Pholus (astrology)

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The Centaurs are increasingly used by astrologers. One theme of Pholus, according to the co-author of the first book on the subject, is "Small cause, big effect." Pholus was the second Centaur discovered. It was due to this discovery that the planetary class was defined (Chiron and Phlolus were then grouped into the new class), and indeed, the discoveries proceeded very rapidly from there -- consistent with the archetypal nature of Pholus.

In 1992, there was another significant "second discovery" within a class of planets: that of the first planet beyond the Pluto-Charon binary system -- the as yet unnamed (15760) 1992 QB1. In other words, this was the year of the discovery of the Kuiper Belt, a vast region of space where millions of small planets reside. Prior to the discovery of QB1, the Kuiper Belt had only been theorized, but with a second discovery, there was finally tangible evidence. As of this writing, there are more than 20 named bodies in both classes (Chiron and Kuiper objects), which together constitute a completely different Solar System cosmos than the ones that any prior generations of astrologers have encountered or even pondered.

The first astrological ephemeris of Pholus was published in 1994 by astrologer Zane B Stein. Zane said of Pholus in that publication that "there does seem to be an element of selflessness in his actions...of involving the self in something to the point of losing the self in the process." In a sense, Pholus offered a "vague precognition" to the discovery of these realms, other keywords given by von Heeren. But when Pholus is involved, such vague perception often leads to concrete and tangible results. Something starts like a wispy notion (Neptune-styled) and then rapidly takes on form (Saturn-styled). Given that Pholus's orbit crosses the orbits of Uranus and Neptune, with their revolutionary changes and compelling spiritual processes, as well as that of Saturn, the most traditional planet, you can be sure it carries a lot of energy wherever it goes, and can wear many masks.

At other times, the energy of Pholus feels like a pressure release, akin to shaking up a bottle of Pepsi on a hot day, and promptly opening it. It's just that the stuff keeps coming out. A genie coming out of a bottle is perhaps a better metaphor, but that, too, comes with the sense of materialization. Pholus has a quality of opening the door to the infinite. Depending on the door, that may or may not be helpful, or seem helpful, but it is what it is and when Pholus has become active, it's necessary to get out of denial and work with the energy consciously.

Pholus has the property of release from situations, thus opening to new possibilities, and emerging into new states of existence. It is the Centaur of fast-moving changes, or rapid transformations, typically initiated by one's own action. Something as simple as curiosity or a chance encounter may start the chain of events. One quality of Pholus experience is, "I would never have done that if I knew what I was getting into," sometimes with the added idea, "but I'm glad I did." A small gesture that leads to something large, a minor project that becomes one's life work, an experiment that takes on a life of its own, leading to many developments, all are properties of Pholus.

Pholus, von Heeren adds, is "the catalyst and provider for a landslide-like change (in history for example) and turning points," adding, "Pholus exaggerates energies in their raw state. Pholus is an emphasizer." In some cases, Pholus activity represents or instigates situations in which something gets out and you can't get it back in, such as when riots begin and the government cannot stop them, or you make one change and it cascades into a series of other developments. This same quality also gives Phlous experiences the quality of a leap to a new level.

Another quality of Pholus is anything involving three generations, which relates to its mythology. Pholus was the keeper of a cask of wine given to him by Dionysys, which he had kept three generations, and which was the collective property of all the Centaurs. Wherever there is a question within an astrology counseling situation that may be multigenerational, no matter what the subject, the position of Pholus in the natal chart or transits at the time can offer insight and assistance. Look for the influence of ancestors, issues and gripes to be taken up with ancestors, and one's relationship to predecessors of any kind. Pholus, in this respect, addresses issues that belong to the entire tribe, collective psychological property, and group responses to situations. Pholus has a relationship to addictions and the healing of addictions, as well as their causes and consequences, which often have multigenerational and group causes and effects that may or may not include the actual substance itself, but rather the effects of being raised under its influence, attitudes toward the substance, or attitudes passed from a grandparent.

[edit] Sources

• von Heeren, Robert and Koch, Dieter. Pholus: Wanderer between Saturn and Neptune (Published in German by Chiron Verlag).
• Francis, Eric. "Small Cause, Big Effect". Planet Waves Weekly, November 18, 2005.
• Stein, Zane B. Ephemeris of Pholus (1994).