Jupiter Shoemaker-Levy 9 Collision Anniversary

  This article is a celebration of the anniversary of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 that collided with the planet Jupiter12 years ago. The exact date of the first hit and which continued for another 7 days was July 16, 1994. I remember that summer well because I was to be married on July 30^th and my now ex-wife and I were busy preparing for our special event. It is easy to recall the forest fires all over the world that were sparked synchronistically with the Jupiter comet collision. The sun and the clouds in the sky turned a rather eerie yet awesome and mysterious cascade of yellow, orange, red and grey, the hues that summer forest fires can create. Aside from Jupiter’s extraordinary features and characteristics, what is of particular interest about it to me is that it constitutes a special “seed event”. Over the course of this article I will examine the deeper implications of this seed event from both a general perspective and more specifically from the ‘lens’ of Astrology. I generally add the Jupiter Collision to a growing list of ‘cosmic events’ over the past five decades or so which are contributing to a significant shift in consciousness that is affecting all of humanity. Specifically speaking, these include the following:

1)  The first photographs of our planet Earth from Space in the late 50’s and especially the first official landing and ‘man on the Moon’ in 1969. The implications of this cosmic perspective of our planet is slowly but surely creating shifts in human consciousness serving to bridge our many separate nations into a more unanimous state of unity. Images of our planet are now a common feature everywhere.

2)  Comet Hale-Bopp in 1995 gained the also gained the attention of the whole world as we together witnessed a large comet crossing the heavens in plain view for many months. For more on this got to this link: Hale-Bopp

3)  Crop Circles may appear on earth but they sure have a cosmic implication. While many continue to disregard crop circles, largely due to narrow bias perpetuated for some reason by the media, they cannot be denied due to their size which can be several times larger than a sports playing field; the amount of circles in any given season can be in the hundreds; they are appearing all over the world and there are a variety of kinds of crop circles in addition to the most common wheat and cereal field forms like ice circles and tree top circles; their beauty and design is exquisite and intricate illustrative of a complex genius; the chemistry of the crops subject to the design patterns differs from that outside of it and there is much, much more to say. While governments would like to dismiss them for some reason, they cannot. For more information, go to this link: Crop Circle Connector

4)  The Close approach of Mars to our planet in 2003 especially and then again in 2005. The 2003 approach was a particularly spectacular event which also coincided with large and devastating forest fires all over the world. Here is a link with good information on it: MarsPerihelion2003

  There are likely to be other events and phenomenon that would fit this list, yet this provides a good example. This is where our science and technology, particularly our transportation and communications technologies are contributing to a new humanity. While each field of science is making contributions, our communications technologies are making all people in the world aware of the same things simultaneously. I believe that this is having a significant impact on the evolution of our consciousness as a species and as a galactic neighbour. I intend to write about each of these events and phenomenon in future articles.

  The main reasons why I want to share with you the account of and my insight about the Jupiter comet collision are threefold. First, I want to contribute to the reality that life, despite its apparent state of separate parts, is actually one great continuum and this is where the concept of synchronicity comes to the fore. Astrology works on the basis of this grand continuum which can perhaps best be referred to as holistic. Using Astrology as a tool I will briefly assess the nature of the ‘seed event’ that the Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 was and what this might mean. The interpretative approach that Astrology offers is symbolic and scientific or holistic, rather than purely scientific. This mode of approach bridges both hemispheres of the brain as opposed to leaning excessively to the left linear, logical hemisphere. My second main objective then is to walk you through an Astrological analysis process using non-technical terms as much as possible, or at least briefly explaining these when they are necessary. My goal here is to simply offer you the experience of how Astrology works; to introduce you to the language and logic of Astrology as it operates on a more holistic model and is not purely subjected to a materialistic paradigm. Third, I hope to contribute to building the bridges between science and spirituality or, more specific to my profession, astronomy and astrology. The beauty of the Holistic Paradigm is that it is inclusive whereas the Mechanistic Paradigm of mainstream science tends to exclusivity – exclusive must be balanced by inclusive and without a deeper appreciation of the actual reality of this, we can use our miraculous and powerful minds blindly and destructively, as our civilization is doing currently. So, in other words, my third focus is upon events that contribute to the emerging and necessary paradigm shift that the world is also currently undergoing. Yes, the revolution is on and it is a ‘renaissance’ (literally, re-awakening) and this one will, at least eventually, be recognized as significantly rivalling the 16^th century Renaissance and the subsequent religious, scientific and industrial revolutions that followed.  The word ‘paradigm’, by the way, can be interpreted as a ‘foundational world view’ upon which the rational of nations and societies function. If you are wondering what the foregoing has to do with the Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collision with Jupiter, I encourage you to read on. Again, what I am about to share with you is interpretive and theoretical as opposed to purely empirical. I am appealing to your heart and mind, your intuitive imagination and your logical reason. When these function together what operates is what might be generally deemed our 6^th sense or more correctly, our higher mind. Beyond the ideals of this mode of thinking, it seems imperative from the general condition of modern civilization, that humanity take its next great leap in consciousness. As awesome as the Comet collision on Jupiter was as an event, I am more interested in its implications, literally, psychologically, socially and spiritually. Because the implications of this event are so large, the repercussions are global and all of humanity is being influenced.

  Now, what is significant about the Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collision with Jupiter is that Jupiter has an orbit of almost 12 years, 11.86 to be exact so Jupiter spends approximately 1 year in of each of the 12 years corresponding with one Zodiac Sign for each year. (For a rich listing of Jupiter’s special attributes go to this link: Grandunification The synchronicity of the 12:12 ratio – Jupiter’s average cycle and the 12 Signs of the Zodiac - attributes the number value of 12 from the Zodiac to Jupiter making it the ‘king planet’ in Astrology. Not surprisingly, Jupiter’s essential meaning expresses a ‘royal’ status in astrological symbolism and it is classically referred to as the “great benefic” while Venus is the lesser benefic. Interestingly, Jupiter and Venus are the only two planets in the Solar System that are hot! There is much more to Jupiter in terms of its influence upon us that most people realize. Fro example, Astronomical studies are demonstrating that all the planets and perhaps Jupiter in particular has a definite affect upon the Sun and is said to produce solar spot activity, as some of the information in the above link asserts. It is worth noting that Jupiter’s average orbital cycle of 11 years corresponds with the 11 year sun spot activity.

  In Astrological practice, Jupiter refers to our general direction for opportunity and more specifically refers to our “beliefs” or to what we believe to be true. Jupiter’s positioning as the middle planet between the Sun and Pluto is yet another indication of its special status. Further, Jupiter is 2.5 times larger than all the planets put together yet rotates on its axis every ten hours! The great storm, red spot or ‘eye’ of Jupiter is perhaps its most noted attribute. See the eye image for your self with the following link: Jupiter's Eye The following link provides some useful background on some of the particulars of the Jupiter collision. Jupiter Collision This site will provide probably enough background and scientific commentary to at least get you started. The following links will provide a sampling of images of the event. Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

  I find it amazingly beautiful just how much the great red spot storm on Jupiter actually looks like an eye! Incidentally, Jupiter’s eye storm, I will refer to it this way from now on, is itself four times the size of our whole plane! The rapid axial rotation turns the planet and so the great storm like an all knowing eye looking to the Sun on one end of the spectrum and sweeping all the way out to Pluto on the other end, casts a solar systemic 360 degree ‘visual’ sweep every 10 hours, like a celestial lighthouse. As it completes each revolution on its axis, it is as if each cycle reverberates with a cosmic mantra repeating “I know, I know” What it ‘knows’, and I say this in a more cosmological, metaphysical sense than the literal astronomical, what it knows is “The Plan” The Plan is, basically, the evolution and expression of life and consciousness symbolized by the Sun on one end, the Solar Lord and Logos, and Pluto the planet of evolutionary transformation or death and rebirth, at the other end of the spectrum. All the other planets play vital roles in this cosmology, this ‘astro-psychology’ (this is a modern term but the concept of it is very ancient) and Jupiter’s role is vital in that it symbolizes the higher mind and the very idea of the evolution of consciousness. Put another way, Jupiter is the cosmic organ of our beliefs. What we believe and how we believe has everything to do with our perceptions and values and actions, all of which constitute our philosophy of life. Incidentally, for there to be a Plan, there must be a ‘planner’, designer or what ever similar such term you deem suitable, or a consciousness that is actively engaged in the plan and the intricate and infinite processes of its expression.

  From this understanding, it is easy to accept that perceiving the Solar System as one whole entity is more than a metaphor. It is an assertion that all of life in general and our Solar System in particular, is not simply a conglomeration of parts. Nor are we or any other aspect of life. For example, when we say, ‘what goes around comes around’ most people ‘believe’ this to be true in both the literal sense, pertaining to cycles, and the metaphysical sense which hints at a very real operative law of life. If asked why we believe this to be true, aside from sighting this or that example from our own experience and observation of other people’s life, we simply ‘know’ that it is true. How and why we know beyond logical reasoning implies intuition, a function of higher mind. As Albert Einstein’s famous quote asserts, “Imagination is greater than knowledge”. The lower minded approach of dissecting the parts as a means of understanding the whole does have its place, right alongside embracing the whole to better understand the parts. This implies a balanced mind approach and the one keeps the other in check, or more precisely, balance. Astrology exists as a testimony to this and upholds this balance in everyday practice. It reminds us that we are nature and not simply in it; we are one with it all! While we each busily live our lives it is at least as true that our life is living us. This is the nature of reality and the reality of nature. Just think and imagine how much your automatic nervous system, your subconscious and your DNA are operative at every moment of your life. If you ‘think’ that everything you choose and do and are stems from your conscious mind, think again! Nature is alive as a whole and has or contains intelligence and expresses an intelligence that is so infinitely and majestically awesome that it can perhaps best be described as and is generally referred to as God. This is, has been and continues to be the message of all awakened minds. The ‘reason’ these thinkers come to be regarded as mystics, it because that is again, the nature of reality and the reality of nature – ultimately mystical and infinitely intelligent and beautiful, may I add. Considering it to be unconscious and arbitrary is simply a reflection of the same and that is what is so ugly about the mechanistic paradigm operating as the sole truth and with unquestioned authority which it does more by might that right. The animation of the Solar System as a whole being can be very illuminating and awakening. It is a whole within ever greater wholes just as we are, just as is every cell in our bodies. This is an example of what is meant by the ancient metaphysical term, “As above, so below.” In this model, the Sun is the heart center and Jupiter functions as our intuitive knowing, dare I say brain. So, taking this holistically conscious and all pervading animation of life to my current focus I want to say that when the 21 pieces of the comet collided with Jupiter we might accept that each fragment of the comet was ‘like’ a cosmic sperm cell which effectively impregnated the largest family member of our Solar Systemic family.

  What is particularly significant about the collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter from an astrological perspective is that it represents a ‘seed’ event. Further, this seed event can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. (During an interview with Outside Magazine in the June 2006 Issue, Dave DeRothschilde, who uses the privilege and opportunity of his great wealth to fight against global warming and environmental degradation said the following: “…we live in a world obsessed by events, and we have to create events to make people sit up and notice.” DeRothschilde calls his environmental crusade Adventure Ecology. His website is: www.adventureecology.com/mission1 ) The world view of Astrology is more holistic and organic than that of traditional science. (For more on this read my Monthly Newsletter for August 2006, it also has an Astro-Weather update.) The astronomers may think similarly and most likely continue to observe what is happening on Jupiter while the rest of humanity has moved on. All except, at least, for the astrologers who take a more holistic approach to this time-honoured art and science and recognize the essentially organic nature of reality. By the term, ‘organic’ I mean to say holistically minded Astrologers recognize the continuum of reality (not all people who have knowledge of or ‘practice’ or ‘sell’ astrology on the internet and through T-shirts and charms etcetera think holistically, but they may claim to be astrologers). Again, the unprecedented and dramatic event of Jupiter being ‘pulverized’, as one astronomer commented, by a significantly large comet which would have probably exterminated virtually all life on our planet, can perhaps best be understood as a ‘seed’ event, albeit a cosmic seed. By now I trust that you, the reader, realize that I am not using the term ‘seed’ merely as a metaphor. Perhaps to truly appreciate the usage of this term one may have to have at least some working knowledge with Astrology. From an archetypal point of view, every New Moon is a seed and like nature, there are many kinds of ‘seed events’ in Astrology, like a person’s first breath at birth. To truly appreciate this fact, one must appreciate the nature of the holistic continuum of nature and reality. This is where paradox enters the picture and where concepts popularized by great philosophical minds such as Alan Watts asked, “Do YOU do it, or does IT do you? (go to www.soundstrue.com for this and other quality resources). Further, this understanding honours and recognizes that we do not simply experience nature; we are, in fact, an extension of it. In other words, WE ARE NATURE!  It is our intellect that creates the illusion of this division and which, operating upon linear logic alone, separates us from the grand continuum of nature and the holism of reality. This is what the mechanistic paradigm is perpetuating and where change in terms of more holistic thinking is needed most. The implication of the seed of the Jupiter collision is twofold: 1) Jupiter has been inseminated and impregnated and is currently gestating and will give birth, in some sense of the term or mutate into something other than it was in our basic observation. 2) As Jupiter undergoes this alchemical process and transformation, we too by synchronicity are undergoing significant changes and mutations in our psychology, through our beliefs. Evidence of this is everywhere but linking it to events on Jupiter is probably very rare. The best term I know to illustrate this idea is ‘synchronicity’ which is holistic.

     Few people made the association of the fires with Jupiter being hit as I recall back 12 years ago, even though they began and became big news on the very day that Jupiter was first hit – July 16. Little if any mention, as far as I know, was made of this ‘synchronicity’, either in newspapers or in the astronomy magazines or even astrological periodicals for that matter. However, I personally believe that there was a direct relationship. It seems that our perceptions are so fragmented and therefore intellectually superior that we no longer make such associations. Does every thing have to be scrutinized in the lab so the so-called authorities can decide if it is scientifically approved or not? Interestingly, the same sort of synchronicity occurred in the summer of 2003 when Mars made its closest approach to the earth and forest fires raged furiously once again burning thousands of hectares of land devastating many communities - all over the world. In both instances the fires all around Nelson BC, where I still live, threatened to sweep through our beloved community bridging our consciousness with that of other places in the world. The air was filled with smoke creating an eerie and sobering atmosphere. One might argue that there are forest fires every year. However, never in my recollection have there been such big fires and so wide spread as to gain the attention of all nations and peoples in our world and simultaneous to the planetary events!  It so happens that there is an email currently circulating that Mars will form its closest approach to Earth in many centuries and will not again be this close for many more. If you missed it I am sorry to say that the false message will not help you. That people do not remember the close Mars approach is surprising to me as it was so spectacular and memorable. For more on this follow this link: Mars. I suppose people secretly want more and bigger cosmic events of this kind. In this regard, we do well to be careful what we wish for as Mother Nature can be brutal beyond all measure and impartial of who so ever may be in the path of her wrath. Still, the events are exciting and for this among other reasons I want to share with you my memories along with the official account of the Jupiter collision exactly 12 years ago.

  So, let us now turn attention to some of the facts of the actual event. Comets can be and are relatively large yet fragile and unstable. They are much bigger than meteors and are more akin in size to asteroids. According to my research online, there is at least some debate among astronomers as to the exact difference between comets, asteroids and moons.  Asteroids can be 1000 km’s in diameter like a small Moon as with Ceres, the largest Asteroid in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. Ceres is 960 by 932 km’s, for example. However, unlike most asteroids, comets do not necessarily have a fixed orbit. They are pretty big but not bigger than the influence of gravitational pulls of other planets; this, in part, due to the fact that they are not usually very dense. For this reason, at least some comets are very unpredictable and eccentric. I have heard them be compared to celestial ping-pong balls in that they are known to bounce, so to speak, quite erratically and so remain largely unpredictable in terms of their exact orbit and/or eventual trajectory. In any case, their orbit, erratic as it may be, is usually around the Sun. Astronomers however were quick to recognize that Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 was in orbit around Jupiter. Whether it was initially a satellite around Jupiter or whether it was pulled in by Jupiter’s gravitational field is another question up for study, speculation and debate. Whatever you want to believe about the size or orbit of comets, it was clearly noted in many of the astronomical magazines back in 1994 that this comet on a collision course with Jupiter was fragmented into what turned out to be 21 pieces each of which was equivalent to a multimegaton bomb! Further, anyone of these ‘fragments’ would have completely annihilated all life on our planet!

  I recall reading elsewhere that due to Jupiter’s strong gravitational field; it acts as a major line of defence for us here on earth against the onslaught of ‘rogue comets’ that might otherwise find their target here on our relatively small planet, with absolutely devastating consequences. The astronomers were aware of the comet for over a year prior to its eventual impact. To be exact, the first sighting was in March 1993! Hmmm…that was right about exactly when Uranus and Neptune formed a conjunction aspect coinciding with among other major events like the internet and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Astronomers all over the world were quickly alerted to this “once-in-a thousand-lifetimes” event. (Should we acknowledge this statement as a subconscious belief in reincarnation on the part of hard materialistic scientists who would quickly deflect such a supposition as too literal a read of the sentence?) Anyway, it was referred to in The Planetary Report Vol. XIV Number 1 Jan/Feb. 1994 as perhaps “the biggest celestial show in human history”. Due to its close proximity to Jupiter, regardless of its actual origin, it was agreed that it came within Jupiter’s Roche limit (Named for 19^th-century French mathematician E. A. Roche, this is the distance from the planet within which a small object will be torn to pieces by tidal forces from the planets gravity.)

  Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 was popularly referred to as a “necklace” or “string of pearls” and was quite accurately predicted to collide with Jupiter starting on July 21^st. In the aftermath, the collision did occur though it began on July 16^th and continued through to July 22^nd before each of the 21 pieces made their lethal impact. Each fragment was estimated to be from about 2.5 to 10 kilometres or approximately 1.5 to 6 miles in diameter. The fragments were estimated to hit the planet at a speed of about 216,000 Km’s or 135, 000 km’s per hour. Many questions, curiosities and opinions about the impact were flying freely among astronomers all over the world. It was even considered that we may witness the birth of a new Great Red Spot. Well, that did not happen right away, despite the impressive string of pearls which did in fact form a fiery ring around the upper regions of the planet. However, more recently, Astronomer’s have reported that a new giant spot has, in fact, formed! For more on this go to: Jupiter's New Eye  There and on other sites you will read that this discovery comes almost exactly 12 years to the day from the first sighting of the collision comet! Again, Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun is 12 years! While these synchronicities (a now common term coined by C.G. Jung), may be reduced to mere coincidences by staunch sceptics of the meaningful coinciding of events), what really caught my attention then and continues to this day is that the New Age movement which became especially big in the 1980’s was and continues to be referred to as a ‘pearl necklace’. Coincidence, you may say? Well, the reference to the New Age as a “Pearl Necklace”, made years prior to this event, implies the forging of a new global culture based on a synthesis of the ‘pearls’ of achievement from all cultures over the course of the most recent epoch. It does not take too much imagination to recognize that this is what is, in fact, occurring in many fields most noteworthy the religion/spirituality and medicine/healing sectors of social progress. More specific to this idea is that in Astrology, Jupiter is the planet most closely associated with religion and belief, both of which are highly instrumental in the spirituality and healing paradigms of any culture, or person for that matter. While this metaphor fits nicely into the actual revolutions that are sweeping the planet and breaking down traditional lines of cultural division, I also chose to see the image of the 21 fragments of the comet that collided with Jupiter as a “crown of thorns”. After all, while it is ‘cute’ to refer to the 21 fragments as pearls, since each one was equivalent to a multimegaton bomb, we might better imagine them to at least also symbolize something more dramatic and drastic than soft shiny precious pearls. This image does fit well with the New Age movement in its more elevated reaches; however, as for the comet fragments they were anything but friendly in their overall impact. Again, Jupiter is symbolically linked to religious belief and in Hindu Astrology Jupiter is called Guru or spiritual teacher. In other words, the traditional spiritual beliefs and teachings symbolically experienced a form of crucifixion. Take a good look at how much the religious and spiritual environment has changed over the last decade or, shall we say, 12 years or so. Yes, the fundamentalist thinking that was growing strong and threatening back in the early 90’s has been significantly reduced.  Crown of thorns, or pearl necklace, or both, you decide. I will examine this point more closely when I look at the actual chart of the planets at the time of the great comet collision on Jupiter.

  In terms of the New Age, most everyone has heard of the dawning Age of Aquarius. In juxtaposition, it goes along to recognize that the Age of Pisces has recently ended. While this is not the time to get into that hot and juicy topic in this article, consider that the Age of Pisces was a “Mutable” age. In other words, the 4 Mutable Signs of Astrology, namely Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius characterized the declining age commonly referred to as Pisces. In this holistic and more accurate model of an age which, by the way, lasts about 2160 years or 1/12 of a 26,000 year precessional cycle. Again, I do not wish to expand upon this here. More to the point, in any Age of this sort, it is useful and effectively true to place the sign most specifically associated with an Age, in this case Pisces, on the Ascendant or Rising Sign point as this is the sign that marks the horizon. Following this model, which is widely accepted among astrologers, Jupiter ruled Sagittarius (The Zodiac signs are ‘ruled’ or ‘governed’ by a planet), sits on the Midheaven, M.C. or otherwise referred to as the Zenith point. Not surprisingly, the past 2160 year period was significantly marked by religious themes of every kind in alignment with Sagittarius on the Midheaven point. Again, there is much more that can and will be said about this in future articles that I intend to write. I hope for now, that you can at least see the point that I associate the Jupiter hit with an official cosmic crucifixion of Jupiter. This crucifixion is the key to Jupiter’s resurrection. The new spot on Jupiter is a small indication of this shift. I wonder if any of you readers are leaping ahead to make the same supposition as I am that the effect of the hit of the 21 pieces of Comet Levi-Shoemaker 9 is far from over. Was Arthur C. Clarke in his masterful works 2001: A Space Odyssey and its trailer 2010: Odyssey 2 merely playing with his imagination or was he in fact some form of prophet? Whether Jupiter does in fact, become a second sun-like body in our solar system or not, something is going on within our solar system’s massive planet and the beginning of this transformation can be traced to the comet collision 12 years ago, again exactly one orbit around the Sun.

  So, what of a complete orbit around the Sun? It has happened millions of times before for any planet. However, what might one orbit signify both literally and symbolically? There are perhaps many answers we might glean from such a question. That Jupiter has formed another giant red spot 12 years after the comet collision should at least raise a few brows. The cycle of a planet around the Sun is not merely some dry fact. It is both a powerful symbol and even more, it is a spiritual event. It is spiritual because the Sun is not merely a fiery ball of hydrogen and helium and so forth as materialistic science is want to assert. In its true light and essence, the Sun is a spiritual being! Yes spiritual and intelligent beyond all theory and reasoning. In Astrology, the intellect is governed by Mercury and this is traditionally considered the lower mind. Its basic function is to divide, categorize, analyze, assess, sort, label and differentiate etcetera. Mercury is also considered morally neutral. The Sun operates on the basis of higher minded principles, above all love because it corresponds to the Heart Chakra. The Heart Chakra is, not just symbolizes, the awareness of the essential unity of all things in existence and is traditionally considered the higher mind. In Western Astrology, Jupiter and Uranus also function to activate the higher mind. Its basic reality or function is to unify, create, feel compassion, experience truth, to inspire and is the portal or gateway to enlightenment. Activation of the Heart Chakra or Solar logos is linked to stimulating and activating the glands in our brain and this awakens higher minded perception. For more on this timeless goal go to the following link: Enlightenment  In other words, there is an inner, ancient, esoteric if you like, principle associated with the Sun and, by extension, related to the orbit of a planet around the Sun. It is not merely a factual phenomenal event. That is how the Mercurial mind, the intellect or lower mind, might see it – sorted, categorized and compartmentalized. If we draw the image of the orbit of a planet what we get is a circle with a point in the center. This is the symbol for the Sun in Astrology and has always been so, long before science proved that the planets orbit the Sun. How did the ancients know this? The answer contains the fact that our popular history, especially pre-history, is very distorted and linear, just like the western mechanistic mind. The key point I wish to make is that in a symbolic sense, at least, the orbit of a planet around the Sun may be considered to be akin to a gestation period. I wonder if there are any studies by astronomers to support this idea. That Jupiter now shows another large red spot after one orbit around the Sun supports it quite well. There is more to the Sun than we know and this is why it has long been understood to be a spiritual being or entity. The basic idea behind the ancient idea of the Solar Logos comes to mind. For more background on this, please go to the following link: Solar Logos & for amore current scientific update of this principle in association with crop circles, please go to: Crop Circles 2

   Now, I wish to direct attention to the more exciting astrological portrait of the summer of 1994 when the comet actually struck. The science of it all is interesting yet potentially dry. Exciting sure, in a phenomenological sense, but who really cares about dry facts? This is more for astronomers and scientists who do, I imagine make use of them. Astrology, on the other hand, peers into the richer symbolism and endeavours to find actual meaning as opposed to a series of relatively separate facts. From an Astrological perspective, any given ‘event’ can be interpreted as a seed event that is a whole within the context of greater wholes. When a person is born, the moment they take their first breath is like a “seed event” and this is what Astrological interpretation is based upon. As mentioned earlier, when the Moon is New, this constitutes a seed event. When an event like a massive comet collides with a planet and gains global recognition, this is a seed event. Of its nature, a seed when planted in fertile ground begins first to gestate and then to grow according to the nature of its molecular structure, DNA and overall composition and destiny. Deciphering the quality and nature of an event like Shoemaker-Levy 9 plummeting into Jupiter can be approached in a variety of ways. The astronomers and other science related disciplines are probably studying the chemical process that is underway on Jupiter since the comet collision. We Astrologers take a much different approach. Again, it can best be understood as intuitive and holistic verses a logical and mechanistic. Both can work wonderfully together. The following is an example of the study of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 seed event from an Astrological perspective.

  On July 16^th 1994 at 1 pm PDT the Sun was in Cancer at 24.03 degrees along with Mercury at 3.43 degrees in the Tropical Zodiac when the first of the 21 fragments actually struck. Cancer is the sign of birth. It is associated with midnight which marks the beginning of a new day. In the book, An Astrological Mandala by Dane Rudhyar, which is a book that offers a symbolic interpretation for each degree of the Zodiac (360 degrees), which I will refer to over the course of the following outline, we find the following symbol and interpretation for 23.03 degrees of Cancer: “A will-full man is overshadowed by a descent of superior powers.” Rudhyar provides a keynote for each symbol as well and it reads: ‘The response of spiritual forces to the integration of personality through positive will-full endeavours.” My general interpretation of this is that humanity currently operates more on personal ego will than divine will and that this event marks the birth of a change in this orientation. “…a descent of superior powers” and “The response of spiritual forces…” hints at purposeful intent to the whole event. If we can accept this, who and what had this purpose or the ability to launch such an action? The scientific perspective is anomalous or random. Since I cannot answer this question I will not try except to say that I see things as aspects of a grand continuum and so purposeful, synchronistic and meaningful. By the way, I do not assume this position because I am steeped in Eastern Mysticism. Rather, from my experiences as an Astrologer, I observe synchronicity everyday that cannot be simply dismissed as meaningless coincidence.

  Another extremely interesting feature of the Astrological picture on July 16^th when the first fragment struck Jupiter’s surface was that there was a series of planets forming Conjunction aspects. A Conjunction occurs when any two planets or sensitive points are in the same position of celestial longitude from the perspective of the Earth. Conjunctions are, very powerful seed events in themselves. So what we see here are seeds within seeds. I would like to quickly remind you that Astrology is traditionally geo-centric or earth centered because, although we all agree that the planets orbit around the Sun, our ‘experience’, based on our perceptions visceral and otherwise, is that the Sun, Moon and planets orbit around the Earth. This is a good example of fact verses experience or left verses right brain.

  I tell you this because the first among these conjunctions, I will refer to these as minor seed events within the scope of the larger seed portrait of the chart for the event, is Jupiter Conjunct the Moon within 1 degree. Of course the Moon is close and Jupiter is far, but at that very time they were in alignment or Conjunct at 4 and 5 degrees of Scorpio respectively. Jupiter is of course now, 12 years later, in Scorpio. Generally, this is a very auspicious alignment as Jupiter and the Moon greatly enhance one another. On the other hand, The Moon in Scorpio is not so good. The Moon is in its “Fall” position in Scorpio. The general expression of this position is one of emotional highs and lows and a person with this aspect in their chart tends to experience many challenges in their emotional life, especially with women and mother and mother figures. So Jupiter elevates the Moon but the Scorpio Sign placement is a challenge. Astrologers often face such interpretation challenges where one feature elevates while another denigrates, so to speak. In context to the overall picture, this suggests that there will be grace of some kind yet definite emotional challenges especially in relation to our past, roots and family structures. I interpret it also as the necessity of transforming our attachments to how humanity generally has organized itself in separate units. I believe that it suggests challenges to awaken to the larger reality of the human family as a whole, beyond small units, tribes, secular divisions and even nations. A wide Separating Square Aspect to the Uranus/Neptune Conjunction, which I will explain more fully a little later, adds to this theme. The tearing down of the Berlin wall in 1993 is the best example I can use to simply illustrate my point. The Sabian Symbols offer an interesting reflection. The first one for the Moon shows “A massive rocky shore resists the pounding of the sea.” How interesting these words are because Jupiter is often referred to as a ‘massive’ planet and we can safely use the term ‘pounding’ in reference to the 21 pieces of the comet hitting its surface. Remember, each one was equivalent to a multimegaton bomb! The keynote reads: “The inertia of all institutionalized procedures.” On one hand we can interpret this as Jupiter having size and fortitude enough to withstand the onslaught that would have terminated all life on our planet. On the other hand, I also interpret it as meaning that in order for us and our institutions to evolve we may need some assistance from the cosmos. Whether Jupiter experiences any great changes or not from the impact, the inner changes that it represents within the collective subconscious are very likely. It is difficult to support this statement with any real outer evidence except to again say that there are many changes unfolding in humanity’s approach to religion and spirituality. That The Moon and Jupiter were conjunct in Scorpio, the sign of transformation, adds credence to the idea that the entire event suggests a significant seed of change and transformation. The next Sabian Symbol reads as follows: “The gold rush tears men away from their native soil.”  The keynote follows with, “The passionate search for new values which, at any level, promise a more abundant life.”  What I get out of this is that humanity has reached a point in our evolution when we had better get passionate about searching for new values because if we continue to operate as we are, we will surely suffer greatly. We now have the technology to provide an abundant life for all people, however, due to our existing consciousness, political/economic/spiritual paradigm; we continue to function fearfully and according to outdated attitudes and perspectives. Even the super wealthy will suffer greatly despite their wealth, power and opportunity in an ecological disaster zone and where millions starve or at least lead desperate lives, just outside their golden gates.

  Before we go on to a discussion of the other conjunctions, I first quickly want to bring attention to the Phase of the Moon. The Moon was in its Waxing Phase just past half, technically referred to as the First Quarter and was exactly 100 degrees ahead of the Sun! This phase of the Moon symbolically refers to spring, with the exact Half Moon (90 degrees) representing Spring Equinox. Fortunately, the Moon is well aspected all around save for the fact that it was in the Sign of Scorpio. According to a wonderful book which I refer to frequently called Moon Phases: A Symbolic Key by Martin Goldsmith (7) when the Moon is in this position it is called, “The Actress”. The keywords for this are as follows: Confident projection of personality and point of view; active participation in the drama of life; desire for recognition, and frustrations in achieving it; embodying a new vision of life; developing a successful social persona.” In light of the events with the Jupiter comet collision, the world was confident it would occur and the astronomers knew when and telescopes all over the world were pointed at Jupiter; it sure was in the spotlight getting our full attention. It did create drama and intrigue, however, it also did not get the amount of attention then and since that I personally believe it deserved and deserves. It seems that people are too busy with the mundane aspects of their lives to care and due to our mechanistic mode of thinking; mass consciousness is lost in a sea of random events that do not have any real lasting meaning or purpose. In other words, from the standpoint of mass consciousness regarding the significance of such an impressive cosmic event, we are sleeping. That this spectacular seed event supports the ‘embodiment of a new vision of life’ towards truly ‘developing a successful social persona’ is, as mentioned, the main reason I am writing this article. Finally, the term ‘successful’ is something that we have yet to attain on a collective level because the overall human condition is far from successful.

  The next conjunction of planets that I want to discuss is between Venus and Chiron at 6 and 7 degrees of Virgo respectively. This conjunction is the most elevated and so is central to the overall interpretation. While Venus is in her “Fall” in Virgo, just as the Moon is in Scorpio is an important consideration. Venus seeks to express love but in Virgo she is puritanical at one extreme or lusty and shallow at the other. Further, Virgo tends to compartmentalize and when this is linked to Virgo she cannot truly express true love in a free flowing manner. Does this not seem to be the exact issue here on Earth? Everyone speaks about it and lauds the ideal of it yet in practice we continually fall short of realizing a truly loving embrace of each another. If we did, there would be no wars or poverty or intentional violence, but there are all of these in great abundance. Venus is about values and priorities and humanity sure does have a lot of healing to do in this regard. This is where Chiron, the wounded healer, comes to our rescue. Interestingly, Chiron is generally considered a comet or planetoid and it does have a regular orbit around the Sun situated between Saturn and Uranus. In her book, Chiron: Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets, Barbara Hand Clow asserts that Chiron is the true ruler of the sign Virgo. (Others feel that it rules Sagittarius along with Jupiter. I intuitively feel that due to Chiron’s roaming nature, it actually co-rules Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius which are consecutive signs. I will share more on this in another feature article in the future.) Anyway, Chiron is well placed in Virgo as it is the sign most strongly associated with  health and healing, aiming to cultivate these through healthy living and not merely by way of needed remedies and cures that stem from poor or low vibration lifestyle habits. Their Conjunction Aspect signifies the need for a healing of our values.  Clow writes the following about this conjunction: “Chiron conjunct Venus is the beginning of the spiritualization of the value system and of inherent receptivity.”  Elsewhere she writes: individuals with aspects between Chiron and Venus are learning the lessons of receptivity, getting in touch with the anima, and working on value systems on Earth.” We sure do need to learn this and I think it is fair to say that many are working diligently both within and without to bring this about. However, we still have much to do in this regard and, from that standpoint that the Jupiter collision holds meaning and purpose, it is a loud reminder of the importance of continuing to make these efforts. Fortunately, the Venus/Chiron conjunction is well aspected. In fact, it is at the apex point of a beautiful aspect configuration known as a Grand Kite. Planets in the position are a “dynamic indicator of success”, according to published Astrologer Bil Tierney from his book, “Dynamics of Aspect Analysis”. However, the one challenging aspect is an Opposition (180 degrees) to Saturn. Venus in Opposition to Saturn implies financial difficulties and emotional hardships. This is an indication that we do have work to do in this regard. Chiron in opposition to Saturn “creates realization of alchemical wisdom in form – or rigid fighters for humanitarian causes.” Thank goodness for that!  

  The Sabian Symbol for Venus reads as follows: “A Harem” and the keynote goes as follows: A fateful subservience to the vagaries or desires of the emotional nature.” I interpret this to be an indication that our challenge includes getting back in touch with our emotions which have greatly been intellectualized, at least in Western cultures and perhaps especially those whose operative language is English and Germanic – the obvious leaders of the Western world. The next image for Chiron is as follows: “A five year-old child takes a dancing lesson.” The keynote reads: Learning to use one’s capacity for emotional self-expression according to cultural standards.” Again, I interpret this as directing us to cultivate an awareness of and value for emotional intelligence. If we and, perhaps especially, our leaders continue to rely upon linear reason and divide and conquer rational with a business-as-usual approach backed by bottom-line considerations and do not allow their feelings at all to guide them to make the right choices then we will surely create much bigger problems than we already face. While there may have been opportunity enough to think this way in the past, it seems that the time to operate this way is gone. This is where the female force must come to the fore both through men and by way of women assuming positions of power and authority to counter the excesses of male rationale. The old survival slogan to support old ways is no longer valid, it is what is creating a false desperation regarding survival. We now have the technological means of creating a world where we can all live and thrive more fully than ever before. Yet the old political agendas and the male, linear mindsets seem not to be in-tune with these current realities. What was perhaps once justified aggression is increasingly rational for fear based greed, control and power. The means of expressing this pathology is slick and slimy politics that is used to deceive the masses. What this symbol also seems to imply is that we need to be humble and recognize that we, as a collective culture, have forgotten how to truly feel our way through life and again we rely far too much upon intellect. The obesity epidemic provides a good example of this demonstrating that the momentum of imbalanced thinking is escalating. Low nutrition food is one consequence, misdirected attitudes about having and honouring the body is another. Politicians and leaders of any kind should be pressured to inhabit their body with more awareness to set good examples; however, most of them seem all too consumed by their divisive minds making them unwitting pawns to more devious hidden and private ambitions and not simply because of their time-schedules. This clearly reflects distorted priorities and attitudes. In summary, the Venus/Chiron conjunction serves to direct attention to a much needed healing of our values and priorities. We must re-evaluate what is truly important: material power and unnecessary gaudy possessions or a truly quality existence based on health, love and cultural cultivation which are well within our means in terms of our science and technology. For this to occur our leaders ‘should’ demonstrate genuine love and respect but due to the mechanistic, materialistic rational, they are blinded by this and so blindly lead the blind. Yet these so-called leaders do not fool those who see and this number is growing daily.

  The next conjunction I want to review is that of Uranus and Neptune. Again, the aspect was exact in 1993 and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall was the most obvious synchronicity. By the summer of 1994 they were still closely aligned and remained in Capricorn, the sign of governments and all ruling bodies. The exact conjunction in 1993 was at 18 degrees of Capricorn but by July 1994 Uranus was at 24.23 degrees Capricorn and Neptune were at 21.55 degrees. By the time of the collision, this powerful pair was in an opportunistic Sextile Aspect (60 degrees) to Pluto in its own sign of Scorpio, further evidence of this transformational seed event. Astrologers recognize that any planet in aspect to Pluto is subject to transformational energies, whether the aspect is considered hard or soft. Sextile aspects are generally considered soft. While there is much to say about this aspect, the main point I would like to make is that the Uranus/Neptune conjunction itself signifies a revolution in society and within all existing structures. The decline of communism, at least of the Soviet Union is the most obvious example. The birth of the internet is the most obvious example of the sextile from Pluto implying the opportunity to forge new networks and alliances and that is certainly what people are doing with the help of the internet. The Uranus/Neptune conjunction was also forming an Opposition Aspect to the Sun, especially from Uranus, which was exact. Opposition aspects are generally difficult. Uranus always calls for change and it seems to come quickly and unexpectedly. Cancer is about roots and traditions and this implies a definite point of departure especially from traditional family values and orientations. The increasing move towards exclusivity from our neighbours and community as exemplified in the nuclear family model has quickly dissolved under the pressure of larger realities. The high divorce rate due to changing economic realities, the rise of power for women and other social revolutions are the most obvious examples. It is as though the Jupiter collision served to freeze this moment in time to send us a message that we must awaken to the needs of the day. The Sabian Symbol for Neptune reads as follows: “By accepting defeat gracefully, a general reveals nobility of character.” How apt since this is exactly what our leaders are challenged to do. I would say that when Gorbachev pulled the plug, so to speak, on the Soviet Union, he embodied this archetypal role beautifully. The keynote for this symbol reads; “The realization that one may grow through defeat as well as and perhaps more than through success.” I also interpret this as referring to the beliefs that Jupiter represents indicating that we are rapidly entering an entirely new era and these old beliefs must change? The Sabian symbol for Uranus is as follows: “The capacity to develop the rational and fully conscious aspect of the mind ahead of normal development.” Rudhyar goes on to conclude that this symbol refers to…”a transformation of emotional energies.” While it may at first seem that this statement contradicts previous interpretations, it does not. Rather it qualifies that we do need to use reason, yet in a new way and not supported by old emotional perspectives and motivations. The ‘fully conscious aspect of the mind’ hints at “whole brain thinking” which implies a marriage of logic and intuition, reason and feeling. The movement towards this understanding is growing steadily throughout the world.

  The next conjunction to review is Mars Conjunct Vesta. Vesta is one of the 4 main asteroids in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These main 4 are said to carry female, goddess energy to counter male dominated orientations. Demetra George is an excellent Astrologer who brought these all significant players more to light for the Astrological community and society at large. The earlier forerunner before Demetra George and her inspiration al support was noted Astrologer, Eleanor Bach. I tell you this because the Asteroid Goddesses in particular are steadily making their way into mainstream Astrology. They are generally recognized as major contributing factors in creating male/female balance within all people and civilization as a whole. To learn more, please search for publications by these two pioneers. So, Mars was at 9 degrees Gemini 04 minutes and Vesta was at 11Gemini 50. The Sabian Symbol for Mars is as follows: “A superior ability to challenge nature and play with danger.” Rudhyar concludes this symbol with the synoptic statement, “Mind vs. Matter.” This implies that we must awaken to the realization that we are spiritual beings having human experiences and not simply material, as the lower forces of manipulation and control would continue to have us believe for the sake of perpetuating fear and consequently their dominance. While death is a rather serious matter, it is also a routine affair for re-incarnating souls and with this awareness we can all learn to lighten-up and play along with life more freely, even ‘play with danger’. Vesta’s Sabian Symbol reads as follows; “Liberation from the ghosts of the past.” Vesta generally symbolizes devotion and dedication to higher causes. The ‘ghosts of the past’ imply old modes of perception anchored in our mind and especially our emotions. At the dawn of a whole new era, we must dedicate ourselves to consciously moving on and creating new perceptions congruent with current realities and evolutionary trends.

  The final conjunction to review is that of Pluto conjunct the Lunar North Node. In his now famous and instrumental book, Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul, Green suggests that this implies a strong pull to continue in the direction of certain evolutionary processes momentums. Since Pluto is the planet of transformation, of death and rebirth, and since it is in its own sign of Scorpio at the time of the Jupiter collision, the overall message asserts that we are to continue to orient our attention and intentions towards deep transformational change. The Sabian Symbol for Pluto reads as follows: “The ability to adjust swiftly to a new situation by tuning in to its requirements.” This phrase speaks quite plainly to the ‘new situation’ and our need to ‘tune in’. The north Node in Scorpio is another indication of this transformational urge. The South Node in Taurus, precisely 180 degrees away, as is ever the case with the Nodal Axis, is in Taurus. At worst, Taurus is very attached and stubbornly adheres to the past. The North Node in Scorpio indicates a challenge to “let go and let God”. Refusal to flow with the changing times and the needs of the times will simply result in pain and suffering because nature is in charge and this evolutionary process will prevail. Interestingly, the Sabian Symbol for the North Node is as follows: A readiness to face the results of a refusal to follow the authoritarian patterns of an aggressive society.” This is an apt place to end our discussion of the Astrological portrait. There is much more one can say due to the depth and scope that any Astrological chart affords. However, this will suffice for the purposes of this article. The events of the Jupiter collision interpreted in this way send a clear message that it was a cosmic omen alerting us to prepare for the significant changes that are unfolding. These changes are specifically linked to a deep and significant change in our entire belief structures. This should come as no surprise at the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

  A quick review of the Numerological correspondences as well as those of the Tarot of the comet collision are also worthy of some final consideration. The Sign that the collision occurred in was Cancer, the sign of initiation. In the books by Rachel Pollack which interpret the Haindel Tarot Deck we can read the following: “The Chariot…card shows the power of the human will to gain mastery over the dangerous forces of nature as well as our own natures…In the Tower, which is 16 and an octave of 7, we see the dangers of human will completely unchecked, dominating nature with a kind of insanity that can lead to humanity’s own destruction. The Chariot was driven by time and mortality; the Tower is built on pride.” It is natural for we humans to be proud of our cherished beliefs and this has its place. However, ‘pride cometh before the fall.’ The day was the 16^th and it corresponds with the Tower in the Tarot. The Tower implies the need for change in terms of beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour patterns.  When added, all the numbers of that fateful day, July 16, 1994 = 37/10. 10 in the Tarot is the Wheel of Fortune and it is ruled by none other than Jupiter! Also, this number reduces to 1 which is the number of new beginnings. The whole event transpired over the course of 7 days, from July 16 to 22^nd. This is the number of days symbolically referred to as the 7 days of creation. 22 is a master number in numerology especially and refers to major solar flare activity which follows a regular rhythm of 11 and 22 years with 11 resulting in the lesser impact of the two yet still significant. This solar rhythm is scientifically affirmed and is the inner source of the Hebrew alphabet and of the Major Arcana. The 22 Master Number implies Master Building, which is what I believe to be underway as a major evolutionary turning point. That the Sun entered the tropical Sign of Leo, the Sign ruled by the Sun, on the 22^nd that year is yet another hint at the cosmic intelligence at play. Finally, there were 21 pieces of the comet which associates splendidly with the Major Arcana in that there are 21 Trumps plus the Fool (22 or 4) which can aptly be likened to the clasp on the necklace, in this case, the string of pearls or the pearl necklace.

  There is something happening on Jupiter and, by synchronistic association, here on our home planet as well and I will risk my reputation to say it and that is one of the core purposes of this article. This may not be such a great leap as we astrologers are more apt to make such statements, to the chagrin of hardened materialistic and so-called realistic scientists who generally deem themselves more sober, mature and realistic; in other words, intellectually superior. Of course, that is a belief based on bias of a more left-brain logical kind. That leading edge scientists with a more open view based on their carefully controlled experiments, such as quantum mechanic physicists, lean more to the mystical than their more conservative piers, is also worthy of mention. Put another way, it is all open to debate and imaginative insight, even if not everyone thinks the same way and for whatever reasons. Fundamentalist views, scientific, religious or otherwise are increasingly less popular these days anyway as human consciousness boldly goes where it has not gone before and new perceptions collide with traditional views and break through the walls of materialism. Life is one grand continuum and humanity is steadily re-awakening to this fact. This article and the examples I have used are a contribution to the revolution in consciousness now underway in our world. This new paradigm stands to usher in a more mutually respectful vision of life. As we awaken to the inherent oneness of creation and the universe and our inherent divinity and inter-connection with all people and life in general, we may once again learn to more humble, innocent, virtuous, playful, compassionate and truly alive as a family praying to live and thrive and not desperately survive. Our science and technology is supposed to support this vision of life, but if we do not awaken to our conditioned, excessively materialistic perceptions, we will, in fact, continue to struggle to survive. Thus is the paradoxical nature and consequence of belief.

Postscript

  That nature operates by way of laws is what interests all people and peoples throughout history, long before and after we categorize certain personalities with a certain focus, such as scientists. Modern science has and even now endeavours to gain truth from a purely objective perspective. The leaders within their own ranks, Einstein and Heisenberg and many others less popular but equally aware have proven that this cannot be ultimately done. Science has greatly contributed to creating controlled environments, laboratories and so forth to create controlled experiments and this is valid and warranted, to a point.  The same endeavour was made by the ancients and that is how and why divinatory systems like Astrology, Numerology, Geomancy, and all the other endeavours to understand the laws and rhythms of nature, were created - by close observations. The disaster point comes when we break the laws of nature at the expense of the greater whole. However, the mechanistic paradigm does not operate from the standpoint of wholes. Now that we know the truth, and/or are re-awakening to it, that we are one with nature, co-creators all, with our minds, heart and imaginations intrinsically engaged in the processes or the grand journey, it is time to more fully awaken to this fact. The current momentum of civilization, in the West anyway, though it is increasingly evident that this paradigm has a grip over virtually all nations and peoples, carries on with the materialistic premise of science that life is a grand conglomeration of parts as opposed to a grand continuum of wholes. Does the word ‘conglomeration’ ring any bells? That this mechanistic world view perpetuates the status quo is perhaps both useful and convenient in the short term for our separate selfish selves, the standpoint and perception of the ego personality, yet it is devastating to nature, human health, sanity and sanctity and all future generations. We must awaken so that we can make use of our science and technology from the standpoint of our essential oneness and unity and so that it does not use us from the standpoint of disposable parts. Even those persons with the greatest power, wealth and influence at the helm of this momentum would cringe at the reality of our ancestry unless we can mature quickly enough to escape the rapid encroachment of the mechanistic machine. That these power players, public and hidden, ‘believe’ that their perspective is objective is now understood to be a grand error that science and psychology in their most simple yet furthest reaches recognize to be an elementary point of error. The grand continuum of life is paradoxical and this is where the fun and the trouble begin. In other words, we are both intrinsically one with the whole of life or subjective, yet we also have a brain that allows for perceptions that facilitate a ‘relatively’ objective experiential participation within it. This overall appreciation of life and perception of our times is the deeper purpose for writing this article. I am telling you this because the perspective of this article is written from and requires a more holistic perception.

  Modern science and its subsequent influence on the beliefs and perception of the masses stems from a ‘causation’ model. Thus, Astronomers working tirelessly to decipher when the universe and life began is an example of causative thinking. It is linear and ultimately erroneous, in my view. Take a circle or a sphere for example, where does it begin or end? This approach endeavours to determine when and, perhaps more importantly, what “out there” caused it, the universe that is, and why, but that is the philosophy department’s job, of course, in our fragmented approach to education. Seeking for the source ‘out there’ is an expression of the excesses of and the stubborn conviction of the lower mind, the ego mind, the empirical brain seeking concrete measurable factual answers. In this respect, it reveals a form of immaturity or ignorance. On the other hand, seeking the source in this way is probably a part of the grand plan and now, thanks to the furthest reaches of science, there is ‘reason’ enough to accept that it is not ‘out there’ (remember Pink Floyd’s The Wall? It offers an example of some of the consequences of this mode of perception). God, divinity, the source or what you will, does not live on some planet or something. I generally trace this back to the altruism of science endeavouring to put an end to religious wars and the squabbling about whose God is the right or greater God and so on and, admittedly, this argument continues. However, the good intention of science from this motivation forgot its initial intention along the way in part due to the intellectual approach that it took which became its conditioning and subsequent bias, but which it believed it did not have because it was strict is creating controlled environments to produce objective truths only to discover that it cannot ultimately do so. Because this noble quest for the ‘Holy Grail’ was so sincere and humane, it has guided humanity to a place where we can say, ‘it is all relative’. Is this not enough? Now that science has become its own sort of dogmatic religion, it is time to recognize that the mystery will ever remain a mystery, just as light will ever travel at the speed of light faster than anything else possibly traveling at that velocity. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg’ and all solutions invariably come with their own host of problems. Is this not evident regarding many of the solutions of science? A quick review of our increasingly toxic environment and the growing death rate due to disease from the toxic environment is evidence enough. It is time for the purely scientific approach to reality to recognize that it is far from pure. Modern science is and can continue to be a boon to modern civilization only in as much as it yields its dogmatic, materialistic position. Otherwise, this flowering of civilization will prove to be its very downfall.

  The spiritual truth of the matter is that something ‘out there’ whether we view it as some force of nature or whatever, is not the source of creation. The spiritual truth is that everything in the world, in the cosmos and universe ‘out there’ began within. This understanding, belief and knowing is where the reality of inner dimensionality comes to the fore and where humanity as a whole, and not just the odd shooting star mystic, is heading. Did the comet collision on Jupiter cause this? No, but it did coincide with it and there is a meaningful link and this is an example of synchronicity. This is also a clue to the deeper meaning of the ancient principle of the ‘Solar Logos”. (Incidentally, this is why my company name is Sunstar Astrology). The difference between this and the mechanistic paradigm is that it acknowledges that every aspect of life and, of course, every person, is divine. Further, that the nature of our divinity asks that we go within to experience and discover the truth once and for all. This path both requires reverence and nurtures it as well because going within implies entering the heart, the portal of the soul. This is the magic and mystery of the Solar Logos and the mystical way of the heart. This is where we can better appreciate the statements of great modern day mystics, spiritual and esoteric teachers like Imre Vallyon who can be quoted as saying, “The problem with society is that people are not aware of their divinity.” (From his book “The Magical Mind”. For more insights and resources from this cosmic conscious being please go to the following link: www.soundinglight.com