Date:   11/8/2003 5:37:17 PM ( 21 y ago)
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URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=442835

Experiencing the Harmonic Concordance
with Astrological Ritual
Maria Kay Simms

Concordance—agreement—an agreement in harmonic tones forms the basis for the title “Harmonic Concordance” that has been given by John Mirehiel to the Lunar Eclipse of November 8, 2003. The chart is being seen by many as one of those very special times when humanity can achieve significant progress in the raising of consciousness and spiritual growth. Is it? Perhaps…

From my practical and more skeptical viewpoint of over sixty years, I’ve seen quite a number of highly touted moments of great enlightenment pass by with those who tout them remaining very much on the cutting edge of what they hope is a massive paradigm shift, while the much larger masses of humanity remain mostly clueless.

At the same time, I have a more mystical and hopeful view that, among other things, has led me to spend a fair amount of time in recent years devising and leading rituals for seekers of Spirit. In that work I often use the planetary configurations of the time of ritual as my inspiration for ritual design. In this way, the action of the ritual is “in the flow.” Participants can receive an intuitive understanding of the planetary themes on a completely different level than they might glean through reading or listening to a lecture.

Through ceremonial experience of planetary themes, we can reach for the highest expression of the planets and what they mean in our lives. As we raise our consciousness, we grow in the spiritual understanding and in our ability to express for the higher good of ourselves and our world the message that lies beyond “as above, so below…”

As above, so below; as within, so without; as the Universe, so the soul.
—Hermes Trismegistus

The Chart of Harmonic Concordance
The chart of the lunar eclipse of November 8 2003, when Chiron is added to the traditional planets, forms the interlocking grand trines often called a “Star of David” configuration. Trines are aspects of harmony, but contained within the interlocking grand trines are three oppositions. These are where “concordance” represents challenge to the achievement of harmony. Added to that, four out of the six points of this six-pointed star are receiving squares from other planets. Central to the configuration is the Full Moon, and since she is eclipsed, we have the added theme of Mother Earth, who inserts herself between the opposing Sun and Moon as if to say, “Hey, you two! Remember I am very much part of this equation. Behave yourselves!”
The Six-Pointed Star as Sacred Geometry
We are most familiar with the six-pointed star as the primary symbol of Judaism and the State of Israel, but it has other and much older meanings, and sources are confusingly varied as to its origin—the more I searched, the less authority could be definitively given to any of them. So, I will mention a few and then tell you what I think. The Star of David has been also called the Seal of Solomon, but Solomon’s seal was, by several sources, more likely a pentagram. Other sources trace it to Hinduism or to a tantric symbol of male and female. As a symbol of sacred geometry it can probably be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher born between 600 and 590 B.C.[1] and thought by many to be a god, devised an entire spiritual philosophy based on numbers and geometric forms. Pythagoras was an Egyptian initiate.

The interpretation of the symbol that is most meaningful to me, and I’d think would be most generally meaningful to astrologers, derives from the hermetic philosophy of “As above, so below…” In philosophy of sacred geometry, the circle, with 360°, represents All. The dot within the circle that expands to a line is manifestation. The triangle is the first solid shape that can be formed from lines, but it contains only half the degrees of the circle, 180°, or only half the truth. A triangle with its point downward is spirit descending into matter. The upright triangle is matter seeking spirit. Each is a reflection of the other, and each contains only half the truth. When the two triangles of spirit and matter come together, the two, at 180° each, combine to make 360°, the number of the All, the truth. In understanding this, we can see the power of our own choices in much clearer perspective. Fear of what “above” might portend fades in our knowledge that what is reflected back to us from above has much, perhaps everything, to do with what we are projecting from within: “…as within, so without,” for in the whole of truth, all are one, “as the Universe, so the soul.”

Experiencing the Harmonic Concordance Chart

A Ritual You Can Do Alone:

Read the group ritual and meditate on its planetary dialogue, and then at the time of the Lunar Eclipse, lay out a six-pointed star on the floor or ground large enough for you to walk. You could use yarn or cord, small stones, flower petals—whatever will define the shapes. Obtain stones that correspond to each of the planets in the chart. (Johnny Mireheil is offering pouches of appropriate stones for Harmonic Concordance ceremonial work—see www.astrosite.com.) Johnny’s recommended stones are quartz crystal for your center, carnelian for the Sun, turritella for the Moon, African bloodstone for Mars, tiger eye for Saturn, amethyst for Jupiter, and chrysocolla for Chiron. Some possible alternative stones you might use are: moonstone or pearl for Moon, garnet or red jasper for Mars, turquoise for Jupiter, hematite or apache tears for Saturn, amber or citrine for Sun, lapis lazuli or adventurine for Chiron).

First hold your quartz crystal while standing in the center of the Star of David. Visualize the lights of Sun, Moon and planets flowing down into your body as you say “As above…” then feel the energy of Earth moving up through your body as you say “so below.” Touch your chest with your hands as you reach widely outward as you say, “As within, so without.” With arms spread wide, turn in place in a clockwise circle as you say, “as the Universe,” and end by crossing your arms across your chest, saying “so the soul.” Ask Divine Spirit to give you insight into what this configuration of planets might mean in your life. Place the quartz crystal in the center and then walk to the point of the Sun on your star configuration. From this place you’ll walk the grand trine from Sun to Mars to Saturn, stopping at each point to hold the stone that belongs there while you meditate on that planet’s message for you. Think about the planet’s basic meaning and how it relates to you, personally, remaining open to whatever intuition Spirit may send you. When you return to the Sun, you’ll next walk directly across the center to the Moon point, and holding its stone turn to face the Sun.

Full Moon reflects the light of Sun from an opposite perspective, but it is a complementary opposite. What is the other side? What is the message, the balance? Reflect on your expression of vital self (Sun), action (Mars) and your handling of the structures of your life (Saturn). Are there problems? If so, how will you heal them (Chiron), and how will you grow (Jupiter)? Placing your Moon stone on its point, walk to Chiron and as you meditate with its stone, include the opposition to Saturn in your thoughts of what may need to be healed within you and how. Place the Chiron stone and then walk on to Jupiter. As you meditate with its stone, think about all of the messages you’ve received from each planetary point and how, through them, you have gained wisdom. Look across the circle to Mars and resolve what actions you can and will take going forward for your own greater growth and for the benefit of those with whom you share your life. Place the Jupiter stone, complete the grand trine by walking on to the Moon, then turn to center and walk to it, again holding the quartz crystal of your center.

You are of the Earth, now between the Sun and Moon—the eclipse! You are Earth and you are Spirit. You are the center of your Universe, and you have the power of choice. No matter what may happen around you, no other force but that which is within you can determine your response. Resolve to claim that power and use it wisely, for your good and that of all whose lives you touch, knowing that peace and serenity come from within.

Conclude your ritual by thanking Divine Spirit for insights received and by repeating the words and motions with which you began: “As above, so below; as within, so without; as the Universe, so the soul.”

A Ritual for a Group:

A group of participants could do a very similar rite as was described above as an astro-drama, with one person taking the role of each planet, including Earth. If it is a very large group, participants could form a circle around the six-pointed star marked out upon the floor. The intent for the interpretation of the Harmonic Concordance chart could now be focused on a specific group cause or to just to energize the raising of spiritual consciousness for all. A priest and priestess leading the rite could take the parts of Sun and Moon. At the opening of the rite they could assist everyone in centering by leading the “As above, so below…” words and motions as were described previously for the solo ritual. From there the action might proceed as follows, with each “planet” speaking in his or her own words within the gist of this general outline. (I believe it is best not to follow a set script too closely, but instead to allow for the improvised interpretive creativity of the players.) As the ritual begins, Earth is sitting quietly at circle center, and is carrying a pouch of Harmonic Concordance stones, all except for a large quartz crystal representing the center, which for now is carried by the Sun, concealed.

Sun, striding to his point on the Star of David, opens his arms wide and beams: "Greetings, my people. Bask in my rays for I am your energy, your vitality. Know my power, and feel the flow of my assistants this night, Mars (motions to the right, Mars moves quickly and jauntily to its star point and bows in response) and Saturn (motions to the left, Saturn moves in a stately manner to its star point and bows in response)."

Moon glides to her point opposite Sun and interrupts: "Are you sure you’re not just going to flow around in a lazy puddle? After all, the red planet over there looks to me like more of a dreamer than a doer, and the old fuddy-duddy over there is moving backwards. Seems to me a little more down-to-earth energy is needed here, like my assistants: Jupiter who’s in a mood to teach practicality, and Chiron who stands ready to heal all the wounds of the world." (As they are announced, Jupiter and Chiron move to their star points.)

At this point all the oppositions begin to bicker noisily, interrupting each other, all at once. If you have enough people to portray the squares, you could add them, too. The bickering is intended to evoke some laughter—there is no reason why spiritual ritual cannot be fun! It might go something like this:

Mars: "Hmmpf! The practical nitpicker? No way. I’d rather dance, dream…"

Jupiter: "You’ll never get anything done that way; you’ve got to get organized…"

Saturn: "Heal the world? Quite a tall order for a fledgling upstart among we experienced planets…"

Chiron: "Upstart I may be, at least I’m not an old fossil!"

Sun: "Listen, Lady! I don’t have to take that from you. You’d be dark all the time without me…"

Moon: "Somebody’s got to puncture your inflated ego!"

Earth springs up from where he or she has been quietly sitting in the center of the circle. "Wait!! I speak for the Earth! I am the seeker, and I look to you, the lights in the sky above me for guidance, wisdom, enlightenment. You confuse me with your oppositions, your contradictions."

Moon: (changing her tone completely) "Blessings, oh child of Earth. What you have witnessed, you see, are your own contradictions, for we of the sky do not control you. We are but a mirror in which you see yourself. Rise up before me, for I am but your handmaiden. Turn your face to the Sun, and ask him to reflect YOUR light! Walk the path of this moment in time as you seek your truth."

Earth (approaching the Sun): "Lord Sun, what is your message?"

Sun: "My lesson is that of self-mastery. Seek not to control your world, but instead to master the inner self. From that will flow your power and your peace. Walk the path of my triangle as you learn of the flow."

Earth walks the line to the point of Mars: "What can you teach me?"

Mars: "I bring you the quest of Spirit as can be found within your dreams, your imagination, your creativity. I am your actions of compassion, your kindness toward others, your assertions for causes you believe in, your inspired idealism. Flow with me as you seek."

Earth walks to the point of Saturn: "What can you teach me?"

Saturn: "Though I may seem to repress your emotions at times, that stems only from your fears. Fear not, for control of anything outside yourself is but an illusion. True security comes from within you. Love casts out fear. Care for those you love, and by your example, you will share with them this truth."

Earth returns to the Sun: "What now, Lord Sun?"

Sun: "Turn to Lady Moon, for she is my complement and balance."

Earth walks across the circle to the Moon: "What can you teach me?"

Moon: "I stand in your shadow this night, eclipsed. My phases mark your moods and your times, but your shadow upon me this night shows a truth most profound. Child of Earth, you have manifested on your planet for a purpose uniquely yours, a soul purpose that moves you along your path of enlightenment, your path to Spirit. See the light of Lord Sun and all the stars and planets around you, but know always that what you see in them are only signs, not mandates. Reflect their light as YOU choose. Your true Light of Spirit is within you. Walk now along my triangle to seek how you may manifest Light."

Earth walks to Jupiter: "How shall I manifest Light in my world?"

Jupiter: "Idealism is fine and good, but needs the grounding of practical work in the world. Your talk is most believed when you walk it! Be dedicated, ethical and diligent in your work in the world, no matter how humble, for through it you contribute to others, manifest spirit and grow in your own understanding of your truth. Serve with humility and compassion for others, and through you and your work your Light will glow as a beacon and a guide for those who have not yet found their own."

Earth walks to Chiron: "How shall I manifest Light in my world?"

Chiron: "All around you are others who are wounded in Spirit, caught up in endless material concerns, hollow inside but knowing not what is lacking. Where it is given to you an opportunity to be Light for them, be Light! The best way, perhaps the only way, to truly influence is by your example. Live the Light and you will help to heal the wounds of your world."

Earth returns to the Moon: "Lady, I understand. Come out from my shadow now and shine in all your fullness, but before I go back to my world I give you a gift of Earth, a stone that befits your beauty. (gives Moon her stone)."

While this is happening, the Sun moves quietly to center and leaves the large quartz crystal there.

Earth then moves in a “grand sextile” pattern from planet to planet around the circle, presenting each with the corresponding stone along with a few words of thanks for the wisdom received. When Earth returns to the Moon, she sends him back to the center as she says:
"Know that always in your center you are one with the Light."

Earth arrives in the center, sees the crystal, picks it up and then thrusts it up toward the sky with joy. Earth begins singing and all join in, holding hands around the circle.

A good song to use is “Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me…” The music is readily available in many song books (by Sy Miller & Jill Jackson, © 1955 by Jan-Lee Music). The part of the first verse that is Christian-specific can be easily changed to be generic to all faiths, and the second verse is fine just as it was written. My suggestions for the slightly changed wording of lines three and four of verse one are:

In Spirit together, we are one family,
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

After the singing, Sun and Moon could conclude the ritual by leading everyone in a repeat of the “As above, so below; as within, so without, as the Universe, so the soul.” This time they and the other planets could move into the full circle of participants, so that everyone speaks the phrase together with all holding hands around the circle. On the final phrase, all raise joined hands high.


 

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