Intelligence in the horoscope - human or artificial?

In his book, Astrological Psychosynthesis, Bruno Huber explores significators of intelligence in the horoscope. He takes into account the importance of the formative background influences and conditioning which shape the direction and expression of the individual's intelligence and this might be used.

Bruo says there are "differences between innate intelligence and conditioned intelligence". This is so important to bear in mind in view of current proliferation of AI as its development moves apace. Does it have the potential to push aside more tried, tested and conventional routes to problem-solving and finding answers? Is it, could it be, a good thing? Or are we in danger of being overtaken by robots?

Much is written about AI at the moment, and it's easy to overlook the deeper meaning of the "A" part of its moniker. "A" stands for "artificial" - defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary as "produced by human art or effort rather than originating naturally", with Artifical Intelligence defined as "the application of computers to areas normally regarded as requiring human intelligence".

That's the nub of it the conflict  - human or artificial intelligence? How to choose, how to use AI responsibly? And which would you choose? As Shakespeare said, "Ay, there's the rub". 

Personally, give me the real human stuff everytime, although I appreciate that AI can be beneficial if used wisely and responsibly. AI is not real, It has no heart, no feelings, no morals and will only be as good, skilled, clever, capable and knowledgeable as the information it gleans from what is already available.

How about intelligence in the horoscope? Where would you look for it? Which planets or significators would you home in on? Bruno Huber suggests that for well-functioning intelligence we could look at:

Jupiter - gives us the ablity to observe, perceive, comprehend, assess and evaluate. With Jupiter we experience the world around us at first hand. We don't know what "hot" means until we touch something hot, and the experience tells us that if the hot is too hot, we could be burned and hurt. Can AI do that? Apart from describing what "hot" is in words, along with the  implications  and descriptions of getting burned, it can't offer any real hands-on experience.

Mercury -  gathers up information and, combining our memory bank (Saturn) with observations (Jupiter), allows us to arrive at logical conclusions, communicate these and strive for synthesis. With Mercury we can learn things by rote - very AI, parroting information in a logical manner - and it can be useful in synthesing facts, but it functions mainly as a gatherer of information, vacuuming up what's out there in an fairly indiscriminate way.

Saturn - ability to retain, store and recall knowledge and observations.  AI again, especially as Saturn relates to organisation, systems, regulations, boundaries and structure. However, for humans, Saturn is the keeper of our memory store, based on real experiences we have had. It's the keeper of those memory banks, personal to all of us as individuals, and the guardian of not overstepping the mark and keeping us safe. Saturn might hold us back and make us cautious when challenged to do something new, but  this can be counterbalanced by Jupiter's adventurous spirit and Mercury's grasp of the facts. 

Saturn is important, and combined with Jupiter and Mercury the three planets working together are fundamental to human intelligence and intellect.

One final thought  on looking for indicators of intelligence in the natal chart - the aspect patterns can offer clues as to how and in what areas of life the individual uses their human intelligence. One of these patterns is called the Ear/Eye or Information triangle, which acts as a sensor picking up all manner of unrelated facts and interesting snippets from the environment, very Mercurial and again AI-like. But in astrological psychology, this aspect pattern relies on being connected to other parts of the chart and other planets. We are, after all, real and not computers!

Suggested reading - Aspect Pattern Astrology and Aspect Patterns in Colour,

Words of Wisdom?

A clear out and tidy up of shelves and drawers a while ago produced an old school exercise book, entitled, along with my name, "Autobiography" and "Form 4A". That would have been when I was 14 or 15 years old, at school in London, and mostly behaving myself.   

 

I'd filled all but a few pages at the back with recollections from early childhood up to my teenaged self at the time. The contents - probably the outline given by teachers for this project - included  "My First Day at School", "An Early Achievement", "A Film I always Remember", "My Happiest/Saddest Day"and so on. My handwriting was super neat; a fountain pen filled with Stephen's vibrant blue ink had been used, and my somewhat immature words of wisdom were illustrated with black and white photos of myself at various ages.

I tend to associate the idea of wisdom and visionary foresight with some of the qualities of the planet Jupiter; we gain sensory experience via Jupiter, which is associated with perception, sight and the eyes. I'd extend that to include insight - the ability to connect with an inner view and the use of intuition. Perhaps an "aha!" moment.

Back to my old school book - the whole thing made for a fascinating, nostalgic read and the photos brought back many memories, but what really grabbed my attention were the two final sections.

• The penultimate one, "What I want to be", begins: 

"My future ambition is to be a primary school teacher. I intend to stay at school until the sixth year, by which time I will be eighteen. The qualifications that I will need will be at least five GCE's at "O" Level, but I hope to pass English and History at both "O" and "A" level....." 

I got the 5 "O"s - English was one of them - and the 2 "A"s, but they were French and Art. And I did become a primary school teacher. Prophetic? Visionary? Jupiterian? Or just aiming for something I really wanted, and succeeding in getting there?

• What I'd written in the final section -  "The World I Want" -  was not so very far from where I am now, decades later, in my attitudes, values and viewpoints. The world my teenage self wanted then was one

 "....where disputes against foreign countries should be forgotten....every man and woman should have an equal chance to live prosperously....violence has no place as it creates fear...all children should be given an equal chance for a good education...." Idealistic yes, but much of what I'd written then I agree with now. It rings both true and relevant in light of the current Russian invasion of Ukraine and the devastation this is causing in so many lives.

These were formative years, and I now have the maturity and life experience (Jupiter again) to draw upon. But it's interesting and reassuring to discover that I knew what was important and what I wanted back then. 

Read what I wrote a few years ago about Jupiter's association with sight, perception and risk-taking:

Jupiter and the Art of Risk Taking

Asleep, waking or awake?

The inconsistency of being human is always with us. It happens all the time.

We decide to do something, but at a later date we change our minds. We have an opinion about something, but as we grow and change so do our opinions. We make choices which are sometimes right and sometimes disastrously wrong.

Using astrological psychology and applying the psychological functions of the planets to everyday life, it can be useful to know if we're expressing ourselves in an asleep, waking or awake manner. Here the inconsistency comes into play.

Take the Sun, for example. Here I'm assuming that readers will know their Sun sign and some of the characteristics associasted with that sign. The Sun is a strong contender for being of significance when we present ourselves to others because it's symbolic of our sense of self.

But the person with their Sun/sense of self in an asleep, unaware and unconscious state bellows loudly "I am the greatest" in all words and actions. This could be someone who has to be at the forefront of everything, always right, often full of hot air, egocentricity and narcissism. They need an audience and they care for little other than themselves.

Wake that Sun up a little and it comes into greater self-awareness and consciousness as they test themselves out against reactions from the environment (i.e. other people).

Expression of the Sun/sense of self when fully awake shows a person with self-confidence, autonomy and intelligence. They know they don't always have to be right, they have learned from mistakes they've made, and they are able to show humility and be magnanimous to others.

As with the Sun, so with the other planets. I'm not intending to discuss each one in turn as there's a lot of detailed info on the asleep, walking and awake stages of expression of all the planets in the full Astrological Psychology course book, available at Amazon.

So for now, we'll just take a brief look at Jupiter, renowned for its expression of vision, its ability to be joyful and to potentially be good company and fun to have around.

Asleep, Jupiter will easily be waylaid by the lure of sensuality of all kinds, and may go OTT with it, to the point of being sated and inactive. Like drunk!

Waking up it comes into its own, expressing joviality, good humour and joie ve vivre, and although this may be laced with a touch of self-righteousness, there will always be a good helping of optimism, which will attract others as some of this tends to rub off and create positive vibes.

When Jupiter is expressed in an awake manner, justice and good judgement abound. There's a sound sense of values, and a clear perpsective on situations and problems that arise. At this level, wisdom and ethics are present. 

Something worthwhile to aim for here! Be aware of which level(s) you might be expressing different planets on and remember - we're all prone to inconsistency. But the more we're aware of which level we're coming from - fully awake and conscious - the clearer and better will be our capacity to aim for the top level.

 

Situations Vacant, 2022

As Pluto continues its scourging journey through Capricorn, there is currently no let up in the number of disturbing global events. 

With the intensity of focus on the global pandemic, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, and with climate breakdown now a reality and no longer something intangible and "out there", I'd been thinking we badly need some help and support right now.

Then I spotted these recently placed ads. in the Situations Vacant column as I was browsing through my latest copy of The Cosmic Herald (pub. Intergalactic Press).

WANTED: * DEITIES FOR LIGHT DUTIES

Well established on-going Earth project, “Humans’R’Us” is urgently seeking deities for light duties (eg. bringing down, switching on, spreading same and enlightening individuals on an ad hoc basis) and has openings for the right applicants in two of our prestigious major departments, namely the expression and manifestation of Love and Will.

LEADERS

For our Will department, preferably with experience of the planet Mars (you may be a native or have resided on this planet) to take on the role of a 21^st century world leader.

You will be a strongly motivated self-starter who can demonstrate many neccessary qualities, such as courage and boldness. These qualities are especially desirable as we face the realities if climate breakdown.

Advanced intuitive skills are vital and you must have the ability to lead others, balancing power with compassion and humility.

Under pressure you can remain focussed. You are able to be fair, just and self-disciplined and can command the respect of others. You have determination to succeed and make things work, and are not afraid to use your initiative. 

Those seeking personal glory or ego boosting need not apply.

HEALERS

Are required for our Love department, from or with strong previous associations with the planets Neptune and Jupiter, to take on the role of a 21st century priestess/priest and teacher/healer. 

We are particularly interested in dual ethnicity candidates for this position, and welcome diversity.

Applicants should be clear, focussed and attentive with good communication and listening skills, and have the ability to give time and support to those in need of bringing back to wholeness. The task will be huge, so strength and vision are required.

You should demonstrate such qualities as inclusiveness, unconditional love and acceptance, sensitivity, openness and good will. You will be unafraid of showing your own vulnerability, seeing this as a mark of your strength.

Your ministry is to teach and heal by example, and your CV should show that, amongst other desirable qualities, you are able to let go of the things and people you care for most, knowing that to trust them and set them free is one of the highest examples of love in action.

*  *  *  *  *

It is assumed that applicants will already be living a self-aware life style, and that their personal growth and development will be ongoing. 

There will be numerous opportunities for successful candidates of both posts to work, collaborate and cooperate with each other on this project. Their interaction will be vital for its success.

Applicant's views will be inclusive of all life forms - human, plant and animal worlds - with an emphasis on environmental conservation, the protection of endangered species and the now urgent need for action in the face of the Earth's climate breakdown.

For more information about the project, please apply, through the normal telepathic channels, to:

“Humans’R’Us, Earth”

Successful applicants will be invited to take part in a detailed, multi-dimensional telepathic mind meld, following which appointments will be made.

“Humans’R’Us” is an equal opportunities project, sponsored by Might’N’Light Universal.

 

* deity - 1) a god or godess; 2) divine status, quality or nature

Concise Oxford Dictionary

 

OK, so this is a spoof posting, with a message and a question:

 

What could you do in your everyday life to fulfil some of these 

job descriptions?

 

Comments welcome, action even more so.

Here's to a more positive future in 2022.

 

Is this the dawning of the Age of Aquarius?

"Water of life, poured forth for thirsty men" - esoteric seed thought for Aquarius

When the Moon is on the seventh house

And Jupiter aligns with Mars

Then peace will guide the planets 

And love will steer the stars....... 

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius etc.etc.

So go the words of this famous song from the musical "Hair", first performed in the late 60s/early70s. We've not got there yet, nowhere near. The Age of Aquarius, as described in the song, is still  long way off, but it just might be starting to glimmer a little.

There's a dearth of peace with more divisions and inequalities than ever in society. I write this the morning after the insurrection and storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters, resulting in four dead. Shocking, yes, but then I've been keeping an eye on the current planetary movements and know that Jupiter and Saturn have already moved, arm in arm, into the sign of Aquarius with Pluto backing things up in Capricorn - you can read my thoughts on this here.

What's of interest right now is that the planet Uranus, associated with revolutionary tendencies and bringing about swingeing change, has moved into a postion in the earthy practical sign of Taurus from where it sits comfortably away from the front line while it prods, pokes and fires up Jupiter and Saturn. Something's going on here - and it's easiest (if you're a non-astrologer) to look at it from the point of view of a spot of stirring going on from afar. 

Imagine an ageing hippie, maybe a biker (no disrespect to bikers!), with greying long hair and beard, urging a younger generation into action and protest as they seek change. That's how I see Uranus in this situation. The qualities of Uranus are distruption, the ability to revolt against the laws in use, turn things upside down, drag the rug of security away from under our feet and force us (by "us" I mean society as a whole) to find new, innovative ways to organise ourselves in order to restore security and stability.

So some things have to go, some set-in-stone edifices have to be tumbled. But with Uranus comes the ability to look to the future and use intellect, ideas, innovative technologies and scientific discoveries to make the things that have been overturned work better and more efficiently for all. Uranus is not associated with revolution for nothing - a revolution is the turn of a wheel - what is dumped is restored in a new, innovated way. Almost like recycling.

And Pluto is still there in the background, getting on with the real clearing out until 2024.

In 2021, Jupiter continues on its way through Aquarius for the rest of the year, leaving Saturn behind but in contact with Uranus where they can get on with the job of finding new ways to ascertain our security. Remember, Uranus is seeking security but does so via revolution; Saturn wants to hang on to security. Working together, these two might just be able to offer that glimmer of hope hinted at in the song.

The Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction - and watch out for 2021

 

Our star, the Sun, setting over the sea

They're calling it The Great Conjunction because in astronomical terms, it's pretty impressive. 

Not since 1632 have these two planets - both of them mighty, large, heavy masses - been this close together, so close that they appear as a very bright star in the sky. It has long been speculated that a conjunction of these two heavies were the "Star in the East" which was seen and followed by the Three Wise Men (bear in mind if you will, that these guys were probably astrologers/astronomers so they knew what they were seeing and the possible significance of this rare event).

Fast forward to the Winter Soltice (that's today) of 2020, when the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn will be as close and extact as it can be. Both planets have been edging closer together as they move though the home strait of Earth sign Capricorn to cross the fininishing line and enter Air Sign Aquarius today, 21st December. Slap bang on the Winter Solstice, when the Sun (from Earth) appears to stand still. What we experience here on Earth (in the northern hemisphere) is the shortest day and the longest night; a time of wonder for our early ancestors who lived their lives closely attuned to the seasons, to the environment, the movements of the heavens, and the position of the Sun, our star.

I've previously written about significant planetary movements in 2020, and you can read about it here.

But what is happening right now, as we hurtle towards 2021? The cases of Covid-19 are alarmingly on the rise, a new variant of the virus has emerged and in the UK stringent new lockdowns have been established in large areas of the country. The vaccination programme is in the initial stages of being rolled out, and the UK teeters towards the real possibility of a no-deal Brexit with stuttering on/off negotiations on a trade deal with the EU. Many countries have already closed their borders with the UK for fear of the virus spreading beyond our shores, and lorries carrying goods from continental Europe are backed up for mind-boggling miles into the county of Kent, triggering fears of shortages. Merry Christmas? I don't think so.

So let's look at the qualites and energies of this significant Jupiter/Saturn conjunction and how they might throw some light on current events and set the scene for 2021. The pair of them together remind me of the "Push-me-Pull-you" animal in Dr. Doolittle, each side tugging in different directions which are mostly completely opposing.

Jupiter qualities are concerned with largesse, big gestures, adventuring, like the Star Trek mission statement of "boldly going forth where no-one has gone before". Jupiter sees the big picture and takes in the potential of the whole, but may not always look before it leaps, so Jupiterian actions can be risky. It's great on vision, on looking ahead and seeing fresh ways to go, but a touch of casual sloppiness can creep in whilst it's in pursuit of new horizons. With Jupiter, think big, and listen to Holst's Planets Suite, where Jupiter is tagged as "The bringer of jollity". The usic speaks of this and Holst knew what he was writing about here as he had studied astrology - albeit the more traditional style, not the Huber Method.

Saturn qualities on the other hand are almost the complete opposite. Saturn is renowned in traditional astrologky for being the grumpy old killjoy of the solar system, associated with the stiffness and stuffiness of old age (Holst's piece in Saturn is tagged "The bringer of old age", the music correspondingly slow and on the gloomy side). But where would we be be without Saturn, with its qualities and energies of restaint, caution and risk-aversion? Saturn offers structure, form, systems, shape, boundaries (but don't let them become high brick walls), organisation, and a scientific approach so we don't leap in without first checking out the facts, or dangers and drawbacks. There are some pretty useful qualities around there.

So - we have the go-ahead/hold-back aspects of this conjunction going arm-in-arm into the Air sign of Aquarius, itself famous for it's forward-thinking/let-it-all-hang out stamp, thanks to the musical "Hair" and the song "The Age of Aquarius" (and that show was around in the late 60's/early 70s). There's nothing new here - this may be the moment we've been waiting for.

Aquarius, as an Air sign, is concerned with ideas, thinking, communication, freedom, shared-interest groups, independence, science, incongruity - you've probably got your own pet thoughts about this sign and you'll get the drift. But place Jupiter and Saturn, both with the potential to bring out the BEST of their own qualities in on this sign, and we could be in for some more interesting times in the year ahead. 

In the Huber Method, planetary energies and qualities are viewed as being able to operate and be expressed at three levels. These, in astrological psychology, are evident in observable human behaviour; the levels as Asleep, Waking and Awake. So Jupiter Asleep would be indolent, lazy, over-indulgence, but Waking or Awake it could be an astute, clear, inclusive and forward-looking vision of the future and an innate wisdom of how things could be.

Saturn Asleep would be fears, doubts, hanging on to what feels secure, being stuck and not wanting to budge. Waking or Awake it could be carefully researching ways of obtaining better security, ensuring that any safety nets required are of the highest quality to do the job and being like a wise mentor, helping others by sharing knowledge.

Put these two planets operating not at the lower, Asleep level, but at one or both of the higher levels of Waking and Awake, into the "Age of Aquarius" sign that they'll be travelling through together for the best part of 2021, and we have a potentially formidable duo who could work wonders - with, of course, the co-operation of we humans if we are are capable of rising to the challenge of these trying times to help steer way through for us all; the vaccines are already being worked on or rolled out across the world. 

But bear in mind Pluto, still hanging in there in Capricorn, which Jupiter and Saturn have now left, although Jupiter does bob back there a couple of times in 2021, but it moves faster than Saturn and goes on its way into Pisces a year from now. That leaves Saturn to continue more slowly and sedately, perhaps laying down firm structures and systems, based on the adventuring vision of Jupiter. Something our sparkling duo in this conjunction share is the capacity for WISDOM, maybe something to hang on to as a positive on this darkest day of the year.

Pluto stays in Capricorn until 2024, quietly getting on with the job of clearing out the old, outworn and no longer relevant attitudes, structures and organisations that have become crystallised over a long period of time. It's as though Pluto is riding postillion to Jupiter and Saturn, bagging and dumping the "unwanted on board" stuff as it goes. Expect some establishments to fall. In the UK, Scotland is urging for Independence and with a General Election in May the result will be interesting to say the least. In May, Jupiter moves off into Pisces for a short while, maybe after it has prepared the way for the vision of Scottish Independence - and that would certainly involve Pluto's transformative qualities as postilion rider.

These are simply my thoughts on our current situation. I'm not a mundane astrologer so I've viewed the current conjunction, the solstice, and the Zodiac signs involved through a more general lens of what all of this might mean for some of us. It's not a prediction, just my take.

Comment if you like, add to the pot, but only if you have something valid, valuable, relevant and respectful to say.