Christian Astrological Apostles
The Zodiacal Signs as The 12 Apostles of Jesus.
Throughout the Christian Bible, both Old and New Testaments, the number twelve is a prominent number. The twelve Disciples of Christ, the twelve sons of Jacob (better known as the Twelve Tribes of Israel), the twelve layers of precious stones in the foundation of heaven or the New Jerusalem. This deliberate use of 12, is for good reason. Gematria, Numerology, and Zodiacal/Celestial.
In Mythology we had the Twelve Labours of Heracles. Astrology has the twelve signs of the Zodiac or constellations of the heavens, as well as twelve houses to a chart or horoscope. Of course, all 12 surrounded by the Sun of God/Source.
Astrologers of the past had taken the time to study the disciples and associated each with a sign of the Zodiac. The importance of having twelve Apostles was so great, that after the demise of Judas, he was quickly replaced. As if to say that without twelve disciples, the group was not whole (holy) or complete.
And they appointed two; Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Mathias.
Acts 1:23
The eleven disciples then cast lots (resembling the tossing of dice) and Mathias was chosen to replace Judas, the betrayer.
ARIES/PETER
Peter, also known as Simon and or Cephas, is said to be the Aries. Very vibrant and fiery. A great leader, as Aries generally are. Peter is viewed by Catholicism as the leader of the church, all Popes being his successors.
If you follow his story through the Bible, you will see he character to be impulsive, and changed his mind readily. He is said to have the authority, given by God, to decide who may enter the gates of Heaven. When Judas betrays Jesus, and the priests came to arrest Jesus, Peter was the impulsive disciple who immediately chopped off the ear of the priest. Though Jesus had forewarned Peter that he would deny knowledge of being an acquaintance, much less disciple of the Lord, Peter argued. Yet when he was questioned:
"Art not thou one of his disciples? He denied it, saying I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did I not see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again…"
John 18:25-27
To save face, much like an Aries, he denied knowing Jesus even through the repeated questioning.
TAURUS/SIMON
The Taurus was Simon Zelotes. Much like the earth sign with which he is associated, his character concerns were monies and properties. Simon was outspoken and determined about his refusal to pay taxes to Caesar, even though Jesus taught:
"…render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things which are God’s"
Matthew 22:21
He is known as Simon the Zealot, commonly thought to be a member of the Jewish group, the Zealots, a political group known for their resistance of the Roman government. Like most Taureans, he preferred security and wealth. Simon is known for his materialistic behaviourisms. A typical Taurus believes others are out to take advantage of him, and rarely changes his mind about anything once he has set his opinion. Simon of the Bible, was no different.
GEMINI/JAMES
James is seen as the Gemini. A wonderful speaker, he became the preacher of the church in Jerusalem. Gemini is the sign known for having two faces, as it were (or twins). James fulfills this. Some believe that it was he who wrote the book of James and see him as one of Jesus’ four brothers. Others claim he is a half brother, as Mary the Virgin and God the Father had only one child. All others would be half siblings.
The Roman Catholic Church states that he is merely a cousin of Jesus, that the Messiah had no siblings. Still other religions believe him to be Joseph’s child from a previous marriage. And still others make no such connection at all, saying he was the son of Alphaeus, a disciple of Christ. (Alphaeus is also said to be the father of Matthew called Levi). Some say, Jesus never existed in physical form at all.
True to the sign with which he is associated, James has many identifications or personalities. And whoever it may have been that penned the book of James, he is eloquent with his words, as are most Geminis.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 1:8
CANCER/ANDREW
Andrew, brother of Simon called Peter, the fisherman, represents Cancer. A loner, and homebody; dependent upon his family. Upon meeting Jesus as a follower of John the Baptist, his first thoughts were to share the news with his brother.
"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus…"
John 1:41-42
Much like the sign of Cancer, Andrew was not one to lead. Jesus told him “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Andrew was the sympathetic disciple of the lot. Cancerians are seen as the mothers, the sensitive men, the domestic being of the zodiac. They have a strong attachment or loyalty they feel they owe to their family, as well as all others. Always concerned with the well being of everyone else.
LEO/JOHN
The Leo is John, the beloved. John is seen as having been a leader of the Early church and said to have written a great many of the books in the New Testament, including the Gospel of John, Epistles John 1, John 2, and John 3 as well as Revelation. (though probably not Revelation)
Much like a Leo, he adored the spotlight in a manner of speaking. When he writes of himself in his books, he includes praise and somewhat shows off, as generally Leos do. The John of Revelation, wrote a highly detailed account of heaven in vivid detail.
Leos are known for their hospitality to the needy and John was no less. They thrive on love and adoration and being the winner. John writes that he is the disciple that Jesus loved.
"…leaning on Jesus’ bosom, one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved…"
John 13:23
VIRGO/PHILIP
Philip the Virgo, the thinker, always calculating and enquiring. Wanting to know more. Philip is accredited for the introduction of Jesus to Nathaniel. Virgos are well known for their in depth study of subjects, researching before committing.
"…We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
John 1:45
Philip knew the references made of Jesus, as any Virgo would, before making an introduction, know the credibility of a person they are introducing to others. Virgoans are extremely concerned, as a general, with details. If they are speaking on any subject, one can rest assured that they have studied what they speak of extensively. Virgos knowledge may not be broad, but the well runs deep.
LIBRA/NATHANIEL
Nathaniel or Bartholomew was the Libra. Libras are said to have a sense of humour and express themselves best through their tactless speeches. Nathaniel’s first response to being told of Jesus of Nazareth was one of incredulous: “Nazareth?! Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (of course, we now know Nazareth did not exist back then)
Libras are known for having very clear and defined opinions and a charming sense of communicative powers. Nathaniel called Bartholomew was also known as the persuasive evangelist.
Libras are able to be fair leaders when they find a cause and they are very manipulative when trying to get others to follow them. They can be overbearing at times, but Libras are generally able to get others to see their side of anything, just as with Nathaniel.
SCORPIO/THOMAS
Doubting Thomas called Didymos (also meaning twin) is depicted as the Scorpio. Like the sign of Scorpio Thomas is associated with, he was very suspicious of the disciple’s story of Jesus’ appearance following the Resurrection, as he had not been present. Thomas said the only way he would buy the story was if he could place his fingers into Jesus’ sides. Scorpios are very much the same, insisting upon touching the evidence in order to be made a believer.
"Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe."
John 20:25
Once proof is given; they are steadfast and secure in their faithfulness; never swaying from their goal or beliefs.
SAGITTARIUS/JAMES
James, son of Zebedee, is the Sagittarius. Together, with the other fire signs Peter (Aries) and John (Leo), he is known as one of the three great leaders of the early churches. Fire signs, individually are great leaders, but the three together is an unstoppable force, as were these three.
As with most Sagittarians, James was a lover of travel and intuitive. Honesty and justice were sacred to him and he had great intellect. James was the first martyr of the twelve, as it was told, being put to death by King Herod Agrippa, dying for that which he believed. A Sagittarian will not change his beliefs to save his own neck; he is honest and steadfast, no matter the cost to himself or others. One of the most loyal signs, James was also loyal to Jesus. Personally, I am a Sagittarius and can attest to this through my own experiences.
"And James…come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire."
Mark 10:35
CAPRICORN/MATTHEW
The tax collector, Matthew known as Levi, is seen as the Capricorn. Matthew was said to have had a political seat in the Roman government. Capricorns are generally depicted as proud creatures, respective to authority and hard working no matter the job.
Matthew had the despised job of tax collecting and yet wore it with great honour. If one wants the best man for the job, one who will be organized and realistic, look for a Capricorn. Capricorns are never satisfied with a job well done, it must be perfected. Though they like having a position of status and power, they do not want to be seen as famous. Matthew was much like a Capricorn in this sense.
Capricorns are also sometimes seen as two-faced, stoically believing one belief and acting on another. While Matthew was a member of the Roman government that challenged Jesus, he also was a follower of the Lord.
AQUARIUS/THADDEUS
Thaddeus called Judas is thought to have been the Aquarian by formidable astrologers. Aquarius is a fixed air sign of uncertainty, curiousity, questioning others without tact and in a rude manner. At the Last Supper, Thaddeus was found questioning Jesus.
"Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?"
John 14:22
While an Aquarian may offer loyal friendship, like Thaddeus, he will question what will be his own gain. They are not fighters and are not willing to fight for what they believe. They would much rather to change their opinion to stand with the crowd.
PISCES/JUDAS
Finally, we have Judas Iscariot, the Pisces. For thirty silver pieces, Judas betrayed his friend and Lord Jesus. And like a Pisces, when all was said and done, he became depressed and gave up his life.
Pisces are also known for being shy and withdrawn, as a general, losing touch with reality. When he sat with Jesus at the Last Supper, Jesus said that one of the twelve would betray him. And though Judas had the silver pieces as payment for the betrayal in his possession; he still questioned who the betrayer was.
"Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I?"
Matthew 26:25
The glyph of the two fish, which represents the zodiac sign of the Pisces, shows that they have the ability to either sink or swim. Clearly, Judas chose to sink to the lower depths and later committed suicide.
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Some Astrologers have likened the symbology of the Moon to that of Mary, the Virgin Mother. Others have seen the Moon as Jesus or God. The Moon is said to be ones emotions, the reaction you have before taking the time to think through the occurance. Scientists are still researching the control of the Moon over tides, fertility, menstruation and occurances of crime.
Being that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one in the realm of the Trinity, I associate the Trinity with the Sun. For many centuries, astrologers believed all planets to orbit the Earth, as though the Earth was self. Modern astrology still views the Earth as self, though since the seventeenth century, we have known that the heavenly bodies orbit the Sun. I hope you found this to be of interest.
Just a thought ...
~Justin Taylor, ORDM., OCP., DM.
My thanks to Tiara Starr
