The Limitations of Using the Zodiac: A Gnostic Perspective

 The Zodiac

2 Kings 23:5 And he put out of business the foreign-god priests, whom the kings of Judah had put in that they might make sacrificial smoke on the high places in the cities of Judah and the surroundings of Jerusalem, and also those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens

Job 38:32 Can you bring forth the Mazzaroth constellation in its appointed time? And as for the Ash constellation alongside its sons, can you conduct them?

Zodiac meaning: a belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and most familiar planets. It is divided into twelve equal divisions or signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces).

The zodiac is the name given by people of old to an imaginary band passing around the heavens, wide enough to include the circuits of the sun and the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, and Saturn. It is just a convenient method of reference to the position of the stars. Animal figures and outlines were chosen to represent these stars, and their relative position in the heavens, for animistic reasons

The Hebrew word for Zodiac is Mazzaroth or mazzalohth

“The Mazzaroth constellation.” Hebrew, Mazzarohth´; Greek, Mazouroth´ (as in 2Kings 23:5 where it is translated “constellations of the zodiac”);

The Aramaic Targum equates Mazzaroth with the mazzalohth´ of 2 Kings 23:5, “constellations of the zodiac,” or “twelve signs, or, constellations.” Some believe that the word is derived from a root meaning “engird” and that Mazzaroth refers to the zodiacal circle.

-Or, the signs of the Zodiac. The Heb. is mazzaloth, probably a variant form of mazzaroth (Job 38:32). The word is used in the Targums, and by rabbinical writers, in the sense of star, as influencing human destiny, and so fate, fortune, in the singular, and in the plural of the signs of the Zodiac (e.g., Ecclesiastes 9:3; Esther 3:7). It is, perhaps, derived from 'azar, "to gird," and means "belt," or "girdle;" or from 'azal, "to journey," and so means "stages" of the sun's course in the heavens.

The constellations or signs of the zodiac are, no doubt, intended (comp. Job 38:32, where the term מַזָּדות may be regarded as a mere variant form of the מַזָּלות of this passage). The proper meaning of the term is "mansions;" or "houses," the zodiacal signs being regarded as the "mansions of the sun" by the Babylonians (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3. p. 419). And to all the host of heaven

2 Kings 23:5 And he put out of business the foreign-god priests, whom the kings of Judah had put in that they might make sacrificial smoke on the high places in the cities of Judah and the surroundings of Jerusalem, and also those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens

Some Gnostic traditions associated the Zodiac with the Archons, that is, the malevolent spiritual forces which rule the material realm - servants of the Demiurge:

71 Now the twelve signs of the Zodiac and the seven stars which follow them rising now in conjunction, now in opposition, . . . these, moved by the powers, show the movement of substance toward the creation of living beings and the turn of circumstances. But both the stars and the powers are of different kinds: some are beneficent, some maleficent, some right, some left, and that which is born shares in both qualities. And each of them comes into being at its own time, the dominant sign fulfilling the course of nature, partly at the beginning, partly at the end. (Extracts from the Works of Theodotus)

Then when Pistis Sophia had seen the war, she dispatched seven archangels to Sabaoth from her light. They snatched him up to the seventh heaven. They stood before him as attendants. Furthermore, she sent him three more archangels, and established the kingdom for him over everyone, so that he might dwell above the twelve gods of chaos (On the Origin of the World - The Nag Hammadi Library )

Then the twelve powers, whom I have just discussed, consented with each other. <Six> males (and) females (each) were revealed, so that there are seventy-two powers. Each one of the seventy two revealed five spiritual (powers), which (together) are the three hundred and sixty powers. The union of them all is the will. Therefore our aeon came to be as the type of Immortal Man. Time came to be as the type of First Begetter, his son. The year came to be as the type of Savior. The twelve months came to be as the type of the twelve powers. The three hundred and sixty days of the year came to be as the three hundred and sixty powers who appeared from Savior. Their hours and moments came to be as the type of the angels who came from them (the powers), who are without number (Eugnostos the Blessed)

James said, "Rabbi, are there then twelve hebdomads and not seven as there are in the scriptures?" The Lord said, "James, he who spoke concerning this scripture had a limited understanding. I, however, shall reveal to you what has come forth from him who has no number. I shall give a sign concerning their number. As for what has come forth from him who has no measure, I shall give a sign concerning their measure"

James said, "Rabbi, behold then, I have received their number. There are seventy-two measures!"

The Lord said, "These are the seventy-two heavens, which are their subordinates. These are the powers of all their might; and they were established by them; and these are they who were distributed everywhere, existing under the authority of the twelve archons. The inferior power among them brought forth for itself angels and unnumbered hosts. Him-who-is, however, has been given [...] on account of [...] Him-who-is [...] they are unnumbered. If you want to give them a number now, you will not be able to do so until you cast away from your blind thought, this bond of flesh which encircles you. And then you will reach Him-who-is. And you will no longer be James; rather rather you are the One-who-is. And all those who are unnumbered will all have been named."

25 The followers of Valentinus defined the Angel as a Logos having a message from Him who is. And, using the same terminology, they call the Aeons Logoi.He says the Apostles were substituted for the twelve signs of the Zodiac, for, as birth is directed by them, so is rebirth by the Apostles.

The twelve messengers or apostles, linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac

Twelve Number of signs of the zodiac, and so the number of cosmic authorities produced by the demiurge in the Secret Book of John. Also the number of tribes of Israel, and the number of students (disciples) and messengers (apostles) of Jesus in the early church.

The twelve cosmic authorities (Archon) correspond to the signs of the zodiac.

In a different Mandaean tradition, which parallels the gnostic Sophia myth, a female figure named Ruha initially dwells in the world of light, until she "falls" and gives birth to the lord of darkness (also known as Ur, a dragon). Together they create a host of evil beings, including the seven planets and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Although Mandaeans condemn the powers of the zodiac, they also employ elements of Babylonian astrological magic in certain texts (for example, Sfar malwashia) and rites. As in Judaism, therefore, official condemnation of magic exists side by side with the proliferation of magical texts, amulets, and practices.

The Zodiac is not the reality. Look, the star movements are divided into 12 for the reason that it is the measurement of counting in the heavens --- God's set times and seasons. In the ancient near east, they would count on the digits of a hand with that hand's thumb, three segments for each of the four fingers.
Going spiritual, what governs these is the thumb, being the moon, and the whole hand the sun, since the sun obscures all of the lights in brightness. So, you have God's hand on the earth, who He uses, in the form of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles.

For ages man has believed that he is influenced by the stars for good or for ill, according to the planet under which he has been born, and entirely apart from his own volition. However we are now awaking to the truth of Shakespeare's declaration, "The fault . . . is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings," and to the truth of God's own word in Genesis, to the effect that He made man in His own image and likeness, and gave him dominion. This dominion is, first of all, over himself. Thus man becomes master of his own fate and can make his life what he will. In time he will rule even the elements and the stars, consciously. 

The query, "Canst thou lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season?", means: Can you cause the sun and the planets to make their prescribed circuits, and to continue in them? Mazzaroth, meaning prognostications and referring to the signs of the zodiac, signifies metaphysically one's power to guide one's own life and to foretell the outcome of the thoughts and intents of one's own mind and heart.

The degrees in a cube of 2160 is same as a one zodiac cycle 2160 years, 12 zodiacs is around 25920 years.

Title: The Limitations of Using the Zodiac: A Gnostic Perspective

Introduction

The Zodiac, an ancient system of celestial classification based on the positions of stars and planets, has been revered and used by various cultures for centuries. However, certain Gnostic traditions caution against its use, associating it with malevolent forces that govern the material realm. This document aims to explore the reasons why we should reconsider the use of the Zodiac, particularly in light of Gnostic perspectives that emphasize the limitations and potential negative influences it may have on human understanding and spiritual growth.

Gnostic Associations with Malevolent Forces

In Gnostic traditions, the Zodiac is often linked to the Archons, spiritual entities considered servants of the Demiurge, the creator of the material world. These Archons are believed to rule over the material realm and are often seen as malevolent forces that hinder spiritual enlightenment. The association of the Zodiac with these Archons raises concerns about whether its use may inadvertently align individuals with these negative influences.

Cosmic Authorities and Their Implications

Gnostic texts such as the Nag Hammadi Library highlight the intricate relationships between cosmic authorities, the signs of the Zodiac, and spiritual powers. This complex interplay can lead to confusion and distract individuals from seeking genuine spiritual growth. Gnosticism teaches that true enlightenment comes from transcending material influences rather than aligning with cosmic forces that may hinder one's spiritual journey.

Human Dominion Over Fate

The Gnostic perspective suggests that placing too much emphasis on the Zodiac can lead to a fatalistic mindset, where individuals attribute their successes or failures solely to celestial forces. This contradicts the core Gnostic belief in human mastery over one's fate. Shakespeare's insight, "The fault ... is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings," resonates with this idea of personal responsibility and the ability to shape one's destiny.

Misdirection from Inner Spiritual Development

Gnostic teachings encourage individuals to look inward for spiritual understanding and growth, rather than relying on external cosmic influences. The Zodiac's focus on external factors like planetary positions can divert attention from inner spiritual development. Gnosticism emphasizes direct communion with the divine source rather than seeking guidance from intermediary cosmic forces.

Potential for Superstition and Diversion

Overreliance on the Zodiac can lead to superstition and an unhealthy dependence on astrological predictions. Gnostic traditions caution against falling into such practices, as they can detract from authentic spiritual pursuits. Instead of relying on celestial signs, Gnostics advocate for cultivating self-awareness, inner wisdom, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Conclusion

While the Zodiac holds historical and cultural significance, Gnostic traditions offer a unique perspective that urges caution in its usage. The association of the Zodiac with malevolent forces and its potential to misdirect individuals from genuine spiritual growth are key considerations. Gnosticism teaches that the path to enlightenment lies in mastering one's own destiny, looking inward for guidance, and transcending external influences. As individuals seek deeper understanding and connection with the divine, Gnostic teachings invite them to reconsider the role of the Zodiac in their spiritual journey.