The Stories Behind Astrology, page 9
Looking to her son, and then up into the sky, she felt a shiver run through her.
“There is no time to spare, goddess,” the fish whispered. “He is coming!”
Sure enough, the Earth began to quiver and shake as his thunderous hoofed feet clambered against the soil and mud. The undergrowth seemed to part, bowing down to his immense presence.
“Quick,” she said to Eros, “climb upon the fish now!”
“But what if we are separated, mother?” the cherub cried.
“Tie our tails together,” the fish urged, “and we will swim in unison to freedom.”
And so Aphrodite did as she was instructed, binding the tails of each fish together to become whole, and then slipping upon the back of the other fish, they slipped deftly into the water. The creatures, though small in comparison to the beast that was Typhon, were far faster in the stream. Moving like arrows, they carried the goddess and her son away, their fins charging through the water and sending a spray of droplets in every direction. And although they were scared and unsure of the outcome, the fish did not waver in their purpose, being sensitive souls and blessed with intuition, they knew exactly where to go to escape Typhon’s glare.
The monster watched them go, helpless to strike because they were too quick for his lumbering gait. Instead, he turned his attention to the sky, and to the realm of Zeus. At least there, he would fare better. Leaping upward, he charged to the summit of Mount Olympus, in the hope that he would be able to destroy at least some of the gods, but when he reached his destination he found that it was deserted. Only Zeus remained to face him.
Together the gods fought in a battle which lasted for what seemed like an eternity. The war raged in the heavens, and those upon Earth would testify that it looked for all the world like the sky was about to collapse and that the clouds were made of rocks and all the light had been vanquished. The great hulking shadow that was Typhon swallowed everything and it seemed there was little chance of a resolution. But Zeus was not easily deterred and would not give up his mantle without a fight. Drawing upon every last reserve of strength and will, he summoned his thunderbolts and, in a final attempt, hit the monster right between the eyes. The spear of lightning dazzled him, sending him careering from the heavens and giving Zeus enough time to strike at his heart with his staff.
Typhon cried out in pain, and then toppled to Earth. His broken body tumbled, eventually reaching Tartarus, where it lay in a crumpled heap upon the rocks. There, it was sealed beneath many layers of stone, sandwiched so deep that it would be impossible for the creature to breathe again. The deed was done, and the battle had been won. Zeus was triumphant and, in a moment of joy, he called to his pantheon to return to their heavenly home. One by one they did, cautiously emerging from various hiding places, and taking up their positions in the stars.
Last to arrive was the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros. Throwing herself at the feet of Zeus, she clasped at his ankles and said, “My lord, you saved us. You sent the fish to rescue us!” And then, turning toward the creatures, she said, “So brave and kind they were, and so creative, for they carried us deep into the ocean, where we could not be seen by the monster.”
Zeus listened and nodded. “It seems that I owe these fish a debt of gratitude.” Taking his great staff in his hands, he pointed it at the fish, who were still tied together by their tails. “I place you in the heavens to become the constellation known as Pisces the Fish. You will be forever intertwined to represent your dual nature, and how you balance the realm of the imagination with the reality of your emotions.”
And so it was, that the fish transformed into an array of twinkling stars, and a beautiful constellation for all to see. A reminder to the people of Earth that true heroism lies within us, and can be revealed at any moment, when we choose to swim into the light.
PISCES RITUAL TO RELEASE ANXIETY AND BOOST THE FLOW OF LOVE IN YOUR LIFE
You will need: Access to free-flowing water such as a river, stream, or even the sea, and a white flower of your choice.
This ritual works with the gentle, fluid nature of Pisces to soothe away anxieties and open your heart, so that you can give and receive love.
Stand by the body of water and hold the white flower in both hands.
Spend a few moments breathing in the peaceful, fluid energy of the space and watch how the water flows steadily toward its destination.
Now close your eyes and hold the flower to the center of your chest, where your heart chakra, the energy center associated with love, resides.
Breathe deeply and bring to mind anything that is worrying you, any fears, or any doubts.
As you exhale, imagine pouring all of those emotions into the flower.
Continue to breathe in this way for a couple of minutes.
When you are ready, open your eyes and toss the flower into the water. As you do this, you might want to say something simple, such as, “I release these emotions and open myself up to the flow of love.”
Watch the flower being carried away and continue to breathe deeply.
AFFIRMATION
“I release these emotions and open myself up to the flow of love.”
THE PLANETS
We live in a solar system that exists in a seemingly endless galaxy known as the Milky Way. Born around 4.6 billion years ago, our planetary system came into being after a cloud of interstellar gas collapsed, causing an almighty explosion. The resulting swirling mass of debris began to cluster together, and the pressure at the center of this vortex caused hydrogen atoms to fuse and produce helium. Slowly, steadily, the bright burning mass of the Sun was formed. Further out, other allegiances were made. Dense material began to solidify and stick together, and, over time, these clumps grew so big that gravity shaped them into spheres. Some became planets, dwarf planets, and moons, while other clumps failed to make the grade, and were transformed into what we now know as asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.
The Earth was among this cavalcade of newly born planets; a lump of rock tied to the Sun’s orbit, but it was not on its own. Being one of the first, and closer to the fiery orb, it was formed of rock and could withstand the heat, but those planets further away were made of gas and liquid that had settled in the outer reaches of this fledgling solar system. And so the galaxy began to take shape, and the planets arranged themselves in a structure based on when they were formed.
As human life came to fruition upon our planet and people evolved, so, too, did new ways of thinking. Ideas and concepts to explain the human experience, along with what we could see and feel, were developing into narratives. The Ancients looked up to the night sky and they saw things they could not explain, stars that burned brightly, and shapes that moved and changed location. They began to question what they could see. Astronomers of old studied the system in depth and uncovered its structure and pattern. They attributed meaning to such celestial phenomena as the planets, believing there was some significance in their cosmic placing and the way they looked. The Romans, in particular, were fascinated by the movement of the constellations, and what this meant for them. They studied the sky and mapped the stars in detail, and eventually named the planets, as a way of organizing them and giving each one greater significance. It made sense to them to choose monikers based on Roman deities—after all, it was commonly thought that they ruled over everything and were heavenly entities, so it made sense that they would take a celestial shape. With this in mind, they gifted each one a title that resonated with a characteristic of a god or goddess.
The largest planet was called Jupiter, after the king of the gods, and the red planet was named Mars, a fitting epitaph to the blood-soaked god of war. The brightest planet was a natural choice for the goddess of love and beauty and became Venus, while the super-swift orbit of Mercury around the Sun meant it was associated with the fleet-of-foot messenger god. Soon, all of the planets within the solar system had names and attributes associated with the Roman pantheon, and each one had its own mythology to complement its namesake. Astrologers were quick to run with this idea and link each planet to a Star sign based upon a constellation, and so the Zodiac was fully formed, and each astrological birth sign had a governing planet that influenced traits and behaviors.
Within this section you will find a selection of stories relating to each of the planets, based upon myths and folklore associated with its deity. While the stories are focused on the Roman pantheon, it is interesting to note that some other mythologies have their own versions of these gods and goddesses. Some tales are centered on a specific myth, while others draw upon the deity’s folklore to create a story that brings the planet’s attributes to life. The tales, like those of the Star signs, are a representation of meaning and symbolism, given voice and structure to help you connect with the mythology and understand each planet’s nature. You will also find a ritual alongside each narrative to help you harness the energy of each planet, taking elements from the story.
Most of all, these tales encourage you to take a moment and look up at the night sky. See what the Ancients saw before you and embrace the beauty of the cosmos. Learn more about the planets within our amazing solar system and lose yourself in their enchanting stories.
MERCURY
Gods, Humans, and Tricksters
PLANETARY ASSOCIATIONS Self-expression, communication, negotiation, ideas, curiosity, trickery, fickleness.
ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS Gemini and Virgo
DAY OF THE WEEK Wednesday
Among the vast and growing pantheon of deities, there was one more human than most. Gifted with frailties, and the need to deceive, he could also be incredibly kind, but he was a god of contradictions and a storyteller at heart. He understood the human need to communicate, to express what lies deep in the soul, and to make connections with others, for it was inherent in his make-up.
Some called him a trickster, and it was true that he had done his fair share of mixing things up, causing chaos out of calm, and bringing confusion to the table. Perhaps that was because he enjoyed attention, but in truth he simply liked to play, to throw a curveball into the pot and watch it bubble and bluster. Yes, Mercury was a master of mayhem, but he also had the ability to smooth the waters and bring resolution with the right words and some quick negotiations. If all else failed, a wave of his Caduceus, a magical staff gifted to him by the Sun god Apollo, could heal any rift. Because he was the patron of merchants and traders, and the king of thieves, this was an essential tool.
The people of Rome had always known about his questionable talents, but they still petitioned him for help, for while he was unpredictable, he almost always answered their prayers, even if the outcome was not what they expected. Sitting with the stars in the sky in his planet form, he was a powerful presence, but unlike the other deities he preferred to spend his time on Earth, to rub shoulders with the peasants and exchange pleasantries, which he could only do wearing a disguise.
The other gods despaired at his need to mingle.
“What is the attraction? These people are not your equals, they are not gods, and they do not have our powers.”
But he just shrugged. “They are more like us than you think. They deceive, they manipulate, and they control their destiny, as much as we control it for them.”
And so it was one fateful day, in a small village outside of Rome, that Mercury decided to don the baggy, dirty apparel of a poor man and prove his claims to the rest of his heavenly peers.
With a weary gait, and carrying the world upon his shoulders, he staggered forth. It was a hot day, and the swathes of crude material chafed at his flesh, making his discomfort even more apparent, but he didn’t mind. It simply added to the subterfuge. As he entered the village, he was met with hostility. The people stared and jeered, some turned their backs, and were even more horrified when he approached them with his hands out.
“Please, a little food for a traveler—a morsel of bread, a sip of wine?”
But those he encountered ignored him, or insulted him, and then turned and went on their way.
Mercury smiled beneath his cloak; it was as he thought. Humans were fickle and unkind, for while they could be gracious and caring, they could equally turn their backs in disgust. Just as he was about to retreat, a bearded man approached with a small loaf of bread in his hand.
“Take this. I am happy to share what I have.”
Mercury, stunned by this admission, took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Thank you, kind sir. I appreciate this.”
The man shook his head, “It is nothing. I have enough.”
“You have enough, you say?”
The man nodded and seemed to stand even taller as if to demonstrate his wealth.
“Yes, my name is Battus. I am a servant, but I do well, and I am content with what I earn.”
“You are?” Mercury enquired, an idea forming in his mind. “What is it that you do?”
“I stand guard over a herd of mares for my master, and he pays me well.”
“That is indeed a good vocation, but do you not want more?”
The man shook his head. “I am not bothered by Earthly gains. I like to think that I am honorable.”
Mercury took a bite from the bread, and chewed thoughtfully. “It seems you are a better man than me, and I thank you again for your kindness.”
With that, he ambled back along the path and out of the village, but his visit wasn’t done, for he still had a truth to prove to the gods watching above, and he wouldn’t leave without doing it.
Waiting in the shadows as the Sun began to set, Mercury watched the man called Battus take his staff and trundle toward the pasture, where the mares he guarded were grazing. Setting up a perch on the tree stump, Battus surveyed the land before him. He looked out onto the meadows, beyond his own, and gazed at a huddle of cows belonging to his master’s neighbor. As the Moon cast its silvery light upon the landscape, a figure appeared in the far field, as tall as he was magnificent, with dark curls and eyes that shone like the stars. He seemed to grow in stature, despite being in the distance. Battus sat up, paying close attention to this enigmatic intruder. He watched as the man began to lead the cattle away and, taking each by the neck, guided them out of the field. In that moment, Battus had a choice. Should he intervene and stop the thief, or look away? After all, it wasn’t his charges that he was stealing. Before he had time to make a decision, Mercury appeared before him.
Without his disguise, his true splendour shone, and Battus recognized him to be the thief in the moonlight, a man of wealth and means.
“Do I know you, sir?” he asked, and Mercury shook his head.
“You do not, but I know you, or at least I know your sort, and I would ask a favor.”
Battus was enthralled. “Anything, Sir.”
“Do not speak a word of this. Do not mention what you have seen to your master, or his neighbor, and in return I will reward you with a prize heifer, and a purse filled with gold to see you as your own master.”
Battus’s eyes widened. “You stole the cattle.”
“I did, what of it?”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“That’s easy,” Mercury whispered, placing a finger on his lips. “Say nothing to anyone, and you will reap your reward.”
Battus swiftly nodded. “I will not say a word of what I have seen. I promise.”
“Very well, we have a deal,” said Mercury extending a gloved hand. “I will return in the morning, with what you are owed.”
And with that, he quickly merged back into the forest.
Battus sat quietly for the rest of the night. Whether his heart was heavy or not, it was hard to tell. Perhaps he was picturing his new life as a man of substance, imagining the things he could buy and do, for this one deception. As the Sun began to rise over the brow of the hill, Battus heard footsteps approaching, and turned to find his master’s neighbor before him.
“My herd has gone, seized in the night! Did you see anything?”
Battus looked at the ground. “No sir, I did not.”
But the neighbor was undeterred. “Please, I urge you to tell me, if you saw who took them. I will pay you well. I will bring you two prize heifers from my herd when they are returned, and not one but two purses of gold.”
Battus scratched his beard; this was a magnificent offer, and too good to refuse. Would it really matter, going back on his word to a thief? There was surely no honor between them, and he was doing the right thing, by revealing what he had seen. At least, that’s what he told his conscience.
“I accept your offer, and I will tell you all you need to know,” he smiled.
The Sun was high enough in the sky to bathe the fields with its golden glow when Mercury finally returned to the pasture to find Battus, and the neighbor, waiting for him. He looked from one man to the other, and spoke.
“Ah, Battus, you disappoint me. It seems you have gone back on your word and been tempted by an even greater offer.”
“How do you know my name?” the peasant asked.
“I know many things,” the god replied, shifting shape and form, between that of the lowly beggar from earlier, to his fully resplendent self.
Battus gasped. “I recognize you; you said you were poor! You tricked me!”
“It really shouldn’t matter what I look like, or who I am. Your word is your word. You said you were an honorable man who had enough, when in fact you are nothing more than a chancer who is easily swayed by the promise of more. All I had to do was make an offer and you hungrily accepted with little thought for anyone else.”
Battus tried to speak, to open his mouth and say something of value that could demonstrate his innocence, but the god silenced him with a flick of his Caduceus.
“Do not worry, I am actually glad, for you have proved my point perfectly.”
He turned then, his face gazing up at the cloudless sky.
