PERSEUS, with the wings of thought on his feet, the helmet of courage on his head, armed with the sword of righteousness, protected by the shield of beneficence, and holding the blood-dripping head of Medusa in one hand,pictures the third decanate of Aries. The sub-rulership of Jupiter diverts the aggressive energies somewhat into religious and philosophical channels.
Consequently, this Sagittarius division of Aries has vast spiritual possibilities when its natives espouse some progressive line of thought, or use their restless never-failing energy in protection of the weak. Perseus gained renown through his daring exploits in relieving oppression. And even as he severed the head of the Gorgon Medusa, which turned to stone all who gazed upon it, so the people of this decanate have the power to destroy the crystallizing influence of licentiousness, and like the David-version of the same tradition, cut off the head of the Goliath of selfish greed. They may become the valiant heroes who wage a successful fight against the sordid conditions that oppress civilized life. In the philosophical field of endeavor they find a useful work in releasing Andromeda, the human soul, which all too often is found chained to the rock of materialism to be devoured by lust and envy.
Of those born with the Sun in this decanate I may mention the pioneer Theosophist, Win. Q. Judge. As expressing the Mentality in this section of the heavens, George Sand, world’s greatest authoress, and spiritualizer of common sights, is a fitting example. And Dr. Rajendra Lal, whose antiquarian and research work are known far beyond his native country, India, has his Personality polarized in this decanate, which was on the Ascendant at his birth. It is the decanate of PROPAGANDA.
C. C. Zain
Agrippa’s Description of the Decan:
Figure of a white man, pale, with reddish hair, and cloathed with a red garment, who carrying on the one hand a golden Bracelet, and holding forth a wooden staff, is restless, and like one in wrath, because he cannot perform that good he would. This image bestoweth wit, meekness, joy and beauty.
4 of Wands – Perfected Work:
Perfection or completion of a thing built up with trouble and labour. Rest after labour, subtlety, cleverness, beauty, mirth, success in completion. Reasoning faculty, conclusions drawn from previous knowledge. Unreadiness, unreliable and unsteady through over-anxiety and hurriedness of action. Graceful in manner, at times insincere, etc.
Number: 4
Card Title: Four of Wands
Esoteric Title: Lord of Perfected Work
Numerical Keywords: 4: Stability, Kindness, Grace
Numerical Attributions: Jupiter, Blue, World, South
Intelligence: Receiving and Containing Intelligence
Element: Fire (hot, dry)
Elemental Keywords: Energy, Action, Inception
Elemental Attributions: South, Summer, Noon
Astrological Attribution: Venus in Aries
Dates & Timing: April 11 to April 20
Qabalistic World: Chesed in Atziluth
Translation of World: The Mercy of Nobility
Suit Color: Wands-Red
Keywords: marriage, home, settlement, family bonds, heath, happiness, harmony, celebration
Ill-Dignified:Unready, Unreliable, Hasty Action, non-committed relationship. Lack in Pleasure, Tarnished Beauty.
Interpretation: Relax and enjoy the rewards. Homecoming, Reunion. The strength and stability of a committed relationship. The ships have come in.
Reversed Interpretation: Lack in Pleasure. Shaky relationships. The desire for material security and status has created a conflict with the need for action and creative expression.
Alan Leo: This denotes the probability of some travel, and will very likely bring an opportunity of going abroad, or of taking some very long journeys. This ascendant brings a somewhat philosophical and religious frame of mind, and marks the advent of loftier views; and it will probably awaken in the native a desire to investigate some of the deeper problems and inner mysteries relating to consciousness and the future: at least, this should be the state of his mind. To those who are as yet unawakened it will cause a more rebellious spirit and a tendency to go against established law and order; but even this will have its good side, for it will tend to stir up the nature to action until a realisation of true law and order comes as the result of the mental activities. If the directions are very evil there will be danger of legal troubles if any dispute or contention should arise; but otherwise this ascendant gives promise of a more fortunate period commencing.