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Post by glaucus on Mar 2, 2019 4:13:39 GMT
I have both Bernadette Brady's and Diana Rosenberg's books on constellations and stars.
I found some of the material helpful.
I had a problem with how they discussed the history of the constellation, Aquarius though.
Bernadette Brady claimed that the Mesopotamian constellation, Gu-la 'The Great One' was linked to the God of Storms. Diana Rosenberg claimed that the constellation was linked to Gula, the healing goddess.
The Great One actually represented Ea/Enki, the God of Water,Wisdom,and Magic. Gavin White discusses this in his book, Babylonian Star-lore: An Illustrated Guide to the Star-lore and Constellations of Ancient Babylonia. Astrological,Astronomical,and Mesopotamian sites have also noted it. Some sites do just mention only Greek Mythology's Ganymede's association with the constellation. Some do include Egyptian Mythology's Hapy, God of the Nile River's association with the constellations. The Babylonian's associated many of the constellations with aquatic symbolism were closely associated with Ea who ruled over the watery region of the Heavens. Capricorn was another Zodiac constellation that was associated with Ea/Enki for the goat-fish was one of his symbols. It wasn't just a goat. It was mythical aquatic creature.
My Tropical Pisces Moon and Tropical Aquarius Mars are in the Aquarius constellation, and Brady's and Rosenberg's writings about Aquarius didn't resonate with me. White's writings about the Great One deeply resonated with me to the point that I bought and wear an Ea/Enki pendant to embrace the archetypal energy of Ea/Enki.
The healing goddess, Gula was very likely to have been the original deity associated with The Great One , and so there is truth to what Rosenberg wrote. However, Gula was ultimately replaced by Ea/Enki long before the existence of the Mul.Apin which was a Babylonian compendium that deals with many diverse aspects of Babylonian astronomy and astrology. One astrological text states that the Great One is the Lord of Springs which was Ea/Enki. In ancient art, Enki/Ea is often depicted with vases with overflowing vases in his hands or set around his throne dais. He is also shown to be seated within a square which is thought to represent the Abyss. Ea/Enki dwelled in the Apsu, the watery region located between the earth and the netherworld as part of the 7-tiered Mesopotamian Cosmos which are the basis of the ziggurats.There are entitlement stones of Ea/Enki as the Great One. By the starof 2nd millennium B.C., The Great One was depicted as a standing man holding and overflowing vase. For a thorough history,meaning and symbolism of Aquarius, you can't just discuss Great One's link with Gu-la and leave out Great One's link with Ea/Enki for a thorough meaning of Aquarius. Enki, was a deity that represented healing, fertility, and creation.
Rosenberg equated the deity, Oannes with Ea in her book and on her website. I have also seen this at sacred texts site. There has been a theory that Oannes was a form or another name for Ea. It is now thought that the name is the Greek form of the Babylonian Uanna, an Apkallu which are seven part-man, part fish seven demi-gods associated with human wisdom.
Understanding the Ea/Enki aquatic roots of Aquarius is important.
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Post by Ava on Mar 2, 2019 14:43:05 GMT
Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with us glaucus . I really appreciate it. I've learned that it's better for me to stick to one zodiac, and I prefer tropical. Much of sidereal Aquarius is tropical Pisces, and I do regard Pisces as a healing sign. I'm not sure what tropical Aquarius is known for healing, aside from mental torpor and the societal problems arising from it. But also, medical technology might be Aquarian? The partial overlapping of sidereal and tropical astrology has always tripped me up. It's hard to follow generalizations about sidereal signs when I know they are falling into two tropical signs. Also I thought that in ancient times, tropical and sidereal were the same, so I don't know whether ancient astrologers would have chosen sidereal or tropical, if they had all the astronomical facts at hand to make that decision. (?)
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Post by glaucus on Mar 2, 2019 19:41:42 GMT
The symbolism,characteristics of the tropical zodiac signs are bit different from the symbolism,characteristics of the constellations.
but some tropical astrologers explain their tropical zodiac signs with the constellation symbolism,characteristics, and some of the sidereal astrologers explain their sidereal zodiac signs with the seasonal symbolism,elements,mode,ruling planets
Babylonians used a 12 sign sidereal zodiac, but they didn't know about precession. Even some of the Hellenistic astrologer were sidereal zodiac users.
I am thinking of not using the tropical zodiac nor the 12 sign sidereal zodiac.
I am thinking of just using the constellation zodiac, but I can't follow the 13 sign zodiac because it is not really aligned well. For example, Sun is conjunct alpha Scorpius star Antares when Sun enters Ophiuchus. There are other Scorpius stars that are in the Ophiuchus IAU zodiac sign. IAU's Ophiuchus cuts off half of Scorpius where Ophiuchus' foot steps on the Midsection where the heart of the Scorpion, Antares is located I would actually consider a combination of Combination of Scorpius and Ophiuchus and not just Ophiuchus for Ophiuchus placements. I take in consideration if there is an alignment with certain stars whether Ophiuchus or Scorpius.
much of tropical Aquarius would be in Capricorn, the goat-fish It was Sahur-Mas-ku to the Babylonians, and it was associated with Ea it had an aquatic nature and not an earthy nature like in most Astrology (whether tropical or sidereal)
Both Gu-la (Aquarius) and Sahur-Mas-Ku (Capricorn) were associated with Ea. Those constellations,signs had themes,natures of Ea.
My tropical Aquarius North Lunar Node is in Capricorn constellation.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 2, 2019 20:24:03 GMT
Some of the issues with the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiac are the exaltations, and those were originally Babylonian. The exalted signs came from the Babylonians who were Sidereal Astrologers.
The hyposomatic (exaltation) degrees seem to be Greek, but the signs are Babylonian
the Babylonians referred to them as nisirti which means secret house or place
an example
the Babylonians viewed the Pleiades as the secret place for the Moon Both Tropical and Sidereal Zodiac astrologers view early degrees of Taurus as the exaltation for the Moon The Pleiades are in early Taurus in the Sidereal Zodiac/Constellations, and they are at the end of Taurus/beginning of Gemini in Tropical Zodiac. The exaltation of Moon in Taurus makes sense with the moon god's connection to cattle which is also connected to his association with fertility
The Babylonians viewed Anunitum (the Northern Fish in Pisces) as the secret place for Venus. They also viewed Leo as another secret place for Venus. If the mythology is read, the reasons are clear. The name,Anunitum can be translated as the "goddess of heaven." Her name thus marks her as an Akkadian version of 'Inanna' whose name similarly means the'Lady of Heaven.' She was the goddess of the ancient Near East, a goddess of love,war,and fertility. Both Inanna and Anunitum were closely associated with the planet, Venus from early periods. Of course, Inanna was also known as Ishtar.
The Lion is associated with Inanna/Ishtar who was sometimes simply known as the Lioness of Heaven. Her temple throne was supported by lions. Venus in Leo was even interpreted as an indicator of war.
Both Tropical and Sidereal Astrologers view Virgo as being the fall sign of Venus. A person's Venus in 24 or later degrees of tropical Virgo would be in Sidereal/Constellation Leo , and so that fall placement of Venus ends up being in one of the secret places of Venus.
We know that the Sun is in fall in Libra, but Libra represented sungod, Shamash in his role as God of Truth and Justice. The scales was sacred to him. The Babylonians viewed Libra as strong, favorable placement for the Sun and not a fall placement for the Sun like most astrologers do. The Babylonians never used elements,ruling planets with the zodiac signs. Those things were created by Hellenistic astrologers.
I don't think that the Babylonians would think that the Moon in Ea's sign, Capricorn would be a detrimental placement with both Ea and the Moon associated with fertility. Moon in Ea's other sign, Aquarius also wouldn't be viewed in a negative way. I'd think that Capricorn and Aquarius Sidereal/Constellation placements would be strong placements for the Moon. The Babylonians never associated Cancer with Nanna/Sin, the Moon god.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 2, 2019 21:03:21 GMT
I would view a placement in conjunction with a star (especially an alpha,beta star) in a constellation as having a stronger nature than that of a placement in a tropical sign associated with the particular constellation
examples, I would view a person with Sun conjunct Antares (alpha Scorpius star) in tropical Sagittarius more Scorpionic than a person with Sun in tropical Scorpio. I would view a person with Moon conjunct Alrisha (alpha Pisces star) in tropical Aries more Piscean than a person with Moon in tropical Pisces. I would view a person with Sun conjunct Castor (alpha Gemini star) in Cancer more Gemini-like than a person with Sun in Gemini
With Moon conjunct Sadalmelik (alpha Aquarius star) in Pisces, I would be more Aquarian than a person with Moon in Aquarius. My Moon is also conjunct Ancha (theta Aquarius star). My Moon is also conjunct Sadalchbia (gamma Aquarius star) in Right Ascension. My Moon is extremely Aquarian constellation-wise.
With Mercury conjunct Zuben Elschamali (beta Libra), the Southern Scales/Claw in tropical Scorpio, I would be more Libran than a person with Mercury in tropical Libra. My Mercury is also conjunct Zuben Hakrabi (eta Libra). My Mercury is also conjunct Brachium (sigmae Libra) in Right Ascension, and they are also in a paran. My Mercury is extremely Libran constellation-wise.
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Post by Ava on Mar 3, 2019 1:43:56 GMT
It's all very intriguing. My powers of direct observation are rather limited, and I tend to just try and match the charts to what I'm observing in the person, trusting that regular, tropical astrology is a system based on truth, and it will prove itself out. To factor in variables like fixed star conjunctions and notice how one placement outweighs another, I think that's beyond me.
When I've briefly explored Vedic astrology I found they were describing signs differently, so that the way they describe Sagittarius does seem more like Capricorn.
It's just a matter of what's being emphasized. So, Sag likes books, Cap likes books. A tropical Capricorn with a sidereal sun in Sag can be said to have an interest in all the same things that a tropical Sag is interested in: higher education, spirituality, philosophy. The focus is common to both. And while Caps are stereotyped as serious, most of us have a decent sense of humor. So that can be listed as a Sag trait, the fact that we're often cracking jokes.
How do I note the difference? Just from direct observation. Something usually, eventually stands out as a distinct marker: this is a (tropical) Capricorn or this is a (tropical) Sag.
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My moon is also in Aquarius, sidereal. My tropical moon is conjunct draconic Uranus so I suppose now I have two reasons to present myself as an Aqua moon. Yet I feel that I am way more emotional than my Aqua moon friends.
My Nakshatra description rings true, and it's the Aqua-Pisces cusp nakshatra. Much of it is super accurate, as when they say I'll have trouble in my left thigh (I do) and will suffer the early death of mother (I did). But it says we Purva Bhadrapal natives will be the cause of our mothers' death. That's the kind of thing that makes it impossible for me to want to delve further into Vedic. For heaven's sake, that is rough, telling a person it's their fault. How is that even true?
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Anyway I just prefer tropical astrology because there is no precession, therefore whatever is said about a person born on a certain day of the year will ring true from year to year forever, and the body of knowledge can grow that way. But sidereal/Vedic is constantly changing, so whatever was said about Pisces a very long time ago no longer applies to people born at the same time as those other Pisces.
I haven't grasped the importance of the constellations themselves, though I suppose it can be said that they've been there so long, they reflect back all the mental energy that's been projected out there over time? Like an oversoul, in twelve varieties?
But the stars could be hooked together other ways, too, they just weren't. So maybe this is ignorant, but to me it's a kind of artificial type of sky-division, so I don't see how there could be an essential or innate power in those sky-divisions, something that colors the energy of whatever celestial object is passing through...unless it's that reflective situation I mused about above.
To me it just makes more sense if everything is earth-based, because the seasons are so directly and intimately experienced.
I fully appreciate Vedic astrology for the elaborate and serious study that it is, and the results astrologers can get with it. I do just wish they were working in tropical astrology for posterity's sake, so that whatever is written about people born at a certain time of year will still be applicable a thousand years from now. The vernal equinox is more real to me than whatever is happening at 0° Aries, sidereal.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 3, 2019 4:40:58 GMT
"Anyway I just prefer tropical astrology because there is no precession, therefore whatever is said about a person born on a certain day of the year will ring true from year to year forever, and the body of knowledge can grow that way. But sidereal/Vedic is constantly changing, so whatever was said about Pisces a very long time ago no longer applies to people born at the same time as those other Pisces." That precession argument that you used could be turned around that it can be an argument against Tropical Zodiac. It's relative Some would say that the zodiac that the tropical Astrologers is using is outdated by 2,000 years and out of alignment by 23 or 24 degree due to precession. an example of this argument against Tropical Zodiac: The main problem with tropical astrology The problem with tropical astrology is that the vernal point is no longer in the constellation of Aries. (The vernal point has been in the constellation of Pisces for more than 1,000 years.) This means that all the tropical signs are out of alignment by about 23 degrees with the constellations in the sky. This leads to certain paradoxes. Whenever someone says their 'star sign' is Aries, in more than two thirds of cases, the Sun was in the 'star sign' of Pisces at the time of their birth. And so on for all other signs. More seriously, take for instance a period when Mars is close to Antares, the star which is the heart of the constellation of Scorpio. If you look at the sky and tune in, you will perceive something very strong. The planet is 'scorpioed out', saturated with the forces of Scorpio. It is a sharp experience; even third eye apprentices in the first stages of their training receive clear impressions when tuning into it. But if you were to look in a tropical ephemeris, you would see Mars listed in Sagittarius. How do tropical astrologers cope with that? It usually does not disturb them much. This is because astrologers in general (even the sidereal ones) very rarely look at the sky. They practice their art on paper and on computer, and rarely spend time learning to identify the constellations. When you talk with tropical astrologers, many are actually quite surprised if they hear that Mars (for example) is in the middle of the constellation of Scorpio when they believe it to be in Sagittarius. All this is related to the precession of the equinoxes and the fact that the position of the Sun at the March equinox moves slowly over time, all of which is discussed at the beginning of this section of the manual. astrology.clairvision.org/static/astrologymanual/Tropical_or_sidereal_astrology_what_is_the_difference.htmlanother example: It wasn’t until the rise of Alexander the Great, around 350 BCE, that Sumerian astrology began to take on the characteristics of Greek mythology and philosophy. Over the next 400 years, Sidereal Astrology remained relatively intact. It was in this form that astrology spread to India. To this day, Indian astrology continue to use the Sidereal Zodiac and Whole Sign House System for all of their computations and predictions. But around 150 CE, the Greek astrologer and writer Claudius Ptolemy, suggested that the zodiac should begin on the Vernal Equinox instead of the beginning of the constellation Aries; a zodiac system that we now refer to as “Tropical.” The problem with this is this system is that the tropical year is 20 minutes shorter than the sidereal year. Thus, every 72 years, the vernal point moves backward through the sky by one degree. Over the last 2,000 years, the Vernal Point has deviated a full 24 degrees, rendering all calculations based on the Tropical Zodiac, inaccurate www.michiganpsychicmedium.com/sidereal-vs-tropical/Here is a few videos about the precession in arguments against the Tropical Zodiac The Astrological Ages are based on the vernal point placed in the Constellation currently, the vernal point is in Pisces constellation Therefore, we're in the Age of Pisces
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Post by glaucus on Mar 3, 2019 5:57:45 GMT
I don't want to use the 12 sign Tropical Zodiac nor the 12 sign Sidereal Zodiac I want to focus on the actual constellations in the sky, and they are not an equal 12 degrees. They are uneven with Virgo being the largest of the zodiac constellations. I am a perfect example of this point even though my tropical Scorpio Sun is in Sidereal Libra, my Sun is actually in the Virgo constellation in my astrological nativity in the tropical zodiac, Sun is in 5'20 Scorpio and Khambalia is in 6'33 Scorpio. They conjunct within an orb 1'13 This just 3 minutes over the maximum orb of 1'10 that one astrologer uses for this star. I would disregard it ,but there is more going on ... In Declination, Sun 13'18 S Khambalia in 13'14 S they are parallel with 4 minutes of arc they are parallel within 10 minutes of arc that is a maximum orb that is used for parallel aspect to a star I actually have Sun in occultation (conjunct and parallel) with this Virgo star Khambalia, Lambda Virginis. It is a Mercury-Mars star by Ptolemy. The name has its roots in old Coptic and means 'Crooked Claw', most probably the same device which we call also the Swastika, and whose ancient symbolism contained the idea of a secret knowledge, accessible to us, but only if one knows the way to get to it, as we find also with the symbolism of the maze in other cultures. The word 'Shambala' has a similar root and meaning; so has the pentagram, so that the Arabic word for Five, Khamsa, may well also derive from the same piece of mystique. Khamr, wine, also has a connection, being so often a symbol for the 'secret of life', 'the Spirit' again, as well as the means so often used to enter a transcendental (or just inebriated) state of consciousness. Both Sufi and Alchemical literature are of course rich in this allegorical form. So Khambalia is very much a star of the penetration of secrets and, although within the Constellation of Virgo by the map, its present location by Sign is at 6°38' of (Scorpius), 'a long way from home', and at 12°11' Libra even when we have corrected its sidereal placing. So the Mars in the simile which Ptolemy gave it is that of Mars in its second rulership, rather than the open energy of Aries. Consequently this star denotes those good at applying intellect to deep research of any kind, to police-type investigation, to espionage, and also to such pursuits as alchemy and the esoteric in general. [The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, p.73.] constellationsofwords.com/stars/Khambalia.htmlnot only that In Right Ascension: Sun 14h12m10s Syrma 14h14m31s a conjunction with an orb of 2 minute,21 seconds of Sidereal in Right Ascension Zodiac Longitude Equivalent: Sun in 3'02 Scorpio Syrma in 3'37 Scorpio a conjunction with an orb of 35 minutes of arc Furthermore, Sun MC, Syrma MC - '13 I have them in a conjunction paran Syrma is the Iota Virgo Star It is in the train of the Virgin's dress. Said to be prominent in the charts of Mohammed and Moses, the Arabs considered this star as the most fortunate of their lunar stations. [Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.32.] Iota Virgo, Syrma, or Surma by its Greek titles, Al Ghafar is the name in in Arabic. Al Ghafar means to cover, to protect and to suppress. The significance of this star and title lies firstly in the heavy personal responsibility which is implicit in the occult questing and acquisition of spiritual power seen in Khambalia (6 Scorpius) and secondly in the Islamic concept of Istighafar. [The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, p.74.] constellationsofwords.com/stars/Syrma.htmlnote the mention of Khambalia which is a star that my Sun is linked to. My Sun is in the Constellation Virgo, is in both conjunction and parallel Khamablia. It is both a right ascension conjunction and paran conjunction with Syrma. Therefore my Sun is extremely Virgoan constellation-wise Because I am focusing on the symbolism of the stars, I don't view Virgo as being the mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. The Babylonians referred to Virgo as Ab-sin 'The Furrow" represented the goddess Šala who holds the familiar ear of barley in her hands. Shala was an ancient Sumerian goddess of grain and the emotion of compassion. The symbols of grain and compassion combine to reflect the importance of agriculture in the mythology of Sumer, and the belief that an abundant harvest was an act of compassion from the deities.[1] Traditions identify Shala as wife of the fertility god Dagon, or consort of the storm god Hadad' also called Ishkur.[2] In ancient depictions, she carries a double-headed mace or scimitar embellished with lion heads.[3] Sometimes she is depicted as being borne atop one or two lionesses. From very early times, she is associated with the constellation Virgo and vestiges of symbolism associated with her have persisted in representations of the constellation to current times, such as the ear of grain, even as the deity name changed from culture to culture. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShalaMaybe there is a reason for me to be born with Sun, Moon, and Mercury in very strong connections to the constellations that they are in. Maybe I chose to be born on October 29th on a date when the Sun is actually in Virgo constellation even though it's in Libra in Sidereal Zodiac and Scorpio in Tropical Zodiac. My Sun-South Eris Node conjunction is in the Virgo Constellation. I also have Sun conjunct alpha Bootes star Arcturus in Right Ascension, and so it's actually a Sun-Syrma-Arcturus conjunction in Right Ascension. I also have them in a MC,MC conjunction paran, and so I have Sun-Syrma-Arcturus conjunction paran as well. The themes of Arcturus and Syrma are strongly connected to my solar themes. I was thinking of working with Jamie's Astrological method. "I use the zodiac at it was originally intended, preferring to use the tropical zodiac to describe the position of the stars and planets. The degrees of the tropical zodiac are a universal way for astrologers to communicate where a planet or star is, that’s all. The interpretation comes from the relationship between the planets – the aspects, and from the influence of the fixed stars. What I’m doing is nothing new." Unlike Jamie, I'm more multidimensional in my approach. I don't look at just Ecliptic Longitude. I also look at Right Ascension, Declination, and parans. astrologyking.com/precession/
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Post by glaucus on Mar 3, 2019 6:26:22 GMT
I just want to clarfiy that I don't believe that there is any one true anything in Astrology nor anything else for that matter. I have a "to each,his/her own approach" to Astrology and everything else in life. I don't believe in talking,looking down others for having views that are divergent from my own. I am a strong believer in diversity. I am definitely no stranger in changing my views on things like I have definitely changed my views in Astrology in numerous ways. Even if I like what astrologers do, I don't agree on everything that tget do. I even have strong disagreements with certain things that they do. However, a disagreement doesn't lead me to think of what's right or wrong.
“It is absolutely the perfect name,” Eris discoverer Dr. Michael Brown said, given the continuing discord among astronomers and the public over whether Pluto should have retained its planetary status.
In mythology, Eris ignited discord that led to the Trojan War.
“She causes strife by causing arguments among men, by making them think their opinions are right and everyone else’s is wrong,” Dr. Brown said. “It really is just perfect.”
I believe that diversity is a main theme in my life which I think is connected to my strong Eris signature:
Sun conjunct South Eris Node Eris sextile/trine MC/IC, sextile/trine Lunar Nodes,biquintile Mercury Sun quincunx Eris in 3D Moon semisquare Eris in 3D Mercury-Eris opposition paran
As I pointed out already, my Mercury is extremely Libran constellation-wise. My mental processing does have to do with weighing things, seeing both sides before making judgments and decisions. I try to be fair and equality-oriented.
I do have strong Mercury connections to transneptunian dwarf planet/candidates (Eris is one of them that I already pointed out) and Mars which indicates my mental processes are very intense and very passionate which come off as being Scorpionic due to the concept of Scorpio being a passionate,intense sign ruled by Mars and Pluto.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 3, 2019 9:55:57 GMT
I know nothing about Istighfar. I looked it up to get an idea about the strong theme I have with this concept in connected to the star, Syrma which is strongly aspected to my Sun via Right Ascension and paran Etymology Istighfar is derived from the root Ghafr "gh-f-r" (غ-ف-ر), which means the covering of a thing with that which will protect it from dirt.[1] Meaning Istighfar means to pray to God that he may protect the supplicant from the evil consequences and poisonous influences of his trangressions and misdeeds, both in this world and the hereafter.[2] Astaghfirullah literally translates to "I seek forgiveness in Allah". In a religious way, people can recite it during meditation or say it to others to show humility- to say that Allah is greater or that goodness comes from Allah. In popular culture, people can say this if they see something wrong or shameful (Urban Dictionary) Necessity of Istighfar Islam posits that human beings were created by Allah, with the ability to choose their own actions; either to do good deeds and obey Allah or choose to do evil and disobey.[3] However, Allah in His immense mercy and wisdom, knowing the fact that human beings were prone to slips, and in order to prevent man from carry the burden of his sin(s) forever, opened the door of seeking Istighfar (forgiveness) for His servants who might have (mistakenly) committed sin or submitted to his desires and ignored the dictates of his conscience. Thus, Istighfar is the weapon of believers against the shaytan who tries to lead them into hell by inviting them to sin.[4] Significance of Istighfar Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) safeguards the Supplicant against the evil consequences of his/her sins.[12] Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) increases the blessings of Allah (both material and spiritual).[13] Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is one of the way of finding Inner peace and tranquillity.[14] Istighfar purifies ones from the physiological results of sins.[15] Istghfar turns up evil deeds to good deeds.[16] Istighfar(seeking forgiveness) paves way for the acceptance of prayer.[17] Allah forgives those who sincerely seek forgiveness unconditionally.[18] The Prophet said: “Whoever makes Istighfar frequently, Allah will provide a way for him out of every distress and provide for him from sources he could never expect.”[19] Conditions for Istighfar It is important to note the fact that seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) by reciting the phrase"Astaghfirullah" day and night without quitting or having the intention to quit the past sins or misdeeds is nothing but a mockery.[20] This act according to Imam Ali was not only described as a mockery of our lord but also a kind of sin itself.[21] Meanwhile, Imam Ali presented six conditions for a valid Istighfar, according to him, it was after these conditions have been met that we can now recite the phrase 'Astaghfirullah'.[22] These six condition are thus: "To repent over the past sins or misdeeds. To make a firm determination never to repeat it (sins). To observe and discharge people's rights. To fulfill all obligatory acts which have been ignored (in the past) To lose the body flesh grown as a result of unlawful earnings until new flesh grows on the bones of the body. To make the body taste the pain of obedience as you previously made it taste the sweetness of disobedience."[23] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IstighfarIt seems like some sort of spiritual protection. I am no Muslim, and I don't even believe in organized religion. My main beliefs are pantheism,reincarnation,and the golden rule Instead of praying to Allah for forgiveness, I'd pray to the Universe for forgiveness Arcturus' themes are strongly connected with the strong aspects to the Sun-Syrma via Right Ascension and paran. according to Bernadette Brady's book, Star and Planet Combinations: Sun-Arcturus: A pathfinder, to break new ground and be willing to explore unheard-of-options. One who will either embody this spirit of adventure or be drawn to those who do Arcturus represented Papsukkal who was the messenger god in the Akkadian pantheon. He is identified in late Akkadian texts and is known chiefly from the Hellenistic period. He acts as both messenger and gatekeeper for the rest of the deities. The Right Ascension in order in my astrological nativity goes like this Sun 14h12m10s Arcturus 14h14m22s Syrma 14h14m31s Khambalia 14h17m34s Khambalia is more than 4 minutes of Sidereal Time (equivalent to 1 degree of arc) from my Sun, and so I don't consider it a conjunction, but both Arcturus and Syrma are within 4 minutes of Sidereal Time. There could be a Sun-Khambala link due to Arcturus and Syrma being conjunct my Sun. Arcturus and Syrma being between my Sun and Khambalia and conjuncting their midpoint. Sun is also linked to two of Arcturus' fellow Bootes stars with 30 minutes of arc Asellus Secondus (Iota Bootes) and Kappa-1 Bootes so the Bootes theme is very strong. Brady wrote that the Athenians saw the constellation, Bootes as the leader of the people who had fallen on difficult times. In order to help them, Bootes, their leader, invented the plow, thereby becoming one of the great benefactors of his tribe, and thus of humankind. The Babylonians viewed Bootes as a representing Enlil who is the Mesopotamian god associated with wind, air, earth, and storms. He is first attested as the chief deity of the Sumerian pantheon,[5] but he was later worshipped by the Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Hurrians.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 3, 2019 10:33:44 GMT
getting back to Aquarius.... As I pointed out in my original post, Aquarius was viewed to represent Hapy, the God of the Nile by the Egyptians. Like Ea/Enki, he was a water and fertility god. Hapy's symbol is running water. He was thought to have nourished the land through the Nile's annual floods. Hapi was in charge of the waters that flowed during the floods. Ea/Enki was often depicted with two streams of water emanating from his shoulders, representing the Tigris and Euphrates. Fishes are in the water streams. In Babylonian art, rivers and streams are depicted as wavy lines which are thought to be the parallel river banks. The wavy lines is definitely a sign that signifies water including river,flood,sea,and lake. In CHAPTER VIII THE GENUS, CLASS, OR KIND, LIABLE TO BE AFFECTED in the Tetrabiblos, Claudius Ptolemy referred to both Aquarius and Pisces as river signs. formed like creatures which swim, and in marine signs, such as Delphinus, the effect will be felt by marine animals, and in the navigation of fleets; if in river signs, such as Aquarius and Pisces, it will attach to animals living in rivers and in fresh waters: and, if in Argo, both sea and fresh-water animals will be affected by it. 1 www.sacred-texts.com/astro/ptb/ptb38.htmAquarius was originally viewed as a watery sign It wasn't viewed like that by only Mesopotamian and Egyptian Astrologers. Even Hellenistic Astrologers had viewed it as a watery sign.
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Post by Ava on Mar 3, 2019 13:58:44 GMT
Hi glaucusLots to think about, thank you. Just a few points from your first post above (haven't watched the videos yet)... "That precession argument that you used could be turned around that it can be an argument against Tropical Zodiac. It's relative" Maybe it's because I'm an earth sign, I just prefer to stay more grounded, as the tropical zodiac is. From year to year, life on earth remains a constant, with respect to the Aries Points. I remember reading that Chinese astrology is also completely systematic based on our earth experience and therefore has nothing whatsoever to do with stars but is more "calendrical psychology." What I'm actually on the fence about is, could southern hemisphere astrology be "flipped" so that an Aries in Argentina really has a personality more like a northern hemisphere Libra, because they were born in the autumn? But I don't hear much discussion about that. Granted my involvement with astrology appears far less extensive than yours; it's not like I'm in a position to make definite statements about what's generally going on with internet astrology. "More seriously, take for instance a period when Mars is close to Antares, the star which is the heart of the constellation of Scorpio. If you look at the sky and tune in, you will perceive something very strong. The planet is 'scorpioed out', saturated with the forces of Scorpio. It is a sharp experience; even third eye apprentices in the first stages of their training receive clear impressions when tuning into it. But if you were to look in a tropical ephemeris, you would see Mars listed in Sagittarius." That's amazing. I'll have to just take your word for it. Loosely speaking, Sags have boggled my mind with their penetrative mind-power, more than Scorpios.....but I haven't known any Scorpios who are deeply involved in spiritual practices. I can imagine stars/planets/asteroids carrying a type of energy or signaling changes of sorts, and everyone in astrology agrees that placement is important, but then the way we create the background layout (using constellations or the simple 360° tropical zodiac), it seems like astrologers from different camps are devising their own languages based on impressions. There are always patterns to be found and tracked and used for prediction, just like there are different orbits, but it's hard to make a case for one being superior to another, except in this instance where the third eye is open and revealing insights that go beyond normal understanding, then I have to defer to that, having no such vision myself.... Still, I've known astrologers who put a heavy emphasis on this, that, or the other type of chart...some believe heliocentric astrology is like the master code that we should hold in highest esteem, some are thinking harmonics have the secret keys, and so on. Well I have more reading and watching to do here so I won't say too much. These are just the thoughts I've had and bring to the table, at this point.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 3, 2019 18:51:25 GMT
Sirius Astrology program has a star report. It has psychological interpretations for star aspects. It just seems to be giving interpretations for only the stars and not the planets,angles aspecting them. I don't like that they don't include any Mesopotamia Mythology for the constellations like not connecting Aquarius with Ea/Enki and Libra with Shamash. I am going to work on editing interpretations and add Mesopotamian information to them.
These are stars that are strongly linked to my personality. I included only star aspects to personal planets that I have two or more of, and that would indicate a strong signature.
maximum orbs: conjunction (Ecliptic Longitude - EL, Three Dimensional -3D) - 1'00 except for ecliptic stars or 1st,2nd magnitude stars which would get 1'30 conjunction,opposition (Right Ascension -RA) - 1'00 paran - '30 parallel in Declination - '10
Sun-Khambalia (ecliptic conjunction,3D conjunction,parallel) true separation - 1'19 (it's an ecliptic star) Lambda Virginis in the constellation of Virgo, the Virgin Magnitude: 4.6 A great awareness of and appreciation for the cycles and rhythms of nature may develop. Artistic pursuits which celebrate nature, or scientific applications which investigate it, may become areas of interest. An adventurous and exploratory character is balanced by a subtle inner solidity. The individual's unique strength may be rooted in their ability to change, grow and adapt. There may be some difficulty in making firm decisions.
Sun-Syrma (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Iota Virginis in the constellation of Virgo, the Virgin Magnitude: 4.2 An active, vital and highly inquisitive mind in denoted. There may be an inclination towards the investigation of mysteries, especially those involving the inner workings of the natural world and/or the human mind. Great discoveries and revelations are possible. The ability to mobilize action and assume a position of responsibility is also indicated. Scientific, artistic, mystical, agricultural, mechanical and social pursuits are favored.
Sun-Arcturus (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Alpha Bootis in the constellation of Bootes, the Herdsman Magnitude: -0.04 Independent, resilient, intelligent, pragmatic, self-motivated, hard-working and dedicated attributes are indicated. The individual may feel called to serve, defend or protect others. Great success and respect may be gained through one's vigilant efforts. Concepts of morality, justice and honor may play an important role in life. Intellectual, linguistic, literary, agricultural, strategic and mechanical pursuits are favored. A position of leadership or eminence may be attained.
Sun-Asselus Secundus (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Iota Bootis in the constellation of Bootes, the Herdsman Magnitude:4.75 Grounded, pragmatic, hard-working, dependable, innovative and persistent attributes are denoted. A love of material comfort and pleasure is likely, as are stalwart opinions and convictions. The ability to work cooperatively with others towards common goals is indicated, as is the power to organize productive labors. Prosperity may be attained though ones efforts.
Sun-Asselius Tertius (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Kappa 2 Bootis in the constellation of Bootes, the Herdsman Magnitude:4.58 Grounded, pragmatic, hard-working, dependable, innovative and persistent attributes are denoted. A love of material comfort and pleasure is likely, as are stalwart opinions and convictions. The ability to work cooperatively with others towards common goals is indicated, as is the power to organize productive labors. Prosperity may be attained though ones efforts.
Moon-Ancha (EL conjunction,RA conjunction,3D conjunction) true separation - 0'49 (it's an ecliptic star) Theta Aquarii in the constellation of Aquarius, the Water Bearer Magnitude: 4.3 Original, responsive, progressive, intelligent and sociable qualities are indicated. Drastic and turbulent changes leading to personal growth may be experienced. An interest in humanity at large may develop. Iconoclastic or revolutionary innovations are possible. Diplomacy, service, culture, communication, exploration and aviation may be areas of interest.
Moon-Fomalhaut (EL conjunction,conjunction paran) Alpha Piscis Austrini in the constellation of Pisces Australis (or Austrinus), the Southern Fish Magnitude: 1.16 A deep enjoyment of life and a profound appreciation of beauty is indicated. There may be an inclination towards seeking knowledge concerning supernal and archetypal matters. Obstacles may be overcome, resulting in unexpected gain. Good fortune in financial pursuits is also denoted. Material as well as emotional satiety may be attained. The individual may become well known and respected for their individual talents or perceptions.
Mercury-Brachium (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Sigma Librae in the constellation of Libra, the Scales Magnitude: 3.41 The reconciliation of opposing forces in the individual's mind and heart may be an important theme in life. Dramatic personal transformations may occur. Law, order, balance, justice and truth may also become areas of interest. Financial or material gain is likely and a generous nature may manifest. Creative, legal, medical, philanthropic and intellectual activities are favored.
Mercury-Nekkar (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Beta Bootis in the constellation of Bootes, the Herdsman Magnitude: 3.6 The ability to motivate and inspire others by kindling passion and excitement is signified. Action and change are easily incited. Hard-working, dependable, productive and pragmatic characteristics may also manifest. Pursuits involving leadership, business and nature are favored
Mercury-Menkar (RA opposition,opposition paran) Alpha Ceti in the constellation of Cetus, the Whale or Sea-monster Magnitude: 2.8 Passionate emotional urges, a love of solitude and inner contemplation, and a strong connection to one's subconscious or imaginative faculties are indicated characteristics. Personal strengths include memory and intuition. Great adversities throughout life which test the resolve of the individual ultimately produce an inner vitality able to withstand calamity. Spiritual, psychological, philosophical, musical, artistic and literary pursuits are favored.
Mercury-Gorgonia Tertia (RA opposition,opposition paran) Rho Persei in the constellation of Perseus, the Champion Magnitude: 3.39 Assertive, antagonistic, volatile, courageous, fearless and tenacious qualities are signified. There may be a natural inclination towards protecting and defending oneself and others. The ability to intimidate is also denoted.
Venus conjunct Pherkad Major (RA conjunction,conjunction paran) Gamma 1 Ursae Minoris in the constellation of Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Magnitude: 3.1 An individual concerned with guarding, protecting, representing or taking responsibility for other people (and/or their values, ideals, truths or secrets) may be indicated. Making a worthwhile contribution or providing a needed service for one's community may become an essential part of life. A sense of belonging is also very important. Stable, responsible and dependable attributes are denoted. An interest in dance, music and/or the performing arts may also manifest.
My strongest personal planet-star signature: Sun-Khambalia Moon-Ancha
My strongest constellation signature: Bootes
Personal planet-multiple star configurations: Sun-Arcturus-Asselius Secundis-Asselius Tertius-Asselius (RA,paran) Mercury-Brachium-Nekkar-Menkar-Gorgonia Tertia (RA, paran) Moon-Fomalhaut-Ancha (EL)
Babylonian:
Virgo - Ab-sin 'The Furrow' - associated with Shala, the goddess of grain
Bootes - Supa represented Enlil who was god of wind,earth,air,and storms. He was the chief deity of the Sumerian pantheon. He was god of farmers. cosmology,
Libra - Zi-ba-an-na 'The Scales' represented Shamash, the Sun god in his role as God of Truth and Justice
Aquarius - Gu-la 'The Great One' represented Ea, the water god of the waters,wisdom,magic
Pisces Austrinus - Ku 'The Fish' The fish is sacred to Ea/Enki. benevolent creature of the watery depths
Perseus - Su-gi 'The Old Man' Name might be an honorific title for Enmessara, the regent of the constellation who is an ancient ancestral god residing in the underworld. He was an ancient god who once held supreme power in the heavens. He is sometimes identified with Anu and Enlil.
Ursa Minor - Mar-gid-da An-na whose regent was Damkianna,the wife of Ea/Enki and mother of Marduk. She is often equated with Venus.
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Post by Ava on Mar 4, 2019 12:53:14 GMT
Here is a few videos about the precession in arguments against the Tropical Zodiac He says the Babylonians accounted for precession -- did they? Also "not a shred of evidence" for tropical? Sweeping statement. If astrology can't be confirmed through experience and predictions using tropical, then the same goes for sidereal: nothing they are doing can amass evidence. Since sidereal and tropical were one and the same in ancient times, tropical astrologers are not discrediting or insulting the ancients any more than sidereal astrologers are, when they "pick a side." It's not our fault the systems deviated naturally.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 5, 2019 20:37:26 GMT
He's incorrect about the Babylonians. According to Francesca Rochberg , Babylonians didn't know about precession. I have her books,Babylonian Horoscopes and The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture
She wrote that the Babylonian zodiac was at all times sidereal.
She wrote By the middle of the first millennium, cuneiform texts attest to the standardization of the ecliptic as a circular band in the heavens, consisting of twelve parts, or "signs," of 30 degrees each. The travel of the sun and planets were then reckoned by means of such degrees (celestial longitude), counted from a sidereally normed point (Aries 8 degrees or Aries 10 degrees). The dating of the Greek reception of the Babylonian zodiac is uncertain before the Hellenistic period although the treatises of Autolycus and Euclid (ca. 300 B.C.) already assume the ecliptic and the zodiac. Pliny's claim (Natural History II, 31) that Clesostratus" was responsible for introducing the concept to the Greeks around 500 B.C. is suspect given the date of the introduction of the zodiac into Mesopotamia at just the same time. By the second century of the Common Era, in the Almagest, the zodiac was no longer sidereally normed as in Babylonia, but at the vernal equinox point Aries 0 degrees. The assimilation of the Babylonian ecliptical coordinate system is also found in the astrological devices of the Egyptian decans and Indian nakshatras. Indeed, the medium of transmission of Western astronomy to India by mid-second century was Greek astrology which by the first century of the Common Era attests to the use of the zodiac in Greek and demotic papyri.
I don't like Luna's "One True Astrology" approach.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 5, 2019 20:56:26 GMT
Back to the subject about Aquarius,
The IAU 13 Sign Zodiac is not aligned well with the Constellations. It's no better than the 12 sign Sidereal Zodiac. It ignores that certain IAU Zodiac signs have stars from other constellations like alpha Scorpius Antares ending up in Ophiuchus.
Beta Aquarius star Sadalsuud and Epsilon Aquarius star Albali are in Capricorn in the IAU 13 Sign Zodiac.
I mentioned this in my thread about the IAU Zodiac. I also mentioned that I have North Lunar Node conjunct Albali.
I don't see how any 13 Sign Zodiac Astrologer can go around claiming that they are doing True Sidereal Astrology with the flaws that the 13 Sign Zodiac has with other constellations ending up in certain signs, and the drawing of the Zodiac is not even based on the Ecliptic. It's based on Right Ascension and Declination which are the coordinates that astronomers use. I do believe that Right Ascension and Declination important, but I don't believe that they should be used as the basis for a zodiac.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 6, 2019 0:09:52 GMT
more about the sidereal norming of the zodiac and not recognizing precession The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture by Francesca Rochberg page 132 The Babylonian zodiac was not counted from the vernal point, but was generally normed by the end points of zodiacal constellations, each one counted from 0 degrees to 30 degrees. This implies an ecliptic of 360 degrees, but Babylonian astronomy employed degrees within signs rather than a strictly numerical count of longitudes from 0 to 360. Also, the longitudes assigned to the fixed stars were done so arbitrarily, with the result that the zero point of the ecliptic did not coincide with the vernal equinox. That the Babylonian zodiac was sidereally fixed implies that regardless of date the fixed stars do not change their positions (degree of longitude) with respect o the norming point of the ecliptic. The zodiac and the year were defined sidereally, so that one year was the time in which the sun returned to the same position with respect to a fixed star. The year that was counted from vernal equinox to vernal equinox, known as the tropical year, was not yet distinguished by the Babylonians from the sidereal year. To have done so would have been to recognize the fact that the equinoxes move - the precession of the equinoxes - and this has been ruled out for Babylonian astronomy. In mathematical astronomical texts, the equinoxes and solstices were also normed sidereally, at 10 degrees Aries in System A and 8 degrees Aries in System B. That the cardinal points of the year do not correspond to the zero points of the appropriate signs in the Babylonian zodiac is a result of the sidereal (rather than the tropical) construction of the zodiac. The two systems of Babylonian mathematical astronomy maintained the two norming points throughout the period of their use. As Negeubauer pointed out, neither the chronological relation between System A and B norms nor the reason for their difference is understood. That both vernal-point longitudes remained sidereally fixed, however, proves precession was not recognized. The counting of the zodiac signs from Aries is a consequence of the origins of the zodiacal signs in the association between zodiacal constellations and the twelve schematic months of the year. Although the original list of stars in the "path of the moon" began at the end of Aries, specifically with the Pleiades (choosing an exemplary star with longitude 33'40 degrees), the zodiac, when it is enumerated in texts, begin with Aries. More precisely, however, we still cannot establish the star that originally served as the norming point for the ecliptic. Even were we to assume the vernal point was determined correctly when it was assigned to 10 degrees then 8 degrees Aries, the corresponding dates for these zodiacal norming points cannot be pinpointed, as we do not sufficiently understand the ancient methods used to obain those values. Comparison against modern values for the longitudes of equinoxes is therefore uninformative of this purpose. Sidereal Astrologers erroneously claim that Babylonians knew about precession because of this: Already Franz Xaver Kugler proposed that the word can be interpreted here as "table"; in another context it seems to mean something like "tool", but in yet another it refers to a blue enamel paste. P. Schnabel, in a series of papers (1923–27), interpreted the phrase as an assignment of authorship. He argued that Naburimannu developed the Babylonian System A of calculating solar system ephemerides, and that later Kidinnu developed the Babylonian System B. A Greco-Roman tradition, mentioned above, attributes to Kidinnu the discovery that 251 synodic months equals 269 anomalistic months. This relationship is implicit in System B, and is therefore another reason to believe that Kidinnu was involved in developing the lunar theory of System B. However, the conclusion that Kidinnu is the main creator of System B is uncertain. Babylonian astronomers before Kidinnu's time apparently already knew the Saros cycle (old eclipse observations were collected in tables organised according to the Saros cycle since the late 5th century BC) and the Metonic cycle (the dates of the lunar calendar in the Saros tables follow a regular 19-year pattern of embolismic months at least since 498 BC); both cycles are also used in System B. Schnabel computed specific years (first 314 BC and later 379 BC) for the origin of the System B lunar theory, but Franz Xaver Kugler and Otto E. Neugebauer later disproved Schnabel's calculations. Schnabel also asserted that Kidinnu discovered precession when distinguishing between sidereal and tropical years; Neugebauer contested this and current scholarship considers this conclusion to be unfounded. The lunation length used in System B has also been attributed to Kidinnu. It is 29 days + 191 time degrees + 1/72 of a time degree ("barley corn") = 29d 31:50:8:20 (sexagesimal) = 29d + 12h + 793/1080h (Hebrew chelek) = 29.53059414...d. Being a rounded value in the archaic unit of "barley corns" it may be even more ancient. In any case, it is very accurate, within about ⅓ of a second per month. Hipparchus confirmed this value for the lunation length. Ptolemy accepted and used it, as mentioned above. Hillel first used it in the Hebrew calendar, and it has been used for that purpose ever since. The existing evidence makes it difficult to put Kidinnu at a time and place. Schnabel placed Kidinnu in Sippar, but Otto E. Neugebauer showed that Schnabel based this conclusion on a misreading of the cuneiform tablet. Classical sources like Strabo mention different "schools" and "doctrines" followed in different places (Babylon, Borsippa, Sippar, Uruk). System A and B have been used contemporaneously, and tablets for both systems have been found in both Babylon and Uruk. Tablets based on System B, associated with Kidinnu, have been found mostly in Uruk, but the earlier tablets came predominantly from Babylon. The oldest preserved tablet using System B comes from Babylon and dates from 258-257 BC. This is in the Seleucid era, but it is plausible that the traditional Chaldean astronomical systems had been developed before the Hellenistic period. The Alexander chronicle mentioned above suggests that the famous astronomer Kidinnu died in Babylon in 330 BC, if it refers to the same Kidinnu who was mentioned on the ephemeris tablets centuries later. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KidinnuI hope that there will be asteroids named after Naburiamannu and Kidinnu in the near future.
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Post by glaucus on Mar 6, 2019 1:26:54 GMT
more about Ea/Enki The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture by Francesca Rochberg page 181 [The Exorcists'] Series (asiputu), The Lamentation Priests' Series (kalutu), The Celestial Omen Series (Enuma Anu Enlil), [(If) a] Form (alamdimmu), Not Completing the Months, Diseased Sinews; [(If)] the Utterance [of the Mouth],The King, The Storm (?), Whose Aura is Heroic, Fashioned like An: These (works) are from the mouth of Ea. The selection of Ea as the ultimate source for the collections about exorcism, incantations, and celestial divination, is fitting, because he was the god associated chiefly with magic and arcana mundi. He was considered, as the creator of humankind, to be the divine figure with special sympathy for human beings, and therefore would be the likely candidate to make messages of warnings available for the benefit of the human race. page 215 Often, but not exclusively, associated with "knowledge" or "wisdom" (nemequ) was the god, Ea, who as creator and ally of humankind, was willing divulge his secrets in the form of magic and arcana mundi to human beings. Indeed,the scribes' view that the authority behind the series Enuma Anu Enlil as well as other omen, incantation, and ritual texts was the God, Ea, appearing in a catalog of texts and authors. The association of Astrology with Aquarius seems to go back to Babylon. I believe that Astrology could be associated with Capricorn. Ea was associated with both Capricorn and Aquarius. I have a very strong Aquarius Constellation influence myself, and so it's no surprise that I am into Astrology. Moon,Mars,and North Lunar Node in Aquarius constellation Moon conjunct Sadalmelik (alpha Aquarii) and Ancha (theta Aquarii) in Ecliptic Longitude. Moon conjunct Sadalachbia (gamma Aquarii) and Ancha in Right Ascension Moon conjunct Ancha in 3D North Lunar Node conjunct Albali (epsilon Aquarii) Mercury-Sadalmelik square paran I was looking up stuff on Babylonian Astrology and Enki I found this at a Babylonian Astrologer's site it's interesting but a bit speculative though God Enki rules Neptune God Enki rules Neptune GEMSTONE AMETIST In the mythology of Mesopotamia in Sumerian Neptunus is Enki or Ea in Akkadian. He is a God of Infinite Ocean of fresh water. Wise, resourceful and very memorable. Moreover, God Enki has magical powers and knows spells. He is merciful and loves people. In fact, this is the god that “designed” man. The one that saved people from the flood and Ishtar from the Underworld. Also, he was “the One who creates”. theroyalartofastrology.com/planets-and-gemstones/ancient-divinities-and-gemstones/
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Post by glaucus on Mar 6, 2019 19:55:30 GMT
This is the Enki/Ea pendant that I purchased July 4, 2017 on amazon.com. I got it and wear it to embrace the Enki/Ea energy. It's based on this image
The Powerful Enki: Epic Sumerian, Babylonian, and Akkadian DeityIn the belief system of the Sumerians, Enki (known also as Ea by the Akkadians and Babylonians) was regarded to be one of the most important deities. Originally Enki was worshipped as a god of fresh water and served as the patron deity of the city of Eridu (which the ancient Mesopotamians believe was the first city to have been established in the world). Over time, however, Enki’s influence grew and this deity was considered to have power over many other aspects of life, including trickery and mischief, magic, creation, fertility, and intelligence. Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian Myths of Enki’s Family
According to Sumerians (and the Akkadians), Enki was the son of Anu, the god of the sky. In the Babylonian Enuma Elish , on the other hand, Enki is referred to as the son of Apsu, the primeval freshwater ocean beneath the earth. Enki has also been regarded as the son of Nammu, the primordial mother goddess who gave birth to the heavens and the earth. Enki’s wife was Ninhursag, and amongst their children are Asarluhi, Enbilulu, and Marduk. A lot of what we know today about Enki comes from the literary works of Mesopotamia that have survived over the millennia. There are a number of stories in which Enki plays a predominant role. One of the most famous of these is the Enuma Elish , the Babylonian story of creation. In this tale, Enki was an offspring of Apsu and Tiamat, the personifications of fresh water and salt water respectively. Enki and his siblings began making a lot of noise, which angered Apsu as it interrupted his sleep. Apsu decided to destroy his children, though his plan was revealed to Enki by Tiamat. As a result, Enki decided to strike first, by putting his father to sleep and then killing him. Although the story continues, Enki is no longer the main character in it, as he is overshadowed by his son, Marduk. Enki Helps Humanity
Enki also plays a major role in another Akkadian/Babylonian myth, the Atrahasis, which is the Mesopotamian version of the Great Flood. In this myth, Enki was responsible for the creation of mankind, who would serve the gods. This race of humans multiplied quickly, and Enlil, the chief deity, became irritated by the amount of noise they made. Therefore, he decided to reduce the number of humans by sending catastrophes to kill them. Each time, however, the people appealed to Enki, who would tell them what to do in order to survive. Finally, Enlil decides to wipe out humankind once and for all with a great flood. Enki is unable to stop Enlil’s plan, and decides to go to earth to save one good man, Atrahasis. The man is told to build an ark and therefore manages to escape from Enlil’s wrath. The rest of the human race, however, is destroyed. Enlil then suggests that human beings be made again, though these new creations would be less fertile, have a shorter lifespan, and would be more vulnerable than their predecessors. Enki as a Trickster and One Who is Tricked
In some myths, Enki is regarded as the father of the goddess Inanna, another major deity in the Sumerian pantheon. For example, in the well-known myth, The Descent of Inanna , a plan is devised by Enki to rescue his daughter from the Underworld when she is killed by Ereshkigal, her sister. He sends demons to trick Ereshkigal into giving them Inanna’s corpse, which they then resurrect. In a myth which is entitled Inanna and Enki , the two deities engage in a drinking competition, during which Enki, who was completely drunk, gives his daughter all the Mes, i.e. the gifts of civilization. The next morning, when Enki realizes what he had done, he sent his followers to retrieve the Mes. Inanna, however, had returned safely to her city, Uruk. Realizing that he had been tricked, Enki had no choice but to make peace with Inanna and the city of Uruk. In the myths above, it may be said that Enki was perceived as a wise and benevolent god who cared for humanity. In addition, it may be said that his strength laid in his cunning and his ability as a trickster. Nevertheless, as the last example demonstrates, even the trickster may at times be tricked. www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-asia/powerful-enki-epic-sumerian-babylonian-and-akkadian-deity-008141
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Post by glaucus on Mar 6, 2019 20:23:27 GMT
from the book 'Babylonian Star-lore' by Gavin White THE GREAT ONE (Pages 121-3) The Babylonian precursor of Aquarius is known as Gula, the ‘Great One’. The constellation is generally portrayed as a standing male figure, sometimes of gigantic proportions, who holds one or more vases overflowing with streams of water. With his feet firmly set upon the earth, the gigantic figure of Gula towers above the mountaintops (right). The overflowing vases he holds aloft symbolise the fertile rains falling from heaven, and the vases set about his feet represent the watery Abyss below the earth from which freshwater wells up to feed rivers and lakes. As a seasonal star the Great One represents the increase in river levels and rainfall that occurs during the winter months. In an agricultural context he can also be understood as the ‘irrigator’ whose waters irrigate the thriving barley fields in late winter. The barley fields are, of course, represented among the stars by the adjacent constellation of the Field. To emphasise their watery nature the streams of water flowing from his vases are often embellished with the tiny images of fish (see fig 2). In fact, one of these fish appears on the Babylonian star-map as the constellation known as the Fish – it too has been transmitted to the Greek heavens as the Southern Fish (Pisces Austrinus), where it can be seen swimming along the outflow of Aquarius’ vase. In Babylonian art, waterways such as rivers and streams are conventionally depicted as a pair of wavy lines, which are thought to represent the parallel banks of a river. Recognisably the same image occurs in the cuneiform writing system as the A-sign (right). This sign by itself simply signifies ‘water’, but it is also used in numerous compounds expressing watery concepts, such as river, flood, sea and lake. The basic form of this sign has evolved into the familiar zigzag symbol used as the modern glyph for Aquarius. Like many of the constellations that embody aquatic symbolism, the Great One is closely associated with the god of wisdom and water, known as Enki in Sumerian and Ea in Akkadian. One astrology text simply states that ‘the Great One is the Lord of springs, Ea’. In ancient art Enki is commonly depicted with overflowing vases in his hands or set around his throne dais, and sometimes he is seen seated within a square enclosure that is thought to represent the Abyss (see fig 54). The name ‘Gula’ is derived from the Sumerian word Gal, which at the simplest level means ‘great or big’. It can also signify ‘a chief, or eldest son’, and significantly it can also refer to ‘a large cup or bowl’. Even though the Gu-sign is commonly used to write ‘thread, string, flax’ it appears to depict a cup with the sign for ‘share or division’ below it. The La-sign can be used to write ‘plenty, exuberance, wealth’. On a pictorial level the combination of these the signs suggest the abundant water streams flowing from the Water-bearer’s vases. The ultimate origins of Aquarius can be traced back to a figure often called the lahmu or ‘nude hero’. He first appears in the artwork of the early 3rd millennium where he sometimes appears in depictions of the ‘Lion-bull conflict’ (see the Bisonman for more details). These images typically portray him as a benevolent figure, protecting the herds from the attack of savage lions From 2500 BCE the nude hero starts to appear in new contexts. First, he is seen as a gatekeeper holding open stylised doors. But it is only in the Akkadian period, a couple of centuries later, that he becomes associated with the water god Enki and makes his first appearance as a water-bearer. By the start of the 2nd millennium his iconography has settled down into the familiar form of a standing man holding an overflowing vase (right). To emphasize his celestial character stars are sometimes arrayed about him. Alongside the masculine water-bearer we also find a feminine version. Even though the symbol of the overflowing vase can be held by a wide variety of divine and semi-divine figures (see the Star of Abundance) we can be sure that the feminine form does indeed represent the Great One as her throne is sometimes placed above the Goatfish (right), and at least one entitlement stone actually labels an enthroned goddess as ‘the Great One’. There has got to be a suspicion that this feminine form is older as the ancient divine name ‘Gula’ was originally applied to goddesses. Like other ecliptic constellations that rise over the winter, the Great One has very few omens explicitly associated with it. However, the commentaries reveal that the ‘Kidney-star’ can be used as an alternative name for the Great One. Omens for the Kidney typically make predictions concerning the harvests and the nature of the coming floods, which is entirely consistent with the symbolic meaning of the Great One. As I argue in the section on the Star of Eridu, this identification probably depends on the common appearance of the two constellations as human figures holding overflowing vases. See also: the Kidney, the Star of Eridu, the Fish, figs 2, 54 & 161 www.skyscript.co.uk/babylonian_aquarius.pdf
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