Category Archives: metaphysics-spirituality

Edgar Cayce’s Birth Time

The famous psychic Edgar Cayce said he’d had 37 astrological readings, and nearly half of the astrologers felt his birth time was incorrect! Cayce’s Mercury in Pisces made him visionary and eloquent, but outside of his trance states, exact details may not have been a strength. And since Mercury sextiles his Moon conjunct Neptune, confusion might also follow.

Cayce was born in the 19th century, when many American birth times weren’t recorded, so astrologers often rectified their charts. Several astrologers in touch with Cayce in the early 20th century offered him their own, “quick and dirty” rectifications on his time of birth.

Myra Kingsley, who’d worked for Evangeline Adams, wrote to Cayce with a horoscope interpretation, saying, “I have the chart drawn up for about 3:30 p.m. by West Kentucky time, as I am quite sure, due to your unusual ability, that you have a late degree of Leo rising, and the Sun in the eighth house.”

American Federation of Astrologers founder Ernest Grant had requested Edgar’s birth data and some notable life events, and shared that, “I rather believe that you were born either about 1:10 p.m. or somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.”

Thomas Sugrue, in his biography There is a River, quoted Cayce’s grandmother for a time of “three o-clock exactly.” But his biography fictionalizes dialogue and life events, so would not necessarily be trustworthy.

In a 1936 letter, Edgar clearly stated that he was born at 1:30 P.M. on a Sunday afternoon, quoting “the actual record from my parents, the physician and the birth certificate record.” While in a trance state for a reading for himself in 1919, Cayce, through his metaphysical source, provided a 3:03 p.m. birth time. These are the only two documented times that we have; others have been altered by astrologers or those not consulting the original records.

Edgar Cayce regularly differentiated between physical birth, the time of a baby’s first breath, and soul birth, which could occur many hours later. I believe that the 3:03 p.m. time provided by the reading was Edgar Cayce’s soul birth time (rounded off and given to Edgar’s grandmother by Sugrue decades later). The original birth certificate time of 1:30 was probably near his physical time of birth. The readings consistently said that physical birth times should be used for horoscope interpretations.

Edgar Cayce was born on March 18, 1877 at 1:30 p.m. LMT, in the small town of Beverly, Kentucky (Christian County – 36N45, 87W32). I would rate it “AA,” from the birth record. Birth data is listed in reading 254-2, Report 4 and 294-8, Report 13 in the Cayce database. (The soul birth time is also from reading 254-2).

Edgar Cayce’s readings and many records of his life are available to members of the Association for Research and Enlightenment. I write the “Celestial Forces” column for their magazine Venture Inward, which covers many metaphysical topics. Sample issues are available here.

Robert Zoller

Robert Zoller was an unforgettable character. Despite his focus on Medieval astrology, I always thought of him as a Renaissance man. He liked to call himself a “rogue scholar,” but was also a linguist, dowser, sketch artist and high-wire telephone electrician, as well as a man of extremes. Mild-mannered and modest, he could also be rather opinionated and even imperious (he claimed descent from Irish royalty). Outwardly a regular guy with a light New York accent, his work could be overly intellectual (consider a lecture entitled, “The Role of Hermes as Teacher, Initiator, Heirophant and Psychopomp”). A predictive astrologer, he probably leaned closer to the Fate side of the spectrum than many, yet as an adult he became a Lutheran (a Christian faith with an ideology based on Free Will).

Bob was a footloose vagabond who loved travel and could casually converse in Spanish with NYC waiters. A compelling speaker, his fame in the 1990s followed his translations of Hermes Trismegistus, Al Kindi and Guido Bonatti, and he sometimes lectured to standing-room-only crowds. He may be best remembered for his World Trade Center attack forecast, and while not hitting all the specifics (who could?), it was published in advance and sent to his subscription list in 1999 and 2000.

With no earth in his horoscope, Zoller was not very concerned about the material plane (something he probably thought an “infinite regress”). He lived simply and delved deeply into magic, meditation and spirituality. He argued that “Spirituality is a Saturn trip,” as he considered it involved more renunciation than Jupiterian expansion. He believed in angels and other beings not because the Bible told him so, but because he had experienced them first-hand.

While I had little use for the laborious Medieval astrological calculations he was attached to, I visited the Masonic Library in New York at his request, and accompanied him to W.D. Gann’s grave in Brooklyn (which I’m convinced he psychically found as we had little in the way of a map for guidance). He gave me the opportunity to turn the parchment pages of a 15th century Latin manuscript at the New York Public Library.

Bob’s outlook lay somewhere between radical libertarian and ultraconservative, but it would be wrong to categorize him. He shared subversive 1970s counter-culture classics. He didn’t vote as he felt that election results were pre-ordained. He’d calculate death dates on request from clients (to within 5 or 10 years), though he also felt that in astrological prediction, “If you’re getting 75%, you’re doing really well.” He scoffed at the ideas of evolution or alien UFOs. He suggested he was the reincarnation of Evangeline Adams, as they shared some similar horoscope placements and more than a passing physical resemblance. But as he relished both the profundity of life as well its absurdities, I was never certain whether or not he was joking.

With a consciousness always attuned to the cosmos, I trust that Bob Zoller is now off on another one of his audacious adventures.

Robert Zoller had a number of self-published books, though his one traditionally published title, the Arabic Parts in Astrology: A Lost Key to Prediction is still available at Amazon.com.

About my Amazon links.

The Moon: Fact and Symbol

We’ve come to know a lot of facts about the Moon, but its astrological – symbolic or metaphysical – meaning is completely at odds with science. It’s a good example of how differently astrologers and materialists see the world.

Scientists see the universe in terms of physical characteristics. The InfoPlease encyclopedia talks about the history of our knowledge of the Moon’s physical characteristics – from Galileo taking a closer look with his telescope in 1610 to the Moon walk in 1969 and beyond. The Moon has no atmosphere, though there may be “water ice” in its soil, according to space probes. Most of it is made up of powdered rock and rubble, with craters from meteorite impacts. It is “an essentially static, nonevolving world.” In other words, it’s dead.

Dr. Luke D. Broughton (1828-1899), a homeopathic physician and astrologer advised us that, “God appears to have made the world upside down, and things appear inverted to men as well as to babies, the first time they look at them; and men, like babies, have to learn to see things aright.” The symbolic meaning of the Moon isn’t apparent (and may even be considered “occult” – secret, concealed or not easily recognized).

Astrologically, the Moon’s meanings are the virtual opposite of its scientific, physical attributes. We know it symbolizes our emotions and feelings. We look to the Moon in the horoscope to answer questions about fertility, birth and growth. And it’s often associated with life-giving waters, cycles and women.

We might say that the scientific view of the Moon is totally left-brained (using logic, facts and numbers) while the astrological one adds right-brained thinking (focusing on the creative, intuitive and emotional meanings). Scientists derogatorily think of our use of symbols as “magical thinking,” since they see no connection between meaning and the world around us.

Everyone sees meaning in different things in life, but it’s a shame that science is often so dismissive of astrology – they cut themselves off from worlds of understanding. While we know that we live in a vibrant, animate universe.

Astrology to the Rescue!

It’s such a common movie and TV plot: a person is at a crossroads and they don’t know what to do. Should they marry X? Go to school? Change jobs? There’s a lot of drama before the protagonist makes the right (or wrong!) decision. It often leaves me thinking that, if they’d just go to an astrologer, things would be a lot easier.

Astrology can answer so many questions of life, perhaps especially those related to the angular houses of self-expression, relationships, career, home and family. A horoscope is like a map or compass showing your life’s pattern. While it can’t provide specifics, it can often tell us more about all of the following:

The areas of life and types of experiences that should come easily to us;
Where challenges could occur, with suggestions to overcome them;
How to best develop your talents;
What to expect from partners, superiors, lovers and friends;
How uncontrollable events may impact on you and how to best address them (things from the outside world, culture or society);
Where your greatest opportunities could appear and when to expect them;
If it’s better to get married now, later or never;
How to maximize your assets;
How to overcome your liabilities;
The types of career that you could succeed in and what to expect along the way;
If a problem is temporary or long-term, when and how it may be resolved;

And much more! In fact, for every area of life, there’s probably an astrologer who can give you more insight.

Is Astrology Still Taboo?

My mother’s old friend Dot died recently. They had met in a metaphysical group in the 60s and stayed in touch over many decades, sharing a love of astrology and mystical subjects.

Dot had the Sun conjunct Venus in the 7th house. Her obituary, lovingly written by her family, captured her warm, supportive and outgoing personality with reminiscences and beautiful photos. But the tribute had a major flaw – it completely ignored her great passions: astrology and the occult. Dot was psychic, she could sometimes communicate with those on the other side, and while she never practiced astrology professionally, she studied horoscopes throughout her busy life. Yet she was described primarily as “the consummate homemaker and mother.”

What happened? Why wasn’t the full person described? I think it’s more than simple sexism, and suspect that one of her children wrote the obituary, someone who didn’t understand or approve of their mother’s spirituality and metaphysical leanings. Perhaps it was simply an embarrassment to them. Or maybe they considered astrology and the occult to be things one didn’t talk about in public.

Dot was always completely open about her beliefs. Her Jupiter, ruler of her Sagittarius 9th and 10th houses, showed her dynamic faith and public profile, and was strengthened by its angular placement in her 7th house. But it was also squared by Pluto in Cancer in her 5th house of children. So her kids could be at odds with her expansive and idealistic Jupiter side. Her Moon conjunct Mercury in Scorpio in the 8th house closely trined her Pisces Ascendant, making her dedicated to those closest to her. But she was also driven to explore the mysteries of life. There can often be hidden elements to both Pisces and the 8th house. But the Moon in Scorpio rules her 5th house and is placed in the 8th, showing that her children wanted it kept secret. (Interestingly, Dot’s one out-of-body experience happened when she was pregnant.)

I hope we’re moving into a time when studies like astrology will no longer be considered taboo. Dot would’ve understood, taking it in stride with good humor. But I don’t like it. Astrologers in general suffer when one of our own leaves us unacknowledged. Let’s say a prayer for all the astrologers who have passed, forgotten or unknown. And especially for Dot, whose understanding and faith were a shining light for so many during her life.

Sefer Yetzirah – The Book of Formation (or Creation)

Meira Epstein presents Sefer Yetzirah, one of the oldest Jewish mystical texts, in a new, accessible and easy to read translation with commentary. Sefer Yetzirah dates from the 1st to 3rd centuries (perhaps around the time of Vettius Valens and Ptolemy), and presents a philosophical model of creation.

This unusual text describes the creation as a world of pure forms and ideas, a time prior to Genesis’ “In the beginning there was the Word.” Numbers, letters and the elements are the only forms. The numbers are more divine (provoking astrological parallels), the letters are connected to material creation.

Epstein’s argument that the ten “Sefirot” mentioned in the text refer to planetary spheres or motions is compelling. The twelve zodiac signs and other similarities are mentioned, and Sefer Yetzirah ends with the divine covenant with Abraham, who was traditionally connected with astrology.

I’ve never read anything quite like Sefer Yetzirah before, and thankfully Meira Epstein places it in its historical and cultural context. It shares some ideas or influences with Gnosticism, neo Platonism and the Phythogoreans.

While contemporary western books are for the most part rather linear, this is a multilayered and organic work. The introductory sections, Sefir Yetzirah itself, the notes and the commentaries all naturally lead to other sections. Each section is completely different from the rest, and each illuminates the others in many ways, in the same way I understand the Talmud and Torah to be organized. Epstein guides us through this world, and as I become immersed in it, the book kept getting better as I went along, leading me to immediately start reading it once again from the beginning.

But what does Sefer Yetzirah represent? Is it derived from an oral tradition? A magical incantation, prayer or chant? The spare nature of the text itself leaves us with this question.

The entire work is about 200 pages, with the text itself taking about ½ the book and including the original Hebrew, transliteration for those with familiarity of Hebrew, and the English translation and notes.

The Appendices form about 1/3 of book and introduce us to a wide array of related topics in a compact form. One was more fascinating than the next, and they include introductions to the Merkavah mystics and their vision quest, the four-fold hermeneutic way of understanding scripture, the history of writing, the connection between numbers and letters in Gematria, the metaphysical and metaphorical meaning of names, the legend of the Golem, the Dead Sea Scrolls and much more.

If you’re interested in the ancient world, Jewish philosophy or mysticism, you’ll enjoy this engrossing book – a small treasure!

Buy Sefer Yetzirah at Amazon.com.

The Moment of Astrology

Geoffrey Cornelius has taken a wonderful look at astrology and skepticism and concludes that horary is a tool for divination in The Moment of Astrology. While somewhat philosophical, this well-researched book is also full of gems from the history and practice of astrology.

Scientific studies of astrology often don’t work, and the author feels that our reliance on quantification “threatens to undermine the whole way of proceeding with symbols.” He shares an often overlooked conclusion by Jung in his analysis of married couples, that the attitudes and desires of the person doing the research will influence the result (kind of a quantum theory point of view).

We’re treated to a survey of the history of astrology, from predestination to inclination and more mystical approaches. He sees his own perspective as originating in Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman models of divination, which necessitated a participatory relationship between the gods and humans. He also addresses the odd circumstance that many practicing astrologers experience, of getting the right answer from the wrong chart.

Geoffrey Cornelius sees horary or electional astrology as seeking a blessing, and that the outcome is not compelled. There is an allegory between planets and events. In his own work, Cornelius tries to answer the question of how to resolve the situation “to the good fortune” by presenting the client with possibilities. He reminds us of Lilly’s admonition to “afflict not the miserable with the terror of a harsh judgment.”

There are few actual horary charts included, but the interpretations are fascinating. Geoffrey analyzes the horoscope presented with the 1975 Humanist article (where scientists attacked astrology), Charles Carter’s query about horary itself, and perhaps most compelling, his own horary about an exploitative tenant of his aunt’s. These make terrific studies.

The horary revival is seen as beginning with Olivia Barclay’s reprint of William Lilly and Derek Appleby’s book, both in 1985. This surprised me, but I was reminded that in the U.S., Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson’s horary book came out in 1960 and Barbara Watters’ in 1975, so the American revival was actually earlier.

The Moment of Astrology is an in-depth, thorough and thoughtful work. I took my time reading it as there is much to consider and it can be slow going at times. I can’t agree with all of Geoffrey Cornelius’ conclusions, but he is always thought provoking.

Buy The Moment of Astrology on Amazon.com.

Edgar Cayce Brought Me to Astrology

The hair! The eyebrows! This is a picture of me and my mom, Renee, around the time I started studying astrology in the 70s.

My new astrology column is out in Venture Inward magazine. I write about how Renee (and then I) became interested in astrology through an Edgar Cayce study group.

You can download a sample issue of Venture Inward (current ones are available through membership). If you’re interested in psychic phenomenon, mind-body-spirit, reincarnation, ancient civilizations, dreams and meditation, you may want to check it out.

Here’s the start of the column:
“In 1968, my mother, Renée, at age 37, had three children and owned a home in the suburbs. But she was unhappy. My dad commuted to work every day and the kids were all in grade school. Renée was not one to socialize with neighbors and she felt alienated from her Church. She often thought she was “weird” because she wasn’t attracted to the things others enjoyed. And hadn’t life promised something more? She was experiencing a notable transit of Saturn, which may make us feel dejected or uninspired. Cayce often suggested it brought change.”

Astrology helped both of us! And it still does.

The Modern West is Linear

Horoscopes have survived for over 2,000 years and represent a unique remnant of the ancient world. There is absolutely nothing else like them, as they symbolically represent the sky and are able to convey the events and experiences of a life. While we can use various techniques to progress or direct the chart into the future, the horoscope itself conveys the entire life.

In the contemporary west, we live in a world of linear time, where we adhere to schedules and see ourselves evolving into the future. Others in the past and elsewhere are different. In polychronic cultures, time is cyclic, and deadlines are unimportant. People from India that I’ve known seem to have a more polychronic attitude, for example, and interestingly enough many in India also value astrology.

Astronomer and anthropologist Anthony Aveni gave an excellent example of polychronic works of art in his book, Conversing with the Planets. In a museum in Mexico City, he observed Aztec plant sculptures that contained both the mature fruit and blooming flowers – which cannot co-exist at the same time. “Each half of the calabash and maize sculptures seemed totally faithful to what I have actually seen in my garden at the beginning and the end of the season… But the artists who made these carvings just a few generations before Cortés landed on Mexico’s shore… had conflated different stages of plant metamorphosis into a single coherent image… for reasons that escape us, the polychromic image – the combination of realities pulled from different time frames and brought together by the human imagination into a composite whole – seems to have held greater significance.”

A horoscope can also be seen as a “composite whole.” And it’s worth noting that the Maya, who predated the Aztecs by at least 1,000 years, were keen sky observers who also had their own elaborate system of astrology.

One reason that astrology is commonly criticized today may be that mainstream western society is so time-driven, ordered and quantitative, while horoscopes and astrology are qualitative and cyclic. Those of us who value them are able to do so despite the linear culture that surrounds us.

Aveni’s Conversing with the Planets is a wonderful book that looks at the many cultures through history that developed astrology. It was published in 1992 as the Uranus-Neptune conjunction in Capricorn approached, and is one of the first books to seriously address the cultural history of astrology for a wider audience. Buy on Amazon.com:
Conversing with the Planets: How Science and Myth Invented the Cosmos