The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Vernal Equinox

The Vernal Equinox is a significant astronomical and celestial event marking the official start of spring. This phenomenon occurs when the Sun crosses the Earth's equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night around the globe. The Vernal Equinox not only holds importance in the natural seasonal cycle but also carries symbolic significance, particularly within the context of the Tarot, where it symbolizes a key point in the tarot's symbolic year. The event signifies a key moment as the Sun transitions into the Northern Hemisphere, further emphasizing its role in defining the change in seasons.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

PiscesConcept

The current vernal equinox intersects the plane of the zodiac in the sign of Pisces Pisces is currently the vernal equinox sign due to Earth's precession

Taurus→Lineage

Taurus was the vernal equinox sign before Aries

Aries→Concept

Aries was the vernal equinox sign before Pisces

Zodiac→Ritual

The vernal equinox sign in the zodiac changes over time due to Earth's precession

Earth→Substance

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the Earth's equator, dividing it into two hemispheres and marking the start of spring

Sun's PrecessionConcept

Sun's precession affects the timing of the vernal equinox, causing the Sun to move backwards through the zodiac over time

Concrete ThoughtConcept

The vernal equinox symbolizes a moment of reflection and rebirth, representing the manifestation of thought into physical reality in the World of Concrete Thought

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Vernal EquinoxthroughZodiacilluminatesSun →
I. Vernal Equinox & Zodiac

The vernal equinox sign in the zodiac changes over time due to Earth's precession

II. Zodiac & Sun

The position of the sun in the zodiac affected the seasons and the progression of time

Vernal EquinoxthroughEarthilluminatesFire →
I. Vernal Equinox & Earth

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the Earth's equator, dividing it into two hemispheres and marking the start of spring

II. Earth & Fire

Fire and earth are key components of the "Four Elements" concept, which holds significance in the context of alchemical processes. According to historical and philosophical frameworks, fire and earth are inherently related, often explored through alchemy to understand their transformations and interactions. These elements are central in alchemy as they represent fundamental aspects of the natural world, with fire symbolizing change, heat, and purification, and earth embodying stability, form, and substance. Together, they form a foundational pair in the study of transmutation and the transformation of physical and metaphysical substances.

Vernal EquinoxthroughZodiacilluminatesAstrology →
I. Vernal Equinox & Zodiac

The vernal equinox sign in the zodiac changes over time due to Earth's precession

II. Zodiac & Astrology

The zodiac and its constellations are fundamental to astrology, a system of beliefs and practices that interpret the positions of celestial bodies and their influence on earthly affairs.

Vernal EquinoxthroughTaurusilluminatesIsis →
I. Vernal Equinox & Taurus

Taurus was the vernal equinox sign before Aries

II. Taurus & Isis

Both symbols, Taurus and Isis, represent aspects of the divine feminine, fields of manifestation, and passive richness in a macrocosmic context.

Vernal EquinoxthroughTaurusilluminatesMagician →
I. Vernal Equinox & Taurus

Taurus was the vernal equinox sign before Aries

II. Taurus & Magician

THE MAGICIAN and Taurus share themes of eternal will, potential, and divine presence. Both entities are associated with profound and enduring concepts, reflecting a deep connection to the divine and the unfolding of potential. This shared theme symbolizes the ongoing journey toward realization and the manifestation of one's inherent capabilities.

Vernal EquinoxthroughEarthilluminatesWater →
I. Vernal Equinox & Earth

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the Earth's equator, dividing it into two hemispheres and marking the start of spring

II. Earth & Water

Water and Earth, when considered within the context of the "Four Elements," are intricately related and form a fundamental basis in the practice of alchemy. These two entities are seen as complementary and interdependent forces, playing crucial roles in both the metaphysical and physical transformations central to alchemical processes. Alchemists viewed Water and Earth not merely as distinct substances, but as elemental forces that could be combined and transformed to achieve various objectives, whether spiritual, philosophical, or practical. This relationship underscores a holistic approach to understanding the natural world and the processes that govern it, emphasizing the sympathy of seemingly disparate elements in the pursuit of transmutation and perfection. (The earth, including sea and land, was created from the water element as per Chapter 4)

Vernal EquinoxthroughEarthilluminatesAir →
I. Vernal Equinox & Earth

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the Earth's equator, dividing it into two hemispheres and marking the start of spring

II. Earth & Air

The elemental inhabitants of air reside on the earth, reflecting their nature and the influence of divine outpouring Earth and air are both fundamental elements in the ancient concept of the Four Elements, which play a significant role in the context of alchemical processes. In this framework, both Earth and air are considered essential components that interact to form the material basis for transformations and transmutations sought after in alchemy. These elements are not only linked by their shared place in the Four Elements but also by their interdependencies and transformations in alchemical experiments, where they are often manipulated to achieve various goals, such as purifying substances or achieving a more perfect form.

Vernal EquinoxthroughZodiacilluminatesMythology →
I. Vernal Equinox & Zodiac

The vernal equinox sign in the zodiac changes over time due to Earth's precession

II. Zodiac & Mythology

The zodiac, and its constellations, are integral to ancient mythological systems, representing the divine order and sacred symbolism that influenced human culture and beliefs.

Vernal EquinoxthroughAriesilluminatesPapus →
I. Vernal Equinox & Aries

Aries was the vernal equinox sign before Pisces

II. Aries & Papus

Papus discusses the concept of Aries in relation to the High Priest.

Vernal EquinoxthroughZodiacilluminatesReligion →
I. Vernal Equinox & Zodiac

The vernal equinox sign in the zodiac changes over time due to Earth's precession

II. Zodiac & Religion

The zodiac and its constellations play a significant role in various religious traditions, serving as cosmic symbols that guide rituals and the understanding of divine principles.