Someone in a Facebook group wrote: “I struggle with anger and flashes of great compassion.” In a sense, this comment of self-honesty is one where traditional and esoteric astrology converge.

Astrology is a science of energy. Energies demonstrate, manifest, and theatrically display. Energies also converge, coordinate, ripen, and express as causes, conditions, and effects or results. Anger and compassion have a common energy underneath them: that of caring. Anger arises because one cares intensely about something, while compassion expresses equal care about everything and everyone. With the discovery that caring is the root cause of both anger and compassion, one can manage how best to express this root energy. Esoteric astrology explores this, and Mars in one’s chart -by placement and aspects- is where one would look for a “struggle with anger and flashes of great compassion.” Mars will be taken up in its own article in a couple of days, but, to set the stage for that, the three levels of rulership in esoteric astrology must be explained.

The gifts that esoteric astrology can offer one through including it in one’s interpretation require that one has first fully explored one’s chart using the traditional rulers and its level of interpretation. Esoteric astrology does not replace traditional astrology, nor is it “better than” traditional. All that esoteric astrology has to offer stands firmly on the bedrock of traditional. Similarly, one must perceive and acknowledge the Achille’s heel qualities, default patterns, as well as ego preferences and avoidances that a traditional interpretation can illumine. In addition, traditional astrology points at the karma being worked with, being brought forward into the life, and transits traditionally read and examined are generally right-on regarding the ways in which the higher self and the daily personal self continue to not see eye to eye. The personality will try to win every time, unless one is well-established on the spiritual path of transformation and growth.

One primary mechanism of distinction within esoteric astrology is that there are three levels of rulership rather than one. They are traditional, esoteric, and hierarchical. Each is a turn of the spiral of meaning and quality. Traditional is just that and is used in the foundational way of traditional astrology. Furthermore, the esoteric and hierarchical rulerships cannot be understood or worked toward without the traditional understanding and the wisdom that it can provide.

The second level of ruler is esoteric. It is classically related to the soul expression of the planet. Unto itself, this is quite a jump in the character of the planet. Soul is light, soul is self-less, soul is higher in vibration and expression. It is refined, non-self-referencing, other-focused, kind, ethical, wide-minded, and true. With these words in mind, one can imagine the stepping up that an esoteric ruler is signaling in the chart of the native. It is that of the stretch of character building, detachment, altruism, genuineness, and integrity in the person. One’s karma, default patterns, and sense of self will see-saw between the traditional expressions of the planets together with their aspects and those of the esoteric. If one is professed to the spiritual path, and one has esoteric rulers in the chart, they can be quite a nag! They will also be the angel on shoulder, the voice in one’s mind, and the truth of being always present and shining light on each moment as the Path.

Hierarchical rulership signals the highest expression of both the planet and sign. Planets in their royal role have the opportunity and duty to express their exemplary qualities. Doing so, the planet brings forward not only the excellence of itself but also of the sign it hierarchically rules. A person is fortunate to have a hierarchical ruler in his or her horoscope (chart). It points directly to a set of characteristics that the higher self is focused upon in this life: focused in order that these qualities be more vibrantly expressed as well as mined for all that they can provide to others. The native is being asked to valiantly step into Being. This is a categorical evolutionary leap, not simply a stretch. If one has an esoteric or hierarchical ruler and does not or cannot live them in their higher vibrating demonstrations, the karma of living them in a low or coarse fashion is exact and swift.

Registrations are still open for my upcoming esoteric astrology program: The Planets as esoteric rulers and what they reveal in your chart. This is the second online astrology course this year. The first focused on traditional astrology, as well as the fullness of understanding oneself, and of one’s life that it can provide. The students gained great insight through learning how to explore their charts and, thus, examine themselves. As one said, ” I am so grateful to you for offering this class. The delivery of information, extra side notes on each participant’s chart, your sincere interest in each of us, your dedication; all of these were an inspiration. Looking forward to the April/May classes.”

The six-week online course begins Monday, April 16 at 8 pm ET. The advantage of online courses is that the day and time of the live class is optimum if one can attend, but if not, all materials including video webcast of each session is sent to the students. So, if you have traditional astrology background and want to deepen your understanding of yourself, your chart, and your path as an evolving human being, take this six-week course. The homework is optional, but also is the only way that you will learn. I respond to all homework, even when it is not “on time.”

• The Planets as esoteric rulers and what they reveal in your chart
• Begins Monday, April 16 at 8 pm for six weeks
• Tuition: $90. This includes all charts, course materials, webcast of all class sessions, and my interaction with everyone’s charts.
• Registration: click here.