At Capricorn 27° we find Pilgrims Climbing The Steep Steps Leading To A Mountain Shrine. Right away we see the Capricorniness here—the sign is symbolized by a mountain and the steep climb is most characteristic. Ruled by Sagittarius in a twelve-fold sequence, we have the notion of travel and seeking, endemic to that sign, in the form of the pilgrims. So many of the Capricorn symbols have been about structuring spiritual practice and this is no exception. Here we have the ascent of the individualized consciousness to the highest realizations reached by spiritual leaders of its culture, or so says our Sabian friend Dane Rudhyar.

The stairway to heaven here is a well trodden path. The meaning being that we are following in a tradition, again a most Capricorn word. We are following in the footsteps of the sages, gurus, teachers who have gone before us. Or at least, we are meant to believe, that this is what will provide us the most peak experience. We needn’t forge a new path. The shrine, so called, will have been structured and fashioned over Saturn-ruled Time, each individual, perhaps over generations and generations of pilgrims, adding to the power of the structure of this monument, this dedication, to something higher. Though every pilgrim will have a unique, individual experience, the shared devotion of the many how climbed there would have made the path hallowed ground.

While the previous symbol portrayed the emanation of a Nature goddess in the descending waterfall, today we have the aspirant wo/man ascending as is his/her nature in spiritual pursuit. We are called to the mountain to receive our revelation and experience ultimate transcendence. Spiritual pursuit is a steep climb and often a slippery slope and we are not, all of us, all of the time, as sure-footed as a goat. But strive we must or else what? I suppose one could live a life of luxury; I dare say I don’t mind a little of that; however it does make one soft over time and, for whatever reason, money-making has never been much of a calling whilst increased spiritual understanding is a bit more my speed. But I wouldn’t say I’m going for modern day sainthood. I do however like the feeling of upreaching. Ever upreaching.

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