THE 12 ASTROLOGICAL ARCHETYPES

47 Pages·2010·0.41 MB·English

by  Ari Moshe

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Segment 2:
THE 12 ASTROLOGICAL ARCHETYPES

Table of contents:
- Introduction: ---------------------------------------------1
- Part 1: Pisces-Virgo -----------------------------------3
- Part 2 Aries-Libra --------------------------------------9
- Part 3 Taurus-Scorpio --------------------------------13
- Part 4 Gemini-Sagittarius ----------------------------22
- Part 5 Cancer-Capricorn -----------------------------29
- Part 6 Aquarius-Leo -----------------------------------36
- Part 7 Further Exploration ---------------------------44
- Part 8 Closing Thoughts -----------------------------46

INTRODUCTION
These descriptions intend to provide a perspective on the 12 archetypes from an
evolutionary point of view. Many astrologers interpret any archetype as being
fixed in its behavior (i.e. “If your Sun is in Aries then you get angry easily…). We
however are learning that one archetype has a multitude of expressions,
depending on how it fits into the context of the entire chart, as well as one’s level
of awareness.

Life-Pie Visualization
Before we look at any archetype, first, let us envision life- just life as it is. Whole
and undifferentiated. Now, place on top of life a cheesy pizza pie with 12 slices.
That‟s what we‟re doing here. We‟re working with one (out of many) systems of
interpretation that provide a language for “how the oneness operates.”

If you cut out one piece of that pie, you‟ll be looking at an astrological archetype.
If you cut out the Gemini slice, you will find the people around you, siblings,
cousins, media, communication, your throat chakra, the nervous system, the
planet Mercury, the area of the sky that is an arc of 60-90 degrees below the
eastern horizon called “the third house”, hands, schools, the left-brain, language,
science, and many more correlations.

Now put that slice back into the pie. We are back to just existence.

Noumenon
An archetype itself represents an ENTIRE DOMAIN OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
Gemini represents an entire domain of consciousness. That domain of
consciousness manifests itself in various forms (such as the one‟s listed above).

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The concept I am introducing here is the relationship between “noumenon” and
“phenomenon”.
Noumenon= The isness.
Phenomenon= The manifestations of the isness.

Defining the isness of any singular archetype is a bit difficult, as its essence is
HIGHLY non verbal and non linear. However, it is absolutely possible to
understand the 12 astrological archetypes through connecting to their essence.

As a general rule, when it comes to understanding the phenomenal associations
of any archetype, it is best to ask, “Why are these particular phenomenon
associated with this archetype?” as opposed to simply reading a list of
associations. For example, we can ask, “Why are hands associated with
Gemini?” To find the answer, we must first tap into the noumenal essence of the
Gemini archetype, and then contemplate how that essence manifests itself as
what we call “hands”.

Same archetype, different expression
A natal chart is made up of signs, houses and planets. Each sign, house and
planet is a unique expression of a singular archetype. For example: Mars, Aries
and the first house all relate to the way in which a soul is meant to instinctively
insert and assert their being-ness in life.

In this segment, when I refer to an archetype I will address the sign. For
example, when speaking of the Aries, first house and Mars on a chart (which are
all expressions of the same archetype”) I will refer to all of them as “the Aries
archetype”.

In a future segment we will learn the specific meaning of signs, houses and
planets as well as the differences between them.

Each archetype is operative in every chart
Each soul experiences itself through every single archetype. We have all of them
present in our chart. The archetypes all appear differently, however they are all
present and operating all of the time. What truly differentiates one chart from the
next is the way in which the archetypes are emphasized and synthesized
together.

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Format of writing
I present the 12 signs through polarities. One of the easiest ways to discover
these archetypes is through comparison and contrast. In fact, the more you can
understand Pisces, the more you will understand Virgo.

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As I wrote above, each of the 12 astrological archetypes represents complete
domains of consciousness. Just as much, they can also represent 12 complete
domains of unconsciousness. Depending on one‟s awareness, any archetype
can express itself in a multitude of ways. I will often address the spectrum
between unconscious and conscious as “shadow” and “self-realization”.

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Return your inner eye to the life-pie. Now sprinkle on your favorite condiment. Let
it marinate…

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Part 1 Pisces and Virgo
Pisces Archetype
- The sign of Pisces
- The 12th house
- The planet Neptune

I am starting with Pisces because Pisces truly represents the ending and the
beginning of all. Aries is what emerges from the womb; fresh, new, ready for
adventure. Pisces however is the womb. It‟s what is always here. It is where we
come from and where we are going.

Pisces represents the ultimate isness of existence. The evolutionary intention for
the Pisces archetype is to surrender to the Truth of what is. What has to happen
in order for that to occur? Nothing has to happen. That‟s the trick… and it‟s really
tricky… and it‟s also not…

Each soul is an extension of its Creator. And it is the will of Creator to experience
itself through diversity. Therefore, when a soul incarnates into a human identity,
what‟s really happening is the entire Universe is exploring itself through a human
identity.

This can create great confusion for a soul. How to reconcile the absoluteness of
one‟s being with the development of an apparently limited and challenging
human identity?

To me, the evolution of the Pisces archetype can be roughly represented in 6
stages. Of course any soul can be experiencing more than one stage at any
particular time. I credit Maurice Fernandez and his book “Neptune, the End of
Hope, Beginning of Truth” as the inspiration for these stages.
1. Innocence
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2. Hurt by existence
3. Depart from innocence- developing the immune system
4. Fame/public service
5. Disillusionment
6. Truth

1. Innocence.
When a soul comes into this world- as a newborn baby, is does not yet have the
capacity to create any kind of distinction between any two things. The innate
miraculousness and oneness of life is simply taken for granted. This is called
“pre-disillusionment purity”.

2. Hurt by innocence.
In a state of innocence, and indiscriminate trust, a soul can be let down by life as
it continually gets hurt. This can be very confusing for a soul that is experiencing
this. This happens on subtle levels for every child, such as when life doesn‟t
magically show up whenever there is a need for changing, for feeding etc. This
happens for any soul that feels confused because they were “trying to do the
right thing.” or “just wanted to trust that person”, or “trusted that God would
protect me…” or “trusted that I won‟t get sick”. The trust is in fact just hope- it
does not recognize that life isn‟t innately going to take care of us in the ways we
naively hoped it would. To quote the 2009 movie Avatar, “Aywah does not take
sides, she only protects the balance of life”.

3. Departure from innocence- developing the immune system.
A shadow expression of Pisces is to believe one‟s self to be a victim. Why? As a
result of having been previously too trusting, a soul can now become overly
protective and distrustful of life. In extreme cases, as a result of being taken
advantage of by whatever forces in life, a soul can develop an emotion of
resentment and revenge. This could lead to sadist behavior.

Eventually, a soul realizes that if effort is not made, then one‟s existence will be
extinguished. This can lead to a serious existential crisis in which one feels
dangerously “left behind” in life. This can be connected to undeveloped motor
skills, a weak immune system, lack of self assertion, undeveloped relationship
skills etc. At this realization, a soul bravely chooses to leave the innocence
behind, as innocence simply doesn‟t seem to work. At this stage, a soul starts to
develop strength and immunity.

4. Fame/public service.
In so doing, the Pisces archetype can manifest as immense skillfulness,
knowledge and talent. Even though a soul may have developed some immunity,
there will still be a lack of appropriate boundaries. A soul at this stage may wish
to save the world (savior complex). Or they may have trouble saying “no” to
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every person that wants their help. This can in turn lead to more fear- in which a
soul isolates itself from the public in order to avoid all the attention and suffering.

5. Disillusionment
Pisces shadow always lies in its tendency to get super confused about reality. It
may deeply believe that surrender=martyrdom. Or acceptance=self-sacrifice. In
that belief, it will still create over and over again circumstances in which it will feel
victimized by life. This continues to happen until a soul realizes that its underlying
pattern has been to think that it has to be something in order to live in harmony
with existence.

Originally a soul thought it needed to be pure, so it stayed in innocence. Then it
thought it needed to try harder- so it developed its immunity consciousness,
possibly to the point of sadism, becoming hyper controlling, or perhaps brilliantly
skillful. Then it thought it needed to become a bodhisattva and save the world.
And then it thought it had to run away as to not become a martyr. All this
ultimately leads to a deep all encompassing disillusionment for a soul. Finally, a
soul actually lets go and lets God. This is true surrender.

6. Truth
In surrendering to the truth, the Pisces archetype learns that indeed everything is
actually ok. A soul realizes perfection in the imperfectness of existence. Instead
of having figured out the “right way to be”- a soul becomes more interested in
living in alignment with the way things actually are. This will manifest itself as a
mimic of nature. Nature is neutral- she is profoundly kind and giving, yet it does
not assume any responsibility that is outside of her function. The apple tree is
present for all to pick an apple. It does not uproot itself to feed those who are
hungry. If it is cut it will fall. If it is fertilized with the elements, it will grow stronger.
If it is hurt, it will use its energy to grow protective bark around the wound. It is
constantly adjusting to reality- in all ways.

Nature can also be violent and destructive. Innocent people are killed, hungry
people starve, natural disasters happen, people‟s evil intentions often reign
society, and bad things happen to good people. All of life exists as a template for
all of that to happen.

A soul realizes that it itself is in fact just an extension of Life. It eventually yearns
to become just like Life. This ultimately means getting out of the way and
devoting oneself to live in Truth.

Each soul is given the tools through which it can serve life. These tools correlate
to the simple nature of who the soul is. Nothing more, nothing less. However any
laziness or false pride will result in suffering.

Enlightenment vs insanity:
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Pisces symbolizes the fine line between enlightenment and insanity. Sanity is not
really something any of us got. Sanity is really when we are at peace with all that
is. That is the essence of Pisces. It is in fact very rare to find a soul that is truly at
peace with life. How often do we attempt to fight life, complain about it, and wish
it were something else? In true acceptance, peace comes. Peace is the starting
point for living in revelation of the great mystery of life- as it is.

Further observations about the Pisces archetype:
As stated, each soul is a unique expression of Creator. As consciousness
evolves through the evolutionary stages, the Pisces archetype will manifest itself
as a transcendent impulse to serve the oneness. All of life, as an expression of
Creation from Creator, is truly of the same essence. Thus, at a certain level of
consciousness, our oneness is experienced as a tangible reality that can be
directly known.

The unifying impulse of Love ultimately drives a soul to serve the collective with
absolutely no unnatural discrimination, expectation of reward, or attachment to
outcome. Why? Because it is the nature of the one to recognize itself as the one-
everywhere and in everyone. That‟s where spiritual service naturally arises.

The Pisces archetype in a chart represents where each soul is wired to merge
with the ultimate Truth. It also represents where there is the greatest possibility of
delusion and insanity.

Adyashanti: “That Which Always Is”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt9txkyb1i0

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Virgo Archetype
- The sign Virgo
- The 6th house
- The planet Mercury

Based on what we know about Pisces, what can we say about Virgo? What is an
archetype that represents the opposite of surrender, the opposite of complete
acceptance? The polarity to Truth? This is starting to sound depressing!

The truth is, we wouldn‟t be here, incarnated on this planet, if there wasn‟t work
to do. Our very existence denotes the potential for improvement. In Virgo, we can
experience a feeling of “lack” in being so far (180 degrees) from the Source. This
however, is exactly how the Source wishes to experience itself- through physical
existence.

Here is a short excerpt from an article I wrote on Virgo in my blog:

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Virgo has to do with the self-improving function of consciousness. All
aspects of existence are fine just the way they are (Pisces). However
there is a continual and universal imperative to participate with life in such
a way that all aspects can be properly maintained and improved upon.
Have you ever noticed how many times a day your cat or
dog licks their butt? Apparently cockroaches are the cleanest insects
around- spending a good portion of their day cleaning themselves!

We can look to our body and pay attention to what can be better. For
some it will be the waist line, for others it will be the skin's complexion,
good bowel movements, exercising every day,
proper hygiene, healthier food, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga. We
can also look towards the work we do, or the relationships in our life and
find something to improve.

Virgo's gift is the ability to fix things; to help foster more improved
conditions for life- such that everything can operate at its maximum
capacity.

This implies a very cerebral nature to Virgo. Virgo represents the ability to
notice the way things are and participate with life in such a way that one
can study how life works and make it work even better. The mind of the
Virgo archetype is always measuring and adjusting.

The primary contrast between Virgo and Pisces is DISCERNMENT. Virgo
evolves by developing its capacity to discern. Through the skill of discernment,
Virgo can help improve life without getting freaked out by how f‟ed up everything
already is.

A shadow expression of the Virgo archetype is masochism. Masochism is based
on an inner anger and guilt for not being good enough. This could express itself
as overworking oneself, not knowing how to relax, taxing the body/mind/nervous
system, neglecting basic chores and routines that are necessary components of
life. Virgo can become intensely neurotic and obsessive compulsive, or intensely
neglectful- two sides of the same coin.

When that masochism is projected outwards it can manifest as an attempt to
control all of life. The need for inner perfection can express as a need for
everything in one‟s environment to be perfect. This could lead to very controlling
and judgmental behavior of others.

This shadow of Virgo can often express itself as a false surrender to the already
existing perfection, “eh, I don‟t need to bathe, I‟m fine”, as a cover up for actually
feeling too lost for the cause. For this reason, in a state of distortion, Virgo can
seem very Piscean. Just like Pisces, when it is striving for some more control
over life, might look very much like Virgo.
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In the same way that Pisces is learning that surrender doesn‟t mean sacrifice,
Virgo is learning that discrimination doesn‟t mean control. Things have to be ok
the way they are. Change can only happen if we are patient and meticulous in
our approach.

Holding back:
As Virgo has an evolutionary imperative to develop self-accuracy in all aspects of
a soul‟s life, it can become easily overwhelmed with a strong feeling of “not being
ready” enough to put to use all the gifts it may have developed. As a result, Virgo
will hold back from speaking it‟s truth, applying it‟s knowledge, seeing clients,
practicing their healing work, setting up their business etc… because it is so
starkly aware of how much more work there still is to do.

Thus, the self-realization for Virgo is when a soul makes a commitment to a way
of living that allows for a constant development in the context of complete
acceptance of the way things currently are. Commitment is a key word here, as it
implies that the soul recognizes its innate ability to be of service. If a soul‟s
commitment to self improve comes from a true desire to be closer to the truth,
then it will be able to focus on the proper maintenance of its own body, mind
psyche, as well as the ways in which it can be of service to others.

Routine:
Ultimately, through the Virgo archetype a soul learns that routine is a crucial
component of physical existence. Routines that include all the necessary aspects
of a person‟s life (ie yoga and meditation and sun rise, a time for working on
one‟s business, time to relax and do nothing etc…) allow the important work to
take its place as important and the less important to take its place as less
important. Otherwise, based on a perpetual inner restlessness and a guilt that it
is never doing good enough, Virgo can easily be swayed from one direction to
another taking care of the non important tasks that other people ask of them.

Spiritual masochism:
Because masochism is such a significant psychology in this archetype, I want to
focus on a particular kind of masochism, called “Spiritual masochism.”

Spiritual masochism is based on religious or cultural conditioning that dictates an
ideal of “purity” as a goal to reach. This ideal of course being a negation of who
one currently is. An example of this would be the consensus Judeo-Christian
religions whereby God is regarded as perfect, and human beings are regarded
as innately sinful. And thus the need to atone for one‟s sinfulness. This can
generate intense guilt.

Step by step:
The self realization of Virgo occurs through developing a deeply self loving
acceptance of oneself, and step by step, making efforts towards life-long
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improvement. Through persistent and relaxed efforts, a soul can serve an
increasingly purposeful and self honoring function for the whole.

The Virgo archetype on a chart represents where a soul is wired to be an active
participant in improving the quality of life. It implies where there is a need for self-
accuracy. It dually represents where the greatest amount of improvement and
discernment can be developed, as well as were there exists a tendency for
stress, sickness and neurotic behavior as a result of feeling burdened by guilt
and the obligations of existence.

[A note on the planet Mercury. Later we will take a look at Mercury’s dual
association with both the Virgo archetype and the Gemini archetype. For more
perspective, read the complete blog: “A Treatise on Virgo Rulership”
http://astrologywitharimoshe.blogspot.com/2009/12/virgo.html]

Part 2 Aries and Libra
Aries Archetype
- The sign Aries
- The 1st house
- The planet Mars

Every child is birthed. Everything has a starting point. Be it the start of a project,
or the simple act of getting out of bed. Our relationship to the impulse of
“starting”- is found in the Aries archetype.

All soul‟s have a need to discover themselves through the active process of
awakening to what it‟s like to be who they are. Like a child discovering its own
hands- the need to apply those hands in life, as a means of establishing a
relationship to its own individuality, is absolutely necessary. No soul can stay in
innocence forever.

Aries contains a fascinating psychology because in essence, it represents
“separation from source”. Look at the glyph for Mars. It is an arrow (masculine-
direction) coming out of a circle (feminine, wholeness). Aries creates imbalance.
That is its purpose.

Therefore, the self-realization of Aries is the alignment of mind and body to be
completely present in the moment, with whatever one is doing. Cutting wood,
writing a book, making love. Aries learns how to align with the instinctive impulse
to be completely focused on its purpose, on the direction it is currently moving.

Because of this, the Aries archetype can also relate to an impulsive need to be in
constant motion. And in that, feel threatened by anything that impedes on its
direction. This quality can express itself as always being like an immature child-
refusing to learn the necessary lessons of cooperation and compromise.
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In the Aries archetype, we learn the difference between instinct and frustration.
Aries can initiate movement (be it an immature burst in the wrong moment or a
business entrepreneurship) by always starting something new- yet find that life
offers continuous blows of resistance. The key to becoming actualized in Aries, is
learning how to align one‟s sense of purpose (Aries) with consideration for others
(Libra polarity) such that while a soul is following its destiny to discover itself
through constant motion (disrupting the status quo)- it‟s also allowing others to be
exactly who they are at the same time.

The shadow of Aries is in fact a lack of consideration for others. There can be a
deep angst in Aries that requires its individual freedom at all costs. The thing is,
that need for freedom, if it is an angst, is only a defense mechanism - a fearful
need to protect one‟s purpose in order to establish one‟s identity in life.
Therefore, Aries can create conflict (intellectual, physical, emotional- any) with
other human beings solely on account of its need to be in constant motion on
account of its need to defend it‟s individualism at all costs.

The natural Aries expression is raw, therefore, the Aries archetype symbolizes
where there is a great potential for accidents and violent confrontation with
others. An accident can happen not because of recklessness per se- but
because of a lack of proper presence and intention in the channeling of one‟s
energy.

The learning curve for Aries is to be raw- yet to refine that rawness by developing
immense certainty about itself, as well as a simple awareness of the realities that
exist outside of its self. This allows a soul to be completely present and sure
about whatever it is doing/wherever it is going/whatever it is planning etc.

In learning that every human being has their own path- Aries can develop a
wisdom of appreciation- the ability to recognize its own uniqueness in the context
of a world full of other people who have their own work to do. In that realization,
Aries is then fully capable of becoming a leader in any field. The qualities that
emerge are focus, stillness, readiness, bravery, and a skillful awareness of how
one‟s own actions intercede with other people‟s lives. In the end Aries can
emanate a quality of inner self-clarity and be an example for others.

Realizing the soul‟s desire:
It is through the Aries archetype that a soul actualizes its highest purpose. This is
so, because in a chart, the Aries archetype in essence paves the road for each
soul‟s evolutionary intentions. The Aries archetype defines the path of action that
each soul must take towards its own self-realization.

It‟s important to clarify that the Aries archetype always operates instinctively. And
thus it correlates to the desires of the soul that are leading the soul to new
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