Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

Whether the symbol is a natural object like a lotus or a pearl, an animal like
a bull, horse, or lion, a plant like the Ashwatha tree*, or a man-made object
like a scale or potter's wheel, the external appearance of the symbol is like
the husk which must be discarded in order to comprehend the inner and
universal meaning behind it. One has to approach these symbols in their
wider ramifications, their cosmic implications, to understand what they are
pointing out.
Sometimes symbols are merely a veil. The obvious is not what they signify.
In such cases one must look for related factors to arrive at the real meaning,
or even examine the values of the different letters used in their names, such
as the Kabbalistic number. Once a particular key is found for deciphering the
meaning, its correctness can be tested by application in similar cases and
contexts. Knowledge of the process of cosmic creation, the evolutionary
course of the human soul, the various subtle sheaths of man, and the
workings of the Kundalini are helpful in this study.
The depth of meanings revealed by symbols depends upon the keys
employed. The student should realize that there is no end to the secrets of
nature. In this exploration, veil after veil will be lifted, but there will remain
veil upon veil behind. The eye of the student will pierce the veil of the
mystery depending upon the truth he has put into practice and the
universality of consciousness he has gained. Each symbol is thereby a
channel for further discovery. The same symbol may assume a deeper
significance when the student further expands his consciousness. The study
of spiritual symbols in this sense is a voyage into the great unknown. The
essential preparation for it does not lie so much in the study of books as in
the right spiritual orientation in one's personal life. This is as much true in
astrological studies as in alchemy, mantra and yoga.
The ancient wisdom preserved in symbol and mythology often appears as
fantasy or superstition. The forms of the gods and goddesses transcend
common sense. Hindu mythology abounds in such examples. Lord Shiva
appears with the Moon among his forelocks and the river Ganges flowing
through his hair, Ganesh, his son, has an elephant head, rides on a mouse and
likes to eat a round shaped sweet called laddoes. Hanuman, the monkey god,
has vermilion smeared all over his body and he floats in the air rather than
walks on earth. These descriptions are full of spiritual implications. Such
revelations enable the student to control and harness subtle natural forces
and give him greater power over his own destiny.
Among the geometrical figures used in astrology, the cross, circle and arrow
are most important. They are the basis for the symbols of the planets and