Keynote
“Water of life am I, poured forth for those who thirst.”

Beginning of the Age of Aquarius: 2,117 A.D.
Greater Wheel of Aquarius
Lesser Wheel of Aquarius: Distinguishing Zodiac Cycle from Ray Cycle
Lesser Wheel of Aquarius and 2,117
Aquarian Cycle Has Not Astronomically Begun: Part I
Aquarian Cycle Has Not Astronomically Begun: Part II
Age of Pisces Started 43 BC?
Venus Cycles and the Aquarian Age

Beginning of the Age of Aquarius: 2,117 A.D.
One of the secrets of initiation is concerned with the apprehension of cycles, and with their duration “before a man is considered a true occultist.”1

This is a quote with which many students of cycles and Esoteric Astrology may resonate, particularly from the viewpoint of the complexity and sheer number of cycles. Time is an illusion – there is no beginning nor end. Yet the science of cycles assists us in understanding the unfoldment of consciousness, the evolution of races and civilisations – ultimately comprehension of the Eternal Now.

There are ray, planetary and zodiac cycles, all of which have various contexts within the greater ‘yugas’ or wheels; or according to the rays of soul groupings, races, subraces and branchraces. No wonder that even the Master Koot Hoomi once stated, “I had to study for fifteen years before I came to the doctrines of cycles and had to learn simpler things at first.”2

The exact time for the beginning of the Age of Aquarius has been debated among astrologers for decades. For students of Esoteric Astrology (the Science of the Seven Rays), discrimination must be applied between zodiac cycles and ray cycles. From the greatest manvantaras to the lesser daily round, the mystery of cycles has pre-occupied this author for some time.

One is reminded of the illusory nature of this sacred science and the limited personal veil through which we perceive time. Any attempt at penetrating its arcana solely via the concrete mind is always soundly repelled by a veil of protection that surrounds it. This method is applied to several other areas of the Ageless Wisdom to safeguard them from the profane – the degree of my unregenerated substance – or ignorance we all carry to some degree.

None of us is free from illusion, glamour and maya, nor do we possess the clear vision of the Master who has been liberated. The tendency for the Western esoteric student with a well equipped concrete mind – is toward a linear and literal perception of time. Ultimately the buddhic intuition is the only factor that can be invoked to accurately (and safely) perceive the true nature of time and its cyclic unfoldment; many of us still work at comprehension via a combination of the concrete mind and the developing buddhic faculty.

Greater Wheel of Aquarius
Working as ever from the greater to the particular, let us examine a passage which points to two Aquarian cycles:

“This is, therefore, the most amazing period in the history of humanity. Added to this, it must be borne in mind that we are entering another greater round of the Zodiac, and this coincides with the lesser zodiacal activity because Aquarius governs the greater immediate cycle of 25,000 years and is also the sign into which the sun is now moving for a period of 2,300 years, a most amazing happening and full of import in our planetary history;”3

The Sun is entering Aquarius on a greater and a lesser cycle: 25,000 upon the greater wheel and 2,300 upon the lesser wheel. (More on this lesser wheel later.) Having been informed that a greater cycle exists (this applies to all signs), other passages about any astrological age in The Tibetan’s books must be examined by the careful student for ambiguity or hints – as to whether they refer to a greater cycle. The greater wheel of 25,000 years is also part of a 250,000 year cycle:

“The great sweep of the sun around the greater zodiac (a period of 250,000 years, or a complete round) came to an end when the sun entered Pisces over two thousand years ago. This process of passing out of, or entering into, a particular sign and cyclic influence covers a period of five thousand years where this greater round or cycle is concerned. This period of five thousand years covers the complete cycle of transition until complete freedom to function under the inspiration of the new sign is accomplished. We are, therefore, not yet free from incidental turmoil.”4

In other words, the two lesser cycles of Pisces and Aquarius constitute approximately the 5,000 year cuspal period of the greater 25,000 year cycle. Let us examine another passage which refers to the Sun in Aquarius:

Aquarius the Water-Bearer

“… that revealing light only finds Location when the seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order is active and in process of manifestation in the three worlds, and necessarily, therefore, upon the seventh plane, the physical plane. Such a manifestation inevitably takes place in moments of planetary crisis, when the seventh ray is active and when the Sun is in Aquarius. Such a combination of relationships is being established now, for the seventh ray is rapidly coming into manifestation and the Sun is in Aquarius, for the Aquarian Age is just beginning. The Objective of this combination (which has occurred six times during the period of the fifth root-race) is to bring about illumination and the establishment of order upon the Earth.”5

This passage has been taken literally by some to mean that the “Sun is in Aquarius” for the 2,160 year lesser cycle – when it more likely refers to the greater 25,000 year cycle. Why else would DK have made the indirect reference to the time-span of the Fifth Rootrace? Students of Esoteric History should note that the duration of the Fifth Rootrace is at least 1,000,000 years6, referring only to its physical appearance, not to its nascent emergence closer to four million years ago.7 Either figures of one or four million could be computed to have had this combination of sign and ray cycle occurring six times.

If the small wheel is calculated, Aquarius comes around full circle every precession cycle of 25,920 years – for a period of 2,160 years. One type of ray seven cycle is 2,500 years8 and it is said to be never out of incarnation for more than 1500 years. It is probable therefore, that its cycle would coincide with that of the lesser Aquarian wheel every 25,920 years. Multiplying this precession figure by six yields only 155,520 years, well short of the duration of 1,000,000 years for the Fifth Rootrace.

If the greater wheel is considered, even with a coinciding greater seventh ray cycle of 7,000 years9, then Aquarius comes around every 250,000 x 6 = 1,500,000 years, much closer to both the shorter and longer durations of the Fifth Rootrace mentioned earlier.

Wheel of Life by Hildegarde de Bingen

It is now the seventh time that this combination of the seventh ray and the greater Aquarian cycle has occurred in the history of the Fifth Rootrace. There is something momentous about the 7 x 7 that relates to the 7 x 7 = 49 ashrams – that may accelerate their externalisation process during this next cycle. The seventh ray is certainly about the precipitation of the Plan upon the physical plane. (Note all the “p”s in this sentence have a numerical value of “7”.)

Another point to reflect upon is the passage, “the seventh ray is rapidly coming into manifestation”. A greater seventh ray cycle started in 1675 10 (related specifically to the Piscean Age) and whether it is a cycle of 700, 2,500 or 7,000 years, it certainly has gained momentum over the past few hundred years. There was a seventh ray sub-cycle (as part of the greater sixth ray cycle) that started in 1860 11 during the time of the great reformer Abraham Lincoln; and there may well have been another seventh ray cycle that commenced around 1945 (which will be discussed shortly):

“There are vaster cycles, of 2500 years, of 7,000 years, of 9,000 years, of 15,000 years, and many others which only advanced initiates know of or can follow; these can break in upon any of the lesser impulses, and can be seen appearing, unexpectedly, as far as average man’s knowledge is concerned, and yet they are but the returning impulses set in cyclic motion perhaps thousands of years ago.”12

Lesser Wheel of Aquarius: Distinguishing Zodiac Cycle from Ray Cycle
Following is another passage that could be interpreted as a greater cycle but more likely refers to the lesser cycle, as it is encompassed by the ray cycle within which it unfolds: “In June, 1945, at the time of the full moon (so significant a day in the spiritual experience of the Christ), He definitely and consciously took over His duties and responsibilities as the Teacher and Leader during the Aquarian solar cycle. He is the first of the great world Teachers to cover two zodiacal cycles, the Piscean and the Aquarian.”13

Christ in the Mountains (Nicholas Roerich)

As an aside, when DK refers to the full moon of June he usually means the full moon period of Gemini as this is Christ’s own unique festival accompanied by powerful second ray of love-wisdom forces. However in June 1945 it was the Cancer full moon which fell in June (the Gemini lunation was in May that year), and Cancer may certainly be appropriate in terms of the birthing upon the physical plane of Christ’s mission. Indeed, Neptune (as the soul ruler of Cancer) is one of the names that Christ is known by in the West.14

Yet it might be academic as to whether it is the Gemini or Cancer full moon. DK follows up with another passage a little further on:

“At the centre of this Triangle the Christ took His stand; from that point His Aquarian work began, and it will continue for two thousand five hundred years. Thus He inaugurated the new era and, upon the inner spiritual planes, the new world religion began to take form.”15

Note that the period mentioned is 2,500 years not 2,160 years, the usual cycle for a zodiac sign’s precession. 2,500 refers to a seventh ray cycle which unfolds over this period and encompasses the zodiacal cycle of Aquarius on the lesser wheel of 2,160:

“… the Lord of the seventh Ray plays a similar part. Herein lies the reason for His inflowing force at this time, for a profound movement is in order of accomplishment, and a transference is in progress which calls for His particular type of energy. A transference is being effected of certain groups of human and deva Monads out of the human kingdom into the fifth or spiritual kingdom. During His cycle of close on two thousand five hundred years, a specific number of men will pass on to the Path of Initiation, and take at least the first Initiation, thus transferring their centres of consciousness out of the purely human into the early stages of the spiritual.”16

Hence if a 2,500 year cycle started in or around 1945, it inaugurated the Aquarian Age whose zodiac cycle of 2,160 years unfolds within the duration of the ray cycle. This may be the case as it is not entirely clear where else this 2,500 seventh ray cycle could have begun or what close on 2,500 years means.

The seventh ray cycle that started in 1675 is “within the influence of the sign Pisces”17 and hence may not apply to the seventh ray cycle encompassing the sign Aquarius. Students need to bear the following in mind about ray cycles:

“They enter into constructive activity; they pass through that particular cycle; they then pass out, or die to that activity, and are then “raised into heaven,” until such time as their cycle again comes round.”18

The figure of 2,500 may also refer to a cycle composed of several second ray cycles of 500 years  each;19 2,500 is also half of a 5,000 year second ray cycle, if the figure of 500 years is extrapolated. Christ is the head of the second ray department hence the “new world religion” in the passage above may also relate to the start of a second ray cycle. The following passage points to a 2,500 year cycle of the second ray variety:

“At the time of this Wesak Festival, [1941] I would call your attention to the fact that the annual return of the Buddha to bless His people everywhere and to convey the message of wisdom, light and love to humanity coming as He does from the very Heart of Deity Itself is the outer evidence and guarantee of inner divine guidance and revelation in this present world cycle of 2500 years.”20

It is not entirely clear from this passage as to whether the cycle is starting or finishing but it may be the latter – as the Buddha came forth around 2,500 years ago. As The Christ is said to soon take over the responsibilities of the Buddha, their sharing a 5,000 year cycle of 2,500 years each is feasible.

Nevertheless, with the duration of 2,500 years, the seventh and second rays both share this time-span as part of their respective retinues of cyclic harmonics. This is a fascinating fact as the personality and soul rulers of Aquarius are Uranus and Jupiter. Jupiter has a 12 year cycle whilst Uranus is 84 years or 7 x 12:

“You would find it useful to make a study of the relation of the second ray to the seventh, for there is a close creative reaction or impulsive interplay between the two.”21

Lesser Wheel of Aquarius and 2,117
Let us re-examine an earlier passage:

“This is, therefore, the most amazing period in the history of humanity. Added to this, it must be borne in mind that we are entering another greater round of the Zodiac, and this coincides with the lesser zodiacal activity because Aquarius governs the greater immediate cycle of 25,000 years and is also the sign into which the sun is now moving for a period of 2300 years – a most amazing happening and full of import in our planetary history;”22

Note that 2,300 years is an unusual figure that is not mentioned anywhere else in DK’s or HPB’s writings. Multiplying 2300 x 12 = 27,600 – far too long for the current obliquity of the ecliptic (angle between the plane of the earth’s orbit and that of the earth’s equator, equal to about 23°27″) – and measurement of the current Great Year precession cycle of 25,920.

2,300 is most likely a rounded off figure; it depicts the shorter time-span from the 1940’s, leading up to the period when the Sun astronomically precesses into Aquarius – plus the future 2,160 year cycle. (2,300 – 2,160 = 140 years.)

The latter part of Externalisation of the Hierarchy was written around 1949, hence 140 years + 1949 = 2,089. The following table including the parallel 2,117 date may illustrate:

In other words, from 1949, the figure of 2,300 years veils or approximates the true astronomical beginning of the Aquarian Age on the lesser wheel of 2,160 years. This is corroborated by reading of the words, Aquarius  is also the sign into which the sun is now moving for a period of 2,300 years. As in an earlier passage, this can be read ambiguously. The import of the meaning can be seen as the Sun moving toward the true astronomical beginning of the Aquarian Age over the next 140 odd years.

A passage from an unpublished private transmission written by the Tibetan in 1940 further supports, in both reasoning and process, that the true astronomical beginning of Aquarius has been approximated or veiled in the 2,300 statement. The passage has been reproduced in its entirety, even though the relevant information for this discussion is in its last paragraph. The reason for this is that some students have doubted the veracity of the source being DK, so the reader will have the opportunity to decide what speaks to them intuitively:

Q. “Owing to the precession of the equinoxes (which produces an apparent movement from Pisces to Aquarius) the Sun is at present entering or has entered, at the spring equinox, the last degrees of Aquarius and these (21-30) are ruled by Venus, according to exoteric astrology.

In the recent teachings it is said that the first third of the Aquarian Age is ruled by Saturn, the second by Mercury and the last by Venus. This seems very satisfactory from the subjective and spiritual angle as it produces first of all the testing, then illumination and last the result of both: brotherhood and love. How can the two points of view be reconciled? Several astrologers would much like to know.

“A. In answering this question, I would point out that astrologers must determine whether the decanate being entered is in reality the last or the first, and this is determined by finding out whether the horoscope being cast is of that of the person or nation who is proceeding clockwise around the zodiacal wheel or whether the procedure is anti-clockwise. This constitutes a definite problem at this time and almost an insoluble one, given the profound ignorance of the average investigator as to status and point of development of the subject under consideration.

Our planet is passing through what is esoterically called “an interlude of reversal”; the old order is definitely changing and the astrological significance of the words of the Christ that “the last shall be first and the first, last” begin to appear in their true meaning. It must also be remembered that the processes of planetary life in the kingdoms of nature are determined, in the last analysis, by the status of the human kingdom (the fourth) at any particular stage in planetary history.

Also, just as in the life of an individual man, he comes to a point when he becomes the aspirant and disciple and reverses his progress upon the wheel of life, and “reorienting himself” goes counter to the usual mode of procedure, so at this time a similar process is taking place in humanity as a whole.

Humanity is endeavouring to reverse its position upon the wheel and to travel anti-clockwise. This leads to definite changes and is responsible for much of the present chaos, turmoil and confusion. If you add to this the shift which is taking place in the earth’s axis (indicated by the widespread climatic changes and earthquakes among other things) you have a situation which must cause much confusion to astrologers everywhere.

It might be said, therefore, that both points of view are correct and can be so interpreted; it will be found, however, in due time that the teaching which I have given is relatively more correct. I say relatively, as the changes being undergone are so stupendous that it will be wise to preserve a fluid attitude as regards interpretation.

I would remind you also that it is still a question unanswered as to whether we are as yet really entered into the sign Aquarius; it is more probable that we are simply nearing it with great rapidity and so becoming increasingly responsive to its influences and less responsive to those of Pisces.

I would suggest that another 177 years must go by before we enter into what you have called the last decan of Aquarius but which might, from a certain point of view be the first decan. Is it difficult for you to grasp the fact that esoterically speaking, the wheel turns both ways at once and will register its mode of turning according to the state of consciousness of the individual unit.”23

Hence, 1940 + 177 = 2,117, yields the date for the astronomical beginning of Aquarius. This author has studied DK’s works for many years, and the passage certainly carries the note of DK. One can recognise the vernacular he uses plus his careful, cautionary, specific wording, syntax and description. When considering the earlier passage regarding the 2,300 year figure yielding an approximate Aquarian cycle beginning of 2,089, then 2,117 is only another 28 years and specifically compliments this former statement.

Aquarian Cycle Has Not Astronomically Begun: Part I
When discerning students consider all of DK’s seemingly conflicting statements about the Aquarian Age, they may find that he is obliquely referring in several passages to the greater wheel of Aquarius, not just the one most obvious statement where he discusses the synchronisation of both wheels.24

The following passage is a definite statement regarding the fact that we have not yet astronomically entered the Aquarian cycle:

“The coming in of the Aquarian Age, Christ foresaw and reduced to pictorial form for us, thus preserving for us down the centuries a prophetic episode, the interpretation of which is possible of demonstration only in our time and age. Astronomically, we are not yet functioning fully within the influence of Aquarius; we are only just emerging from the Piscean influence, and the full impact of the energies which Aquarius will set loose has not yet been felt.

Nevertheless, each year carries us closer to the centre of power, the major effect of which will be to induce recognition of man’s essential unity, of the processes of sharing and of cooperation and of the emergence of that new world religion whose keynote will be universality and initiation.

If the word “initiation” signifies the processes of “entering into,” then it is indeed true today that humanity is undergoing a true initiation as it enters into the new age of Aquarius; it will then be subjected to those energies and forces which will break down the barriers of separation, and which will blend and fuse the consciousness of all men into that unity which is distinctive of the Christ consciousness.”25

This is quite plainly stated – we have not entered the lesser cycle of Aquarius, we are not yet functioning fully within the influence of Aquarius; we are entering into, and have not passed fully through the gate of Aquarius. Is DK talking about the greater Aquarian wheel in this passage? No, because he is referring to the astronomy associated with the precession of the lesser wheel, as well as Christ’s unique role over two astrological ages. Herein follows the 1945 statement again:

“In June, 1945, at the time of the full moon (so significant a day in the spiritual experience of the Christ), He definitely and consciously took over His duties and responsibilities as the Teacher and Leader during the Aquarian solar cycle. He is the first of the great world Teachers to cover two zodiacal cycles: the Piscean and the Aquarian.”26

One might pause for reflection here regarding The Christ and his relationship to the greater wheel of 250,000 years – said to be related to the cycle of the human Monad.27 As a high Initiate, His jurisdiction covers the greater cycle of human-monad-blossoms who grace his garden, or ashram. This fact may relate to the earlier statement about the Lord of the Seventh Ray:

“A transference is being effected of certain groups of human and deva Monads out of the human kingdom into the fifth or spiritual kingdom.” Another passage of DK’ s which plainly states that the Aquarian Age has not yet started:

“The passing of our Sun out of the sign Pisces into the sign Aquarius is another of the conditions bringing about the present confusion. This confusion of forces in the solar system is notably affecting our planet. In the process of passing from sign to sign, as for instance transiting out of Pisces into Aquarius as is now the case, the period covered is approximately five hundred years.”28

It seems that the Cancer full moon period in June 1945 was an important marker for the seventh ray cycle to take hold, this sign being a conduit for both the third and seventh rays. Hence the birthing of peace (presided over by the Prince of Peace), the United Nations and the Great Invocation, all most Aquarian initiatives.

“Christ can draw upon the energies which are defined by the phrase “life more abundantly,” because they will set loose (in the Aquarian Age) in a new and dynamic manner the new energies needed in order to bring about restoration and resurrection. This new energy is the “implementing force of universality”; it concerns the future.

Signs of Christ (Nicholas Roerich)

This inflow of Aquarian energy is one of the factors which will enable the Christ to complete His task as world Saviour and world Teacher. It was to the definite performance of His duties as Distributor, Nourisher and Dispenser that He pledged Himself in June, 1945, and entered upon His responsibilities as the Forerunner and the Teacher of the Aquarian Age.”29

Note the earlier part of this passage is in the future tense: “will set loose in the Aquarian Age”. The latter words are revealing, Christ was pledging (committing himself) to the immediate task at hand as a forerunner of the age. (The definition of forerunner: a predecessor, one who foreruns; a herald or harbinger.) In other words one who comes before the age, though who will of course preside over that age. In other words, Christ pledged himself as the forerunner of the Aquarian Age, whilst at its portal in 1945.

Aquarian Cycle Has Not Astronomically Begun: Part II
Miscellaneous Statements

1. “The release of the energy of the atom is definitely the inauguration of the New Age.”30

This statement is not supportive of a specific astronomical precession into Aquarius – it actually refers to the “New Age”, a generic term for the new era into which we are entering. There is no reference here to the astronomical precession of the Sun into Aquarius. There is however no question that the release of the energy of the atom is a harbinger of technologies to come in the Aquarian Age; it also points to a little-realised association of the first ray/will aspect/Great Bear with Aquarius.31

Pluto with Cerebus, his three headed dog.

Hence 1945 is not the beginning of the Age of Aquarius, astronomically – it would be too neat a date or coincidence right at the end of the war; 1945 was still very much the era of the Piscean Age, especially with the strong presence of esoteric ruler Pluto the Destroyer, discovered between the two world wars.

Pluto culminated/eliminated the 1945 conflict with the destructive power of the atomic bombs in Japan. This does not mean that the Piscean Age ended abruptly and the Aquarian Age began astronomically and exactly by precession – that would be an untenable proposition. Pluto now continues its powerful transformative work “wrapping up” the last vestiges of the Piscean Age.

Astrologers often link Uranus the ruler of Aquarius, with uranium and atomic power and this is certainly true, particularly with regard to the new technologies that will be created in this age. Yet the atomic bomb and contemporary nuclear development is only the first crude foreshadowing of what will come, for instance, nuclear fusion as opposed to nuclear fission.

2. “The animal kingdom does not react strongly to the 7th ray … The human kingdom does, but the 7th ray will have three effects in relation to the two kingdoms and their interplay:
a. It will refine the animal bodies.
b. It will bring about a closer relation between men and animals.
c. It will cause a great destruction of the present animal forms.”32

This passage has been regarded by some students as an indication that the Aquarian Age commenced in 1945 because of the destruction of millions of (human) animal forms in WWII and the widespread disappearance of animal species upon the planet since that time.

This type of reasoning confuses the two separate cycles of the zodiac signs and the rays. The quote above clearly states that it is the seventh ray that will bring about the destruction of animal forms, not the forces of Aquarius per se. The ray and zodiac cycles work with each other but do not have exact synchronisations simply because they are of varying durations.

Aquarius from the ceiling of Villa Farnese, Caprarola, Italy. (Phillip Lindsay © 2014)

3. “In this transition period through which the world is now passing [written 1940’s] and in this interlude between two activities – that of the Piscean Age which is passing and that of Aquarius which is coming in – Libra will eventually rule, and the end of this century will see the influence of Libra steadily coming into pronounced control and into a position of power in the planetary horoscope. There is, therefore, no need for real anxiety.”33

4. “Only the dawn is with us as yet – the dawn of the Aquarian Age.”34 The “dawn” is the light that precedes the “day” of Aquarius. This twilight period is the cusp of the ages over which Libra rules at present.

5. “… in this present cycle (the ante-chamber of the New Age).”35

Twilight is synonymous with “antechamber”, “a chamber or an apartment through which access is had to a principal apartment”36; the “principle apartment” being the Age of Aquarius. Esoteric Astrology was written in the 1940’s, hence “this present cycle” refers to that period as the “antechamber”, not the Age of Aquarius per se.

6. “The teaching planned by the Hierarchy to precede and condition the New Age, the Aquarian Age, falls into three categories:

Preparatory, given 1875 – 1890…written down by H.P.B. Intermediate, given 1919 – 1949…written down by A.A.B. Revelatory, emerging after 1975…to be given on a worldwide scale via the radio.”37

Note the word “precede”. The Rays and the Initiations was one of the last books published by DK (1960) and was written 1942-9. Even after 1975 the nature of the “teaching planned by the Hierarchy” would still “precede and condition the Aquarian Age”.

Age of Pisces Starts 43 BC?
Another argument in favour of the Aquarian Age starting in 2,117 is to subtract 2,160 years, giving the date of 43 BC. This is a much closer date for the arrival of the Piscean avatar who appeared during the latter years of his disciple Jesus, around 27-30 AD – 70 odd years later. If 2,160 is subtracted from the 1945 date, the figure of 215 BC is obtained, much further away and perhaps less relevant.

Even though the process of destruction of the old Age of Aries started with Alexander the Great around 300 BC, Julius Caesar’s destruction of the Alexandrian Library in 48 BC seemed to be the final nail in the coffin of that previous age and very close to the 43 BC date. Some Discrepancies with 43 BC:

“The great sweep of the sun around the greater zodiac (a period of 250,000 years, or a complete round) came to an end when the sun entered Pisces over two thousand years ago.”38

This section of Esoteric Astrology was written during World War II (1939-42), because on the same page DK mentions “the present world crisis” though precipitated by human  error and sinfulness, by past Karma. Let us suppose the date is 1940, subtracting 2,000 years from this figure yields 60 BC. Yet DK states the sun entered Pisces over 2,000 years ago, theoretically pushing back the date for its commencement to 160 years beyond 60 BC, i.e. 220 BC. This latter date does not seem to square as well with events around 43 BC, creating too early a time for the start of the Piscean Age.

How much “over 2000 years” is it then? Or is this statement a deliberate blind? Another answer may well be that the Sun entered Pisces in the greater zodiac just as it has recently entered Aquarius on the greater wheel, the difference being that the former is the “ordinary wheel”, whilst the latter is the “reversed wheel”. If the same reversal process is true for the lesser wheels then it well may be for the greater. This situation may well reflect the fact that Humanity currently has an opportunity to reverse the wheel en masse. Another passage that mentions “over 2,000 years ago” was also written around 1940 and hearkens back to the same 60 BC date:

“Such an one was the Christ; He was twice an Avatar because He not only struck the keynote of the new age (over two thousand years ago)”39 era, yet perhaps Christ struck the keynote before the exact precession of the Sun into Pisces; just as in 1945 he undertook his responsibilities for the new cycle that had not quite precessed astronomically into Aquarius.

Venus Cycles and the Aquarian Age
The fifth ray of science is the only one that passes through Aquarius and its ruler is Venus. One thinker has pointed out dates for the pairings of the various Venus conjunctions that correlate with the proposed 2117 date. These conjunctions trace out over a period of time a five-pointed star (Venus-fifth ray) in the heavens:

“If we take the example of the transition into the age of Aquarius we can calculate from the passage of the year 1631 until the fifth passage occuring as a pair in either the year 2117 or 2125. This gives us a transition from first passage till the dual fifth passage of either 486 years or 494 years. In other words quite close to the 500 year approximation. The transitional Venus passages for the beginning of the Aquarian age:

(Thus covering a transitional period of 494 years) These are the five focal passages for the transitional period from Pisces to Aquarius.”40

The reader will note that the period of 494 years is close to the 500 years of a second ray cycle. Of course Venus as the goddess of love is related to the second ray of love-wisdom; the fifth ray which Venus rules has a special relationship to the second ray; 500 years is a fifth of the 2,500 year seventh ray cycle etc. Hence it may be seen from the foregoing that,

Venus

1. There are lesser and greater zodiac cycles and two Aquarian cycles are now current.
2. There are approximate but not exact synchronising cycles of rays and zodiac signs.
3. The zodiac cycle is encompassed by the greater ray cycle.
4. There are several durations of cycles for the seventh ray (and all other rays).
5. Various cycles work with one another, such as the second and seventh rays.
6. Two major cycles of the seventh ray? One each for Pisces and Aquarius.
7. 7th ray and Aquarian cycles coincide for the 7thtime in the history of 5th Rootrace.
8. The start of the Aquarian Age is as much determined by the start of the Piscean Age.
9. The Aquarian Age has not astronomically begun.
10. The date of 2117 seems most likely in light of all the factors considered.

In summary, the reader should bear in mind that for “astro-ray-ologers”, accurate timing for contemporary cycles is essential; from a present point of accuracy they can then ascertain precisely when past or future cycles have started or finished; this provides a better degree of accuracy in prediction and for exploring elapsed time in history; it helps to map the unfoldment of human consciousness and how it has responded (or will respond) to the various ray and zodiac cycles.

This deeper esoteric knowledge will place humanity in a position of self-determination and empowerment, assisting conscious choices and decisions – that will lead eventually to a more rapid liberation of the race as a whole; this is the promise of the Aquarian cycle into which we are moving – and invoking: “… the masses of men in all lands will be enabled to register consciously the “birth of the Christ” in the heart the first initiation.

It will not, in the future, be the experience of the occasional disciple but the general experience of countless thousands towards the close of the Aquarian Age. The purifying waters of the Baptism Initiation (the second initiation) will submerge hundreds of aspirants in many lands, and these two initiations (which are preparatory to true service, and the third initiation of the Transfiguration) will set the seal on Christ’s mission as the Agent of the great spiritual Triangle which He represents.”41

The following 2020 update further reinforces the argument for 2,117 AD as the beginning of the Aquarian Age.

Saturn-Jupiter in Aquarius: A Peek into the Future
Part 1 of this theme is in the newsletter for Capricorn 2020, finishing with this sentence: “This new airy trigon spans the last part of the cuspal period between the zodiac ages, ushering our civilisation into the Age of Aquarius proper.”

On December 20, 2020 (20-20-20), during and following the era of several planets passing through Capricorn, the conjunction of Saturn-Jupiter in Aquarius offers a glimpse of the Age of Aquarius on the immediate horizon. Saturn rules the first decanate of Aquarius – and Jupiter is that sign’s esoteric ruler, hence this conjunction has much to offer. First, let us consider Saturn:

“Saturn is the planet of discipleship and of opportunity; it is exceedingly active today, presenting to the world disciple those difficult situations and crises which will involve free choice, discriminative pioneering, wise response and correct decision, thus bringing about the destruction of that which hinders – without the relinquishing of any true values of which humanity may be aware.

The individual disciple has always been faced with these conditioning and releasing circumstances, and today humanity itself is in the same position. We stand at the gateway of the new world, of the new age and its new civilizations, ideals and culture.”42

Saturn is the planet of discipleship – as in the discipline of the lower self, via the mind/throat centre that Saturn rules. Saturn is the Lord of Karma who presents those “difficult conditions and crises”. Saturn also works in an Plutonic-destroyer mode – “bringing about destruction of that which hinders … [offering] “opportunity and … a choice to bring about the needed changes … to destroy that which holds back the free expression of the soul.”43

The three zodiacal crosses rule Humanity in divisions of developed consciousness. From left to right, the mutable cross of unawakened humanity, the fixed cross of awakening and awakened humanity, and the cardinal cross of liberation. Whichever of these crosses is prominent in the personal birth chart, is not necessarily related to the generic cross described above. For instance, one might be a Gemini sun or Sagittarius rising, but on the fixed cross of evolution. Or, one might be Scorpio rising and on the fixed cross, accentuating that position. Most of those who are consciously on the spiritual path today, from all signs of the zodiac – are at one or other positions upon the generic fixed cross.

This “new world” is the Age of Aquarius – a sign of the fixed cross that a large proportion of Humanity is “mounting” en masse, after treading the way of the mutable cross for countless aeons. Saturn will condition the first 720 years of this first decanate of Aquarius from 2,117 onward (till 2,837), but its influence is already available for those sensitive enough to respond:

“Humanity is beginning to mount the Fixed Cross of the disciple, thus reversing its progress upon the circle of the Zodiac. Humanity—as a whole and owing to the large proportion of aspirants and thinking idealists—is entering Aquarius, via the open door of Saturn.”44

Jupiter is the esoteric ruler of Aquarius, symbolising the waters of Love-Wisdom. The world server of Aquarius pours forth from the urn held upon the shoulder. There is some Saturn symbolism here, in the saying, “to shoulder responsibility” – bearing in mind that Saturn rules the first decanate of Aquarius. (Saturn was also the ruler of Aquarius before Uranus was discovered.)

Jupiter’s  rulership provides a deeper understanding of Aquarius with its seemingly conflicting attributes – scientist, inventor, technology, revolutionary, occultist (Uranus rulership), versus the philanthropist, humanitarian, social worker, healer and teacher (Jupiter). Jupiter and Uranus as rulers of Aquarius are:

“Planets of beneficent consummation. The second ray of love and the seventh ray which fuses spirit and matter “to the ultimate glory” of the solar Logos – are in the fullest eventual cooperation.”45 Jupiter as ruler of Aquarius is, “The fusion of heart and mind, which is the subjective purpose of manifestation.”46

Signs of Christ (Nicholas Roerich)

Hence, on 20-12-20, the formidable combination of these planets in the first degree of Aquarius (for the first time in 800 years) – will be continuing and consolidating the current 2020 Saturn-Pluto initiated Renaissance, on its 500-year cycle.

The Saturn-Jupiter cycle was prominent at the birth of Jesus, who was overshadowed by The Christ in that life. The Christ is due to return among Humanity once more, some time after 2025, to complete the work started some 2,000 years ago in ancient Palestine:

“The sign of the Messiah’s coming is the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the sign Pisces … Kepler [astronomer] states as a positive fact that at the moment of the Incarnation (of Christ) all the planets were in conjunction in the sign Pisces … the constellation of the Messiah.”47

Christ as the Redeemer of Man (William Blake)

That conjunction was in 7 BC, one of the speculated years among astrologers for the birth of Jesus. A co-worker writes,

“Can we infer from these patterns and apply the higher model in coordination that the sign of the Messiah in Aquarius may occur when Saturn and Jupiter are in conjunction in Aquarius?”48

Most probably – but it could be much later than observers surmise or hope for. The Hierarchy’s decision during the great 2025 conclave about the timing of Their externalisation, is subject to where Humanity is at that time – and the decisions Humanity has made of its own free will.

Given the fact that Hierarchy will meet at the 2025 conclave to decide a date to externalise, many arrangements must be made. The externalising of many of the Master’s ashrams will occur, to pave the way in public life for the appearance of various Masters, let alone the final culmination – the Christ who will take the rare option of incarnating in a physical form again:

Original trigon depiction by the astronomer-astrologer, Johannes Kepler.

“The Christ has not yet decided what type of physical vehicle He will employ should He take physical form and work definitely upon the physical plane. He waits to see what nation or group of nations do the most work, and the most convincing work, in preparation for His reappearance.”49

Interesting statement, what nations come to mind? The Masters have not been present physically or “permanently” among Humanity since the ancient days of Atlantis, except for the odd period in history for a brief time, such as during the lives of the Buddha and Christ, the European Renaissance etc. Hence, although there is “no time to lose”, there is also no rush – careful planning must precede the Externalisation.

Those members of the esoteric portion of world servers, who are currently incarnate in the latter part of their lives, will need time to finish this life and reincarnate again. There are of course, many on the other side of the veil ready to, or who are reincarnating now – who will be pioneering a momentum of preparation.

Astrological and ray cycles must also be taken into consideration – and the beginning of the “airy trigon” (the three air signs) in 2020 is no exception. The first conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius will be on December 20, 2020 – just hours before the solstice.

The next conjunction of these planets in an air sign will be in Libra in 2040; the following conjunction in 2060 will be in Gemini. Then a new airy trigon will begin in 2080, with Saturn and Jupiter conjunct in Aquarius again; 2100 in Libra and 2120 in Gemini.

Therefore, taking into consideration all these factors, the Externalisation of the Hierarchy might be closer to 2080 and 2100 – than 2025. The sun precesses astronomically into the first degree of Aquarius in 2,117 – and the last Saturn-Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius before that date occurs in 2080, 55 years after 2025. The conjunction is very close to the Aries full moon festival of 2080, and sees Aquarius co-ruler Uranus, also in this sign, conjunct Jupiter and Saturn – a most auspicious date!

Aquarius and the Pole Star
2,080 and 2,117 are both important dates – and standing between these two dates is March 24, 2100 – when the north pole star Polaris, will align most closely with Earth’s north celestial pole:

“Polaris—The Star of Direction—governing Shamballa. Esoterically speaking, the Pole Star is regarded as the “star of re-orientation” whereby the art of “refacing and recovering that which is lost” is developed … A further factor in cyclic computation lies in the effect of … The Pole Star, especially where our planet is concerned.”50

Energy from the pole star is transmitted through the gateway of Aquarius, facilitating the return of the Hierarchy and the onset of the Aquarian cycle proper:

“The influence which emanates from the Pole Star … such a potent factor in our solar system, reaches our planet via the sign Aquarius. The reasons will be noted if the student bears in mind the significance of water as a symbol of the emotions, which are but a lower manifestation of love-desire.

Aquarius is a force centre from which the adept draws the “water of life” and carries it to the multitude. This force from the Pole Star, via Aquarius, is of special power at this time and the day of opportunity is therefore great. It is one of the agencies which make the coming of the Great Lord a possibility.”51

The dates of 2080 and 2100 were mentioned as an ideal time astrologically for the Externalisation of the Hierarchy. Should those dates not transpire because of a delay through Humanity’s choosing, then it will only be a matter of one or two centuries:

“Much of the success in the coming momentous years is dependent upon the work done by all who may be affiliated (even slightly) with the New Group of World Servers … the prophesied end is inevitable … the margin of difference will also be only between one hundred and three hundred years. The impulse towards synthesis is now too strong to be long delayed.”52

Hence, despite misgivings about the seemingly insurmountable problems this planet faces today, the Hierarchy are confident that the Planetary Plan will eventually proceed! In summary, the following table has been created to track these cycles:

Phillip Lindsay © 2006, 2020.

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The Shamballa Impacts

Masters of the Seven Rays

Los Maestros De Los Siete Rayos

Soul Cycles Seven Rays I

Soul Cycles Seven Rays II

Soul Cycles Seven Rays III

Soul Cycles Seven Rays IV

Soul Cycles Seven Rays V

Destiny Races & Nations I

Destiny Races & Nations II

Destiny Races & Nations III

Destiny Races & Nations IV

Destiny Races & Nations V

Hidden History of Humanity I

Initiations of Krishnamurti

Songs to Varuna

Unveiling Genesis

TWO NEW VIDEOS

Esoteric Astrology

Hidden History of Humanity

1. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.792. [↩]
2. The Mahatma Letters, A.P. Sinnet. Letter #90. [↩]
3. The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Alice A. Bailey. p.567. [↩]
4. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.409. [↩]
5. Discipleship in the New Age II, Alice A. Bailey. p.425. [↩]
6. The Secret Doctrine II, H.P. Blavatsky. p.435. [↩]
7. Unveiling Genesis: Mysteries of the Rootraces and Cycles, Phillip Lindsay. Apollo Publishing, 2017. [↩]
8. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.446. [↩]
9. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.1039. [↩]
10. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.26. [↩]
11. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.165. [↩]
12. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.1039. [↩]
13. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.82. [↩]
14.  Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.220. [↩]
15. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.83. [↩]
16. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.446. [↩]
17. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.26. [↩]
18. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.266. [↩]
19. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.349. [↩]
20. The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Alice A. Bailey. p.287. [↩]
21. Discipleship in the New Age II, Alice A. Bailey. p.582. [↩]
22. The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Alice A. Bailey. p.567. [↩]
23. Unpublished letter from the Master Djwhal Khul answering the querent “R.A.”, February 1940. “RA” = Dr. Roberto Assagioli. Dr. Michael D. Robbins was one of the recipients of a few items of academic material passed to him and one other in the late 1980’s by the last surviving member of Alice Bailey’s group just before her death. The School for Esoteric Studies in North Carolina has been a custodian of the same material and everything of significance has been released to students of the Tibetan in various ways – through articles and commentary over the years. [↩]
24. The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Alice A. Bailey. p.567. [↩]
25. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.82. [↩]
26. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.82. [↩]
27. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.410. [↩]
28. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.410. [↩]
29. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.86. [↩]
30. Problems of Humanity, Alice A. Bailey. p.81. [↩]
31. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.349. [↩]
32. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.415. [↩]
33. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.238. [↩]
34. The Rays and the Initiations, Alice A. Bailey. p.234. [↩]
35. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.285. [↩]
36. Macquarie Dictionary. [↩]
37. The Rays and the Initiations, Alice A. Bailey. p.255. [↩]
38. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.409. [↩]
39. Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.9. [↩]
40. Email from astrologer Niklas Nihlen in a discussion group. [↩]
41. The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice A. Bailey. p.87. [↩]
42. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.148. [↩]
43. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.148. [↩]
44. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.283. [↩]
45. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.201. [↩]
46. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.139. [↩]
47. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.678. [↩]
48. The Planetary System. Antonella Nobilio. [↩]
49. The Rays and the Initiations, Alice A. Bailey. p.705. [↩]
50. Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. pp.196-7. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p.795. [↩]
51. A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, p.1263. [↩]
52. Esoteric Psychology I, Alice A. Bailey. p.368. [↩]