Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

the Moon as seated in a chariot having three wheels and drawn by ten white
horses, five on the right half of the yoke and five on the left, is one such
allegory. The implications of this sytnbology are the same as those with the
wheel of the chariot of the Sun and its three naves and five spokes. The
origin of consciousness, which the Moon represents and energizes, is a
complex phenomenon. In it sensation and the sense organs both act together.
Whatever one understands is reflected in one's action. Intelligence and the
actual response to any stimulus — external or internal — is conditioned by
the basic attitude of the individual. This situation is represented by the
chariot symbology on which the Moon is drawn.
The similarity between the solar wheel and the lunar chariot emphasizes the
special status of the Moon in carrying out the goals set forth by the Sun. The
special responsibility for its tasks on earth is taken over by the Moon. But
there is a radical difference between the two. The Sun leads the universe
towards the ultimate actualization of its potential in order to attain its final
destiny — liberation from the veil of matter. The Moon, on the other hand,
directs the individual to immerse himself in materiality and become encased
in the ignorance so that he may no longer be attracted to it. This is why the
Moon attracted Tara only after she was dissatisfied with the fruitlessness of
exoteric rituals and outer knowledge which could not draw forth her
creativity. The manner of operation of solar and lunar forces are radically
different from each other. There is an inherent opposition between the two
luminaries, one pulling us towards liberation and the other pushing us
towards materialization. Hence, much tension is indicated in astrological
predictions when a close association occurs between the two.
The ten horses divided into two groups of five, and the three wheels of the
Moon's chariot reiterate the importance of the five sense organs and five
organs of action. They are all colorless and ready to draw Soma, the
Consciousness, wherever it wants to go. The three primeval attributes,
Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas induce the soul to engage itself in the manifestation
at different stages of the evolutionary cycle. They follow the lead given by
the sensory and motor organs. As long as these organs are pulling the chariot
in different directions, there will be turbulence and disturbance in the proper
functioning of the human being. When these horses arc well coordinated and
begin marching in unison, the movement of the chariot will be swift and
well directed. The Moon seated in the chariot is the individual soul (Jiva),
crystallized so as to involve itself in the evolutionary cycle wherein it
assumes several incarnations before attaining final freedom. Unless the mind
has a clear perception of the goal, it cannot effectively control and direct the
horses.