Tapestry of the Gods
Volume III
by Michael D. Robbins (c)

Astro-Rayology
in progress

Relations Between
Libra & Sagittarius

Important Foundational Relationships

Wider Relationships: Cosmic and Systemic

Relationships Between Three Levels of Planetary Rulers,
and Planets in Exaltation, Fall and Detriment

Subtle Relationships Between Rays,
Zodiacal and Planetary Energies

General Qualitative Comparisons, Contrasts
and Pragmatic Descriptors

Similarities and Points of Cooperation
Between the Zodiacal Influences

Missing Links


Important Foundational Relationships
 

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Important Foundational Relationships

Libra
In Comparison With
Sagittarius
1.   Esoteric Mantram: I choose the way that leads between the two great lines of force.   1.   Esoteric Mantram: I see the goal. I reach the goal and see another.
2.   Exoteric/Evolutionary Mantram: And the Word said: Let choice be made.   2.   Exoteric/Evolutionary Mantram: And the Word said: Let food be sought.
3.   Quality of Light: The Light that moves to rest   3.   Quality of Light: A beam of directed, focused Light
4.   Element: Air Sign   4.   Element: Fire Sign
5.   Cardinal Cross   5.   Mutable or Common Cross
6.   Transmits R3 constellationally   6.   Transmits R4, R5 and R6 constellationally
7.   Secondarily, (assuredly, but not exclusively) Libra transmits R5, R7 and R3 through Venus, Uranus and Saturn—its three planetary rulers on three levels—exoteric, esoteric and hierarchical.   7.   Secondarily, (assuredly, but not exclusively) Sagittarius transmits R2, R3 and R6 through Jupiter, the Earth and Mars—its three planetary rulers on three levels—exoteric, esoteric and hierarchical..
8.   Color: indigo. Green (strong Saturn) should not be ignored.   8.   Color: rich blue
9.   Creative Hierarchy number III (manifested) which is number VII (of all twelve). Lesser Builders, Conferring Form, the Triple Flowers.   9.   Creative Hierarchy number VI (manifested). The Lunar Lords, Sacrificial Fires
10.   Associated with the regulatory, balancing, reorienting first initiation; with the proportion-inducing, ideal-subduing, de-glamorizing second initiation, and with the decisive, nirvanic sixth initiation—the initiation of Decision.   10.   Associated with the instinct-directing, ‘soul-ward’ orienting, ‘form-abstractive’ first initiation; with the fierily-baptizing, ideal-containing, de-glamorizing, clear-eyed second initiation, and with the direction-choosing, outward-bound, adventuring, nirvanic sixth initiation—the initiation of Decision.
11.   Libra can be reasonably associated with the sexually-unitive, form-generating sacral center, and with the decision-making, force-balancing, triadally responsive ajna center. Libra has so much of the third ray (as do its rulers Uranus and Saturn, with Venus ruling Taurus, the sign of the throat) that throat center influence is to be expected. Libra can be connected be connected with the center at the base of the spine, from which stems the Sushumna—the “royal road” to Shamballa. (cf. EA 168)   11.   Sagittarius can be reasonably associated with the insistently driving, aspiring, fiery solar plexus center; with the instinctively-hunting, passion-driven sacral center, and even with the center at the base of the spine, where the latent fire (Mars) awaits its rising; Earth (with its first ray Monad and a symbol identical to the fourfold structure of the base center) is the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius, connecting it to that lowest center.  The personality-directing, clear-seeing, force controlling ajna center should also be influenced strongly by Sagittarius, at a relatively high point in the evolutionary process.
12.   The zodiacal signs influence the Monad of every human being (EA 411, 637, TCF 1191); the influence from Libra governs the ‘Path of Return”, by means of which the immersed Monad regains its originating source. (cf. EA 168) Libra also endows the Monad with power from the Dragon and Pleiades and ensures that the Monad performs its part in the balancing of planetary karma, for every Monad is a cell within the planetary Logos.   12.   The zodiacal signs influence the Monad of every human being (EA 411, 637, TCF 1191); the influence from Sagittarius guides the Monad on its descent into material immersion, and, again, through an inherently flawless sense of direction, guides the Monad upon its path of return. Sagittarius contributes to the conviction of “monadic destiny”, and destination.
13.   In relation to the Triad—it can be said that Libra (the ruler of the third manifested Creative Hierarchy—the Triple Flowers) rules the Spiritual Triad as a whole. Within the Triad Libra, transmitting constellationally (exoterically) only the third ray, and related to “super-mind”, is clearly influential in relation to the higher mind—higher manas. Libra and Saturn are also express through the atmic plane, and hence are related to the principle—atma—Spiritual Will. Not surprisingly, Libra “admits the soul” to Shamballa. Eventually, Libra, ruling the union of all polarities, will be shown to be related to buddhi as well.   13.   Within the Triad—Sagittarius is focused in both buddhi and higher manas—the abstract mind. Sagittarius transmits the fourth ray, which relates to the fourth, or buddhic,  plane and the principle of  buddhi.  Sagittarius is one of the intuitive signs. (EA 177) In Sagittarius, intuition (fourth ray, second principle) governs aspiration (sixth ray—which Sagittarius also transmits) (cf. EA 178) Sagittarius is at once philosophical (utilizing the abstract mind) and intuitive. The blend of buddhi and higher manas may be called “universal or spiritual mind” which Sagittarius expresses in relation to Mercury. (EA 369)
14.   In relation to the Solar Angel, and the soul-consciousness (and causal body) through which it expresses—Libra represents the skill, wisdom and power of the Solar Angel to supervise a balanced development in its personality. Libra is one of the major signs of karma, which the Solar Angel wisely administrates to ensure that the personality is eventually governed by the Law of Love.   14.   In relation to the Solar Angel, and the soul-consciousness (and causal body) through which it expresses—Sagittarius can be seen as the will of the Solar Angel to inspire its personality to a state of aspiration through the presentation of an elevating vision of future spiritual possibilities. As well, when the personality errs (as oft it does), Sagittarius represents the ‘guiding beam of light’ which offers a secure sense of spiritual direction—directing, at length, to the mountain of initiation.
15.   Within the Personality—Libra can be identified with the evaluative, judicial  and decision-making processes of the lower mental nature; with balancing and proportion-inducing processes within the astral nature; with the harmonizing of energy flows within the etheric nature; and, in general, with the energetic balance of the dense physical form. Libra has a special connection with the mental permanent atom. (EA 302) (The vehicular focus and its degree of prominence, depends upon the stage of evolutionary development.)   15.   Within the Personality—Sagittarius can be identified with the directing, thought-projecting power of the lower mental nature and its eventual responsiveness to intuitive guidance; with the passional and eventual aspirational processes of the astral nature; with the vibrancy and buoyancy of the etheric nature; and with the general tendency to energetic activity of the dense physical nature. Sagittarius is particularly associated with the integrated, one-pointed, disciplic personality.(The vehicular focus and its degree of prominence, depends upon the stage of evolutionary development.)
16.   Stage of Meditative Consciousness: Contemplation. Libra—Contemplation—Life of soul and form is balanced. Neither dominates. Equilibrium. An interlude wherein the soul organises itself for battle and the personality waits. This is the probationary path. Duality known.” (EA 228)   16.   Stage of Meditative Consciousness: Inspiration
17.   The Crisis of Balance (between soul and personality) leading to Reversal (EA 101, 265)   17.   The Choice of Direction

Wider Relationships: Cosmic and Systemic

Wider Relationships: Cosmic and Systemic

Libra
In Comparison With
Sagittarius
1.   Expressive, principally of the third aspect of the divinity, with an expression of the second aspect slowly emerging.” “This sign is consequently closely connected with the third aspect of the Godhead.” (EA 243) “It is through a study of Libra that light upon the third aspect will come.” (EA 244) “Libra—Divine Love—Understanding” (EA333)   1.   Expressive of the third aspect through the fifth ray and its nature as the third fire sign; and of the second aspect through is connection to the broadening of consciousness.
2.   Related cosmically to the Pleiades. “Libra—is related to and transmits the potencies of the Pleiades.” (EA 349) Libra is also related to the Dragon and the Dragon to the Pleiades. “The adepts who choose this Path are called esoterically the ‘beneficent dragons,’ and the energy with which they work and the stream of living force upon which they are found emanates from the constellation of the Dragon, working through the zodiacal sign Libra.” (TCF 1245) D.K. speaks of the  “…buddhic force, which is transmitted via the Seven Sisters or the Pleiades from a constellation called the Dragon…” (TCF 1162) Libra is related to one of the stars in the Great Bear. (A triangle?—Mizar-Libra-Sun?) (R&I 404)   2.   Definite cosmic association with the Pleiades and probably with the Little Bear (particularly Polaris—the Pole Star).  “Pleiades—Gemini/Sagittarius—Mercury” (EA 50) “GeminiSagittariusMercury (which are an expression of the Pleiades) enable the Probationary Disciple to pass on to the Path of Accepted Discipleship.” “…The Pointers; these point to the Pole star which is at this time a major ‘star of direction’.” (EA 195) It should be noted that Sagittarius is a major sign of direction. If Leo and Aries rule the two Pointers, then the third fire sign, Sagittarius, should be connected with Polaris. Also, Sirius, Gemini and Sagittarius probably formed a triangle at the time of man’s individualization. (cf. EA 355) Sagittarius and Betelgeuse are related to the third cosmic path: “Source— Betelgeuse, via the sign Sagittarius.” (EA 1257)
3.   Three Constellations Connected with Libra: a) The Southern Cross; b) Lupus—the Wolf; c) Corona—the Crown (LOH 137-138)   3.   Three Constellations Connected with Sagittarius: a) Lyra—the Seven Stringed Harp; b) Ara—the Altar; c) Draco—the Serpent of Wisdom (LOH 166-167)

Relationships Between Three Levels of Planetary Rulers, and Planets in Exaltation, Fall and Detriment

 

Relationships Between Three Levels of Planetary Rulers,
and Planets in Exaltation, Fall and Detriment

Libra
In Comparison With
Sagittarius
1.   Mars is in detriment in Libra.
1.   Mars is the hierarchical ruler of Sagittarius.


Subtle Relationships Between Rays, Zodiacal and Planetary Energies

Subtle Relationships Between Rays,
Zodiacal and Planetary Energies

Libra
In Comparison With
Sagittarius
1.   Libra transmits the third ray, constellationally.   1.   Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac on the reversed wheel. Nine is the number of the number three. The third ray has a 900 year cycle. (EPI 348-349). The Earth, esoteric ruler of Sagittarius, transmits the third ray as its personality ray. Mars serves as the astral body to a third ray Entity.
2.   Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac on both the reversed and ordinary wheels and, hence, has numerical affinity with the seventh ray.   2.   Jupiter, the exoteric ruler, transmits the seventh ray through “ritualistic worship” (EA 648, 660)
3.   Libra is the sixth sign on the clockwise wheel, IF one begins counting with Pisces (which, at one point, the Tibetan does). This mode of counting relates Libra to the sixth ray.   3.   Sagittarius transmits the sixth ray constellationally—with especial strength. Numbering the signs by polarities (Aries-Libra, Taurus-Scorpio, etc.), Sagittarius is the sixth in order, giving it numerical affinity with the sixth ray. Jupiter, the exoteric ruler, has possible sixth ray associations through enthusiasm and the “worship” aspect of ritual  Mars, the hierarchical ruler, transmits the sixth ray.
4.   Libra is the second sign of the zodiac on the reversed wheel IF one counts in polarities (Aries-Libra, Scorpio-Taurus, Gemini-etc.). This mode of counting relates Libra to the second ray.   4.   Jupiter, the exoteric ruler of Sagittarius, transmits the second ray, most probably through its soul. Earth, the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius, transmits the second ray through its second ray soul (EA 619).
5.   Libra, because of its oscillatory nature, may well have some subtle fourth ray associations—destined to emerge more in other world periods. Venus, too, seems to have the higher more harmonious part of the fourth ray associated with it. But there are no direct fourth ray connections linking these two constellations.   5.   Sagittarius transmits the fourth ray constellationally. Further,  Sagittarius is the fourth sign of the zodiac upon the clockwise wheel, numbering from Pisces. (cf. also EA 357) Earth has a close relationship to the fourth ray through its planetary order (fourth from the Sun if Vulcan is counted) and its symbol. (the fourfold, even-armed cross within a circle). Mars, the “God of War” must be related to the lower aspect of the fourth ray—that which produces the conflict which precedes harmony.
6.   Venus, exoteric ruler of Libra, is closely associated with the sixth ray (TCF 595), and probably transmits this ray monadically.   6.   See #3 above.
7.   Venus transmits the fifth ray.   7.   Sagittarius transmits the fifth ray constellationally. Further, Sagittarius is the fifth sign on the clock-wise wheel and hence, has numerical affinity with the fifth ray. Mars, the hierarchical ruler, has strong fifth ray relations, through its orange color and its connection to science and the five senses.
8.   Venus “pure love wisdom” can be considered as transmitting the second ray.   8.   See #4 above.
9.   Uranus, ruling Libra esoterically, transmits the seventh ray.   9.   See #2 above.
10.   Uranus transmits the first ray “esoterically”—i.e., monadically. “Uranus is the home of ‘fire electric’.” (TCF 1154)   10.   Earth, the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius, transmits the first ray monadically. (EA 619)  Mars (and its School) are expressive of the first ray. (TCF 1179)
11.   Uranus expresses the third ray. (EA 138, 200)   11.   See #1 above.
12.   Saturn, the hierarchical and exalted ruler of Libra, expresses the third ray monadically, and probably through its soul (thought this would mean that Monad and soul expressed the same ray.   12.   See #1 above.
13.   Saturn transmits the first ray.   13.   Se #10 above.
14.   Saturn has seventh ray associations, through its rulership of the systemic physical and cosmic physical planes.   14.   See #2 above.

General Qualitative Comparisons, Contrasts and Pragmatic Descriptors

General Qualitative Comparisons, Contrasts
and Pragmatic Descriptors

Libra
In Comparison With
Sagittarius
1.   The Spouse   1.   The Adventurer
2.   The Judge   2.   The Prophet
3.   The Humanist   3.   The Man of Faith
4.   The Legislator   4.   The Philosopher
5.   The Diplomat   5.   The Explorer
6.   Libra—for the Undeveloped Man: “Unbalanced fiery passion. Human love.” (EA 333)   6.   Sagittarius—for the Undeveloped Man: “Self-centeredness. Experimental approach.” (EA 333)
7.   Libra—for the Advanced Man: “The weighing of the opposites. Devotion and aspiration.” (EA 333)   7.   Sagittarius—for the Advanced Man: “One-pointedness. Directed approach.” (EA 333)
8.   Libra—for the Disciple/Initiate: “Balance attained. Divine love. Understanding.” (EA 333)   8.   Sagittarius—for the Disciple/Initiate: “The Director of man. The controller of the Gate. (EA 333)
9.   Yearly Opportunity in Relation to Libra: When the Sun is in Libra, an individual may cultivate proportional action and response, and both balance and equilibrium within his own energy system, as well as between his energy system and the environment in which it expresses.   9.   Yearly Opportunity in Relation to Sagittarius: When the Sun is in Sagittarius the disciple may “endeavour to practice ‘one-pointedness’ along some one line” (EA 564)
10.   The Life of the Christ from a Libran Perspective: “Christ stood at the point of balance in human evolution; He stood between the old world and the new, between the East and the West. In the Christian era comes a ‘point of balance’ or that ‘crisis of equilibrium’ in the human kingdom. (EA 567)   10.   The Life of the Christ from a Sagittarian Perspective: “The Sagittarian energy enabled Him to say, when confronted with full knowledge of the imminent sacrifice which He would have to make: ‘I must go up to Jerusalem,’ and, we read, He then ‘set His face’ and trod the Path of the Saviour, leading to the liberation of humanity.” ( EA 565)
11.   The law in relation to justice   11.   The law in relation to ethics
12.   Life under law   12.   Life under faith
13.   Balancing the spiritual and material planes   13.   Often one-pointedly focused upon either; often leaving the familiar behind
14.   A “human” sign—focused above the animal state   14.   An animal sign—focused upon the relation between the human nature and the animal nature. (FOP)
15.   The Path of Hatha Yoga—the balancing of forces   15.   The Path of Bhakti Yoga—the Path of Devotion
16.   Valuing human relationship and “human love” (EA 333)   16.   Sacrificing human relationship to higher ideals—whether spiritual or political
17.   The spirit of contentment   17.   The spirit of adventure
18.   “Of two minds”; oscillatory   18.   One-pointed
19.   Ambivalence and lack of conviction (before decision is taken)   19.   Total conviction
20.   Hesitation   20.   The readiness to “go for it”
21.   Often a mental orientation   21.   Often an aspirational, intuitive orientation
22.   Moderation—the “Noble Middle Path”   22.   The path which leads directly to the goal
23.   Respecting the opposite point of view   23.   The missionary spirit; zeal
24.   Awareness of consequences and repercussion   24.   Sacrificing for the ideal
25.   And yet, uncertainty (ESE, MSE)   25.   A poised, serene and lofty point of view (ASE)
26.   Proportional emphasis   26.   Excessive or undue emphasis (when expressing in relation to the sixth ray)
27.   Carefully evaluative   27.   Approaching through leaps of faith
28.   Proceeding by precedent   28.   Proceeding by inspiration
29.   Concerned with the niceties of human interaction   29.   Concerned with the meaning and the context of human interaction
30.   Caution in human interaction   30.   Spontaneity in social interaction
31.   Prevarication and insincerity for the sake of manners and superficial harmony   31.   Direct earnestness
32.   Refinement   32.   Hearty. “Hail fellow well met!”
33.   Good form, correct behavior   33.   The meaning behind social interaction
34.   Socially aware   34.   Being in the wrong place at the wrong time—with “hoof in mouth”
35.   Grace   35.   Speed
36.   The way of ease   36.   The way of ardor and aspiration
37.   Harmonious coordination   37.   Inharmonious dis-coordination; can be ungainly
38.   Instinctively feeling rhythm   38.   Arrhythmic—proceeding by “fits and starts”
39.   Politic and diplomatic   39.   Frequent blunt speaking of the truth; can be tactless
40.   Strategy   40.   Spontaneous honesty
41.   The socially necessary “white lie”   41.   The unvarnished truth
42.   Loving the advantages of civilization   42.   Loving to “rough it”
43.   Formality   43.   Informality
44.   However, can be anarchistic (when Uranus—the esoteric ruler—rules)   44.   Conservative under Jupiter; belief in the “moral order”
45.   Evaluation according to the testimony of the senses   45.   Evaluation according to essence.

Similarities and Points of Cooperation Between the Influences

 Similarities and Points of Cooperation
Between the Zodiacal Influences

Both signs relate to the abstract mind.

Both share poise

Temperance (Sag) and Moderation (Lib)

A.   Sagittarius has no planet exalted or in its fall (like Gemini, Leo, and Aquarius).  While this is not true of Libra -- despite the reputed vacillation and extremism of Libra when in the unbalanced state -- and despite the fanaticism of Sagittarius, there is a certain degree of temperance to be found with both signs. With Libra, we have the temperance of the balanced point of view; with Sagittarius, the temperance of the wise point of view. There is a far greater emotional, aspirational content to the Sagittarian individual, but it could be said that for both of these signs, there is a strong mental orientation, particularly the area of higher mind is where both signs coincide. For Libra is associated with that part of the Spiritual Triad which could be called the abstract mind and philosophical Sagittarius via Jupiter is as well associated with higher mind with its power for philosophical abstraction and generalization.

B.   Both signs are found active in those who pursue the higher mathematics and indeed mathematics and philosophy go hand in hand. Going back for a moment to differences, let us call Libra wisdom as ethics and Sagittarius, wisdom as perspective.

C.   Both of these signs are related to the law. Libra considers law in terms of justice and Sagittarius, law in terms of ethics.

Both signs are very concerned with analyzing the roots of human behavior and are thus involved with morality. For Libra, morality is seen in terms of the social contract, rights and fairness for all which crystallizes into correct forms of behavior. For the Sagittarian, morality is seen perhaps more in relation to divinity and to the metaphysical order.

Libra upholds the social contract often from a humanistic point of view and Sagittarius looks for first principles that will determine the way in which one human being should treat another.

But both signs produce what one might call moral philosophers and both signs are extremely interested in ethical considerations. With Libra, we ask does behavior accord with the principles of fairness and justice. With Sagittarius, we ask does behavior accord with the highest that is within man with his highest aspirations and ideals.

So both are judges of human behavior, judges of the moral factor. And indeed, the ninth house, interestingly enough, the house associated with Sagittarius, is the house which produces the judge and Libra is always known for its association with right judgement.

There is in both signs the capacity for objectivity although their roots are different. Shall we say the roots of this objectivity are different. Libra produces the objectivity which arises from observing a topic under consideration from an angle of 180 degrees -- for the Libran position is in fact the full moon position in which maximum objectivity is possible. That which is observed and seeks to be known is definitely seen as the other and full sensory consideration can be given.

Sagittarius' form of objectivity arises from its distant vision or shall we call it dis-tance vision. Sagittarius takes the bird's eye view and the largest possible perspective and things are seen not from up close, but in context with all other things involved within the system under consideration.

There is a kind of blindness which occurs from observing a thing at too close quarters. The object cannot be seen in context and so there is no true objectivity. But Sagittarius remedies this and sees the object in context which gives its true value.

D.   A rather interesting and prosaic connection is the love of horses and horsemanship. For the Libran, it is more a matter of form and formal riding according to the strictest rules are found appreciated by the Libran. For Sagittarius, it is horse power and the great spirit of the animal, it's indomitable aspirational quality. Yet, there is a love of horses found in both signs and strangely it is the Sagittarian which is most given to horseplay and to horsing around.

E.      Both of these signs have much to do with the sixth initiation which is the initiation of decision and direction. For at that point a decision is made as to the basic direction to be freely followed on one of the seven paths leading eventually out of the solar system. As well, the third Ray is powerful at that point of decision and Libra confers the third Ray and Sagittarius through its Earth rulership, confers this Ray as well.

F.      So then in these matters of good judgement, objectivity, ethical considerations, moral considerations and in general, the philosophy of right human relations, these signs have much in common.

Missing or Weak Links

Missing or Weak Links Between Libra and Sagittarius