108 - At One With The Universe?

In yoga, the number 108 refers to spiritual completion. This is also the case in numerology, although not specifically 108, but any number whose digits add up to nine which is the end of each number cycle. This sacred number appears over and over again throughout history. At Stonehenge, the Sarsen Circle is 108 feet in diameter. During the era of the Mayans, the High Temple of Lamanai was erected at 108 feet tall - the same height as the Tikal temple in Guatemala. These temples, built to worship the gods and to entomb the souls of great leaders may have used this number to connect humanity to the Sun as a giver of life, which in ancient times would have been viewed not as a star but as a deity. 

In astrology, the number 108 also appears frequently. The distance from Earth to the Sun is approximately 108 times the diameter of the Sun itself. The distance between the Earth and the Moon is also about 108 times the diameter of the Moon. The Earth is said to have an astrological cycle of 2160 years (20 x 108) known as an Age. See my previous post 'The Age Of Aquarius'. In astrology, an angle of 108 degrees is called a Tridecile. When a circle (the zodiac) is divided equally by 10, each resulting angle is 36 degrees. A tridecile is 36 x 3 = 108 degrees. The 108° aspect is classed a minor aspect, not because it lacks power, but because these aspects - as well as other minor aspects - require extra calculation by the astrologer when analysing a chart. Unlike the major aspects, they are not immediately obvious, so do not have the at-a-glance impact. Therefore, unless specifically asked for, they are unlikely to be included in most chart analyses, being far too time-consuming. I have to admit, I have only recently started paying more attention to minor aspects but did use them in the past.

As an astrology student I remember being instructed on the mantra 'as above, so below'. The meaning is that we are all part of the universe and that whatever happens 'above' in the sky is reflected 'below' on Earth. Astrology puts us at the centre of this giant cosmic computer, and the modern interpretation of how astrology works is based on the symbiotic relationship between planet Earth and the Universe. Together, we move synchronistically like cogs and wheels inside a clock - always in motion, always connected. Just as the ocean tides ebb and flow to the rhythm and gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon, everything on Earth is tied in to the movement and relative positions of the planets. Often described as the Macrocosm and the Microcosm - the large universe and the small universe - we now know that, there is no above or below. The universe surrounds the Earth and influences everything upon it, just as the atmosphere controls the weather, only on a much larger scale. We are components in the same mechanism, life on Earth is life in the Universe.

So, what does it mean to have the Tridecile (108°) in your chart? Apparently, it indicates special gifts, superior intellect, a special talent for music, psychic ability, etc. This is a highly specialised aspect which possesses a very unique energy. When activated, it becomes involved with current circumstances or in situations that require interaction to bring awareness or expression. In other words, this aspect manifests in a very practical and tangible way, often leading to the person advancing in life through an event or experience by 'being in the right place at the right time' or meeting the right person. It truly has a serendipitous effect.

Throughout spiritual teachings this mystical number occurs time after time. Hindu deities have 108 names, and India is said to have 108 sacred sites. In China, some forms of Tai Chi have 108 moves. Many Buddhist temples have 108 steps representing the 108 steps to enlightenment, and in Japan, at Zen Buddhist temples, a bell chimes 108 times at the end of the year. The secrets of the Universe have yet to be revealed but through our spiritual understanding of 108, we just might be a little closer to finding the truth.