Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

These predictive possibilities of Rahu emanate from the bi-polar effects of
the planet. Rahu gives deep acting results. Acting both ways, like wisdom
and poison, Rahu gives spiritual attainment, regeneration and enlightenment
with regard to Eternal Truth, as well as downfall in one's status, affliction
with malignant diseases, poisoning and decay. There is nothing in this
illusory objective world of ours that cannot be made to serve two purposes
— good or bad, help or harm (SD Vol. V,pp. 284-130). This is a universal
law well expressed by Rahu. But like natural law, Rahu's hold is so firm that,
whatever its effect, it is extremely difficult to extricate oneself from it.
In the Vedas, Rahu is invoked as a demon named Svarbhanu, who devours
the luminaries to cause the eclipse. Acording to the Aitareya Brahmana on
New Moon days, the Moon comes into a condition where Svarbhanu can
devour both the luminaries and cause a solar eclipse. After the eclipse the
Moon is reborn, having emerged from the Sun's body. The war in heaven
when the gods and the demons fought terrible battles for power over the
universe also refers to the same relationship. In this story, Vasuki, the ruling
deity of Patala, the nether-world, represented as a great snake or Naga,
serves as the rope which is tied around Mandara mountain to obtain the
Amrila or nectar of immortality. These allusions refer to the process of
spiritual awakening and to the ritual of Initiation which mirrors it. This leads
to the inner unfoldment of the individual and bestows the fruit of
immortality and the secret knowledge of nature's mysteries.
The regeneration of the Moon after the solar eclipse indicates the
regenerative power of Rahu. In our objective universe, the Sun is the symbol
of the life-giving beneficent deity. In the subjective, boundless world of the
spirit, it has another significance. It refers to the power of initiation, the light
of knowledge, which leads the seeker through the hall of mysteries and
guides him into eternal life. In this process the consciousness of the seeker is
linked with the immortal spirit and his eyes are opened to reality.
Blavatsky explains the relationship of the planets and the importance of the
luminaries by stating that the Sun is the manifestation of the seventh
principle of our planetary system (SD Vol. V, pp. 154-55). The Moon is the
fourth principle, shining in the borrowed robes of her master, saturated with
and reflecting every passionate impulse and evil desire of her grossly
material body, the Earth. The whole cycle of Adeptship, Initiation and all its
mysteries is connected with and subservient to the two luminaries and the
seven planets. Spiritual perception derives from the Sun; all psychic states,
diseases and even lunacy, proceed from the Moon. From this we see that
Rahu's obscuring the luminaries and the Moon emerging from the Sun are
allegories of the fourth principle in man, uniting with the highest or Atmic