The Great Syzygy

The New Paradigm of Relationship in the Age of Aquarius

BLOG: MUSINGS

Russell Ohlhausen & Shannon Gill

2/14/201812 min read

The Great Syzygy

Aquarian Age & The New Myth

It is controversial to delineate when the Age of Aquarius actually begins, or if in fact it already has. It is a bit like trying to determine when the dawn begins. Is it when the morning sky first reveals it luminescent glow long before the sunrise, or is it when the Sun actually emerges over the horizon? Regardless of this dubious assignment, the inarguable fact is that we are very much immersed in the energetics of this new epoch, whether we are a few years out, at the gates, or well on our way, the birth of the new Aquarian energies are rolling in like the tides of the ocean.

For those who may not be aware, an ‘astrological age’ is an epoch of time in which major themes in the development of humanity, particularly relating to culture, society, and politics, are effected. There are twelve astrological ages corresponding to the twelve zodiacal signs in western astrology. Known as the ‘Precession of the Equinox”, the cycle of Ages move backwards through the Zodiac and is determined by what sign is the Sun when it rises on the Spring Equinox (March 21). Currently, the Sun is cusp the degrees of Pisces (moving backwards), and is transitioning into Aquarius. The Pisces Age has been intensely concerned with matters of faith and religion, yet ultimately dominated by hierarchy, power and the split between the spiritual and the material world. During this Age the predominate drive has been to find something in which to believe. According to many astrologers, each astrological sign has a key phrase, and for Pisces it is “I believe.”

As we shift into this new Age of Aquarius, the prevailing myth will transition from external fixation & faith, into direct knowledge and relationship with the Divine Source itself, surrendering any need or desire to ‘believe’ in any one concept or dogma. The key phrase for Aquarius is “I know”. We are now seeing through the deluge of religious corruption, and are experiencing a collective awakening to our direct connection and relationship with Source. According to acclaimed Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung, the symbol of the Aquarian water carrier signifies that the psyche of the individual will no longer be carried by religious communities but instead by conscious individuals. Jung states that “individuals are to become the incarnating vessels of the Holy Spirit on an ongoing basis.”

The Great Syzygy

Jung, leaving a legacy in the field of psychology and consciousness awakening, was steeped in astrological exploration and he integrated this sacred science into much of his developed works. He stated: “Astrology represents the sum of all the psychological knowledge of antiquity.” Jung also developed compelling astrological material in reference to the coming Ages of the future. Specifically, he emphasized the Age of Aquarius and the return of Man to his Soul.

Jung speaks of the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius by stating: “Around the birth of Christ, there follows the Age of Pisces. Pisces is a water sign. That is probably why we have to look for spirit in the water, in life’s flow of images, and in the unconscious. And now we are on the threshold of the sign of Aquarius. The air element has been assigned to it, and it is symbolized by an angel or a human being, instead of an animal. Here, the Spirit is meant to become something subtle again, and human to become who he is.”

Jung’s transmission relating to the process of human’s individuation and eventual ascension lays out specific guidance in the realms of spiritual practice and psychological inquiry. Through this active engagement, the creation of an alchemical cauldron may lead to the elevation of one’s consciousness to this more ‘subtle-angelic’ state. He refers to this process of realization and sacred embodiment as “The Syzygy”, or the “Divine Couple.

Syzygy, represents ‘wholeness and completion’, which is a result of “Conjunctio Oppositorium”, the conjunction of opposites within the human Soul. Syzygy literally means to be “yoked together.” Jung used the term to denote “an archetypal pairing of contra-sexual opposites, which symbolized the communication of the conscious and unconscious minds, the conjunction of two organisms without the loss of identity.” Jung terms these opposites anima (unconscious feminine side of a man) and animus (unconscious masculine side of a woman). The integration of the masculine and feminine energies, also known as the “androgyne” is the representation of wholeness and will become the hallmark of the Aquarian Age.

Essentially, Jung claims that through this union of opposites, spiritualization of the body occurs. This process catalyzes each person to regain original purity and receptivity of the Soul. This phase follows the primary stage of the integration of all shadow projections, and the removal of the inflated ego and unneeded conceptualizations from the psyche. He speaks of the alchemical state of ‘albedo’ when referring to the Syzygy state of consciousness.

You will find similar declarations attributed to Jesus, stating: “When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner like the outer and the outer like the inner, and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you make eyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image, then you will enter the Kingdom.” ~Gospel of Thomas, 22

Evolutionary Relationship & The Divine Mirror

As we journey deeper into this new Aquarian myth, those who are actively engaging the process of evolution are waking up to a radical new spiritually progressive paradigm when entering into intimate relationship. As a result, we are witnessing a collapse of the old conventional models of relationship that were following the ‘till death do us part’ model, to a new spiritual model of commitment to a ‘sacred contract’ committing not to the ‘person’, but to one another’s personal evolution. Perhaps an elevated model of relationships may comprise partners entering relationship with the intention of serving one another, the relationship becoming a sacred crucible, an ecstatic alchemical container for the metamorphoses of the Soul.

This level of spiritual work is tantric in nature and can be referred to as the ‘higher work’. In a sacred tantric relationship, it is widely understood that one has a deep commitment, first and foremost to the evolution of their own Soul. Only then, may they consciously enter into the dance of ‘self and other’, where that the alchemy of the union will reflect back all that has been hidden, denied, or repressed from the self. This, in conjunction with the sacred container of love and compassion from each partner, assists in the burning off and eventual integration of all of the shadow aspects that must proceed the ‘albedo’ process leading to the potential “syzygy” that Jung proclaims.

Jupiter Catalyzes and Expands

The astrological movements of the past few years have ignited a quickening of the relational evolutionary processes. Jupiter’s transit through Libra, in September 2016 through October 2017, catalyzed a massive reorganization of relationships in the collective. Jupiter, the harbinger of higher consciousness, traveling through the sign of Libra, ruling over the domain of relationships, resulted in a collective urgency to jump ship from any relationships that were not in alignment with the person’s truth of their Soul. Old relationships disintegrated and new relationships guided by Spirit were formed in abundance. More people started choosing the path of higher consciousness and courageously signing up for relationships not based on false security, but based on commitment to truth, healing and evolution.

Jupiter in Scorpio: Descent & Ascent

When Jupiter transitioned from Libra to Scorpio in October of 2017, the heat was turned up in the relational realms. From commitment to spiritual partnership - in Libra we have been summoned into the deeper realms of shadow-sex-and-Soul when Jupiter entered Scorpio. Since then, there has been a collective dive into the darker realms that have laid hidden in the crevices of our deep subconscious in order to be shown the light of day. Triggers that emerge from the ‘divine mirror’ are served as reflections for that which needs to be healed. Many couples on this path of ‘the sacred marriage’ have been brought to their knees, embracing intensity from unhealed parts that are seeking integration. We have also witnessed or personally experienced the #metoo movement that exposed the shadow and corruption intrinsic to gender related power abuse in professional and personal relationships. The personal as well as the collective sexual shadow is under the microscope pressurizing the domain to forge healing and open the gates for higher levels of sacred sexuality to emerge.

The New Paradigm of Relationship in the Aquarian Age
Webinar: ASA-Austin 2018

“Relationships are a path of enlightenment. Enlightenment is a destructive process. It has nothing to do with becoming better or being happier. Enlightenment is the crumbling away of untruth. It’s seeing through the facade of pretense. It’s the complete eradication of everything we imagined to be true.” - Adyashanti

Tantra & the Alchemy of Ecstasy:

Jupiter, ‘the great expander’, has also catalyzed a focus on the Scorpionic sexual realms that may be utilized as aspiritual portal that can accelerate the journey to healing and accessing of higher states of consciousness. As a result, there has been a collective interest emerging as a urge to re-member the ancient Vedic path of sacred sexuality- Maituna Tantra.

Maituna Tantra is the spiritual practice of sexual union. It is the transference of energy which occurs as the couple ‘becomes as Gods and Goddesses’. It is through the diminishing of ego and confrontation with ultimate reality, couples gain access to the experience of bliss through the union of the subtle bodies. The merging of internal opposites -masculine & feminine, dark & light, spirit & flesh - activate ‘the Syzygy’ which sparks the Spirit body to experience ascension into the higher realms.

This is not just about ‘good sex’, it is an actual alchemical process that transforms the energetic make-up of the body/mind/Soul. The density that is experienced through the ‘weight’ of shadow material and closure in the body is literal and visceral. Through this intentional practice of the deep integration of all of the elements, coupled with the very specific breath and partnered bodily practices ascribed, the couple creates a ‘vehicle’ which enables ‘traveling’ outside of this human 3-D realm, into other cosmic realms of existence.

It is truly a paradox, that when we actually surrender into the very core of our pain, we release ourselves from it. True love, which is our only real essence, sets us free. Fears of abandonment, betrayal, unworthiness, and self-doubt arise to be played out in the magnetic mirror of our relationships. If we are able to be courageous enough to feel into it, and also to hold ourselves and one another in compassion with unconditional love, all may be transformed in the sacred container of our sexual relationships.

When Mars & Venus Do Their Retrograde Dance

When Mars and Venus embrace their every-other-year reverse waltz through the Zodiac, putting our relationship dynamics and patterns under the microscope, and delivering a rite of passage to ‘level-up’ our relationship dynamics. It is a period of intense focus upon the psychological and emotional connections, distortions, blocks, needs, and wounds, which are currently being played out. The rapid pace of life lends itself towards falling asleep to patterns and higher awareness. However, during a retrograde period, the sudden pause and reversal of the flow of energy, catalyzes awakening to the current dynamics at play. We may then course correct, clarify the connection, and/or shed another layer of our snakeskin by taking a conscious dive into the shadow dimensions within.

Essentially, we have the opportunity to refine the flow of energy between the opposite poles. Both within ourselves, and then between us & our intimate partners. Higher awareness is necessary to provide a container for the renegotiation of energetic patterns and clearing. It is a threshold that offers the opportunity to advance one’s ascension journey.

“Your task is not to seek for love, but to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it”. Rumi

The Acceleration

The accelerated evolution began with the Uranus-Pluto square of 2011-2016 initiating the massive personal and collective eruptions, forcing cataclysmic change in every area of our lives. However, the past year with Jupiter in Scorpio, we are being refined by a compressed cycle of ego transformation as a result of the deep psychological pressure forcing integration of the darker aspects of our being that had been lingering. It has required great courage and humility to face the aspects of ourselves and our past, which we may have preferred to have kept hidden. Within the dance of sacred partnership, the clearing out of the debris, has given way for more light to come pouring through.

The gifts of such a hero’s journey which may be expected with Jupiter’s ingress into Sagittarius, are those of greater freedom from one’s emotional density, spiritual expansion, and the capacity to truly pierce the veil of perceived reality, gaining access to the higher realms of existence. Couples consciously embarking upon this path of ‘evolutionary relationship’, or committing to the ‘sacred marriage’ of divine union, through practice and deep reverence of one another and the divine, may be given keys to the vehicle that has access to ‘the road less traveled’ into the magical and mystical ‘unknown’, where they may viscerally ‘experience’ all that they have learned about. The potential reveals itself - to become ‘One’ with ‘all that is’.

Certainly it is not the sole motivation of the syzygy, to merely leave the realm of illusion and escape into blissful wonderment. The evolutionary charge is to say ‘yes’ --to fully taste and merge with the extraordinary ecstasy that is the cosmic cocktail of the Universe but then to become a conduit of this highest vibration of love-light, a ‘transceiver’ unto the planet, as an agent of the collective process of ascension and bringer of the new dawn in this Age of Aquarius. Now is the time for us to claim the truth of our Beingness, as the bearers of the sacred elixir of the divine, so that it may once again flow freely upon the earth.

“We’re all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass & Paul Gorman

When Mars Retrogrades

Mars, the fiery “Warrior” planet, cycles in reverse through the zodiac once every 22 months, making it the rarest planetary retrograde, and possibly the most challenging. This is due to the essence of Mars, which represents our energy moving outward. It corresponds to our will power, our motivation, our instinctual action, our innate passions and our sexuality. Mars reflects the masculine drive and directs our forward movement. Therefore, in retrograde motion, the usual ‘go-getter’ planet, turning both inwards and backwards, can feel quite destabilizing, frustrating, and create massive inner tension and angst.

Mars rules Aries, which is the first sign of the zodiac, and thus has to do with the birth of a new cycle, and our individuation process from Source. It is our relationship to our self, first and foremost, our independence, autonomy, and our personal power. During the retrograde reevaluation phase, we experience the ‘planetary push’ to review our relationship to our self on an intimate level. In this time of review, questions may arise as to our own internal dance of opposites. Where are we on the scales of balance with our internal polar opposites? Masculine vs. feminine, shadow and light, mind vs. heart? Calling forth the rebirth of the ‘divine masculine’ is the collective razor’s edge. Redefining ‘masculine’ based on internal balance of the poles.

The every-other-year pilgrimage, which Mars takes in order to re-invent the self, plays an important role in the transformational path of relating. Before we are truly prepared to meet another in the sacred cauldron of conscious intimacy, we must first have reached equilibrium and balance with our own ‘inner-lover’. Mars’ backwards waltz through Aquarius pushed our boundaries in order to expand our comfort zone. It has also propelled us to explore where we are between the old-conventional model of relationships and the new paradigm of sacred evolutionary relating.

When Venus Retrogrades

Venus, like Mars, only retrogrades once every 18 months, making her passage a significant portal for clarifying, refining, and upgrading our relationship dynamics. Venus, the celestial queen, reigns over the sacred feminine essence and art of divine love. She is concerned with the expression and continuity of love, divine connection, grace, and pleasure of all kinds.

Venus is one of the two planets that has dual rulership. She has masculine and a feminine expression. With the yin Venus-Taurus, we are concerned with matters of ‘self-love’, nurturance, pleasure, and our direct relational needs. In yang Venus - Libra, the motivation is the flow of romantic love that we share with another. The Taurus ruled 2nd house is inconjunct to the Libra ruled 7th house, therefore the developmental stage of the individual in respect to the 2nd house energies will reflect the person’s capacity for 7th house intimate relationship dynamics. According to Mark Jones, “our individual needs (2nd house) and relationship concerns (7th house) can then be placed in the context of our deepest yearnings and aspirations in the 12th house, Neptune and Pisces.” The process of self-love (Taurus) to intimate love (Libra) catalyzing the ultimate love union with Source (Pisces) is reflective of the alchemical process of the Syzygy.

In love relationships, this can be anything from issues of self-worth, fears of inadequacy or loss, obsessive dynamics, jealousy, or sexual issues. In addition, commitment themes may arise, as Scorpio is interested in Soul commitment and deep union leading to spiritual ascension. It is through this level of sacred and intentional merging that we gain access to the ‘gates of heaven’ in the tantric realms. However, Venus will oppose Uranus during her journey through the darkness, which will likely bring unexpected twists and turns, and a potential see-sawing between commitment vs. freedom.

After such a passage, the potential for those couples that stay in union after surrendering to the alchemical fire of transformation, may gain access to their celestial wings and take flight such as the mythical phoenix that magically emerges from the ashes of destruction to fly blissfully free into the higher cosmic realms. Another level of initiation on the ascension path successfully completed.