Cancer and the Birth of Humanity
Cancer and the Number 4
Cancer, the Moon Chain and Sex
Energy Centre Effects during Cancer
Bill Gates: Cancer Rising Soul Purpose


Cancer and the Birth of Humanity

Cancer is one of the oldest signs of the zodiac, relating to motherhood, birth, ancient survival instincts - as well as the study of the past: history; hence this period may be appropriate to explore some of the past. Humanity was annointed with the ‘spark of mind’ or soul whilst the Sun was in Cancer in ancient times; this was the period of the true emergence of the Human Kingdom from the Animal Kingdom. The Human Kingdom became the bridge between the Kingdom of Souls and the Animal Kingdom. There were less zodiac signs in those ancient times:

“In Lemurian days, during the early period of animal man and before humanity appeared on earth, in the interim period of development, eight signs influenced the planet and the kingdoms of nature found upon it. There was no response to the influences of Leo and Virgo. The mystery of the Sphinx did not exist and these two signs were not then part of the zodiacal wheel. Then individualisation took place and the seed of Christhood was planted in man and these two signs began to influence humanity, and gradually that influence was recognised and the zodiac was then known to have ten signs.” [1]

Leo is of course the sign that bought Humanity into self-consciousness yet Cancer had a long influence during the initial individualisation period. This fact can be deduced from the following:

"I earlier gave a hint upon which definite astrological computation could be based when I gave the time of the "Great Approach" of the Hierarchy to our planetary manifestation when individualisation took place and the fourth kingdom in nature appeared. I placed that stupendous event as happening 21,688,345 years ago. At that time the Sun was in Leo. The process then initiated upon the physical plane and producing outer physical events took approximately 5,000 years to mature and the Sun was in Gemini when the final crisis of individualisation took place and the door was then closed upon the animal kingdom." [2]

Naturally the Sun makes its astronomical precession backwards through the zodiac, hence Leo, Cancer, Gemini. As there were ten zodiac signs at Individualisation, the cycle may have been around 2,500 years, if of course, to use an astronomical term, there was a similar ‘obliquity of the ecliptic’ that exists now. For three signs to be covered in 5,000 years, Cancer must have gone through a whole cycle of 2,500 years, whilst Leo and Gemini would have made up the remaining 2,500 years. Hence the influence of Cancer was paramount, acting as the great ‘gate’ into incarnation for the millions of humans appropriating ‘souls’ for the first time.
There are many questions that may come up for the reader at this point and indeed this period of human history is one of the most obscure, complex and mysterious. Who decreed or ‘added’ the extra two signs? The short answer is that these forces were made available by the guides of the Human race and that in fact the signs are living entities, just as the planets are inhabited by great ‘lives’. Another question is ‘what is a soul’” Who are the ‘solar angels’ who ‘loaned’ themselves to the Earth evolution? Unfortunately space does not permit an exploration in this newsletter.

Cancer and the Number 4

Number four is an important consideration as it is the number of matter, foundation and the square. The ‘city which stands foursquare’ is a term for Humanity or the personality. The ageless wisdom teachings enjoin us to invoke our ‘spiritual triplicity’, ‘which "hovers over the square and radiates the energy of light into this waiting field of active thought.’ [3]
Cancer was and still is the fourth sign; the fourth kingdom is the Human and we are currently in the enormous cycle of the fourth round (616,896,000 years); this is occuring in the ‘fourth planetary scheme’ (the Earth), during its ‘fourth chain’ of seven ‘globes’ upon the ‘fourth globe’ or incarnation of that evolution. There is also the ‘fourth cosmic path’ that Humanity takes once it has liberated itself and this is the Path to Sirius, the ‘higher self’ to this solar system. (In the western zodiac, Sirius is currently found in Cancer.)
The Fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict (also called the ray of art and beauty) is of course related and is the ‘ray of Humanity’. Just as Humanity is the ‘middle kingdom’ between spirit and matter, so the fourth ray is the ‘middle ray’ of seven. The fourth ray is co-ruled by the Moon which is also the exoteric ruler of Cancer. The fourth chakra is the heart and the fourth plane is the buddhic, the goal for Humanity to achieve that consciousness.
The 'Moon Chain' was the previous (third) chain to our Earth Chain in this ‘Earth Scheme’. Hence its presence through rulership of Cancer at Individualisation shows the link between the two chains, though the actual ‘Moon Chain souls’ came through several million years later in Atlantis.
Neptune is the soul ruler of Cancer (and Leo, interestingly) and 'replaces' the failed Moon chain:

"Had we been given the charts embracing pre-Lemurian days, and extending back a distance into the (humanly speaking) unfathomable past, we would have seen the moon chain portrayed with the Neptune chain omitted."

Speculatively, even though Neptune is the ruler of the sixth ray of Devotion and Idealism, it could be considered as being ‘veiled’ by the Moon as ruler of the fourth ray. Neptune is closely associated with the arts, media and mystical visionary experience – all relating to the fourth ray. Both the Moon and Neptune are connected to the emotional or astral body, from where much artistic inspiration derives; the astral body for many is the point of least resistance for inspiration reflected down from the higher self.
The 5,000 year period from 21,688,345 to 21,683,345 years ago (counting back from around 1931 CE), saw the major impetus of human Individualisation utilising androgynous or hermaphrodite bodies. This is the basis of Adam and Eve in the Old Testament, a text that derives from the most ancient Hindu teachings. Adam and Eve were originally one - Adam-Eve (Jod-Heva, male-female); ‘Adam-Eve’ later separated into two separate sexes. Cancer the Mother reproduces both sexes, it holds within it the archetype of both as well as their reunification in hermaphrodite forms in the very distant future.
It is interesting that the Individualisation process started in the 'male' sign of Leo, saw its longest period in Cancer, and finished in Gemini - also a somewhat androgynous sign - the twins. Yet the separation of the sexes took place gradually, culminating three million years later, coinciding with the registering of the spark of mind that had been implanted earlier; this interim period also saw the individualisation of other soul groups.
Taking the esoteric symbolism of the Old Testament further, the ‘twins’ Cain and Abel are the so-called ‘separating hemraphrodite’, the fifth subrace of the Lemurian or Third Rootrace (3.5); they produce the Fourth or Atlantean Rootrace (Seth-Enos) ‘which had tasted from the fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil—Wisdom united already to earthy, and therefore impure, intelligence—had consequently to acquire that Wisdom by initiation and great struggle.’ [4]

Cancer, the Moon Chain and Sex

Delving a little further back into the night of time, we find that the Moon Chain evolution (that occurred untold aeons before this Earth Chain), holds clues to the mysteries of our Moon and sex:

“The moon chain is in process of disappearance, and only a decaying body is left …The Moon chain has in itself a curious occult history … wherein a systemic failure was to be seen. It is connected with the lower principles … The sexual misery of this planet finds its origin in the moon failure … The progress of evolution on the moon was abruptly disturbed and arrested by the timely interference of the solar Logos. The secret of the suffering in the Earth chain, which makes it merit the name of the Sphere of Suffering, and the mystery of the long and painful watch kept by the SILENT WATCHER, has its origin in the events which brought the moon chain to a terrific culmination. Conditions of agony and of distress such as are found on our planet are found in no such degree in any other scheme.
The misuse of the vibratory power of a certain centre, and the perversion, or distortion of force to certain erroneous ends, not along the line of evolution, account for much of the moon mystery.
Certain results, such as the finding of its polar opposite, were hastened unduly on the moon chain, and the consequence was an uneven development and a retardation of the evolution of a certain number of deva and human groups.
The origin of the feud between the Lords of the Dark Face and the Brotherhood of Light, which found scope for activity in Atlantean days, and during the present root race, can be traced back to the moon chain.” [5]

Evocative stuff! Interesting phrasing, ‘sexual misery’, ‘agony and distress’. The Moon is of course connected to all plant, animal and human biological cycles but the spiritual principles that once inhabited it have been withdrawn. The lunar cycle for the female is of course related to conception and sex, hence Cancer’s connection to birth and also to that other water sign Scorpio:

“Scorpio is also most interestingly connected with the constellation, Cancer, through the influences of the sixth ray, for it should be remembered that that ray is also expressing itself through Neptune, but in a spiritual and esoteric manner. Neptune governs Cancer esoterically. The significance is therefore clear, for Cancer is the sign of birth; it is the door into incarnation and the sign of generation. Scorpio is the sign of sex and of regeneration, and birth is ever the intended result of the sex relation. Father-spirit and Mother-matter when brought together produce the Son. The tests and difficulties and pains of this era are symptoms or indications of the "entering into manifestation" of the new civilisation and culture. They portend the birth of the new era for which the entire world waits. This will happen if—speaking esoterically—the sixth ray energy of Mars is transmuted into the sixth ray energy of Neptune, for the one is "objective and full of blood" and the other is "subjective and full of life."
A great mystery is veiled and hidden in the above relationship, for Cancer-Neptune is expressive of the seventh ray … At the same time it is closely connected with the mind principle as it works out through the solar Angels … it is in the connection between the sixth and seventh rays that that potent "desire for incarnation" was aroused which resulted in the fall of the angels in primordial times.” [i.e. Individualisation] [6]

There is much to explore in this passage but just a few points will do for now.

a. ‘The tests and difficulties and pains of this era’ and ‘the new civilisation’ point to the beginning of the Aquarian Age that we are entering. This period comes not long after the global conflict of the world wars, esoterically a recapitulation of the Atlantean war mentioned above. Hence we are still dealing with the results of causes initiated in Atlantean times and even earlier on the Moon Chain; this is all connected with the ‘sexual revolution’ of the past 40 or so years since the end of those world wars and largely occupies the process that Humanity is still going through.

b. The seventh ray comes through Cancer (as does the third ray), yet no where else in His writings does DK associate Neptune with the seventh ray; this is a great mystery worthy of deep reflection. The seventh ray of ceremonial order or magic is the manifesting ray, somewhat like and related to the third ray, the ‘mother ray’, appropriate for its relationship to Cancer.

c. The third ray of active intelligence that pours through Cancer was one of the primary forces which helped bring about Individualisation and the development of the mental principle. Taking the ‘3’ symbolisim further, Individualisation most likely started in the third subrace of the Third Rootrace (3.3), culminating in the fifth subrace (3.5) over a period of three million years. This 3.3 numerical vibration is of course related to the third chain previous to the Earth Chain and most likely the so-called ‘third globe’ of that chain.

Energy Centre Effects during Cancer

What centres would we expect to see activated while the Sun is in Cancer? For those upon the mutable cross in particular, the sacral and solar plexus. The sacral because it is about survival needs and Cancer is the mother who provides the first basics of food, shelter and protection.
The solar plexus because of the watery nature of Cancer, its astral sensitivity, fear etc. For those more firmly rooted upon the fixed cross, the heart centre, with which God of the Waters Neptune is closely associated. The unconditional love of the mother for her child becomes the unconditionality of the open-hearted server/nurturer/midwifer of the Plan.
However, even for most upon the path the main effects whilst the Sun is in Cancer will probably be in the solar plexus. This is because of the plain fact that most aspirants and many disciples are focused in the solar plexus most of the time. It is interesting to note that Cancer's soul ruler Neptune is one of the main rulers of the solar plexus centre. One could intuitively associate Neptune with the 'higher light' of the solar plexus that DK discusses in White Magic, and that it somehow acts as a bridge to the heart centre.
During Cancer with the Moon rulership there can certainly be expected that which relates to the dweller and the unconscious: roller coaster emotions, being 'crabby', hanging on to the past, clinging to 'beliefs', distorted mystical perceptions, looniness, worrying about money and resources, being 'tight' with money etc. Many of these traits are driven by fear:

"It will now be clear to you why the Moon and Neptune, transmitting the energies of the psychic nature and of form, plus the tendency to achieve through the medium of conflict [fourth ray], rule Cancer so potently, both directly and indirectly. They control the form and the lower psychic nature and produce the battle ground (later to be transmuted into the burning ground) whereon these two "face in the final conflict" their higher correspondence, the soul and spirit, for matter is spirit at its lowest point and spirit is matter at its highest." [7]

Positively, during Cancer one may have intense experiences generally in the feeling nature, vivid dreams, a retrospective on the past to clarify the present, a time to reflect and go within.
DK says that a 'reaction to sensitive emotion-feeling has played an active and an educational part in the awakening of the mind'. [8] This is interesting as the two rays 3 and 7 are the only ones to pour through Cancer and are on the mental ‘odd ray line’ - yet they are distributed by the ‘even ray’ planets on the heart line; hence Cancer possesses an unique synthesis and expression of love and mind.
Planetary centres that may be affected during this period could be New York as it is ruled by Cancer. It is interesting that 'the waters have broken' throughout that state and adjacent regions during Cancer 2006. Washington and Tokyo are also ruled by Cancer as is Scandinavia's personality. Two of the five major planetary centres have a Cancer influence and there may be significant developments there during this period.

Bill Gates: Cancer Rising Soul Purpose

The worlds’ richest man, Bill Gates, intends to stand down from Microsoft and concentrate on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation set up with his wife. He not only intends to donate his fortune to developing nations, but wants to make sure that the money is well spent. Not only that, but his stance has created an extraordinary magnetic potency that has resulted in the second richest man on the planet Warren Buffet, donating some thirty billion dollars to the Gates Foundation. One is reminded of the following injunction about Cancer:

“This sign can carry deep meaning to all. You are in process of incarnation; you are following your chosen way. Is the house you are building yet lit? Is it a lighted house, or is it a dark prison? If it is a lighted house, you will attract to its light and warmth all who are around you and the magnetic pull of your soul, whose nature is light and love, will save many.” [9]

Both Buffet and Gates have made extraordinary gestures and for Gates it is certainly indicative of the soul potential of his Cancer ascendant by nurturing the world. Ceres, the asteroid goddess of the grain, sits opposite his rising sign of Cancer, further strengthening the theme of nurturement.

With Sun, Venus and Saturn in Scorpio, Gates has been a shrewd and tough businessman and along with his company Microsoft, has been widely criticised for monopolising the market and vigorously exercising a ruthless competition. Yet he always maintained that he would give it away one day and now he is doing just that, but in a way that is setting a precedent and is somewhat revolutionary.
Planet of revolution and change is Uranus, sitting in Gates’ first house, on the cusp of the second house of money and finance. Uranus is closely related to money and of course rules the seventh ray. Uranus exoterically rules computer technology and communications and is no doubt a major player in this horoscope.

Looking at the rulers of the Cancer ascendant will give us some clues about Gates’ soul purpose and destiny. Thus his Moon is in Aries, sitting as the most elevated planet in chart with wide public appeal, dominating the tenth house of career and profession. The Moon gives an added martial expression to his Scorpio Sun and the aggressive leadership and trail blazing qualities he has exhibited thus far. However the Moon opposes Mars in Libra, somewhat ‘pacifying’ the Scorpio Sun and Aries Moon – they are not nearly as martial in their expression as would otherwise be the case. Nevertheless, the Moon-Mars opposition provides a potent point of tension for Gates to work from.

Looking at the soul ruler of Cancer, Neptune, we find it in Libra conjunct his Scorpio Sun giving him great vision and high idealism. The reader may recall the earlier reference to the relation of Mars and Neptune and the sixth ray - all those ingredients are here in Gates’ chart. There is probably also a Neptune/seventh ray connection as well.

Currently his progressed Sun lies in late Sagittarius, a sign known for vision and a single-minded one-pointedness to achieve the goal. Transiting Pluto is sitting on this progressed Sun and they will follow each other right through to the end of 2007. Both these potencies are also activating his natal Pallas-Athena, the asteroid goddess associated with politics, social causes and a particular type of thought that is related to visioning and visualisation. Pluto will provide Gates’ Scorpio personality with plenty of drive during this period - to relentlessly follow through in achieving some major goals that he has set himself; both planets occupy his sixth house of service and health.

During the full moon of Cancer 2006 the Sun will fall directly upon Gates’ Cancer ascendant, potentising even further the soul purpose that has been already set in motion.