Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

The bow represents the psychological foundation made by Satum for the
spiritual unfoldment of the individual. The bow is the base from which the
missile is shot. Much inner and outer reorientation is imperative for the
growth and blossoming of spiritual consciousness. Only on a carefully
prepared foundation can the Divine aspiration represented by the arrow
succeed. Saturn is the most spiritualizing planet in the sense that it
effectively prepares its students for inner awakening. Often this means
denial of all material comfort, but sometimes by granting the conveniences
of life and freeing the individual from mundane care and anxieties, Saturn
enables the individual to explore the deeper levels of his nature.
Surgical skill, expertize in medicinal herbs for healing complicated ailments,
as well as insight into Divine mysteries are produced by Saturn, Like a good
surgeon, Saturn is more concerned with the long-term welfare of the
individual rather than short-term palliation. It is concerned with curing rather
than covering the ailment. How Saturn brings about this preparation for
spiritual unfoldment is hard to see, but it provides it in the most effective
manner so that the eradication of material attachment is lasting. Saturn is not
concerned with enabling the individual to see the ultimate destiny awaiting
him, rather it pushes him in that direction so that his onward journey is made
possible and becomes unavoidable. Even if the individual is not aware of the
necessary adjustments made in his psyche it does not matter for Saturn as
long as it has prepared the strong foundation from which sliding back is
difficult.
The bestowal of blessings emphasizes the benevolence of Saturn.
Confidence in Saturn and surrender to him are the two most effective means
of securing his benediction. Saturn is ready to bestow blessings even during
periods of arduous preparations and unbearable pain. By reposing
confidence in the benevolence of the deity and surrendering oneself to the
will of the planet, much pain is relieved and the unfoldment process is
quickened.
The vulture as the vehicle of Saturn has the obvious reference to death
through the dead bodies on which it subsists. However the feathered tribe, of
which the present day vultures are descendents, has a deeper significance.
The vulture or bird of prey is present as a symbol in many ancient teachings
like the Zoroaslrian, the Gnostic, the Egyptian and the Vedic. In Hindu
mythology, this feathered tribe of birds takes birth from the Sage Kashyapa,
one of the seven progenitors of the universe. In some legends he antedates
even Brahma, the cosmic creator. Among his forty renowned sons, Garuda is
the most important. Garuda became the vehicle of Vishnu, the preserver of