(continued)

TWELVE When we combine the numbers of a major pair of opposites in the basic
unit (1-4) --- the flow of Time (female 3) and the structure of Space (male 4)
--- we have their product as 3x4=12. Thus in this sequence, step number Twelve
is the entire time-space continuum, the Totality. And now, in the astrophysical
field, the expanding universe is filled by a uniform cloud of hydrogen atoms
(along with a small percentage of helium). We might refer to this as the
universal theater, where all the dramas of female (3) and male (4) of time and
space, and other opposites, will be played out. Nothing is yet actualized, but
everything is possible. It is like a fog, where any kind of shape might be
imagined, but nothing is ever defined.

The universal fog is unlimited, so this number Twelve is represented by PISCES,
the Fishes, for the ocean, as an image of infinite expanse, a Totality. And this
totality includes not only the past development of the universe, but all future
growth as well.

As an example of Three (CANCER) and Four (LEO) working together, consider the
flowing circulation of the blood, like a stream of running water (3) and the
pumping of the heart, with its Four-chambered structure. The heartbeat is in
two parts, systole and diastole, suggesting the strong and weak sides of lame
Leo.

FIVE The two focal points of the ellipse (4) now coalesce into a single point.
This causes the perimeter to become a Circle, and concentric circles. This
return to the pristine point of unity might be why stage Five is associated with
virginity, as VIRGO (5). That is only one way in which stage Five might be said
to look backward rather than forward. VIRGO is the last sign of the first half
of the standard zodiac. So as a minor End it is backward looking or at least
motionless. The motionless character is also indicated by Five being the Middle
number in the sequence we are using here (and the Bible uses).

0 1 2 3 4 12 5 6 9 7 8 11 13

The middle looks neither forward nor backward, but is stationary, as is the
center of a circle. So in Genesis 49 Issachar (5) is described as "lying down",
i.e. motionless. And in the book of Joshua (5), Joshua conquers Jericho by
leading a march around its perimeter, encircling it. In that book God makes the
sun and the moon stand still in the middle of the sky.

Further, the circle rotates around one of its diameters to become a Sphere. So
stage Five has two geometrical figures of movement.

Number Five is the first Sum in the sequence. (Number Four might better be
regarded as a doubling of the same number. And Three is not Two plus One because
One is unity, and there is nothing else to add it to.). So the first Sum is
2+3=5. Thus the summarizing, comprehensive work of VIRGO, shaping and arranging
everything in its proper order in the universal theater. (As a similar but
fictional summation or Summa, compare the "Comedia" of Dante. And for his
historical position as VIRGO, see "Great Cycles of History", Age of PISCES, Era
of VIRGO.)

http://geocities.com/zreunion/Cycles.html

In terms of astrophysics, the all-encompassing concentric circles, suggest a
Summation of everything. Thus this is the stage in which all the matter in the
universal theater is differentiated and defined. Gravity pulls groups of atoms
together into galaxies and stars and planets. And in the stars, all the heavier
elements are formed. Also in this step the chemical compounds are formed. So
this is a stage of tremendous labor, fitting the VIRGO reputation for tireless
work. And as the two focal points of the ellipse coalesced, we might say that
the matter of the universe coalesces in this stage to form the catalog of
heavenly bodies. As the previous stage was likened to a universal theater, in
this present step Five all the furniture of the theater is shaped and is
arranged in its proper place in the all-encompassing design. So the stage is
set. The astrophysical, preparatory steps are complete. In the second half of
the sequence we will enter the realm of the Biosphere.

SIX Life. Now, into the universal theater is introduced the cast of
characters. The living ones are all based on the cell. There are two geometrical
figures-of-movement in this stage: The Sphere is carried over from the previous
step. But now it looks forward, so to speak, rather than backward,as (LIBRA 6)
is the beginning of the second half of the standard zodiac. And it looks forward
to the second figure derived from the circle: the Helix. As the helix turns
around its perimeter, while moving forward into the third dimension, it might be
called the "discovery figure" of three dimensions.

Apparently all forms of cellular life, from the amoeba to human beings, are
based on the DNA molecule. And the shape of that molecule, as recently
discovered, is a double Helix.

Number Six is derived here as 3+3 or Three on each side. With Three on each side
there is a Balance.But as the swinging arc of that step is always in motion, the
is also the potential for imbalance. We cannot have Balance with out its
opposite being possible. Thus this stage is likened to the balance scales,
LIBRA, and specifically the balance scales of Justice.

This balance step is the stage of Compromise, of diplomacy.

NINE Death. Number Nine is Three squared, or the first higher "power" of
Three. And as Three is relatively incoherent, the power of incoherence is
Disintegration. But such decay frees
life from old forms and prepares the way to new growth. Nine is out of place in
the sequence, perhaps in order to directly oppose TAURUS (1) unity, where Place
is all-important. SCORPIO opposes Taurus in the standard zodiac. In the Bible,
this is the stage of Satan, the great Serpent. And a serpent is a great
swallower, as is death. This is the stage of the Antagonist, the Rebel.

The "geometrical" figure of Nine, SCORPIO, is the Vortex, which is derived from
the helix of stage Six, producing a spinning funnel-shape. This can appear as a
whirlpool, and as a destructive tornado, a "twister". Thus where Libra (6) tends
toward compromise, SCORPIO is the step of uncompromising Commitment, to one side
or the other, war. In the Bible, stage Nine is represented by Saul, the
rebellious king, always having his spear at his side, like a scorpion's sting.

The three preceding stages can also represent the three faces of the Great
Mother Goddess, Cancer (3) who gives birth to all things:

VIRGO (5) the virgin For example, Greek Artemis (Latin Diana)
LIBRA (6) the sexual partner, nubile woman Aphrodite (Venus)
SCORPIO (9) the hag, witch Hecate

The Moon and Time also have three phases.

(to be continued)

Paul Albertsen

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