Mars is an anagram of Rams, a hint of the sacrificial nature of the planet. But the energy of Mars first splits family associations in order to free individuals from karmic ties caused by previous lifetimes together.

Jesus’ Baptism

Mars symbolises the second initiation, Baptism. In Jesus’ case, the baptism was the start of his ministry which appears to be his destiny.

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the tongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descend on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well-pleased.”

Anointing

But we must remember that behind or beneath the image of Baptism is the esoteric version, Anointing, which according to the author of Jung and the Lost Gospels is another inner process:

Anointing (in modern times called confirmation) is the second initiatory sacrament. Water is used to wash, oil is employed to seal. Oil, when ignited, burns and is thus associated with the element of fire, whereas baptism is associated with water. These two elements have traditionally been regarded by the ancients as the primary polarity, which when conjoined produced wholeness. Thus the following saying becomes meaningful:

The soul and the spirit entered existence from water and fire. The child of the bride-chamber came into being by these and the Light. The fire is the chrism, the light is fire, the light also is formless, we speak not of it, but of the other whose form is white, which is of the light and beautiful and bestows beauty. (66)

Division?

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division {a sword}. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:49-53)

Again, why the number five? Was he hinting at some connection? There seems to be something symbolic going on, but we will have to wait until the chapter on Venus before we can adequately explore the possibilities. In the meantime, all I can do is discuss another connection with John the Baptist, which may be indicative of the Mars energy in Jesus’ birth chart. The fact that Mars is at the ‘death point’ of 17° Aquarius strengthens the “purpose” of his chart. Remember what I said about his birth date adding up to 17 and these two digits combining to make 8?

The Star

In TAROT: A New Handbook for the Apprentice, Eileen Connolly discusses the card 17, The Star: This beautiful symbol {a naked female is pouring water into a pond and onto the ground simultaneously from two pitchers; above her head are eight stars} indicates the future accomplishment of goals presently being developed.

In esoteric terms, 17, The Star, is connected to Aquarius by virtue of the symbol of the water-bearer pouring (spiritual) water upon the earth. But the author of TAROT then goes on to share a meditation of the card with the reader:

Trying to comprehend the universal consciousness, we must recognize that it is far beyond our own understanding. We cannot possibly comprehend the intellect of the Superconsciousness with our earthly minds. Consequently, we must learn to pierce the darkness by submitting ourselves completely to the God force. We must go to the source without question, for we could not understand the answer. By submitting our spirits to the Heavenly Spirit, we will lose our petty desires and earthly concerns. The first part of the heavenly journey will make us aware of our own individuality, and by concentrating on the pure essence of life, we will merge slowly and beautifully with the God force. As this miracle of true belonging takes place, we will become stronger and stronger — the universal forces will absorb every atom of our being. In this journey of consciousness, we will touch the mercy of God and experience for a short time the true meaning of LOVE. As we progress, we will also know the true meaning of pain. In all our meditations using the Star as our spiritual focus, we will arrive back at earthly consciousness more aware and thankful for the many blessings that have been given to us.

This imagery makes perfect sense when one remembers that Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the higher octave (8 again) of Mercury, the Mind power as manifest on Earth. And yet, we cannot say we have experienced life in full until we have learned to love and then feel the pain of loss of that love.

Well, there’s more, but we will have to combine two biblical stories together which are connected by their continuing narrative.

Picture Credits

To be continued.

Linked pages: The Star of Bethlehem: Introduction (part 1)
The Star of Bethlehem: Introduction (part 2)
The Star of Bethlehem: Chapter 1 – Prologue
The Refiner’s Fire

Picture credits:
Jesus’ Baptism courtesy of http://www.onelightcommunity.com;
Came to Bring Fire to Earth courtesy of http://www.rejoiceministries.org;
The Star courtesy of Building Beautiful Souls.