TheYogasOfAriesInclude:
• Mar<alarts• Physicalfitness• Pursuitofexcellence• Nobilityofcharacter• Codesofconductwithcommitmenttomoralandsocialcodes• Dedicatedservicetothenoblecause
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,intheevolu<onoftheMysterySchools,theemergingtaskofAriesistobeadefenderandupholderofthecosmicorder.Thisincludesanevolvingrecogni<onthatgenuinerighteousness,trueintegrity,andgoodnessisnotthesameastheolderanddogma<cdoctrinalviewsofgoodand
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� !badorrightandwrong,butrathercomesfromadirectintui<veconnec<ontoGreatMystery.ThenewAriesdharmaistobeawarriorforpeace.
Taurus(Ananda)TaurusisaSelf-Interest/Self-FocusMysterySchool.Tradi<onallyreferredtoas“nega<ve”and“feminine”wayoflife,inShamanicAstrologyitfallsintotheinvolu<onpathwaybywayofEarth(sensa<onfunc<on).BeinganEarthsign,theoverallprojectofTaurusistobringspirit(consciousness)intomaEer,specificallyforthepurposeofenjoyingit.
Historically,theTaurusdharmahaslinkstotheEpicureanmysteryschoolofGreece.TheaimofEpicureanismwastomaximizepleasureandminimizepain.Themethodologiesinvolvedincludedintensityofpleasure,dura<onofpleasure,andmodera<oninthecaseswhereanyextremecouldproducepain.Psychologically,Tauruscul<vatesbeingratherthandoing,withtheaimofbeinginthepresentmomentandexperiencingthatmomentwithallthesensesaslongaspossible.
ThreeAddi<onalStatesAreCul<vatedByTaurus:
• In<macyasart,assomethingworthexperiencingforitsownsake
• Beautyandaesthe<cs,asanexperiencetosavorforone’sself
• Theexperienceoftruereceivership,knowingwhatispleasurableandgood,andvaluingthegiver
Spiritually,Tauruscelebratesthefullnessandthepleasureofspiritinthesenses,withthecapacitytofullyandcompletelysavorthepresentmoment.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfTaurusIncludes:
• Beauty• Contentment• Stability• Pa<ence
TheYogasOfTaurusInclude:
• HathaYoga• PartnerYoga• RedTantraYoga• In<macyasart• Thepleasureofcrea<ngart
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Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheTaurusMysterySchoolistoassistincrea<ngheavenonearth,anewGardenofEden,withoutthe“fall.”
Gemini(Chit)GeminiisanInServicetoSpiritMysterySchool.Tradi<onallyreferredtoas“posi<ve”and“masculine,”inShamanicAstrologyitfallsintotheevolu<onpathwaybywayofAir(thinkingfunc<on).
Beinganairdharma,consciousnessandthemindtakeprecedence.Geminiembracesmaximumdiversityofthementalpathways,withanever-endingcuriosityaboutexploringasmuchaspossible.TheapproachofGeminiistoenjoyandtakedelightinthedanceofconsciousness.
Ul<mately,initspathtowardrealiza<on,Geminiusesthemindtogobeyondlimits.Thisisapathwaybeyonddualityandpolarity.Thefreedomandlibera<onderivedfromthisprojectisnotforself-interestorself-focus,butratherasservicedirectedbyspirit(higherconsciousnessorhigherself).Freedomandlibera<onstemsfromtherealitythatthemindcannotknoweverything,butthediversity,complexity,andwiderangeofwhatitcanknowisasourceofdelightandplay.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfGeminiIncludes:
• Curiosity• Humor• Play• “Irreverence”
TheYogasOfGeminiInclude:
• Zen• Aikido• Sa<re• Gymnas<csandacroba<cs• Alchemy• Manyformsofcrea<veexpressionsuchassong,dance,story-telling,magic
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheGeminiMysterySchoolistofindandthendesignthebestwaystobypassthegatesofduality.Havingaccomplishedthat,Geminicanthenexploretheunlimitedpleasuresandentertainmentsavailablefromthemindwithoutbeingtrappedbythe
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� !duali<esofthemind.
Cancer(Sat/Ananda)CancerisaHouseholder/CultureBearerMysterySchool.Tradi<onallyreferredtoasa“nega<ve”anda“feminine”pathway,forShamanicAstrologyitfallsintothepathofinvolu<onbywayofWater(feelingfunc<on).
Beingawaterdharma,thefeelingfunc<onistheprimarymo<vatorforac<onincludingempathy,compassion,andsensi<vitytotheneedsofotherswithastrongproclivityforgivingandtuningintotheneedsofothers.
Historically,Cancer’sdharmahasbeentoinves<gateandthenupholdthetradi<onsandins<tu<onsthatprovidesecurity,long-las<ngstability,andnourishmenttothechildren,family,andcommunitywithacommitmenttothewell-beingoffuturegenera<ons.Allavenuesofprovidingpersonalandresponsiblenourishment,inaver<caldirec<on,areinitspurview:therela<onshipsofparenttochild,teachertostudent,therapisttoclient,etc.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfCancerIncludes:
• Mother/nurtureins<ncts• Empathy
TheYogasOfCancerInclude:
• KarmaYoga• Nurturingandhelpingothers• Successfullyraisingafamily
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheCancerMysterySchoolistoredesignthesocietyinsuchawaythatnourishmentisavailabletoallofEarth’speoples.Thisrevisioningandredesignoffamilyandcommunitystructurewillmakeittrulysafeforthechildrenandthechildrenwithinusall.Thisisdoneinserviceandwithreferencetofuturegenera<ons.
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Leo(SatandChit)LeoisaSelf-Interest/Self-FocusMysterySchoolthatwastradi<onallyreferredtoas“posi<ve”and“masculine.”ForShamanicAstrology,itfallsintothepathofevolu<onviaFire(intui<vefunc<on).Leo’sprojectistoexperiencebeingcreatorforitsownsake.
Historically,Leohasbeenlinkedtoanancientunderstandingofroyalty,priesthood(forexampletheBrahmanCasteofIndia),andthosewithadifferentbloodline,whomodeledforhumanitythebestquali<esofwhatanauthen<candenlightenedhumanbeingcouldbe.ThosewithLeodharmawerecommiEedtoservingthepeople,alwaysinspiringthemtobeallthattheycouldbe.
ThespiritualpathoftheLeoMysterySchoolliesinrealizingsovereigntyandautonomy,therebyrecognizingpersonaliden<tywithdivinity.Thisinvolvesthedevelopmentofradiantandradicalself-love.Developingfromthisisthecourageandwilltodemonstrateone’screatorship,exemplifiedbythesimplejoyofcrea<on,justbecauseyoucan.FueledbyFire(intui<vefunc<on),thosewithLeodharmacreateinanac<onalandimmediateway,directedbyaconnec<ontoone’sdivinity.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfLeoIncludes:
• Self-love• Courage• Strength• Inspira<on• Charisma• Generosity
TheYogasOfLeoInclude:
• Inspiredleadership• Rajayoga• VisionCarrier
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheLeoMysterySchoolistore-establishourlinkwithourdivinityandtoevolvetothepointwherewecanco-createwiththeGreatMystery.Fromaplaceofsovereigntyandautonomy,Leowillcreateandthendemonstratethe
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� !bestquali<espossibleofanauthen<c,fullydevelopedhumanbeing.
Virgo(Ananda/Chit)VirgoisanInServicetoSpiritMysterySchool,thatwastradi<onallyreferredtoas“nega<ve’and“feminine.”ForShamanicAstrology,itfallsintothepathofinvolu<on.Itsprojectistobringspirit(consciousness)intomaEer,inordertoworship/honorandrecognizeitssacrednessthroughrecogni<onofitsPaEern.
Historically,VirgorepresentedGaia,orEarthMother.Virgo’sdedica<onandcommitmenttoHerwasthroughwhatcanbetermed“women’smysteries,”includingthingslikeagriculture,knowingwhatplantsandherbstogather,understandingandhonoringa
woman’smenstrualcycle,andknowingalltheceremoniesandfunc<onsofthepriest/priestess.Thisknowledge,ofcourse,wasnotonlyreservedforwomen.Inaddi<on,Virgowasnon-secular,andcommiEedtoa“sacredwork,”orcallingthatwasInServicetoSpirit.Thecallingfaroutweighedworldlysuccessorreputa<on,andwasoCenevidencedbyarenunciatelifestyle.Beinganearthdharma,whatcouldbedirectlyexperiencedwiththesenseswasmostimportant.
Spiritually,themostprofoundconnec<ontowholenessandthepathtowardlibera<onisthroughdirectlycognizingandcomprehendingthesacredpaEernorweboflife,andthenbeinginalignmentwithit.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfVirgoIncludes:
• Discrimina<on• PaEernrecogni<on• Service• Integrity(notsellingout)• Impeccability
TheYogasOfVirgoInclude:
• Hygiene• Rightdiet• AdherencetopaEern• Crea<onofceremonyandritual• Stoicism• Inquiry
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheVirgoMysterySchoolistore-establishhonorandrespectforourEarthMotherGaia.To12 Paths of Spirituality by Daniel Giamario © 2016 Page ! 10www.shamanicastrology.com
� !accomplishthis:crea<ngsacredceremonythatsupportsher.Includedintheprojectisrestora<onofwoman’smysteriesandritesofpassage.Overall,it’storeconnectwiththePaEern,andhelpreweavetheweboflife.
Libra(Sat/Chit)LibraisaHouseholder/CultureBearerMysterySchool,tradi<onallyreferredtoas“posi<ve”and“masculine”.ForShamanicAstrology,itfallsinthepathofevolu<on,bywayofAir,thinkingfunc<on.
Historically,theLibraMysterySchooldesignedthetradi<onsandtheins<tu<onsofsustainablelong-termrela<onship,throughagreementsandcommitments;thevarie<es
ofmarriage,includingwhathasbeentermed“pairbonding”,aswellastheidealizeddesiresforrela<onshipbeingapathtoGod.Libra’sdomainofresponsibilityalsoincludedsocialmores,anddiplomacyasprinciplesandideas.TheLibranDharmaisfocusedonpersonalrela<onships,withotherhumanbeings.Psychologically,thegoaloftheLibraMysterySchoolwastobemirroredaccuratelythroughpersonalrela<onships.
Spiritually,thegoaloftheLibraMysterySchoolistodiscoverandthenhighlyvalue“personalness”,referredtoasthe“PearlBeyondPrice”inSufismandtheRidhwanSchool.Thisisthenexperiencedasourtrueessence,aCerstrippingawaytheaccomplishmentsonourresumeandourordinaryegoiciden<ty.It’stheexperienceofbeinglovedjustfor“you”.
TheSpiritualEssencesOfLibraInclude:
• Personalness• Harmony
TheYogasOfLibraInclude:
• Marriage• Media<on• Rela<onshipasapathtogod• Mirroring• Collabora<on
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheLibraMysterySchoolistocreatenewwaysofdevelopingnon-hierarchical(horizontal),consciousequalrela<onshipsandpartnerships,celebra<ngtheidealofcollabora<on.Libra’scontribu<onincludesequallyvaluingallthepossibleplacesonthewheeloflife.12 Paths of Spirituality by Daniel Giamario © 2016 Page ! 11www.shamanicastrology.com
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Scorpio(Ananda)ScorpioistheSelf-Interest/Self-FocusMysterySchool,tradi<onallyreferredtoasa“nega<ve”and“feminine”pathway.ForShamanicAstrology,itfallsintothepathofinvolu<on.Opera<ngthroughWater(feelingfunc<on),theprojectofScorpioistohavethecouragetoexploretheedgeofalivenessandlifeforceforitsownsake.
Historically,Scorpiohasbeenassociatedwithavarietyofnon-mainstreamandheterodoxwaysoflife.Thesehaveincludedshamanismandsorcery,varioustantricyogaapproaches,andotherwaysofmaximizingourgreatestpossibleallotmentoflifeforce(energy).IthasbeentheresponsibilityoftheScorpioMysterySchooltomaximizeits
allotment,withoutthemedia<on,censoring,orjudgmentofthemind.Scorpiodharmacelebratesdesire,recognizingitastheengineofcrea<on.ThisisnottobeconfusedwithaEachmenttodesire.
Psychologically,Scorpiodharmaisen<relyaboutenergyandthecapacitytofeelit.Thisisratherlikeanon-pejora<veviewoftheFreudian“id.”Scorpiorespondswithimmediacyandwithoutrestric<on.Eitheryoufeelitoryoudon’t.Spiritually,Scorpiodharmaexploresrightuseofwillandrightengagementwithpower.AgoalistoexperiencemaximumAnanda,toplugdirectlyintotheinfiniteEnergyofGreatMystery.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfScorpioIncludes:
• Intensity• Passion• Depth• Aliveness• Desire• Surrender
TheYogasOfScorpioInclude:
• TantraYoga• KundaliniYoga• ManyEarth-basedShamanicprac<ces• Breathwork
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,theemergenttaskoftheScorpioMysterySchoolistoreframeshamanismandmanyvarie<esofTantra,withtherecogni<onthatthereisnoscarcityoflifeforceintheuniverseandthatnewtrainingsandknowledgearetobeexplored,allowinghumanbeings
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� !toaccesstheirmaximumcapacityforexperiencingpassionandaliveness.
SagiLarius(Chit)SagiEariusisanInServicetoSpiritMysterySchool,tradi<onallyreferredtoas“posi<ve”and“masculine.”ForShamanicAstrology,itfallsinthepathofevolu<onthroughtheelementofFire(intui<vefunc<on).TheSagiEariusprojectistodiscoverthetruthandopenupnewpathwaystowardthatgoal.
Historically,theSagiEariusdharmahasbeenoneofexplora<on,adventure,andphilosophywithastrongemphasisonthemeaningandpurposeoflife.QuiteoCen,itwasassociatedwitharenunciatelifestyle.Psychologically,theSagiEariusdharmaalignswithJungianthought,wheremeaningandpurposeoutweighsallotherlifepriori<essuchassex,will,power,orevensurvival.
Spiritually,itistheresponsibilityofSagiEariustoexploreandadventuretowardfindingthetruthforthemselves.Itisimportanttoknowtheseac<onsarenotprimarilyforself-interest.Theyareactuallyperformedinservicetospirit,thusopeninguppathwaysforallofhumanity.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfSagiLariusIncludes:
• Enthusiasm• Op<mism• Idealism• Openness
TheYogasOfSagiLariusInclude:
• Visionquests• Wayfaring• Theriteof“ini<a<on”itself• Philosophy• Inquiry
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,intheevolu<onofthisMysterySchool,theemergingtaskofSagiEariusistoques<onalldogmaandthecrystalliza<onsof“truth,”andtoboldlygointonewterritory,seekingtruthandseeingitasever-changing,ever-widening.Thequestformeaningandpurposeisaprocess,notades<na<on.
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Capricorn(Sat)CapricornisaHouseholder/CultureBearerMysterySchool.Tradi<onallyreferredtoasa“nega<ve”and“feminine”pathway,forShamanicAstrologyitfallsinthepathofinvolu<onbywayofEarth.Itsprojectistobringspirit(consciousness)intomaEer,inordertomasterandmanageit.
Historically,Capricornestablishedthetradi<onsandwaysoflifethatcreatedsustainableandprac<calfounda<onforhumanity:honoringthepast,butalwayswithaconcernfor
themanygenera<onstofollow.FortheCapricorndharma,prac<calresultsweremoreimportantthanideals.Capricorn’sprojectistodiscover,understand,andthenmanagethematerialplane,masteringtheopera<ngmanualofobjec<vereality.Butthisisnotdoneasanendinitself,foritsownsake,butratherforthebenefitandworkabilityoftheworld.
Psychologically,Capricornoperatesinahierarchical(ver<cal)wayandsymbolizestherela<onshipsthatlegi<matelyworkthatway:parentandchild,teacherandstudent,therapistandclient.
Spiritually,becauseCapricorncanconnectthefarthestoutwardextentofrealitytothedensestmateriality,thusapprehendingandsensingtheen<recrea<on,it’simpera<vethatthisexperiencebecomesthewisdomthatserveshumanityfromaplaceofprac<calwisdom.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfCapricornIncludes:
• Wisdom• Rightteaching• Authority• Responsibility
TheYogasOfCapricornInclude:
• Sacredgeometry• Architecture• Ashtangayoga
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,intheevolu<onoftheMysterySchools,theemergenttaskofCapricornistoobjec<velydiscoverwhatworksforthelivabilityandsustainabilityofthewholeplanetandallthepeople.Atthisturningpoint,CapricornmustagainalignwiththecircleofgrandmothersandtheSacredFemininetoleavebehinditsratherlonganddisastroususurpa<on
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� !bythepatriarchy.
Aquarius(Chit)AquariusisaSelf-Interest/Self-FocusMysterySchoolthatwastradi<onallyreferredtoas“posi<ve”and“masculine.”ForShamanicAstrology,itfallsintothepathofevolu<on,bywayofAir(thinkingfunc<on).TheprojectofAquariusistohavethecouragetoexpandconsciousnessasfarandwideaspossibleforitsownsake.
Historically,Aquariushasgenerallybeenassociatedwiththeculngedgeofthings,theavant-garde,andthecompletelyunique.Aquariandharmaincludeswaysofthinkingthatexistoutsidetheestablishedcollec<veorareoutsidetheboxofordinaryreality.Thisisalways,asmuchaspossible,aboutaconnec<ontouniversalvalues:higherlove,highermeaning,highertruth,andaboveall,objec<vity.
Interes<ngly,thebeginningsofthescien<ficagewereroutedintheAquariandharma,withitsstrongimpulsetoobjec<velyperceiverealitywithoutemo<onal,subjec<ve,orsupers<<ousovertonesthatrequiredonlybelief.
Psychologically,Aquariusaspiresforobjec<vityanddetachment,coolysurveyingthewidestpossibleview.
Spiritually,AquariusaEemptstotranscendthera<onal,evalua<vemindandtoreachthegroundofpureconsciousnessitself.Thisisthe“eye”behindtheeye,thehighwitness,thefairwitness,whichperceivesallthatis,withoutjudgment,merelyno<ngtherisingandfallingofallthoughtandofallphenomena.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfAquariusIncludes:
• Objec<vity• Insight• Spaciousness• Uniqueness• Skep<cism• Brilliance• Idealism(philosophical)
TheYogasOfAquarius:
• Vipassana(insight)• Thescien<ficmethod• Willingnesstobeyourself
Now,attheTurningoftheAges,intheevolu<onoftheMysterySchools,theemergenttaskofAquariusistocourageouslykeepexpandingthevisionofpossibili<es,alwayswiththehighestandthemostexpandedconsciousness.It’stheresponsibilityofAquariusto
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� !comeupwiththeinnova<onsandtoseethewaysthatothersdonotsee.Addi<onally,themissionofAquariusistoalwaysstandforuniquenessandindividuality,alwaysques<oningconformityandthetyrannyofconsensusreality.
Pisces(Ananda)PiscesisanInServicetoSpiritMysterySchool,tradi<onallyreferredtoasa“nega<ve”and“feminine”pathway.ForShamanicAstrologyitfallsintothepathofinvolu<onbywayofWater(feelingfunc<on).Itsprojectistorelievesufferingbyfeelingintowheresorrow,grief,andunhappinessintheplanetresidesandthenrespondingwithadedicatedcommitmenttobeinservicewithcompassion.
Piscesdharmaincludesmanywaysofusingecsta<candalteredstatestoassistinhealing.Historically,Pisceshasbeenassociatedwithhealers,worldservers,andsaviors.Inmostcases,thelifestyleofthisarchetypewasrenunciate,notsecularorworldly.ManyholyandreligiousordersembracedthegoalsofthisMysterySchool.Anaddi<onalelementofPiscesdharmahasbeenthelongingforecsta<candmys<calunion,throughmanyvarie<esofalteredstates,frommusicanddance,tosexualhealing,toplantmedicine.Thegoalwasalwaysabouthealingothersandself,throughrapturousandcompassionatetherapeu<cmedicine.Psychologically,thePiscesdharmastronglyemphasizesmerging,andthecapacitytoexperiencerapport,toexperiencedirectlywhatanotherisfeeling.
Spiritually,Piscesdharmaisaboutmys<calunionwiththeheartoftheuniverse,theuncondi<onalloveofGreatMystery.Piscesasaspiritualpathincludestheabnega<onoftheself,andac<onsperformedintheworldaretheliteraliza<onoftheexperiencethatserviceisitsownreward.
TheSpiritualEssenceOfPiscesIncludes:
• Compassion• Empathy• Sacrifice• Surrender• Sorrow(grief)
TheYogasOfPiscesInclude:
• Bakh<yoga• Diksha• Volunteerism• Devo<on• Ecsta<cceremonyNow,attheTurningoftheAges,intheevolu<onoftheMysterySchools,theemergenttaskofPiscesistocreatewaysofhelpingandhealingotherswithout
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� !martyrdomandvic<mhood.Piscesdharmaisalsoaboutdevelopingwaysofexperiencingecsta<cstateswithoutaddic<onorthelossofthecapacitytofunc<onintheworldwithastrong,healthy,egoicstructure.
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