Astrological Symbolism: Aries, part 1

Blavatsky describes the Zodiac as:’ Zodiac (Gr.). From the word zodion, a diminutive of zoon, animal. This word is used in a dual meaning; it may refer to the fixed and intellectual Zodiac, or to the movable and natural Zodiac. “In astronomy”, says Science, “it is an imaginary belt in the heavens 16° or 18° broad, through the middle of which passes the sun’s path (the ecliptic) .“ It contains the twelve constellations which constitute the twelve signs of the Zodiac, and from which they are named. As the nature of the zodiacal light—that elongated, luminous, triangular figure which, lying almost in the ecliptic, with its base on the horizon and its apex at greater and smaller altitudes, is to be seen only during the morning and evening twilights—is entirely unknown to science, the origin and real significanće and occult meaning of the Zodiac were, and are still, a mystery, to all save the Initiates. The latter preserved their secrets well. Between the Chaldean star-gazer and the modern astrologer there lies to this day a wide gulf indeed; and they wander, in the words of Albumazar, “‘twixt the poles, and heavenly hinges, ‘mongst eccentricals, centres, concentricks, circles and epicycles”, with vain pretence to more than profane human skill.

The movable or natural Zodiac is a succession of constellations forming a belt of in width, lying north and south of the plane of the ecliptic. The precession of the Equinoxes is caused by the “motion” of the sun through space, which makes the constellations appear to move forward against the order of the signs at the rate of 501/3 seconds per year. A simple calculation will show that at this rate the constellation Taurus (Heb. Aleph) was in the first sign of the Zodiac at the beginning of the Kali Yuga, and consequently the Equinoctial point fell therein. At this time, also, Leo was in the summer solstice, Scorpio in the autumnal Equinox, and Aquarius in the winter solstice ; and these facts form the astronomical key to half the religious mysteries of the world-—the Christian scheme included.

Daksha, Rameshwara Temple (1)

The Zodiac was known in India and Egypt for incalculable ages, and the knowledge of the sages (magi) of these countries, with regard to the occult influence of the stars and heavenly bodies on our earth, was far greater than profane astronomy can ever hope to reach to. If, even now, when most of the secrets of the Asuramayas and the Zoroasters are lost, it is still amply shown that horoscopes and judiciary astrology are far from being based on fiction, and if such men as Kepler and even Sir Isaac Newton believed that stars and constellations influenced the destiny of our globe and its humanities, it requires no great stretch of faith to believe that men who were initiated into all the mysteries of nature, as well as into astronomy and astrology, knew precisely in what way nations and mankind, whole races as well as individuals, would be affected by the so-called “signs of the Zodiac”. (Theosophical Glorssary)

Blavatsky, in discussing the symbolism of the first sign, Aries, mentions that symbol of the Ram is present in mythologies of India, Egypt, and Greece, as well as Judaic and Christian traditions.

Virabhadra, with Daksha (2)

In Hindu mythology, she mentions the myth of Daksha. In the epics and Puranic scriptures, he is a son of the creator-god Brahma and the father of many children, who became the progenitors of various creatures. According to one legend, a resentful Daksha conducted a yajna (fire-sacrifice), and deliberately did not invite his youngest daughter Sati and her husband Shiva. In the Linga Purana, for insulting Shiva during this event, which caused Sati to self-immolate in fury, he was beheaded by Virabhadra, an attendant of Shiva. He was later resurrected with the head of a goat (Williams, George M. (27 March 2008). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. OUP USA. p. 261)

According to Blavatsky: ”Daksha, who is regarded as the Chief Progenitor, is, moreover, pointed out as the creator of physical man in the “fable,” which makes him lose his head from his body in the general strife between the gods and the Raumas. This head, being burnt in the fire, is replaced by the head of a ram (Kasi-Khanda). Now the ram’s head and horns are ever the symbol of generating power and of reproductive force, and are phallic. As we have shown, it is Daksha who establishes the era of men engendered by sexual intercourse. But this mode of procreation did not occur suddenly, as one may think, and required long ages before it became the one “natural” way.’  (Secret Doctrine 2, 182)

She also mentionsl Agni: ‘The Hindu god Agni, who presides at the sign of Pisces, next to that of Aries in their relation to the twelve months (February and March), is painted of a deep red color, with two faces (male and female), three legs, and seven arms; the whole forming the number twelve. Agni is represented mounted on a ram, with a tiara surmounted by a cross. (Isis Unveiled 2, 465)

Agni (3)

In Vedic literature, Agni is a major and oft-invoked god along with Indra and Soma. Agni is considered the mouth of the gods and goddesses and the medium that conveys offerings to them in a homa (votive ritual). He is conceptualized in ancient Hindu texts to exist at three levels, on earth as fire, in the atmosphere as lightning, and in the sky as the sun. This triple presence accords him as the messenger between the deities and human beings in the Vedic scriptures. The relative importance of Agni declined in the post-Vedic era, as he was internalised and his identity evolved to metaphorically represent all transformative energy and knowledge in the Upanishads and later Hindu literature. Agni remains an integral part of Hindu traditions, such as being the central witness of the rite-of-passage ritual in traditional Hindu weddings called Saptapadi or Agnipradakṣiṇam (seven steps and mutual vows), in the Upanayana ceremony of rite of passage, as well being part of the diyā (lamp) in festivals such as Deepavali and Aarti in Puja. The design guidelines and specifications of his iconography are described in the Hindu Agama texts. (Jansen, Eva Rudy (1993). The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning. p. 64. )

Mesha (4)

She mentions the traditional Hindu astrological attributions: ,’1. Mecha (Aries) is dedicated to Varuna’ (Isis Unveiled 1, 263). Subba Row gives his own esoteric account of the Hindu astrological symbol: 

1) Mêsha. One of the synonyms of this word is Aja. Now, Aja literally means that which has no birth and is applied to the Eternal Brahman in certain portions of the Upanishats. So the first sign is intended to represent Parabrahmam, the Self- existent, Eternal, Self-sufficient Cause of all. The Self-existent, eternal Brahman (The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac, The Theosophist, November, 1881).

 

Image References

 

(1) Rameshwara Temple, Keladi, Sunday, 17 June 2018

http://www.milesandtrails.com/2018/06/rameshwara-temple-keladi.html

 

(2) "Painting on paper depicting Virabhadra. At his left stands the ram-headed Dakṣa, with tripundras on his forehead and arms. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2007-3005-13

(3) Agni, with two heads, sits on the back of a ram. On both heads his hair is tied neatly in a jata makuta from which emanate tongues of fire. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1992-0410-0-1-56

 

(4) Aries zodiac sign, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, India. 18th century CE. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesha_Sankranti#/media/File:Aries_zodiac_sign,_Jantar_Mantar,_Jaipur,_India.jpg 

 

Part 2

Astrology: Jupiter square Pluto, May 17, 2023

For the Spring Equinox chart, March 21, I wrote: 'We have a very interesting, intense chart (which can also serve as a preview of the whole semester) with a Mercury, Sun, Neptune, Moon conjunction book-ended by Pluto and Uranus sextiles and a Mars square to it. Moreover, it coincides with the New Moon. Besides the Sun, Saturn and Pluto shifts, three more planets will have changed signs within a three-week period (Venus in Taurus, March 16, Mercury in Aries, March 19, Mars in Cancer, March 26) for a total of seven changes between March 7 and March 26. Hang on to your seats folks, we could be in for a bumpy ride!'

 

Indeed, for the Spring semester, we have quite a lot of important aspects and events:

March 7 Saturn enters Pisces

March 24 Pluto enters Aquarius

April 20 Total Solar Eclipse in Aries

May 5 Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio

May 16 Jupiter enters Taurus

May 17 Jupiter square Pluto

June 11 Pluto Retrograde re-enters Capricorn

June 19 Jupiter in Taurus sextiles Saturn in Pisces

 

Just to give an idea of how that has played out so far, near the Spring equinox, March 21, Russia and China had an important meeting, Xi,Putin reaffirm partnership in 2nd day of talks. and there was an earthquake in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  For March 24, Pluto entered Aquarius, there were major tornadoes in midwestern, southern U.S, and ex-US president Donald Trump was arrested. Also, there were U.S.airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria.

For the eclipses, near April 20 Total Solar Eclipse in Aries, there was a civil war  flare-up in Sudan that began a week earlier. Moreover, a rocket ship blew up. Super Heavy's 33 powerful Raport engines malfunctioned on ascent. For the May 5 Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio, the end of the COVID emergency was declared, and there was a shooting incident in Allen, Texas.

Some more positive events during this period include, on April 10, Saudi Arabia makes peace proposal for Yemen after Houthi talks and on April 15, in Canada,

five first nations reach historic 800-million 44266-hectares-settlement with BC federal government.

 

From Café Astrology https://cafeastrology.com/events/jupiter-square-pluto-2023/

With Jupiter forming a square to Pluto, we can be quite ambitious now, feeling that we can achieve virtually anything we choose to do. However, while it may not come naturally, treading lightly now is advised as it is easy to stir up opposition. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided.

Our belief system could be challenged, and the need for a major attitude change arises. Instead, we might have to face narrow-mindedness in others (or in ourselves). Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general and to ignore the critical details. Thinking in big terms is fine, as long as we also consider the practical elements of any pursuit. Expecting too much, too soon can unnecessarily bring us down.

There can be difficulties with legal, tax, insurance, publishing, educational, or travel matters at this time. Different outlooks and beliefs can cause deeper divides than usual. We might have conflicts with others that lead to reputation problems. The desire to lead or guide can be strong, but cynicism can get in the way of this urge. Mistrust and cynicism with current systems and structures is likely. Dangers with this combination include self-importance, obsession, and never really feeling content or satisfied.

From Astrology King https://astrologyking.com/jupiter-square-pluto/

 

Jupiter square Pluto on May 17, 2023, is the most significant planetary aspect of the year. It will have a far more intense impact than usual because Jupiter aligns with the April 20 solar eclipse, which was also square Pluto. Jupiter square Pluto May 2023 amplifies the influence of the April 20 solar eclipse. Jupiter at 00♉43 aligns with the eclipse at 29♈50. And since the eclipse, Pluto has only moved from 00♒19 to 00♒18.

Jupiter square Pluto 2023 will give intense desires to become rich, successful or famous. But ruthless behavior will have consequences. Pluto will try to eliminate greed, corruption, immorality and other negative manifestations of Jupiter. This means bankruptcies, foreclosures, recession, falls in share prices, job losses and other repercussions of corporate greed.

Another area on which you may focus your energy is philosophy or religion. Religious mania or extremism are possible outcomes if you remain single-minded and self-righteous. Instead of narrowing your field of view, it is much better to gain more comprehensive knowledge. Traveling and mixing with people from different backgrounds will help you avoid any chance of bigotry, xenophobia, or other forms of intolerance and ignorance.

May 14-28: Volatile Mars, Jupiter, Pluto T-square 

With the exact May 17 Jupiter square Pluto, May 20 Mars opposite Pluto, and

May 22 Mars square Jupiter, we have a rather tight T-square which is an intense, difficult pattern that brings much energy and resolution possibilities. Mars opposite Pluto in particular is one of the twelve most volatile astrological aspects (see my Mars square Pluto analysis). It is even more intense because the aspects occur on the cusp between two signs, just behind the Jupiter move from Aries to Taurus on May 16, a high-energy position, and Jupiter is close to the North Node. 

 

Attached to the T-Square, we also have, interestingly,  two triangles of potential, formed by the ubiquitous Pluto sextile Neptune, Mars trine Neptune, and Mars opposite Pluto. There also a triangle formed with Sun trine Pluto and Sun sextile Mars. Since we also have  Sun sextile Neptune, more precisely, this is called a is a cradle aspect pattern, something that occurred recently on a May 16, 2022 Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio. Thus, strongly connected Neptune and  Sun bring helpful support for managing tough Mars opposite Pluto

 

It is possibly the most intense, volatile period of the year, but overall, the alignments are moving to more peaceful figures, especially when Pluto returns to Aquarius at the end of the year.

Mars opposition Pluto. Power struggles, “all or nothing” energy, the desire to force one’s agenda meets with opposition and resistance. Do what you can to avoid a contest of wills. The desire to get the upper hand is strong, but it’s unlikely to happen under this influence. It would be wise to observe whatever powerful feelings that confrontations or conflicts arouse under this influence, as this transit has a way of pulling out suppressed matter, or emotional “slush”. Passions run high, and so does sexual energy.

 

Mars square Jupiter You may be overconfident at this time. Success and progress can be had during this transit, but only if you apply moderation to your efforts. Don’t force anything or anyone. It is too easy to come across as threatening or overbearing at this time. You are restless in physical terms and regarding your desire nature. You are looking for more from life, but you may have a hard time satisfying your urges. You may find yourself to be more adventurous on a sexual level. Be extra cautious with regards to physical risks. Accidents are certainly not a given during this transit, but they are more likely than usual. Your restlessness can lure you into reckless situations.

 

Mars trine Neptune (May 15) We act on our intuition now, fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment.

 

Sun sextile Neptune (May 18) We’re at the right place at the right time, probably because our hunches are more likely to be correct and we are “tuned in”. We are inspired, and charitable acts now will serve to lift our spirits like no drug can. A good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We are able to see matters, and people, from a different perspective–one that allows for, and even finds beauty in, differences.

 

Astrology: Jupiter in Taurus, May 16, 2023

Below is an abridged version of the article Intuitive Astrology: Jupiter in Taurus 2023-2024 by  Tanaaz https://foreverconscious.com/intuitive-astrology-jupiter-in-taurus-2023-2024

On May 16, 2023, Jupiter enters Taurus, where it will remain until May 26, 2024.

As Jupiter spent the last 12 months touring through Aries, it guided us to plant seeds, start new things, and perhaps even take some leaps of faith. But now that it’s moved into Taurus, it wants us to nurture the seeds that truly matter to us and to ensure that the environment is set up so they can thrive.

Jupiter in Taurus 2023-2024

Taurus is ruled by both Venus and Earth, and is connected to money, abundance, fertility, the environment, self-worth, and indulgence. Jupiter in Taurus is not quick to act, so whatever changes are instigated by this cosmic flow will work best when there is some methodical planning. Take a step-by-step approach, and don’t be in a rush. Slow and steady wins the race here when Jupiter in Taurus is involved.

Jupiter in Taurus can sometimes also create a sluggish energy that makes it all too easy to get lazy or procrastinate on what we want to do. One of the gifts that Taurus offers is to slow down, reflect on what’s important, and make time to stop and smell the roses. The problems occur when we get stuck in this state to the point that we become directionless and lose a feeling of purpose. Making time for rest, pleasure, and play is always a wonderful idea, but with Jupiter in Taurus, we may have to be mindful of overindulging.

Jupiter in Taurus: The Environment to Thrive

Creating a positive environment is something we can harness while Jupiter tours through Taurus. If you are unhappy with your living situation, work environment, or even the environments you have created in your relationships, this is a time to make a change. We can expand this idea of environment even further as a spotlight may be shone on the state of our planet and how we choose to use or abuse its resources. Taurus is also connected to agriculture and farming, so we may also see headlines around these areas.

Jupiter in Taurus: Finances & Wealth

Jupiter in Taurus tends to be the signature for money matters. Jupiter and Taurus are both connected to abundance, so this could be a fantastic time to expand your wealth and personal resources. However, Jupiter and Taurus can also be connected to an abundance of debt too! Either way, it is a good opportunity to use Jupiter’s entrance into Taurus to get your finances in order. Having a diverse range of investments is always a good idea, but if you don’t have extra cash to spare, you can also create wealth in other areas, such as: growing your own food, developing new skills, or picking up a side job.

Jupiter in Taurus: Seeking Pleasure

Choosing a destination based on the food and culture, or doing a food or wine tour will also be a fantastic way to work with this energy. You can also keep it small by doing a local wine or cooking class or learning about sustainability in your neighborhood. Jupiter in Taurus guides us to focus on both the grand and simple pleasures. Give yourself enough that it feels like a special treat, but don’t overdo it!

Jupiter and the North Node in Taurus

As Jupiter enters Taurus, it will align with the North Node, making its energy incredibly powerful. We will feel this energy most intensely from May to June 2023.The North Node represents our collective destiny and where we are heading. It is almost like the compass of the planet and the direction we are being inspired to go.

Jupiter and the North Node coming together is truly a rare and special once-in-a-lifetime event and indicates that whatever unfolds over the next 12 months will be crucial in where we are heading as a society.

Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus

What makes Jupiter’s move into Taurus so special is the alignment it will make with Uranus. This energy will be most active in April-May 2024, as Jupiter prepares to leave Taurus.

Uranus and Jupiter coming together in Taurus could bring some volatility or big changes in areas relating to agriculture, farming, and finances. Uranus and Jupiter coming together could also bring an acceleration of innovative technology such as AI or even digital currencies.

Blavatsky's charming tale of the White Lotus blossoming in Amitabha’s heaven

 

Blavatsky's charming tale of the White Lotus blossoming in Amitabha’s heaven can be found in Isis Unveiled.

Those who are so ready to accuse the Chinese of irreligion will do well to read Schott's Essays on Buddhism in China and Upper Asia.† "In the years Yuan-yeu of the Sung (A.D. 1086-1093) a pious matron with her two servants lived entirely to the Land of Enlightenment. One of the maids said one day to her companion: 'To-night I shall pass over to the Realm of Amita' (Buddha). The same night a balsamic odor filled the house, and the maid died without any preceding illness. On the following day the surviving maid said to her lady: 'Yesterday my deceased companion appeared to me in a dream, and said: "Thanks to the persevering supplications of our dear mistress, I am become an inhabitant of Paradise, and my blessedness is past all expression in words." ' The matron replied: 'If she will appear to me also, then will I believe all you say.' The next night the deceased really appeared to her. The lady asked: 'May I, for once, visit the Land of Enlightenment?' 'Yea,' answered the blessed soul; 'thou hast but to follow thine hand-maiden.' The lady followed her (in her dream), and soon perceived a lake of immeasurable expanse, overspread with innumerable red and white lotus flowers, of various sizes, some blooming, some fading. She asked what those flowers might signify? The maiden replied: 'These are all human beings on the Earth whose thoughts are turned to the Land of Enlightenment. The very first longing after the Paradise of Amita produces a flower in the Celestial Lake, and this becomes daily larger and more glorious as the self-improvement of the person whom it represents advances; in the contrary case, it loses in glory and fades away.'‡ The matron desired to know the name of an enlightened one who reposed on one of the flowers, clad in a waving and wondrously glistening raiment. Her whilom maiden answered: 'That is Yang-kie.' Then asked she the name of another, and was answered: 'That is Mahu.' 

 

The lady then said: 'At what place shall I hereafter come into existence?' Then the Blessed Soul led her a space further, and showed her a hill that gleamed with gold and azure. 'Here,' said she, 'is your future abode. You will belong to the first order of the blessed.' When the matron awoke, she sent to inquire for Yang-kie and Mahu. The first was already departed; the other still alive and well. And thus the lady learned that the soul of one who advances in holiness and never turns back, may be already a dweller in the Land of Enlightenment, even though the body still sojourn in this transitory world." 

 

† Berlin Academy of Sciences, 1846.

‡ Colonel Yule makes a remark in relation to the above Chinese mysticism which for its noble fairness we quote most willingly. "In 1871," he says, "I saw in Bond street an exhibition of the (so-called) 'spirit' drawings, i.e., drawings executed by a 'medium' under extraneous and invisible guidance. A number of these extraordinary productions (for extraordinary they were undoubtedly) professed to represent the 'Spiritual Flowers' of such and such persons; and the explanation of these as presented in the catalogue was in substance exactly that given in the text. It is highly improbable that the artist had any cognizance of Schott's Essays, and the coincidence was certainly very striking" ("The Book of Ser Marco Polo," vol. i., p. 444) 

 

(Blavatsky, H. P. Isis Unveiled II. New York. Watkins, 1879, pp. 601-02)

The Symbolism of the Lotus and the Lily

Blavatsky's very first writing about esoteric symbolism was about the lotus. Quite originally, she compares the lotus with the lily in Judeo-Christian symbolism. She went on to give the subject a full treatment in The Secret Doctrine, I, 2, 8- The Lotus, as a universal symbol. She mainly references The Heathen Religion in Its Popular and Symbolical Development, Joseph B. Gross, 1856, which is not bad, but she does not elaborate on the major iconographic examples of Hinduism, Buddhism and Egypt here, as presented in the referenced book. A very original observation is her connecting the somewhat obscure lotus reference from Buddha's birth story, which does not seem to have an important iconographic history (although imagery does exist, mainly in Southeast Asia) and the Christian Annunciation scene, which only introduced the lily iconography around the 15th century. Although botanically plausible, it is not necessarily an obvious comparison, but the similarity is intriguing, and gives an interesting hint about Renaissance Christian esotericism. Note also that this text from Isis Unveiled, was re-used almost verbatim in the Lotus chapter in the Secret Doctrine.

 

Lakshmi

'The lotus, the sacred flower of the Egyptians, as well as the Hindus, is the symbol of Horus as it is that of Brahma. No temples in Thibet or Nepaul are found without it; and the meaning of this symbol is extremely suggestive. The sprig of lilies placed in the hand of the archangel, who offers them to the Virgin Mary, in the pictures of the "Annunciation," have in their esoteric symbolism precisely the same meaning. We refer the reader to Sir William Jones ("Dissertations Relatingto Asia." Dissertations and Miscellaneous Pieces Relating to the History and Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences, and Literature, of Asia, Volume 1, p.60, 'On the Gods of Greece')

 

With the Hindus, the lotus is the emblem of the productive power of nature, through the agency of fire and water (spirit and matter). "Eternal!" says a verse in the Bhagavad Gita, "I see Brahma the creator enthroned in thee above the lotus!" (11, 15) and Sir W. Jones shows that the seeds of the lotus contain — even before they germinate — perfectly-formed leaves, the miniature shapes of what one day, as perfected plants, they will become; or, as the author of The Heathen Religion, has it — "nature thus giving us a specimen of the preformation of its productions"; adding further that "the seed of all phoenogamous plants bearing proper flowers, contain an embryo plantlet ready formed." (The Heathen Religion in Its Popular and Symbolical Development, Joseph B. Gross, 1856, p. 195)

 

With the Buddhists, it has the same signification. Maha-Maya, or Maha-Deva, the mother of Gautama Buddha, had the birth of her son announced to her by Bhodisat (the spirit of Buddha), who appeared beside her couch with a lotus in his hand. (Note 1) Thus, also, Osiris and Horus are represented by the Egyptians constantly in association with the lotus-flower.

 

These facts all go to show the identical parentage of this idea in the three religious systems, Hindu, Egyptian and Judaico-Christian. Wherever the mystic water-lily (lotus) is employed, it signifies the emanation of the objective from the concealed, or subjective — the eternal thought of the ever-invisible Deity passing from the abstract into the concrete or visible form. For as soon as darkness was dispersed and "there was light," Brahma's understanding was opened, and he saw in the ideal world (which had hitherto lain eternally concealed in the Divine thought) the archetypal forms of all the infinite future things that would be called into existence, and hence become visible. At this first stage of action, Brahma had not yet become the architect, the builder of the universe, for he had, like the architect, to first acquaint himself with the plan, and realize the ideal forms which were buried in the bosom of the Eternal One, as the future lotus-leaves are concealed within the seed of that plant. 

 

And it is in this idea that we must look for the origin and explanation of the verse in the Jewish cosmogony, which reads: "And God said, Let the earth bring forth . . . the fruit-tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself." (Genesis 1:11) In all the primitive religions, the "Son of the Father" is the creative God — i.e., His thought made visible; and before the Christian era, from the Trimurti of the Hindus down to the three kabalistic heads of the Jewish-explained scriptures, the triune godhead of each nation was fully defined and substantiated in its allegories. In the Christian creed we see but the artificial engrafting of a new branch upon the old trunk; and the adoption by the Greek and Roman churches of the lily-symbol held by the archangel at the moment of the Annunciation, shows a thought of precisely the same metaphysical significance.

Tinh Xa Ngoc Chau Buddhist temple, Vietnam

The lotus is the product of fire (heat) and water, hence the dual symbol of spirit and matter. The God Brahma is the second person of the Trinity, as are Jehovah (Adam-Kadmon) and Osiris, or rather Pimander, or the Power of the Thought Divine, of Hermes; for it is Pimander who represents the root of all the Egyptian Sun-gods. The Eternal is the Spirit of Fire, which stirs up and fructifies and develops into a concrete form everything that is born of water or the primordial earth, evolved out of Brahma; but the universe is itself Brahma, and he is the universe. This is the philosophy of Spinoza, which he derived from that of Pythagoras; and it is the same for which Bruno died a martyr. How much Christian theology has gone astray from its point of departure, is demonstrated in this historical fact. Bruno was slaughtered for the exegesis of a symbol that was adopted by the earliest Christians, and expounded by the apostles! (Note 2) The sprig of water-lilies of Bhodisat, and later of Gabriel, typifying fire and water, or the idea of creation and generation, is worked into the earliest dogma of the baptismal sacrament.

(Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled I, 91-93)

 

For more on the Egyptian symbolism of the annunciation, see Notes on Abbé Roca’s ‘Esotericism of Christian Dogma’

[Le Lotus, Paris, Vol. II, No. 9, December, 1887, pp. 160-173] Collected Writings, Vol. 8, pp. 375-78]

http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v8/y1887_048.htm although there is no lotus in evidence, but the image is very damaged. Toth, pictured in the role of Gabriel in the Christian annunciation, is however associated with the Lotus. 

'In all ages and among all peoples, the Myth-Messiah is born of a Virgin-Mother. Witness Krishna and Devakî; see the Buddhist legend grafted upon the historical Gautama the Buddha and his Mother Maya; notice that which was added to the biography of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, born of a Virgin-Mother, Queen Mut-em-ua, during the XVIIth Dynasty.' (p. 376)

 

Note 1: 

'Then their wives came and bathed her in the Anotatta Lake and clad her in divine robes. They then led her into a golden palace and laid her on a divine couch; there the Bodhisatta, in the form of a white elephant, holding a white lotus in his gleaming trunk, entered into her right side. This was on the day of the Uttarāsālhanakkhatta, after a festival lasting seven days, in which she had already taken part.'

http://www.palikanon.com/.../pali_names/maha/mahamaayaa.htm

 

Note 2:

Bruno’s book On the Shadows of Ideas: One of the seven images of the Moon: A horned woman riding a dolphin; in her right hand a chameleon; in her left a lily. (Giordano Bruno, De Umbris Idearum, The Shadows of Ideas, Paris, 1582)

 

Note 3: It might be interesting to note that the first four images included here all depict a divine virgin with a lotus flower as well as a bird, a dove in three cases. Lakshmi is depicted with a swan, more usually an owl. Note the traditional symbols of Guanyin: 'Guan Yin is usually shown in a white flowing robe - white being the symbol of purity -, and usually wearing necklaces of Indian/Chinese royalty. In the right hand is a water jar (as the Sacred Vase the water jar also one of the Eight Buddhist Symbols of good Fortune) containing pure water, the divine nectar of life, compassion and wisdom, and in the left, a willow branch to sprinkle the divine nectar of life upon the devotees as to bless them with physical and spiritual peace. The willow branch is also a symbol of being able to bend (or adapt) but not break. The willow is also used in shamanistic rituals and has had medicinal purposes as well.
The crown usually depicts the image of Amitabha Buddha (Fully Conscious Infinite Light), Guan Yin's spiritual teacher before she became a Bodhisattva.
A bird, mostly a dove, representing fecundity is flying toward her.
A necklace or rosary is associated with her calls upon Buddha for succor, each bead of it representing all living beings and the turning of the beads symbolizes that Guan Yin is leading them out of their state of misery and repeated rounds of rebirth into nirvana, hence the beads represent enlightenment.
Should a book or scroll of papers be within the portrayal, it is representing the Dharma, the teaching of Buddha or the sutra, the Buddhist text, Guan Yin is said to have constantly recited from.
Guan Yin is often depicted either alone, standing atop a dragon, accompanied by a bird, flanked by two children, or flanked by two warriors. The two children are called Long Nue and Shan Tsai (see below). The two warriors are the historical character Guan Yu who comes from the ‘Three Kingdoms’ period and the mythological character Wei Tuo who features in the Chinese classic 'Canonisation of the Gods'. The Buddhist tradition also displays Guan Yin, or other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, flanked with the two said warriors, but as Bodhisattvas who protect the temple and the faith itself.
Guan Yin sitting on a pink lotus is a sign for peace and harmony.' https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/Guan_Yin.htm