1. Demystifying Astrology Through Occult Knowledge
Astrologers and the lay public know in their hearts that astrology “works”, accurately describing their psychology
and patterns in their lives. But „how‟ does it work?
Most people cannot answer the „how‟ and „why‟ of this big question, preferring to „jump into the juice‟ – that which
yields the deep psychological insights in self-understanding, and plan their lives according to the planetary cycles
they are experiencing.
Therefore the reasoning processes have not been fully utilised in arriving at a true under-standing and hence
astrology is experienced more from a mystical viewpoint, which relies mainly on intuition reflected in the feeling
nature. This is partly why astrology gets so much criticism from the more concrete-minded scientific community
and public at large, because there is no demonstration of „science‟ or mental reasoning.
The path of Mysticism eventually leads to the path of Occultism, where qualities of heart and head are
synthesised. Occultism is a wholistic science, and therefore has the potential to bridge to the concrete sciences. A
synthesis of the mystical and occult paths lead to a blending of love and reason. However, there are many facets
to occult science, all of which have to be learnt to understand the whole.
In answering the question of how astrology works, it is necessary to depart briefly into the larger cosmos from
where these forces emanate. It will also be necessary to introduce a few simple concepts with which the reader
may be unfamiliar:
1. The solar system is a living being, as are all the individual lives which inhabit it, whether they be planets,
asteroids, comets, human beings or any kingdom in nature. In some ways all these „lesser lives‟ can be seen as
„cells‟ within the greater body. The main point here is that all these forms are inhabited by some kind of
intelligence, from the very primitive mineral consciousness, to a human soul, to the “god” which inhabits a planet
or a sun.
Just as humans have subtle energy centres or chakras, the so-called “seven sacred planets” in this solar system
fulfill the same function. On a larger scale again, this solar system as a whole can be seen as one gigantic chakra

2. or energy centre, inhabited by a stupendous consciousness that we may vaguely call “god”, or esoterically, the
“Solar Logos”.
The Ancient Wisdom tells us that our sun is part of a corporate body of six other suns - which constitute a massive
cosmic entity that undergoes an evolution upon its own level, and so on.
2. These seven suns, of which ours is one, are continually giving off forces which are the product of their ongoing
evolution. It is said that these forces are absorbed through the seven stars of the Great Bear constellation (Ursa
Major) and their emanations are called the Seven Rays.
Suffice to say, the seven stars of Ursa Major have much history and mythology in human consciousness, and in
India are known as the Seven Rishis, associated with the Will and in a simple generic way, are “masculine”. The
ray forces emanating from these stars unite, we are told, with the seven stars of the Pleaides constellation, the so-
called “Seven Sisters”, also rich in legend, and constituting forces which represent the “Cosmic Mother”, or
“feminine” principle.
Here we have a true “marriage made in heaven” as these forces merge. Father and Mother produce a “son”,
represented by the star Sirius. Together these three constellations, The Great Bear, The Pleaides and Sirius
consitute a major conditioning triangle of forces influencing this solar system.
3. From these three constellations the seven ray energies stream through the seven stars of the Little Bear (Ursa
Minor), and are then magnetized to one or other of the twelve zodiacal constellations, not to be confused with
zodiacal signs. Certain rays transmit through particular constellations with which they have an affinity, and
modified, stream toward our solar system.
4. Our sun acts as a “gate” for the seven ray energies to pour through, and from here the seven forces are drawn
toward the “seven sacred planets” of our solar system, which act as “vehicles” for the ray energies. The rays have
an affinity with each of the seven planets, which are of course, proto-types of the Seven Rishis of the Great Bear.
As above, so below. There are five “non-sacred” planets which also have an affinity for the rays and assist in
transmitting them.

3. 5. The planets continually orbit our sun, creating a vast sea of magnetic forces, and transmit these energies to
earth through its zodiac signs. Of course we know from „exoteric science‟ that the Sun and Moon both have
physical, emotional and mental effects; these are well documented in our earthly tides, full moon cycles, in
sunspot activity, and the growth that occurs in nature - validated by many scientific experiments and discoveries.
The other planets have less physical, but more psychological and psychic effects.
6. The planets transmit the ray energies through the zodiac; the zodiacal sign is another electromagnetic pattern
or “thoughtform”. The understanding of what consitutes a thoughtform, something that all humans can create, is
essential in the comprehension of why zodiacal energies condition human beings, but is beyond the scope of this
discussion.
Our earth zodiac of “signs”, is an invisible reflection and focaliser of the energies from the visible constellational
zodiac earlier mentioned. The zodiac can be considered as a „subtle‟ body of the Earth, the „astral‟ body, (astral
meaning „starry substance‟). Hence there are intangible, unseen energies that we are perceiving with our
developing „intangible‟ senses.
7. By the time these forces reach earth, there is a combination of three groups of energetic patterns from rays,
planets and zodiac signs. They find their way through the major chakras of the planet (major cities, but also
certain groupings) and are thence distributed to humanity.
8. When they reach a human being, the point of least resistance is found in certain chakras, depending on the
unfolded state of awareness of an individual. The seven endocrine glands are associated specifically with each of
the seven major chakras, and this is where one of the most mysterious processes takes place – the transformation
of subtle forces outside of the body into tangible forces within the body.
The endocrine glands are stimulated into activity, releasing hormones into the bloodstream, which act as catalysts
for physiological growth and psychological behaviour. This is a key as to how astrological energies affect human
beings.
This completes a short description of the movement of conditioning energy from its emanataing source, stepped
down as planetary forces at its final destination in a human being.

4. To recap the journey:
Seven solar systems of which ours is one.
Seven Rays emanate from the Seven Stars of the Great Bear constellation.
Seven Stars of the Pleaides.
Sirius.
Seven Stars of the Little Bear constellation.
Twelve zodiacal constellations.
Our Sun.
Seven Sacred Planets of our solar system.
Twelve zodiacal signs.
Chakras of the Earth.
Human kingdom
Animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms.
The following diagram describes the journey of just one ray:

5. (EA610)
Recapping also on some concepts that may be new to the reader:
1. All forms – planets, human beings etc. are inhabited by a motivating essence or soul principle.

6. 2. There are many relationships between the “gods”, i.e. the informing life principle behind a star, planet or
zodiacal sign.
3. All forms have energy centres or chakras, and “subtle bodies”.
4. Thought is the great creative force of the universe, whether it is the human soul as divine thinker, or the
machinations of the mind of God.
5. There is a constellational zodiac which is visible to the eye, and a signzodiac which is not visible, although we
may trace the latter‟s existence against the backdrop of the constellational zodiac.
6. The chakra and endocrine system constitute the major interface between subtle unseen forces and human
psychological behaviour.
The rays can also be perceived through colour or sound. The seven colours and sounds of the rays provide a more
intuitive approach to understanding. For instance, Ray 7 corresponds to the note of G and the colour violet,
depending upon which octaves are being used. Sound and colour are also measurable in terms of their vibratory
capacity, and this is well documented.
Certain notes and colours to which a person consistently responds, may indicate the ray associated with it to be
prominent in an individual‟s ray structure. Some colours may be the mixture of two colours and may indicate the
interaction between the soul ray and the personality ray. For instance, a Ray 2 soul (indigo blue) and a Ray 1
personality (red) yield when combined the colour purple or violet. Of course this latter colour is also associated
with Ray 7 too, so there can be much to work out.
Generally speaking, the kind of person attracted to the music of Mozart may be more along the Ray 2 line of Love-
Wisdom, whereas Wagner may be more attractive to those on the Ray 1 line of Will-Power.
In a dualistic world, the unresolved opposites within are a prime reason for reincarnating. The „pairs of opposites‟
exist on all planes, but particularly on the emotional or astral plane for most of humanity.

7. Whenever we appropriate more soul illumination to ourselves, it usually sheds light on the shadowy opposites
within, forcing a transformation of the past to measure up to the higher vibration of that which is contacted in the
present.
Great conflict is generated between the light of the soul and the unredeemed aspects of ourselves. One of the
main causes for the unprecedented turmoil this century has been due to much of humanity facing its „shadow‟
collectively, so that many are now poised to take initiation, or a great expansion of consciousness.
The successful outcome of this great event will trigger some major revelations - of the reality of the soul, the truth
about death, and the existence of the angelic kingdom.
Planetary turmoil is also due to the astronomical factor of precesssion, as the cusp of the ages moves from Pisces
into Aquarius, as well as the coincidnce of many ray and planetary cycles within a short period of time.
There are many advanced souls coming into incarnation at this time on the new Ray 7 cycle, waxing stronger by
the decade. Ray 7 of Ceremonial Magic or Order will condition the next 2,160 year cycle of Aquarius.
Many advanced souls will not respond that well to an „exoteric‟ astrology reading. Some astrologers make the
mistake of bringing a certain fatalism into their readings by stating that this is thus and so, therefore that is how it
is going to be.
This leaves no free choice for an individual to work creatively with their birth patterns in the horoscope.
We are not the fated victims of our horoscopes; although the soul has elected to work off karma with certain
challenges and obstructions. We have also brought in plenty of skills with which to surmount these problems; so
we can be conscious co-creators of our destiny.
As exoteric (psychological/humanistic) astrology students or practitioners, we have a certain responsibility to
recognise these higher octave energies, so that we may render true service to our fellow humanity.
Let us examine some of the differences between the two types of Astrology. Bear in mind that some keyword

8. themes are handled very well in personality astrology, yet esoteric astrology may interpret some of them within a
different context or perspective:
Personality Astrology („exoteric‟, outer, external.)
Important for helping achieve an integrated and unified personality. Exoteric planetary rulers, houses, Sun sign.
Deals with: Effects, events, physical manifestation, personality, parts, desire, lower chakras, the particular, the
separate self, exclusivity, individual „fate‟, the tangible, concrete, rational, masculine.
Just as the Sun is the centre for the planets in the solar system, in a horoscope it is the integrating force of
personality expression. The Sun is the personality channel for the Rising sign. When a certain amount of
personality integration has been achieved, then the soul can express itself far more easily through its „instrument‟.
The Sun‟s placement in a chart is dependant upon the particular Rising Sign.
Esoteric Astrology („esoteric‟, inner, subjective.)
Helps to show how soul contact can be achieved and creatively channelled, to harmonise the rays of the soul and
personality.
Esoteric planetary rulers, Science of the Three Crosses, Rising sign.
Deals with: Causes, the Soul, inclusivity, inner realisation, wholes, love, higher chakras, individual destiny within
the greater group, the intangible, abstract, intuition, feminine.
Develops fusion of knowledge and intuition, and the integration of mind and heart.
Looks at the purpose of the higher self as it interacts with its soul group.

9. Emphasises the oneness and inter-connectedness of all life.
Rising Sign: Far more emphasis. This angle of the chart is determined by the exact time of birth (first breath), and
represents the incarnation of the soul. The eternal Soul comes before the personality, therefore the Rising Sign
comes first.
In the symbolism of the Rising Sign lies a clue to the life problem and life achievement. With the esoteric planets
ruling, the Rising Sign conveys one‟s destiny.
The Rising Sign represents the highest quality that a soul can potentially unfold in any lifetime; a chart can be
delineated by looking at its personality and soul rulers, the signs and houses they occupy and the aspects they
make.
Obviously, if the Rising Sign is the highest quality to be unfolded, then the higher octave or soul ruler would be a
most important consideration.
The Rising Sign will express personality characteristics; there is generally far more behind the mask which is
capable of expression, although it is never fully accessed. The point of least resistance is the Sun sign.
When a spiritual seeker („aspirant‟ or „disciple‟) has reached a certain stage of unfoldment, the personality rulers
have less effect, and there is more of a response to the soul rulers; these are the same planets, but expressing a
higher octave. Therefore Esoteric Astrology can describe the growing soul radiation through the influences of the
esoteric rulers.
For many years yet, Exoteric and Esoteric Astrology will walk hand in hand, until the bridge or „antahkarana‟ is
built to this new scientific art.
The deeper realisation of the connectedness of all life dawns with deeper understanding of the reality of
the etheric constitution of the planet; that great life matrix or web within which all life exists.

10. Understanding the etheric and subtler planes is one of the subjects of the Occult Sciences essential to Esoteric
Astrology. Other important subjects are: Karma and Reincarnation, Meditation, Thoughtforms, Telepathy,
Angelic or Deva Kingdom, Esoteric Healing, Chakras, Death, Masters of Wisdom, Occult History of the Earth,
Glamour/Maya/Illusion, Dreams, Sound and Colour, and much more.
Some Additional Considerations in Esoteric Astrology
Also central to Esoteric Astrology is the concept of sacred and non-sacred planets. Non-sacred planets such as
Mars, Pluto, Moon and Earth influence the physical, astral and mental bodies. The other planets, which are Sacred,
help to integrate the personality and make it an instrument of the soul.
Understanding the sacred and non-sacred planets allows the astrologer to give more specific guidance.
Likewise, a whole new reconsideration of „exaltation, detriment and fall‟, as indicating the “three phases of the
Path” will help to revolutionise astrology.
A correct reappraisal of the decanates is another emerging technique. It is said that they will reveal the immediate
life opportunity, exact nature of the next spiritual step forward and the precise nature of initiatory challenges.
A major theme to consider as an integral part of Esoteric Astrology is theScience of Initiation. From life to life we
initiate activity, through awareness generated by unfolding realisations in consciousness.
Although we do „take‟ a ritual initiation in our subjective state, it is really only an acknowledgement of the work we
have already done. Our sense of responsibility has earned us the right to use energies that we may not have been
able to contact before.

11. These initiations relate to the coordination and control of our various bodies - physical, emotional and mental. For
example, one of the most difficult initiations to take is that of the emotional body, of which Scorpio is the symbol.
At this initiation, Mars and Pluto put us through the „crucible‟ experience, whilst the energies of Venus, Neptune
and Jupiter are also very strong in expressing the Love principle, and so the emotions of the solar plexus chakra
are successfully repolarised to the lotus of the heart, where they are expressed as love.
Emotional desire and attachment are simply a distorted reflection of the Love principle which esoterically governs
this whole solar system in the present cycle.
This stage of growth is also known as the „mystical‟ stage of awareness. Many on the Path today are taking or are
poised to take this initiation. Relationships are one of the major „burning grounds‟ wherein this transformation
occurs; it has been called the Boddhisattva Path, such is the degree of sacrifice required.Likewise, many of
humanity are poised to take the First Initiation, the birth of soul awareness firmly anchored in the cave of the
heart.
Humanity can be seen as many units or „atoms‟ of consciousness within the body of „God‟. Our awareness of this
great Being incarnate as Earth, and all the myriad life streams within, expands as we evolve and grow.
So, a very brief introduction to this vast subject cannot possibly cover all the facets of this great jewel. If this has
whet your appetite, there is a lot more treasure waiting to be discovered!
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