First in a series of articles giving the esoteric qualities of planetary influences.
Vulcan — The Mythological Creator of Forms
Vulcan is the Roman god of fire. He is a blacksmith, the master artisan who makes all the armor and weapons for the gods. He forges all types of forms from the metals found in the depths of the earth. Vulcan is a powerful creator.
The planet Vulcan is an intramercurial planet, which means that it has an orbit that is closer to the sun than Mercury’s orbit. In Esoteric Astrology by Alice A. Bailey, the Tibetan Master states that the planet Vulcan is veiled by the potency of Mercury and hidden behind the planet (Lucis Trust, 1979, p. 166).
The seven Rays are the seven creative Forces that express throughout our solar system. Vulcan, often called the Greek or Roman god of fire, expresses the first ray, which is the ray of Will or Power. His influence is largely constructive Will because He is a builder, not a destroyer. Yet His influence can go into the depths of one’s subconscious and reveal obstructions upon the path.
Planet Vulcan — Influencing Soul Purpose
In an individual astrological chart, Vulcan’s influence is potent for those who are receptive to it. First, it comes to you as a desire to learn your true purpose in life. Then, you receive a dynamic impulse to create in accordance with that purpose.
Vulcan raises the vibration of matter in one’s life. Through responding to the energy of Vulcan, your expression on the physical plane is clear and precise as it becomes a more exact expression of will and purpose. For this reason, Vulcan controls the processes of time. This relates to making the most of your time in order to fulfill your Soul’s purpose.
The word “purpose” is from the Latin propnere, to put forward or propose. In relation to your Soul purpose, this can be seen as a proposition that your soul puts to you in order that you may achieve your spiritual potential. Essentially, the planet Vulcan rules achievement. When you build something worthwhile, you achieve something worthwhile.
Planet Vulcan– The Hammer
It is the focus and daily rhythm that becomes the hammer of Vulcan forging the form into the expression required by your soul. You must work relentlessly to manifest your purpose like a blacksmith shaping ideas.
Vulcan relates to “Being about your Father’s business.” The rhythm of the hammer is the rhythm of your Soul. In maintaining the rhythm and vibration of your Soul in daily life, you become attuned to the purpose of your Soul. When you are attuned to Vulcan, you are attuned to dynamically and enthusiastically achieving your Soul purpose.
Planet Vulcan & Rulership
Vulcan expresses the endurance aspect of the first ray. This is the ability to remain firm to the higher purpose through all tests and difficulties. For this reason Vulcan is the esoteric ruler in the sign Taurus.
Taurus is represented by the bull of desire. This is symbolic of the strong desire of the Spirit to express in the outer world. Eventually, this desire brings you to the point where you recognize that you are trapped in matter and a prisoner of life on Earth.
Vulcan, in Taurus, comes into play as a powerful drive to free oneself from attachment to the form. This process of becoming free is the long and difficult path of returning to the Source. Vulcan typifies endurance.
When life, as you know it, loses its meaning, you begin to search for its purpose and for your role in it. You will not stop until you discover it.
Vulcan also rules on the esoteric level, behind the veil of the moon, in Virgo. This is because Virgo, the Mother, nourishes the hidden Christ. Once you overcome your emotional reactions, as ruled by the moon, you begin to contact the Inner Glory. Your intense focus upon that inner Beauty reveals the depth of your nature.
