Sabian Symbols2

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the afternoon in a San Diego park with clairvoyant Elsie Wheeler. Jones had a

blank pack of 360 previously marked index cards, one for each degree of the

zodiac. (For instance, Aries 1, 2, 3, etc.) The cards were pulled at random,

and Ms. Wheeler gave her psychic impression as each card was presented.

Together, they tapped into a matrix of universal consciousness and the images

generated that day are a powerful addition to the art of astrology. Jones felt

the messages tapped into ancient Chaldean teachings maintained by a group of

early occultists, the Sabians, who lived in what is now Iraq from the third

millennium BC to the thirteenth century AD. After their inception in 1925, the

images were taught only to a group of his private students until 1953 when he

published ‘The Sabian Symbols in Astrology’. His book is still used as the

primary source for text on the subject. In addition to Marc Jones, there are

two

other major contributors to the Sabian Symbols. Astrologer Dane Rudhyar defined

and refined the images in 1973 in his book titled ‘An Astrololgical Mandala-

The Cycle of Transformations and Its 360 Symbolic Phases’. Rudhyar expanded the

Sabian symbols to present them as a contemporary I Ching, or oracle. In 1995,

Australian Astrologer Lynda Hill released her contribution ‘The Sabian Symbols

as an Oracle’. Again based on original text by Wheeler and Jones, Hill

radically expands the possibilities for sources of relevant messages. Jones and

Rudhyar more or less kept the messages within the confines of planetary or natal

chart degrees. Hill has released one edition of her book with a deck of cards,

and makes a case for receiving Sabian messages as a pure oracle, much like

picking a tarot card. Though not limited to pure astrology, her techniques do

have a solid foundation there. I recommend her book as an innovative and

well researched offering. For examples of the amazing synchronistic messages

inherent in the Sabian Symbols, here are widely differing portraits of two men

born the same year. Between the two, they have impacted the consciousness of

much of the world. They were each born into the most humble conditions; and

both can be described as ‘liberators’, though of differing genres. Following

are the Sabian oracle messages for the Dalai Lama (born Jan 6, 1935) and Elvis

Presley (born Jan 8, 1935). The Dalai Lama is an inspirational spiritual

leader, yet describes himself as ‘a simple monk’. His flame of leadership and

wisdom has shone steadfastly throughout a life of momentous challenges. Even

today, as we enter into a New Age of equality and enlightenment, the Dalai Lama

leads with the wisdom of ancient teachings. He is truly a light bearer and guide

for the world; a spiritual liberator.

Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Sabian message for the Dalai Lama’s Ascendant

(*10° Cancer) is: ‘A large diamond in the first stages of the cutting process;

the arduous training for perfection in order to fully manifest an ideal’. The

venerable Dalai Lama has been in arduous training since he was taken from his

parents as a youth to be schooled by lamas. And, that was just the early years.

The Chinese government added death and destruction to his role as spiritual

leader of the Tibetan people. Shaped by heat and pressure, diamonds are one of

the most highly prized substances on earth and valued for their hardness,

clarity, and quality of reflecting light. The message for his Sun (13° Cancer)

is: ‘A flexed hand with a prominent thumb is held out for study; the power of

the will in shaping character’. In palmistry, the thumb signifies will and

strength of character. This outstretched hand also symbolizes sharing

knowledge. As a world educator, and one who has overcome unimaginable

difficulties, the Dalai Lama is a brilliant example of both his Sun and

Ascendant oracle messages. Elvis Presley lives posthumously in the hearts and

minds of millions of adoring fans around the world. Born also of humble

beginnings in a shack in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to monumental heights of

fame and popularity. This ‘King’ generated excitement through the ecstasy of

adoration and sexual liberation. It is interesting to look at Elvis starting

with the message of his karmic condition which is revealed by the degree before

his Sun (**17° Capricorn): ‘A repressed woman finds psychological release in

nudism; the escape from bondage to social inhibitions and a reliance upon the

wisdom of the body.’ Elvis had a twin brother who died at birth. Perhaps his

survival left a legacy of

repressed guilt. With a flair for foreshadowing, the King of Rock and Roll

appears on the scene as a soul with nothing left to lose. The next degree, his

solar expression (18° Capricorn) is: ‘The Union Jack flies from a British

warship; strength and protection afforded by powerful institutions in charge of

maintaining order.’ The institution that helped create and drive Elvis’ empire

was his manager and even surrogate father, Colonel Tom Parker. The relationship

between Elvis and the Colonel had an undeniable dark side of manipulation and

deception, but history also portrays the two as inseparable. Fittingly, Elvis

had a fiery Ascendant (13° Sagittarius): ‘A widow’s past is brought to light;

the karma of past actions as it affects opportunities presented by a new

cycle’. In the recesses of mass consciousness, the ‘King’ lives on. It’s

interesting to note

that after he died in 1977 his wife and daughter stepped in to keep his legacy

alive through strategic management. For additional insights into astrology,

the Sabian Symbols are invaluable. All three books mentioned in this article

are readily available, and you will be intrigued by what is revealed.

information obtained in www.whitestarastrology.com

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