Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

with Indra, the heavenly nectar, Amrit, and Vinata was released. It must be
remembered, however, that the nectar was taken away by Indra from the
serpents in the first place, who became the enemies of Garuda. The legend
further states that this mythical bird eats up the serpents who are mortally
afraid of it.
Immortality of the physical sheath, through which the incarnating soul gains
experiences and casts them aside when they are no longer necessary, would
be harmful to the end sought after by Saturn. The soul encased in these
sheaths is always immortal and therefore not in need of the nectar. The
Nagas or serpents who wanted the nectar are denied it. Indra will not let
them have it. The Nagas arc highly evolved occult beings but they arc not
gods. Hence, their gaining the everlasting bliss and immortality which the
celestial nectar produces would be injurious. As Kadru is the mother of the
serpents who are also said to be fathered by Kashyapa, immortality to
serpents would not have been helpful. The serpents are deceitful, and
treacherous and attack at unsuspected moments. Perpetuation of such
psychological traits is dangerous for the working of the natural law of
evolution which Saturn directs to its goal. The hostility of Saturn's vehicle,
the Vulture of Garuda, against serpents or Nagas alludes to the prevailing
illusion and ignorance through which the evolving entities must successfully
emerge. Saturn aims at dispelling darkness and inculcating wisdom in the
most practical manner. This can happen when the evolving soul understands
the nature of ignorance and the limitations imposed by the encasing sheaths.
Saturn also aims at destroying and dissolving these sheaths, which causes
the death of the human body. The allegory has other meanings. Nagas are
wise men or seers. Garuda as the vulture represents the cycles of time and
conscious unfoldment through which the soul is lead to enlightenment.
Saturn reaches its goal by the evolutionary method. This explains the role of
the vulture as his vehicle.
The Sanskrit word 'Gridha', which stands for vulture, also means greed and a
covetous nature. When a person strives greedily after material objects and
passionately longs for their possession, Saturn makes them frustrated and
gradually turns them away from these desires. Saturn arouses discontent and
thereby directs the individual to that which is enduring. The vulture refers to
the psycho-physical process of destruction and disappointment in the
material realm that finally leads to spirituality. Vultures fly toward the Sun
and Saturn is the son of the Sun; Garuda as a vehicle enables Lord Vishnu to
have perfect control over Time so that final dissolultion in Eternity is
possible. Garuda's relationship with bolh Vishnu and Saturn suggests a
similarity in their task of preservation of the cosmos at an earthly level.