By Agent EI - Andrew Smith

Tags: astrology, creativity, fixed stars, markab, pegasus, scheat, spiritual development

Long before the construct of the twelve zodiacal signs or the intricate system of personal horoscopy we know today, the stars were integral to cultural narratives. Seen as deities, conscious beings whose presence and experience exceeded that of those who walk the Earth, the stars were inspirations upon which our calendars, spiritual traditions and cultural practises were defined. Astrology’s deeper history is that of the stars, yet in modern times, the stars play but a minor part of any professional practise, their wisdom seldom discussed amongst the community and their voices dimmed from the white noise of urban living.

Diminished by the advent of the Christian Church, terrified that people could grow from the direct encounter and knowledge that the stars sung, when they did speak, they were interpreted through a thick veneer of fear, doom and mayhem.

Astrology, in the West, was rejuvenated as the Chronological Keepers started their 140 year sojourn in the Air realm back in the 12th century, as the Arabic tradition started to be infused into Western thinking, their relationship with the stars having avoided Christian censorship. And so it is today, as we stand at the Dawn of the next Air Wave, the seventh of its kind since the advent of known civilisations [1], the language of astrology is once again finding a renewed sense of freedom, and consciousness is being liberated from many a cult and questions are being asked as to how can humanity evolve in ways that transcend the myopia of everyday concerns.

The stars sing to us through their light infused waveforms, and whilst many have forgotten how to listen, they continue to chant, raising up the consciousness of those who have the heart-ear to listen and the one-eye open to see. They are not concerned with the world of the banal and every-day. They sing of matters of the spirit and soul, lyrics of which, when heard, open doors to ethereal, liminal and metaphysical realities that elevate consciousness beyond the fear-based desire to control and manage our physical world.

And this is no more evident that the stars that are found in the latter part of Pisces – Markab and Scheat – neither of which are actually in the constellation of the Fish, but both are transposed onto the ecliptic and are situated at 22 and 29 degrees of Pisces respectively. Remember that there are but 15 constellations that are bound to the ecliptical plane – the path of the Sun, as seen from the Earth, 12 of which have defined the perimeters of the Earth-based zodiac, the tropical zodiac. The other 76 constellations, wherein most of the highest magnitude Suns are located, have to be ‘pulled’ down to the Sun’s path, so that we can use them within our 2D constructed natal charts.

Pegasus, a northerly constellation, located with the Water-section of the Night Sky, adjacent to Aquila (the Eagle) and Andromeda (the Princess), beneath Cygnus (the Swan), Lyra (the harp) and above Piscis Austrais (where the Watcher of the North, Fomalhaut is located). This region of the firmament is fecund with profound intuitive and creative knowledge, streamed from places well beyond our Sol’s dominion, that those born with relationships to this watery domain (either by conjunction, paran, helical rising or by some other aspect) can attest to, as they continually live from perspectives that enchant, uplift and mesmerise those who come into contact with their musings.

Known for dire warnings of floods and accidents, collisions and knife related incidents in the Tradition, these winged messengers have a very different tone for those who taken time to listen and hear as the poetic enchantment of star lore streams through the imagination like a river of celestial ink.

The Waters of Heaven

In the celestial expanse between the ethereal vessels of Aquarius and Pisces, where the zephyrs of cosmic currents gently ripple through the waters of the firmament, a sacred reservoir of inspiration is born. Here, in the celestial font of dreams and enlightenment, the cosmic aqueducts of Aquarius converge with the boundless ocean of Pisces, creating a liminal space where the waters of intuition and innovation merge in an alchemical dance.

Aquarius, the water-bearer, pours forth the elixir of visionary ideas, a cascade of thoughts that shimmer with the promise of societal rebirth. These crystalline droplets, charged with the energy of collective aspirations, flow seamlessly into the oceanic embrace of Pisces, the cosmic dream-weaver. Here, in the vast and fluid realm, the waters of imagination become boundless, transcending the limitations of the earthly vessel.

As the currents intertwine, a concerto of inspiration arises, echoing through the corridors of the heart and the chambers of the mind. From this celestial confluence emerges an ethereal song that caresses the soul. Those attuned to the subtle harmonies of the firmament feel the gentle stirrings of creativity, the whisperings of a universal muse that transcends time.

The place within the celestial waters is known as Pegasus, a white-winged horse riding across the celestial tide, rising and falling in rhythmic resonance with the heartbeat of its beating wings. Its presence serves as a reminder that within the fluidity of these cosmic waters, the divide between self and universe fades, allowing the essence of inspiration to flow into the collective consciousness. Pegasus acts as a vessel, holding the sacred waters of the heavens, channelling the radiant gifts of the celestial streams into the realms of earthly creation and imaginative awakening.

The Horse

Emerging as an enduring emblem, the horse holds a revered place in Celtic and Native American lore, symbolising strength, freedom, and a sacred bond with the spiritual. In the emerald glens of Celtic lands, its hooves echo the ancient pulse of the earth, adorned with patterns that seem drawn from a world beyond. The Celtic horse stands as a guardian, bridging the tangible and intangible, a guide through realms where the everyday meets the divine.

On the sweeping prairies of the American plains, the horse moves as if carrying the breath of the wind itself. Its mane flows with ancestral whispers, and its presence channels the essence of the land's spirit. Representing the four directions, it serves as a link between earth and sky, a creature that gallops freely through the boundless expanse of creation.

The horse’s majesty has inspired countless ancient cultures. In Babylon, it signified power and royal grandeur, a companion to rulers and warriors alike. The Romans utilised its strength to forge their vast empire, while in China, it stood for loyalty and endurance, immortalised among the terracotta army. The Mongols, unmatched in horsemanship, built an empire with their deep bond to these steeds, their partnership reshaping history.

Celtic, Nordic, and Native American traditions alike recognised the horse as a spiritual ally. For the Celts, it was tied to Epona, the goddess who guided souls through life’s mysteries and beyond. Native American cultures saw it as an emblem of untamed freedom and a sacred mediator between worlds.

A living vessel of dreams and wisdom, the horse carries the essence of connection to the earth’s rhythms. Its gallop resounds through sacred landscapes and stirs the hearts of those attuned to the ancient song of life. With its boundless spirit, the horse invites us to journey towards deeper awareness, its hoofbeats a resonant call to unity with the world around us.

Wings

Wings, as delicate yet powerful extensions transcending the earthly bounds of a being, hold rich spiritual significance across cultures and beliefs. They symbolise the ability to rise above life’s challenges and embody the soul’s journey towards transformation and elevation. Wings are often viewed as tools of ascent, enabling us to move beyond the ordinary and reach for the extraordinary.

In Christianity, the wings of angels represent divine messengers, linking celestial and earthly realms. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the goddess Ma’at’s wings evoke harmony and cosmic balance, anchoring their sacred role in guiding order and justice.

This imagery resonates universally, reflecting the spirit’s aspiration to reach for enlightenment and deeper understanding. Wings serve as a metaphor for the quest to attain new heights of awareness, inspiring transcendence, and progress in both spiritual and personal realms.

The symbolism of wings encompasses personal growth and the journey of self-discovery. As individuals traverse the intricate paths of life, wings stand as emblems of inner strength and resilience. They signify the unfolding of potential and the courage to embrace change, serving as a metaphor for the path to self-realisation. Each feather represents a hard-won lesson, while the span of the wings mirrors the expansiveness of an evolving spirit. Through trials and triumphs, wings provide guidance, inspiring us to rise with grace, face storms with determination, and ultimately unfurl the wings of our truest selves.

The Winged Horse

In Australian Dreamtime, the spirit of the Bunyip is a winged horse said to soar through the celestial realms. Thunderbird to the Native Americans, whose wings summon storms and herald transformation, the Hindus know this winged creature as the divine steed Uchchaihshravas, born of the churning ocean, symbolising both creativity and the elixir of immortality.

In the Egypt Pegasus is envisioned as the celestial manifestation of the sun god Ra's chariot, bringing light and divine radiance to the cosmos. And in the icy realms of Norse mythology, the power of Sleipnir, the eight-legged steed of Odin, traversing realms with otherworldly grace is its name. This fabled winged horse, merges the grounded strength of the horse with the boundless freedom of flight, symbolising transcendence, inspiration, and a sacred connection to the divine. In many cultures, Pegasus is linked to higher awareness, spiritual elevation, and the union of earthly existence with the celestial.

This mythic figure represents the untamed essence within, calling you to rise above worldly limitations and embrace a higher state of being. It inspires an ascent beyond the ordinary, urging exploration of the ethereal and the pursuit of profound wisdom and enlightenment.

Astronomical Pegasus

Located in the northern celestial sphere, the Pegasus constellation lies above Aquarius and below Cygnus, nestled between Delphinus and Andromeda. Spanning 40 degrees of the zodiac, it encompasses parts of the Aries and Pisces signs. Within its expanse, Pegasus is home to 16 named fixed stars.

Its most recognisable feature is the Great Square of Pegasus, a distinct asterism formed by four prominent stars: Markab, Scheat, Algenib, and Alpheratz. Markab, whose name translates to "the saddle" in Arabic, occupies the southwestern corner, with Scheat to the southeast, Algenib to the northeast, and Alpheratz to the northwest. Alpheratz, uniquely, also belongs to the Andromeda constellation, serving as a celestial link between the two constellations.

The Sacred Square

Geometry is the language of numbers in space, where form manifests the tone of the universe. Comprised of four sides, the square emerges as a symbol of divine stability, each corner representing focused action—a pilgrimage of intent that converges at the intersection of purpose and destiny. In this meeting of ethereal lines, the dance of inspiration unfolds, a cosmic choreography that flows through realms of possibility.

The sacred square of Pegasus is like an altar, a nexus where the divine takes shape, transcending religious boundaries to embody the sacred within the everyday. At its consecrated corners, the pulse of creation resonates, vibrating with the very heartbeat of the cosmos. It is a symphony of becoming, an invitation for the sacred to enter the tangible world.

As stability and consistency form the foundation of this sacred square, the structure of existence stands firm, embodying the cosmic laws that govern both the material and the ethereal. Like an unwavering pillar, the Pegasus square offers a sanctuary, a place where seekers find peace in the certainty of divine order.

Yet, within the sanctified angles, there lies a yearning to shape the formless, an unquenchable desire to bring the unseen into reality. The sacred square becomes a crucible for creation, where intention transforms into tangible existence. It is here that the divine and human converge, forging a sacred bond in the heart of the square, where the drive to give form births new worlds is a prayer inscribed in the very fabric of the cosmos.

The Inspiration for the Waters of Life

Nestled above the dreaming region of the sky, the stars of Pegasus serve as gateways through which the inspiration flowing from the waters of Aquarius and Pisces emerges. These ‘waters’ quench the spiritual thirst of humanity, offering a life-giving force that sustains existence beyond the limits of physical mortality. From a vast reservoir of renewing, comforting, and sanctifying power, these waters purify consciousness, infusing grace and the awareness of Nature’s rejuvenating energy. Uplifting vibrations ripple through this celestial realm, awakening life beyond the constraints of earthly reality, and opening the soul to eternal existence—or, at least, to the vastness of the cosmos.

In Christian tradition, Pegasus is seen as the divine messenger of joy, as foretold in Isaiah 64:5. While Greek mythology often links Pegasus with legendary tales, it is important to note that biblical prophecy predates this mythos. Pegasus, as God’s celestial envoy, moves with heavenly speed, carrying news of humanity’s affairs and stirring nations toward the restoration of liberty, peace, and blessing. As Seiss highlights, the name ‘Pegasus’ in the Noetic dialect stems from "Pega," "Peka," or "Pacha," meaning "the chief," and "sus," which signifies "swiftly coming or returning."

Each star within the Pegasus constellation is a portal through which different facets of cosmic inspiration flow. For Christian meditation, these stars offer insight into the incarnating and excarnating movement of Spirit, transitioning between planes of consciousness. They embody the heart-centred experiences forged in the interaction with both the physical world and liminal spaces. Markab, located at the base of the wing, symbolises ‘the return,’ or the spirit’s steady journey into this plane. Scheat, at the top of the left leg, represents ‘he who goes and returns,’ a reminder of the dual nature of spiritual awareness. Enif, at the base of the ear, signifies ‘the branch,’ the gateway through which obstacles can be overcome, while Al Genib, at the tip of the wing, embodies ‘who carries,’ the light body through which spirit moves. Homan, at the top of the wing, symbolises ‘the waters,’ the direct source of inspirational energy, and Matar, encompassing the body, represents ‘who causes the plenteous overflow,’ the physical Field that generates this inspiration.

Represented by celestial horses in flight, these messengers carry the divine message of grace and salvation to the farthest reaches of the physical world, embodying a proclamation borne on the wings of the Spirit of God.

Principle Stars

Within this altar of manifestation, two star-gates are particularly active. It is through Markab that a stable movement of eidetic imagery flows whereas the raw, often misunderstood vision that alters perception of reality floods through the Scheat gateway. Both are conduits through which profound visions are accessed, opening up humanity to a reality beyond the confines of consensus, with Markab facilitating an awareness of vision in motion and Scheat opening up consciousness to a stream of visions that can literally re-vision our world.

Markab

22 Tropical Pisces

28 Sidereal Aquarius

In the undulation of life's constant flux, there exists a singular soul who embodies the paradox of unwavering stability amidst the whirlwind of motion. This enigmatic figure moves with an almost celestial grace, navigating the constantly changing everyday landscape with an unparalleled velocity. Picture a comet streaking through the night sky, leaving trails of brilliance in its wake, yet retaining an unshakeable core that defies the chaos around.

A paragon of steadfast reliability, quiet confidence exudes acting as a soothing balm in the tempest of uncertainty, the calm centre of the storm, an anchor for those tossed by the turbulent seas of life. Pressure, rather than breaking their resolve, seems to refine it, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. In the face of adversity, their spirit remains unyielding, a beacon of stability that defies the tumultuous currents.

Having journeyed to the farthest reaches of experience, this seasoned consciousness voyager returns not just with souvenirs of distant worlds but with a profound wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom. Their eyes hold the reflections of places unseen, and their words carry the weight of lessons learned on the road less travelled. They are a living testament to the alchemy of experience, having transmuted the raw ore of life into the gold of deep insight.

This extraordinary soul, like a celestial navigator, charts a course through the cosmos of existence, embracing the speed of change while standing firm in their unwavering stability. They are the embodiment of a paradox, a living testament to the resilience that emerges from the marriage of movement and steadfastness, a testament to the human capacity to sail through life's tempests with gusto, confidence, and an enduring calm.

Astronomy

Markab, also known as Alpha Pegasi, stands as the third-brightest star within the Pegasus constellation. 133 light years from Earth, it is 165 times the size of our Sun and is remarkable for not being remarkable!! Though it shines 205 times greater than Sol, it is merely the 91^st brightest light in our nocturnal skies.

Etymology

Traditionally known as Markab or Marchab, the name is derived from the Arabic word "markab," meaning "the saddle of the horse." However, there is some debate, as it may be a misinterpretation of "Mankib," which comes from the Arabic phrase "Mankib al-Faras," meaning the Star of the Shoulder of the Horse Constellation, specifically referring to Beta Pegasi.

Glyph

There is no formal glyph known for Markab. The suggested symbol outlines the soul of consciousness, opened up to the cosmos and aether to bring into this dimension liminal inspiration whose quick nature is steadied and stabilised within the cross of manifestation. The cross inscribed inside Spirit is to outline the strength and dynamism of Markab, its physicality, but also its open soulfulness, as it receives freely from a higher, invisible consciousness.

Interpretation

Situated as the saddle of Pegasus, this star embodies qualities of substantiality and dependability, serving as an anchor point for stability and the capacity to endure pressure. This celestial alignment may prove advantageous, imparting leadership capabilities and adept crisis management skills. However, it also carries the potential for a contrary expression, manifesting as a form of obstinacy and an unwillingness to entertain alternative possibilities. When Markab occupies a position in a birth chart, it bestows the resource of fortitude, enabling the individual to sustain stability even in challenging circumstances, fostering a sense of solidity and tangibility

Scheat

29 Tropical Pisces

5 Sidereal Pisces

Is it a curse or a blessing to stand under a streaming shower, where torrents of creativity cascade like waterfalls, soaking the receiver in concepts that defy the gravity of ordinary thought?

It is a stream that flows like a river, one in which the imagination merges with the currents of the galactic, a confluence of intellectual tributaries that push the boundaries of human understanding to the brink of brilliance or the precipice of madness.

More than the strength it takes to stand under the weight of this torrent, it takes courage and skill to fuse the raw ore of knowledge with the elixir of intuition because the stream floods the imagination with unbridled concepts that challenge the norms of the human experience, a highly protected and conservative realm and seeks to maintain its own self-regulated homeostasis.

A lonely place exists amidst the fluid dance of ideas, as tones, images and visions that are tethered neither to the safety of convention nor the comfort of consensus emerge. With each profound concept birthed from beneath this aqueous chute, the mental landscape irrevocably alters, profoundly shifting perception as the mind is awash with images whose alien origins have no ground within the framework of narrow reality defined by pure reason.

To those living within a flat-world, a world defined by gravity and physical evidence, these concepts are simple mad, weird or strange. To those open to a multidimensional world, those concepts add colour, depth and texture to a reality that few hear or see.

And so, as this lone figure gazes into the boundless tapestry of the unconventional, they become a beacon for those who dare to glimpse beyond the veil of the known. This journey, marked by the footprints of genius or the tracks of madness, becomes a testament to the indomitable spirit that dances on the edge of the abyss, forever exploring the uncharted territories of human potential.

Astronomy

Scheat, designated as β Pegasi, or the second star, located in the Great Square of Pegasus is 196 Light Years from Earth, emanating as an orange beacon 1500 times brighter than our Sun, yet only 84^th brightest in dark skies. It has a gigantic shell, extending out 16 AU (somewhere between Saturn and Uranus if Scheat was our Sun), 3500 times the size of our star.

Glyph

There is no formal glyph for Scheat. The proposed symbol represents unity consciousness, from which all imaginative ideals emerge, accessed through a mind turned outward and upward into the cosmos.

This unity consciousness does not 'connect' with the liminal world in a physical sense, which is why the vertical line of space does not touch it. Instead, it is held within the soul, accessed through imagination and the 'dream.' The semi-arc of the soul, or mind, is directed towards the aether, functioning like an antenna that channels divine inspiration into the incarnate spirit. As this star is not physical, it lacks the cross of matter, with Scheat being experienced in a liminal way through fleeting ideas, feelings, and visions, even if those ideas later take physical form.

Interpretation

As part of the Great Square of Pegasus, Scheat is deeply embedded in the celestial story. The square, revered by ancient cultures, symbolised the realm of intellect—not just the accumulation of knowledge, but a deeper, instinctive understanding. Scheat stands as a beacon of intellectual essence within this asterism. Its influence, shaped by the planet it aligns with, points to a pursuit devoted to the quest for truth. In this astral context, Scheat represents an individual of independent thought, driven by a strong urge to break free from the constraints of conventional wisdom or philosophy.

Its influence flows with great speed, often overwhelming the mind and perception of the recipient, potentially destabilising their sense of reality. Genius or eccentricity are terms used for those who refuse to conform to the collective mind-set, as complete visions of reality are channelled that, if expressed clearly, could open humanity to a realm beyond the ordinary constructs of the material world.

Conclusion

Embodying the pursuit of intellectual liberation and independent thought, Scheat’s messages challenges conventional wisdom, often sparking visions that transcend the material world, while Markab’s presence is that of the steady return of spirit, guiding the journey of consciousness. Together, Scheat and Markab illuminate the path of boundless inspiration, inviting you to move beyond earthly limitations and embrace the expansive realms of thought, creativity, and divine connection.

Like storytellers, these stars murmur their secrets to those who dare to dream, casting spells of wonder and inviting the artistry of ingenuity to embark on celestial odysseys. Breaking free from the shackles of unadventurous thinking, the imaginative faculty experiences a fecund birthing, a vibrant eruption of creative life. Like the blossoming of a thousand flowers in the garden of the mind, uncustomary ideas unfurl their petals, releasing fragrances of innovation and possibility.