THE ZODIAC FORMS ZODIAC AS ENERGY The division of the zodiac by its crucial points results in the definition of the four basic types of cosmic substance, substance being the primary necessity for manifestation. As Rudhyar states in THE ASTROLOGY OF PERSONALITY,(1) "Energy is not very different from substance. It is substance activated and releasedÖas modern physics has shown most definitely. Thus we can expect the principle of "energy differentiation" to be similar to that of "substance differentiation" Both are based on the principle of polar dualism, of action and reactionÖThe energy-zodiac will thus be eight-fold, while the substance-zodiac if four-fold." This division by eight is simply the bisection of the areas defined by the four crucial points, giving us four additional factors, the mid-points between the equinoxes and the solstices. These points refer to the area of maximum dynamic intensity within the span or quadrant of the zodiac defined by two angles. These points of maximum intensity are the four portals through which cosmic energy flows, the "Four Gates of Avataric Descent." They represent the creative powers of the universe, which are often symbolized by the Bull, the Lion, the Eagle, and the Angel, which are said to guard the four corners of the universe. In basic astrological terms they are: 15 degrees Taurus, 15 degrees Leo, 15 degrees Scorpio and 15 degrees Aquarius. ZODIAC AS FORM The substance and energy that have been released by the zodiac must be controlled and given 'form' in order to be manifest. All 'forms of energy' are bound by the Pythagorean axiom "Everything is the universe is divisible by three". All forms of energy involve an action, a reaction, and the interaction between action and reaction. Thus it is only logical for the 'form zodiac' to be based on the threefold division of the zodiac. This threefold division gives rise to the 'modes' or 'qualities of relationship between energy and form'. Each sign carries the meaning of one mode. CARDINAL, OR INITIATORY MODE The cardinal mode is the form of energy expressed at the equinoxes and solstices. It refers to the principle of change and momentum. It represents active and intense life experiences. This mode 'generates power'. FIXED, OR FOCAL MODE The fixed mode concentrates and focalizes energy, thus symbolizing the principle of definition and structure. It projects the cardinal experience, giving to it depth and meaning. The fifteenth degree of the fixed signs is the point of maximum intensity, where power if found in its most 'concentrated form'. MUTABLE, OR COMMON MODE The mutable mode 'distributes' the energy that has been concentrated and released by the fixed mode. It symbolizes the principle of flexibility and adaptation. This mode combines and integrates the cardinal and fixed modes within itself. It distributes the power generated by the cardinal signs and concentrated by the fixed signs. ZODIAC AS A RELEASE OF POWER We now return to examine the function of the four points or portals through which power is released. The nature of the power released through these portals depends upon the nature of the energy used. The fixed signs, through which power is concentrated and released, follow the cardinal signs, where power is generated. There are two types of cardinal signs: those which generate equinoctial power (Aries and Libra) and those which generate solstitial power (Cancer and Capricorn). The points of release may then be divided into two basic categories: those dealing with equinoctial power and those dealing with solstitial power. 15 Degrees Tuarus and 15 Degrees Scorpio The fifteenth degrees of the signs of Taurus and Scorpio deal with equinoctial power. Equinoctial power is generated by the intense dynamism of the equinctial signs (Aries and Libra), signs of the maximum speed of solar declination. The fixed signs that follow the equinoctial cardinal signs must arrest the dynamic activity generated by them, limiting it and brining it into focus, in terms of focus, in terms of purpose (Taurus) and identification (Scorpio). 15 Degrees Leo and 15 Degrees Aquarius The fifteenth degrees of Leo and Aquarius deal with the solstitial power, which must produce some kind of manifested activity, either personal (Leo) or collective (Aquarius). The release of this type of power will be manifested as a strong outburst of energy toward the focalization of the personality (Leo) or in the form of a society (Aquarius). The four points of release may also be examined in relation to the hemisphere of the Zodiac in which they are found. The fifteenth degrees of Taurus and Leo are part of the day hemisphere. They are involved in the release of "individualizing power". The fifteenth degrees of Scorpio and Aquarius are involved in the release of collectivizing power (night hemisphere), of the expansion of the individual into the collective or universal realms. CYCLIC FORMULAS OF THE FOUR PORTALS 15 Degrees Taurus (the Bull) represents the power released toward the formation of an individual being. 15 Degrees Leo (the Lion) symbolizes the power released by the individual being. 15 Degrees Scorpio (the Eagle) represents the power released toward the formation of the universal being. 15 Degrees Aquarius (the Angel) symbolizes the power released by universal being. CYCLIC FORMULA OF THE ELEMENTS AND MODES At spring equinox: Fire power is generated by Aries Then concentrated through earth ñ Taurus And distributed by air ñ Gemini At summer solstice: Water power is generated by Cancer Then concentrated through fire ñ Leo And distributed by earth ñ Virgo At autumnal equinox: Air power is generated by Libra Then concentrated through water ñ Scorpio And distributed by fire ñ Sagittarius At winter solstice: Earth power is generated by Capricorn Then concentrated through air ñ Aquarius And distributed by water From "A Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer", by Michael R. Meyer, Anchor Press/Doubleday pages 50-53.