Visionary Forces
In religion and spirituality there exists the idea of the individual reaching enlightenment: The state of profound understanding, self-realization, and liberation. Enlightened individuals all model transcendence of ordinary human consciousness. These masters of self, embody the highest ideals of humanity; kindness and non-violence. They often rebel civilly against social norms, putting themselves at risk often for just speaking against those in power. Whether it be Buddha, or Jesus, or any other individual; they inspire us to change the way we think- away from fear and towards love. They shared a vision of unification between man - away from separation or division. Seeing the soul in everyone and everything.
How can we begin to embody this image?
Aquarius, symbol of community and altruism, offers us insight.
♒︎ Aquarius, The Water Bearer: The Archetype
The eleventh Zodiac | 11
Aquarius is the Water-bearer and the archetype of a master who serves. The wisdom gained leads the illuminated to choose to be of service. The hero comes down from the mountain and brings the water back to others. The one who has "ascended" realizes that we will not have peace until everyone has peace. Like the water-bearer’s task, we pour life-giving knowledge into the wounds of the world.
This sign similar to the 11th house is connected to humanity and our relationships. It invites us to find better ways to connect at the soul level; drawing the best out of every person we meet.
Aquarius is ruled by the planet Saturn ♄ and Jupiter ♃ linking it to both discipline and hope. Uranus ♅ is now considered its true exoteric ruler linking it also to change.
Seasonally, the sign now aligns to the Midwinter which teaches us of the potential for the restoration of nature, towards a more hopeful future.
A Deeper Look through Civilizations
As an archetype, Aquarius originates in ancient Babylonian mythology (c. 3000 BCE) as the god Enki or Ea, deity of creation. The associated constellation (GU.LA, “The Great One'') is commonly depicted as holding an overflowing vase, pouring life-giving waters.
In Greek mythology, (c. 800 BCE) Ganymede represents the constellation of Aquarius, the server or cup bearer. The beautiful youth abducted by Zeus in the form of an Eagle, to serve as cupbearer to the gods. This myth speaks to Aquarius' connection with ascension, divine service, and the transference of sacred knowledge.
In Roman mythology (c. 300 BCE - 400 CE) , Ganymede became Hebe, daughter of Hera, then associated with a wife to Zeus and was also depicted as holding a water cup.
The Aquarian archetype emerges in the modern era as the inspiration for seeing beyond current norms and using our abilities to help others and spread wisdom.
This archetype is the process of return in the Hero's Journey. Now transformed by wisdom, the hero comes back to share with the people. This highlights those who climb mountains to meditate in solitude in search of enlightenment. The real lesson being that the journey is not complete until we make our way back. Like Moses who received the commandments from God atop the mountain, we are inspired to bring forth more enlightened thinking.
We are the water bearers
There is a spiritual meaning to vessel-hood and the idea that the body is the container to the soul. We are vessels of energy and carriers of God's divine light.
The only way you know someone is enlightened is through their actions and by how they interact with others - this is the lesson found here - we create change through our actions.
This archetype shows us that we have free will and that the future is in our hands.
We learn that having an intention and carrying it through is how we create a greater outcome.
The tarot cards offer us further symbology to explore:
Temperance depicts an angelic being “with the sun upon her forehead. She carries two urns, one empty and the other full, and continually pours the contents of the upper into the lower.”
The Triangle upon the chest signifying the fundamental creative forces in the divine.
The Star depicts a woman who also has one foot in water, and one foot on land, pouring the waters of life back onto nature with 7 stars above her head.
This modern association speaks to the themes of hope and and the process of change. The angel and woman are caught in action; one purifying water and the other pouring it back, signifying that enlightenment can be seen through work and leads us to action. Finding the fountain-head, the "prophet" carries that well-water, that source; home. This sign represents our infinite potential. It shows us that we are all capable of influencing grand change.
Aquarius is often considered to be the symbol of humanity's collective consciousness as the one who breaks down barriers, helping to develop the consciousness of the whole.
Being the Soul and not just the body
Being a container - what energy are we pouring?
When looking to learn spiritual information it is usually suggested that one purifies their own heart first: emptying themselves of all judgement, hate, and evil thoughts.
Can you cultivate non-separateness and understanding from others? To be the soul is to honor the soul in everyone else.
Leave people free, cultivate a capacity of trust.
In order to embody the idea of Aquarius we must rid our minds of the idea of separation.
We are cleansed through acts of kindness
Everyone has the potential to be a master, a teacher, and the hero of their own lives. The one who has gains true wisdom through discipline and illuminated will. ☉
We transform what is dark and heavy into what is light and useful.
Through Aquarius we see the results of the process of purification.
Guided by the light, with our feet firm in both worlds, we begin to do the great work.
Through our purified thoughts we can see more clearly.
Purifying ourselves of hatred and separation as does the Hero on their Journey.
“Hatred and separation will die out, and the cosmic picture will come into view.” -Alice B.
What Aquarius teaches us is purpose of change through intention and purification
The Water Bearer’s gift is not just knowledge of intention and purification but also the courage to share it for the betterment of all.
