“Let us concern ourselves with the mind, whose dual phases are shown by the half-circle. If we place the cross over the half-circle we have the Tempter of humanity, because this exalts matter over mind. It is the great centralizing of self.
“Every one must pass these limitations and meet the Great Judge,” the hierophant continued, “and He, in the heavens, guards Himself with triple rings. No spirit goes through the Gates of Light into His presence except he be well weighed in the balance of the seventh sign.”
“This is the same as initiation into the Brotherhood,” returned Yermah, involuntarily.
“It is the planetary aspect of the labor thou art soon to perform.”
Akaza did not wish to go more into detail; so he hastened to say:
“If we place the half-circle over the cross, we have mind risen over matter, and compassion is the result. Then we have learned the value of mercy. The true spirit of devotion comes from the belted planet. It abuses none who are struggling upward, but lends a helping hand to all.”
Seeing that Akaza laid down the caduceus and drew the horoscope closer to him, Yermah said:
“Thou hast given the symbol of only six planets. Hast thou forgotten the seventh?”
“No. That planet is made up of three factors combined; the circle is in the center; the cross, below; and the half-circle, above. This is the essence of wisdom. It is perfected manhood, and it flies through the cosmos in search of the Infinite, whose messenger it is.”
Uranus and Neptune are octaves of Mercury and Venus, and belong to the spiritual triad, Saturn being the first.