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@ 25 the degree of synthesis.
Pisces, the Two Fish
A faint constellation of the equatorial region of the sky, just north of Aquarius and Cetus that can be found rising in the evening sky during fall. Pisces, the Fish, appears in the sky between October and December in the Northern Hemisphere, the circle of fishes lies just south of the 'Great Square' of Pegasus. There are 21 main stars in the Pisces constellation. The major stars of Pisces are Alrisha and Fum al Samakah [492 light years from us]. The spiral galaxy M74 is in Pisces.
The creatures inhabiting the water, air, and earth were held in veneration by all races of antiquity. Realizing that physical bodies are only symbols of invisible forces, the ancients worshipped the Divine Power through the lower kingdoms of Nature, because those less evolved and more simply constituted creatures responded most readily to the creative impulses of the gods. The sages of old studied living things to a point of realization that God is most perfectly understood through a knowledge of His supreme handiwork – animate and inanimate Nature.
-Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages
History of the Constellation Pisces
During the Piscean Era, this star group is pictured as two dolphins connected by a silver cord or ribbon which runs through Aries and Aquarius. The original drawings of this constellation had both fish swimming together as a pair. The image was based on a story taken from Greek and Roman mythology. When Typhon invaded Olympus single-handedly, the Gods fled by shapeshifting into animals. Aphrodite and Eros (love, principal of attraction, the arts) were cornered on the beach by Typhon and escaped by changing their forms into fishes. Typhon was eventually defeated by the Gods led by Athena and buried underground by Zeus.
Another version of this myth says two dolphins appeared to carry Aphrodite and Eros to safety. This myth could be an exoteric (pedestrian) version of the apocalyptic ‘woman and child’ under attack, requiring the altruistic defender who is without personal and worldly ambition [the rescuer, an archetype closely linked with the sign Pisces]. "In love there can be no fear, but fear is driven out by perfect love." Red, white, and black in symbolism implies charismatic heroism. Our earlier symbols for Pisces* circa third century B.C., refer to a man-fish 'Oannes', the first sage to help the human race rebuild after the great flood.
Today the fish are drawn facing each other, tied by a cord, suggesting both fish approach the present moment from opposite directions. One fish moves to the present moment coming from the past, the other fish approaches present time from the future. Ideally, they meet in the ‘now’. Neptune and Poseidon, ruler of the oceans and global consciousness, represent the higher octave of Venus-Aphrodite, spiritualized Eros. The modern day depiction of the two fish seeks to emphasize one of the mystical gifts associated with an opened brow center - foresight. The Monad is tied into global consciousness, a higher octave connection we enjoy during a level 8 sleep state.
Pisces is the twelfth and 'last' sign of the zodiac, as Aries is the first. It is a significant constellation today, in that the Vernal Equinox lies within Pisces today. Symbols are represented as the watery part of fire. Love of the sea and marine life are found in the daily activities of the Piscean native - usually in the arts, hobbies, or meditative practices. Inspiration can be drawn from sources that represent our return to the great ocean from which all life evolved, and where all boundaries are dissolved. Reflect on Tolkien, the Land in the West, and his love of celestial navigation that reaches out to the stars and binds the sea to heaven. Listen to Debussy’s LA MER and read Dauphine du Maurier’s haunting story about THE LOVING SPIRIT. The Fishes further impart the desire to sweep tranquil waters with dragnets and to display on shores all that dwells beneath the waves.Traditional symbols for watery Pisces reiterate universal bonds beneath the abyss, especially reflective of emotional and spiritual depth, such as 'The Unbroken Chain,' and Tibetan Culture House, co-created for the new Aquarian Age of enlightenment. The Age of Enlightenment is another name for the Aquarian Age or The Aeon of the Child. The foundation is the connection children have with civil society – all laws will be designed to support and guarantee the rights of the universal child.
left, 1999 photo by Alan Hess
The dream-weaver facet of Neptune, ruler of the astrosome (dream environment) and 'sea of possibilities,' ushers into life a boundless imagination that leads to the appreciation of finer things. Native American dream-catcher symbols were favored during Phil's tour with Bob Dylan and his band in 2000. (See Gemini Moon below.) The power of the personality firmly establishes the character, so the native is known as an amiable ‘man of few words.’
Jamyang Lama and Phil coordinated with Gyoto Monk Thuptin Jugney to bring Eastern song to the Marin community.
Ponce de Leon’s fountain of youth mirrors Pisces’ search for eternal treasure, spiritual grace garnered within the material, created realm. Although symbols drawn from the element of water usually apply, such as the anchor, fountain, sound of the rain and river flowing to the sea, spiritual love is often expressed through music.
Combined with a natural gift for the stage, history will appreciate the mystic mojo of Rudolph Steiner, responsible for the resurrected ‘eurythmy’ – a ritual dance originally performed in ancient temples. Naturally, Phil’s music inspires a spontaneous collaboration between the band and dancing ‘deadheads,’ swirling, spinning and wandering outside the transitory, as an art form unto itself.
On a parallel note, Terrapin Station, a stalled dream project originally envisioned by the whole Grateful Dead collective, may prove as elusive as the lost chord, Shangra-la or a perfect pot of tea. Regardless of sabotage and secret enemies, the bold and nervy Piscean believes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Imagination, idealism, and empathy are fine-blended with a profound respect and inexhaustible love for all created beings. Pisces improvisation often compensates for any inconvenience cooked up by devious rivals – natives are able to transform circumstances as if throwing wet clay on the potter’s wheel.
The symbol for the Piscean Era, the constellation Pisces is associated with the name 'Christ,' anciently represented as a dolphin. Other sympathetic symbols are rainbows, the unicorn, peacock, lapis lazuli and many more. The suggestion of profound relationships and deep level perception is expanded via Pisces to represent astute awareness of the ‘great ocean’ ~ Jung’s collective unconscious, aka the ‘Joyous Cosmology’ that served as 60s culture-based blueprints.
Pisces is considered to be global because the sign rules the seas and oceans that cover most of this planet, whales and large fish inhabiting them ‘under the surface’ and collective unconscious themes. Phil Lesh has always been drawn to storylines that favor the evolution of universal frequencies and their musical sub-text melody. Star chart Venus and Mars are clothed by Taurus. It’s zodiacal expressions often empower those with determination to act as the practical and competent business manager. In Tarot, a business mindset representation of social planets in earthy Taurus could be the Prince of Disks. He is sometimes drawn with a symbol of Earth, a cross in the center of a circle. The idea of ‘central strength’ aligns with an Ansel Adams visual of a tall tree that grows atop the sacred mountain. While the sturdy tree provides shade, it’s example of steadfastness, the slow and imperceptible growth cycle that benefits the surrounding environment, serves to inspire all who see it.
It should be noted Pisces was anciently given to Jupiter, the Philosophic Urge, before the discovery of Neptune. In the charts of 25 composers analyzed by computer, Neptune was prominent in 100% of the charts, indicating fine feeling and fertile imagination in all of them. Phil's Mars blended with Neptune suggests the creative energy and personal magnetism found in 100% of the conductors' charts analyzed in these studies. Tarot Trump XII is usually allocated to planet influence of Neptune or his sign Pisces, representing 'The Dying Water God.' This is considered a primary archetypal model during the Piscean Era, (for men, 'The Insider' and for women, 'Silkwood') although we are only now dusting off the original prayers and themes' in their first delivered form.
The original script of the Piscean era has been one of several prime considerations within our alternative culture overview. Many lyrics penned and recorded by such performers as The Dead (also lyricist Robert Hunter on his own) and Dylan witness the pace of these functional concepts/blueprints as they return to our waking collective consciousness. An amazingly quick and thorough reader, Phil is frequently inspired by the writing of Aldous Huxley as well as Heinlein.
Creatively dramatic Pisces is well represented in every form, genre and venue designed to embrace music. Built to last, Phil Lesh musical standards are based on a background cultivated via study of music theory and appreciation. Lesh still loves playing in the band! Shepherding his own group now – Phil & Friends - he reaps honor and bonus treasures for fresh contributions simultaneously with recognition for collaborative efforts in The Dead.
As a composer/musician and businessman, Lesh is a competent, passionately determined spokesperson for endangered students in school music programs. The Pisces native is often transformed if called to crusade for a worthy cause (see recent Crusader Rabbit logo @ The Unbroken Chain page.) The Grateful Dead often rallied in defense of public schools, so Phil is no stranger to the smoke and mirrors approach featured within sophisticated accounting techniques. His progressed chart for 2002 emphasizes this character trait even more than usual. Jupiter enters Taurus to join his Sun, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Juno and TransNeptunian aspect. See Jupiter @ Heartwarmers.Linda Goodman writes, "If you should happen to see a Pisces behind a teller’s cage, or sitting at a bank president’s desk, you’ll be viewing a rare kind of fish. Very few of these people can stand being confined for long in one place. You’ll have better luck if you wander into a spiritual séance, visit an art gallery, walk through a convent or a monastery, attend a concert or catch a floor show in a nightclub. You might check an Authors’ League meeting, drop backstage after a play, or try some sunbathing on a yacht.
The chances are you’ll come up with a pretty good catch in any of those streams of life. The more creative and artistic, the more leisurely and esoteric the surroundings, the more fish you’ll find. The net will be full of olorful, shimmering types, if you spread it out at cocktail parties or gala balls…"
-Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs
Meditative vision: Pisces natives observe all the world to be a stage for each player, rightly prepared, to assume their role in the great symphony!
On the topic of options, Pisces is a free-flowing river and sponsor of broad band experience over negative reinforcement programs. Phil’s poetic KPFA radio format could easily include:
Beethoven, Caruso and Chopin (both Pisces) with John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk, to new age experimentation of John Cage and Tom Constanten.
Phil’s audience never quite knows what he’s going to do. KPFA expected to be grateful for their weekly ride. They were not disappointed.
Carrying on a desire to recurrently roam sound’s full spectrum range, The Grateful Dead Hour perpetuates much of Phil’s tradition. Weekly broadcasting hosted by David Gans features remarkable compilations of Dead festivals and events. The idea of public radio is not completely Dead yet –if listeners want more they must cognize on the fact that ‘The River’ and other such shows evaporate each month. Be aware! It is evident that radio stations respond to pressure.
Pisces rules Hollywood – both the big and little screen. Water signs govern any aspect of the astrosome, including the dream vehicle or astral body. A 'watered down version' of this field may be projected for mainstream techniques. Mystery dramas and healing plays are aligned in a separate catagory, but certainly no one has missed the connection between Haight-Ashbury psychedelia and ancient 'Golden Age' festival rites. Our mod world of glam-glitter takes on new themes as demands change with the times. Illusion, fantasy and security guaranteed with an ongoing story (soaps, mini-series, weekly episodes with popular players) appeal to romantic Pisces. Impressionistic natives easily take the role of a primeval looking couch potato if caught without a working agenda.
Some film inspirations: Underwater treasure is governed by Neptune and Pisces, so 'Splash,' 'Fool's Gold,' ‘The Yellow Submarine,’ and ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’ are favorites. Eastwood's recent 'Hereafter' is spot on if you're in the mood for a sobering approach to soul mates and altered states of consciousness. So is Cameron's 'Avatar' for that matter. Pisces vocations span a wide range: avatar driver, world server, global consciousness, and ministering professions that require empathy, perception and intuition.
Psychedelic 60s were known for Piscean-Neptune themes: ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,’ 'The King of Hearts' and 'Juliet of the Spirits.' Check the 60s movie quiz to find how you rate as a counter-culture film critic.
Phoenix films are often linked with Neptune and Pisces, as for 'Noah,' 'A Very Good Year', and ‘A Beautiful Mind’, with Russell Crowe; note how his Neptune contributes to your ‘must see’ list.
Adventure often involves multi-dimensional scenarios, as with ‘Time Bandits,’ ‘Dreamscape,’ and the film ‘Steppenwolf.' Herman Hesse's classic book is a favorite of Phil's, the perfect blend of Pisces (I Believe) and Aries (I AM) on the transitional bridge where both signs combine dynamic energy. Pisces is discriminating and sensitive in application of colour and accessories, often with full use of a sensorium featuring both the sixth and seventh sense. Rites and ritual are common to all water signs (Moonchild, Scorpio and Pisces) - Bill Graham's New Year's extravaganza reveals The Grateful Dead in peak form, a ritual carried on by Phil & Friends, Ratdog and others. The Dead are renown for their 'pre-show ritual' - an indulgent, yet firmly planted routine for relaxation before taking the stage. Another calming device for Pisces is the cool, soothing amethyst. This gemstone is said to heal and comfort sufferers from stress and psychosomatic problems. The ancients recommended amethyst for several curative purposes, particularly its tendency to change colour when placed near poisoned food. Traditionally, the Holy Grail itself was carved from amethyst.
Close to Thanksgiving 2002, Mars is poised to offset Phil's progressed Jupiter (0 Taurus) square Pluto (0 Leo) and intercede with intractable people. Adventures are on the horizon, with an expansive window of opportunity for new, cutting-edge, experimental tasks.
Phil may be compelled to answer the call to go forward with a daredevil project, but the interest could be based on whimsy and wit. Phil’s 2002 Mars has progressed to the verge of the Moon’s intuitive, clan oriented garment - Cancer, or Moonchild. Spirit takes on an innovative point of view that has tremendous passion, though Mars in this watery sign is sometimes subject to moods. The good news ushered in by Mars as a herald is mainly related to risk-taking.
Phil’s new Mars moves with a wish to revise procedures and enhance sketchy designs to more effectively motivate others. Confidence in a well-defined plan can downplay other people’s need to ‘prove’ something. Modification in Phil’s deeply spiritual vision can offset a difficult square in his ‘Phil and Friends’ incarnation that has sometimes attracted ‘fair-weather’ friends and soft shoe shufflers.
Some type of unexpected metamorphosis may be in the cards during early 2003, when the new vibe takes hold. Careful assessment of a now-wavering situation, from every angle, will provide an accurate idea of realistic demands. In the past this type of specific information has not been a constant. Mars forecasts several make-over procedures, in both professional and personal life. Tour circuits are up for reorganization, but the new agenda and economic rules will relax other problems and appeal to anyone ‘stuck in their ways.’ Studio location and set up could be transformed. New trajectories alter some facets of the present 2001 vision, especially variation within delivery style. It will be simple for people on deck to compromise, unite and mobilize in support of any new game plan. Life at home may change with new landscape creations or projected interiors could return to the drawing board.
Phil’s Moon in the sign of The Twins
explores possible variations and diversity to make up the whole along the lines of an aesthetic Vulcan sage. Interpretative music is linked to Mercury via mythology, tradition and science. In the physical anatomy, Mercury governs the nerve in the wrist responsible for automatic writing, dowsing, and a variety of additional oracular techniques. In 'The Matrix' this skill is expanded to the fine art of turning chocolate chip cookies, a legit ad lib for oracles who work in the flicks. (Throwing dice has also been allocated to Mercury, perhaps more in keeping with his roles as the 'God of Theives' & 'God of Commerce.' See Mercury's Children for a multitude of improvisational musicians linked to Mercury through his signs Gemini and Virgo - Peter Albin, Bob Dylan, and Paul McCartney to name only three.) Exoteric desires include a busy, varied life, through which it is possible to see the world and beyond it. There is satisfaction when he can be of service.
Phil is always drawn toward forging a balance between the world of music and world of silence, the material and mystical, the inhaling and exhaling, the heart beating in and beating out. In Phil's star chart, Piscean empathy within Debussy and Ravel interfaces with jazz style movement, linked via impromptu Gemini. In a word, how to pronounce the cosmic "OM" and keepon track like a race car that can corner on rails. Warren Haynes is one of Phil's 'Friends' currently on tour - better each year they go out for a spin, although their tour with Dylan was none too shabby!
Cyclic revolutions can run each checkpoint like clockwork when set up by Mercury ruled signs Gemini and Virgo, both spotlighted in Phil’s star chart. His inner timing is measured to Mercury’s pace and used in musical improvisation. Its probably why Phil has always been able to run the range of musical theory from classical to jazz without missing a Beatle. Paul
The Air Triplicity (Gemini, Libra & Aquarius) rules relationships and the way we connect with our objective reality (audience) as well as the various projections we employ as represented on THE MARS HOTEL cover art. The Hermetists taught that the Moon gave the astral form, the 'Linga Sharira' the third of seven sheaths or energy envelopes, symbolized by the armor of Trump VII The Conqueror or Charioteer (attributed to Libra in many decks.) Phil relates he finds Libra (Weir's Sun Sign) is probably his true Ascendant (also the Ascendant of his God-daughter Courtney Love) so depositing the fixed Libra star governing the arts in the Ascendant of his star chart. The united extremes of Gemini and Libra (double signs) under his will provide experiences such as ‘Space’ and ‘Dark Star’ ~ both considered timeless mainstays of Grateful Dead concert performances.
During Spring 1965, Jerry Garcia recruited Phil for the new group taking shape, that included folks at Hamilton House - some previous jammers from the Jugband and others studying music with Garcia at Swain’s. In his own immutable way, Garcia convinced Phil he could learn how to play bass in two weeks, if Phil felt compelled to ‘play in the band.’ Although Phil was then into such hobbies as writing his symphony for a 140 piece orchestra, he had a window into all the local venues.
Musicians coming up had an instant affinity for traditional and bluegrass music, mostly played on guitar, mandolin and banjo. Folk was huge in the Bay Area. 'Local groups make good,' was the theme. College bands like The Kingston Trio and The Lamplighters hit pay dirt and Joan Baez was poised and ready to record some of her best early work. Garcia performed locally with two different acts, one with his first wife and the second with his bluegrass buddies. Hunter and Nelson joined Garcia for a performance now and then at Palo Alto's Tangent. (Once in a while a few of the Wildwood tapes circulate on GD trade lists!)
Everyone appeared on the scene to catch both Garcia shows at The Tangent! Phil was noticeably impressed. His Sun was in Aries that year, with Jupiter (the expansive business planet and inner guru) so he was in the right frame of mind to assimilate new musical abstracts, theories and chords of a personal, challenging nature. If you're interested in transmigration of souls, the comparison between Sting and Frederic Chopin reveals the rebirthing events for both musicians could be superimposed without much indication of any difference between the two ~ signature Pisces/Aries/Libra earmarks not unlike Phil's recent 'comeback.' Eric Clapton's Sun and Mercury in Aries slow blended with his Mars in Pisces, according to an ancient family recipe, bestows full spectrum musical appreciation, the same range that is evident in Phil's star chart. Garcia’s Leo Sun found his anchor in Phil’s circumspect comprehension of music rationale, and Phil regarded his friendship with Garcia and other band members as more than a timely career opportunity. Phil’s Mars in Gemini 5 30’, formed an ideal musical conjunction with Venus, also in Gemini 5 32’ - this sign of the troubadour, somewhat a throw back to Alan a Dale, fit the perfectionist, romantic ideals of the stars of that Spring sky.
Phil’s interest in astrology during the 60s prompted him to request star charts for the band. We worked with a list of times, although some birth certificates can be off from 15 minutes to many hours; so eventually band star charts were also constructed by Gavin Arthur, bohemian star guru for beat generation’s Neal Cassady, among others. Arthur is known as perhaps the century’s best astrologer. Student of the unusual, unique and elusive side of obscure astrology, his skill ranked "perfect" for The Grateful Dead, who on discovering his San Francisco residency, happily headed over for a chat about their star charts. Read more about The Haight Ashbury.
Gavin Arthur was related to assassinated president Chester A. Arthur. He studied extensively with then Ronald Reagan, prior to his political campaign. Arthur’s ‘pet hobby’ zeroed on an unusual tension built into relationships between heavenly bodies distanced 150 degrees apart. The aspect is popularly known as the quincunx or inconjunct. Arthur was more than thrilled to open the door for the little band of merry musicians who had charts loaded up with these ‘secret keys’ to the universe.
Bobby and Phil July 20, 2001 ~ Joe Ryan, Great Woods/Mansfield MA [click Ryan Banner below for more]
The sign Libra, a central key for Phil, cloaks a mystical allure, perhaps karmic, via the fixed star Spica @ 22 degrees Libra. When this Star blends with other influences, especially by way of quincunx angles, there exists powerful magnetism as well as electrical spontaneity. Some other musicians with the dominant Spica influx are on pages about John Cipollina/Gary Duncan (see link below) The John Lennon Page, and Sting’s Stars. The magnetic mode produces repetition and ritual or routine, and may often seem predictable, on the superficial levels. However, the electric feature of this same mix of influences can also guarantee that these exact measures of factors and materials may combine routinely and never produce the same result.
Additionally, Arthur employed a peerless style for ascertaining someone’s ascendant sign. The system transcended the math most astrologers set their sights on. After the math computations, Arthur would justify left brain ascendants (the zodiacal sign coming over the horizon at the moment of birth) before delving into right brain astrology, where complete answers reside. Inquirers read his text for the ascendant determined by linear math, followed by information about the zodiacal sign preceding and following it. By the Arthur system, both Phil and Jerry determined their own ascendants, based the texts they felt were most ‘real’ for them. Bobby Weir’s nativity Sun in Libra, also near Spica, took ‘center stage’ since all band members focused on the creative arts in the garment of Libra, sign of The Scales and search for The Balance. Spica also dominates the ascendants of Puccini and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Note photographs of The Dead while on stage and its easy to see the way blocking naturally follows the psychological pattern in effect. Bob Weir will seem most comfortable between Lesh and Garcia during their performance. Additionally, Phil’s 1965 lucky aspect (quincunx!) to Mercury and Uranus (Taurus @ 20) neatly plucked him from his symphonic score and deposited him into his new rock and roll paradigm, where he plays to this day!
* Oannes - The following descriptions are taken from a history of Mesopotamia written in the third century BC by Berossus, a Babylonian priest whose work survives only in fragments recorded by later Greek historians.
- Mysteries of the Unexplained (from Robert Temple, Sirius Mystery)At Babylon there was (in these times) a great resort of people of various nations, who inhabited Chaldaea, and lived in a lawless manner like the beasts of the field. In the first year there appeared, from that part of the Erythraean sea which borders upon Babylonia, an animal destitute of reason [sic], by name Oannes, whose whole body (according to the account of Apollodorus) was that of a fish, that under the fish's head he had another head, with feet also below, similar to those of a man, subjoined to the fish's tail. His voice too, and language, was articulated and human, and a representation of him is preserved even to this day. "This Being was accustomed to pass the day among men; but took no food at that season; and he gave them an insight into letters and sciences, and arts of every kind. He taught them to construct cities, to found temples, to compile laws, and explained to them the principles of geometrical knowledge. He made them distinguish the seeds of the earth, and shewed them how to collect the fruits; in short, he instructed them in everything which could tend to soften manners and humanize their lives. From that time, nothing material has been added by way of improvement to his instructions. And when the sun had set, this Being Oannes, retired again into the sea, and passed the night in the deep; for he was amphibious. After this there appeared other animals like Oannes."
- Berossus, from Ancient Fragments (Isaac Preston Cory)
Mythology of Oannes linked to film, Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Examples of a variety of cone shaped type human skulls Ica, Peru, and Merida, Mexico.
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