Sixth ray triangle; the three rulerships of Jupiter
The controlling sign is Sagittarius, which “produces the focussed one-pointed effort of the world aspirant”.
This all-mutable triangle is the medium of expression for Ray six. It affects humanity as a whole. (See the section on rays for more information on the effects of ray six.)
The following applies to all seven ray triangles:
The seven stars of the Great Bear are the originating sources of the seven rays in our solar system [which] express themselves through the medium of the seven planetary logoi [which in turn] manifest through the medium of the seven sacred planets. Each [ray] is transmitted into our solar system through [a triangle of] three constellations and their ruling planets (EA 422-3)
This relation is the basis of the entire science of triangles and, therefore, of astrology itself; it is also related to the rays, the constellations, their ruling planets and our Earth in a great synthesis of energies; it relates our solar system to the larger whole and our tiny non-sacred planet to the solar system.
… These seven triangles of energy … pour their force through one of the constellations in each triangle (EA 489-90)This inter-relation is effective in this world cycle and will remain so until the end of the Aquarian Age. Table (EA 423, 489-90). Site map shows lines to controlling signs
Sagittarius and the struggle between the Self and the personality
As the controlling sign of this triangle, Sagittarius helps the individual gain focus towards congruence between their inner and outer life. Alice Bailey equates the Self or soul with what she terms the indwelling Christ. The overall purpose of activity on the Mutable cross makes “the entire life experience” preparation for the shift of focus to the Fixed cross, initiated by the dawning of awareness and consequent conflicts and inner struggles of life on the path (as it was phrased in earlier literature). In Bailey’s terms, the “personality is prepared to be the mother of the Christ”.
In connection with Jupiter… Virgo is related both to Sagittarius and to Pisces. This is an exoteric impact but produces a constant stimulation of the life of the indwelling Christ. Sagittarius rules or conditions… the activity of the lunar lords who build the body of man out of their own substance. It will, therefore, be obvious to you why, when a man begins the one-pointed activity of Sagittarius and becomes the earnest disciple, it is possible for him to rule his personality and to govern it so that eventually it becomes the vehicle of the soul. It accounts also for the reaction of the personality against this control.
The Lunar Lords can be considered as the forces that self-organise our personality: physical, emotional and mental, and are represented by the Moon.
Although there’s little evidence that (as stated in Esoteric Astrology) “astrology is bound to become one of the major sciences of the future”, it could be argued that—with advances in psychology and (especially) some branches of counselling—“control of the personality will be scientifically carried forward”, it will be left to astrologers and esoteric practitioners to make “full use… of the planetary influences and the energies coming from the signs as they cyclically make their appearance, and [make a] special effort…, for instance, to gain certain aspects of control during the month in which the Sun is in the sign Sagittarius.”
Jupiter rules four signs and each of them represents a different element out of the four which are expressing themselves in the three worlds of human evolution… :
Virgo Pisces Sagittarius Aquarius Earth Water Fire Air Hierarchical ruler Orthodox ruler Orthodox ruler Esoteric ruler Hidden Christ Hidden Saviour Hidden Master Hidden Server Jupiter—ruler and the conveyor of EXPANSION
Virgo and Pisces and the reversal of the wheel
See Major astrological conceptual shifts for an explanation of the reversal of the zodiacal wheel as a crucial factor during the development of awareness. This passage explains their role during conscious development once the ‘wheel is reversed’ as the beginning and end of that phase.
The relation existing between Virgo and Pisces (…the Virgin Mother and the Fish Goddesses) is well known, for they are polar opposites and their functions are interchangeable in a peculiar manner. In the revolution of the ordinary wheel, Aries and Scorpio mark the beginning and the end, and consummate in the rounded out and equipped personality. They are, exoterically, Alpha and Omega. In the life of the disciple, Virgo and Pisces stand in the same relation. Pisces consummates the work carried forward in this major world cycle.
The nine signs of the “mother” or form aspect
Cancer-Virgo-Pisces is the triangle representing the complementary “mother” (form/active intelligence) principle to the “father” (spirit/will) principle of Leo-Libra-Capricorn.
The three “crises” or breakthrough points of the will aspect (via Leo-Libra-Capricorn) are produced by the activity of the other nine signs of the zodiac or the “mother” aspect, which collectively stimulate the “life within the form” via three triangles, united by Virgo’s planetary rulers—Mercury, Jupiter, and the veiled Vulcan and Neptune of esoteric ruler the Moon:
These nine are the signs of evolving consciousness-in-form, hence the centrality of Virgo.
Esoteric Astrology: 277-279, 280-281, 490