Common Ground: The Kinship of Metaphysicians

A syncretic approach to esoteric teachings - the golden threads that connect Pagans, Yogis, Rosicrucians and Masons.

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Zodiacal Humors and Elements

I do not lay claim to being a great Astrologer. In that regard I humbly defer to other bloggers on this site whose calling it is to cast horoscopes. I also realize that people born under the same sign can differ quite a bit in personality because of numerous other influences - rising signs, moon signs, etc. - which are usually different, while those same elements can make people of opposing signs more akin than one would normally expect.

I'm even aware that the Vedic Astrologers of India don't go by the month you were born; they determine your astrological sign by the month it was likely you were conceived! So there are many variables in this ancient field of study.

However, as a former Rosicrucian, I find it instructive to note that my metaphysical forebears - the Alchemists of the Middle Ages - rather simplistically assigned the following "humors and elements" to the various zodiacal birth signs:

Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo – Earth; Melancholic - sad and depressed.

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius – Air; Sanguine - cheerfully optimistic and confident.

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces – Water; Phlegmatic - unemotional and stolidly self-possessed.

Aires, Leo, Sagittarius – Fire; Choleric - angry, bad-tempered and irritable.

These are not intended as hard-and-fast pigeonholes; the emotional traits associated with each sign are not judgments that a person will always feel or act in that manner, for we always have the power of self-determination. We can direct our tendencies for good or ill. The final choices are always up to us.

However, these are commonly observed birth-related tendencies that are useful for us to be aware of, as a way of helping us to understand why different people can have such wildly differing personalities. The astrological belief is that people of each type will have a strong tendency to react to new situations in these particular ways. 

Perhaps you have a family member or friend who always responds in a contrary or negative way to subjects that you find of great interest. Perhaps you have always felt a closer kinship to one of your parents over the other one, even though you loved them both and feel a little guilty about "playing favorites." If so, maybe the contemplation of these humors, or personality traits, can help you to understand why. You will probably feel more in sympatico with the person who has a birth sign in the same list as your own, or whose birth date is close to yours.

Though there can be a fascinating draw exerted by one who is radically different, it may be that such alliances are like Roman candles that explode with a great fire but burn out quickly, leaving nothing but ashes.  

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A student of esoteric traditions since the age of 16, Ted Czukor (Theo the Green) taught Yoga for 37 years until retiring in 2013. For 26 years he was adjunct faculty for the Maricopa, AZ Community Colleges, teaching Gentle Yoga and Meditation & Wellness. Raised in the Methodist Church but drawn to Rosicrucianism, Hinduism and Buddhist philosophy, he is a devotee of the Goddess in all Her forms. Ted has been a Shakespearean actor, a Masonic ritualist and an Interfaith wedding officiant. He is the author of several books, none of which made any money and two of which are available as .pdf files. He lives with his wife Ravyn-Morgayne in Sun City, Arizona. Their shared dream is to someday relocate to Glastonbury, England. theoczukor@cox.net.

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