As above, so below
- smcculley
- Nov 3, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2023
"As above, so below"
─ Hermes Trismegistus
I will try to communicate in this post some of the basic information in the Fourth Way about the Theory of Body Types. An ancient symbol called The Enneagram (see below "The Circulation of Light - The Enneagram) is used to explain and describe human body types. We will explore these types and characteristics of the lower self with the intent to know some specific attributes of our body type, which is a part of our essence. This knowledge can then be used to further our understanding and eventually to awaken and transcend the microcosmos, man. This knowledge also helps one understand that there are parts of us that can be changed and other characteristics that cannot be changed, at least not in one lifetime.
At the outset, please consider these ideas as theories to be tested and observed over time through collaboration with others. Ouspensky reminds us to “neither reject nor accept” these theories but to study them without judgment and come to one’s own understanding and verification. Admittedly, this knowledge is best transmitted orally and verified through practice and observation. There are no advantages or disadvantages to being born as one type or another and all types are equally asleep with the same potential to awaken from sleep and become conscious of higher centers.
All men whilst they are awake are in one common world; but each of them, when he is asleep, is in a world of his own.” ─ Plutarch
The Enneagram represents the seven human types and for clarity we will discuss each type in its pure form; though in reality, each person is composed of a few combinations of these types which circulate or progress in one direction around the enneagram. The body types correspond to the planetary bodies visible from earth to the naked eye – Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter. The theory states that the celestial influence of the planetary world is conveyed through the body’s endocrine system. Just as our Solar System (macrocosm) contains within it each of these planetary bodies, so does our human system (microcosm) contain each of the body types; yet the influence of two or three are predominant.
The theory is that each body type has the following:
A dominant endocrine gland associated with its type.
Is either an active or passive type and positive or negative type.
Has a chief feature or weakness.
Has a maximum attraction.
Has physical and psychological characteristics.
I will follow the above outline and introduce a sketch - a bare bones introduction - of each of these types. Much more study and observation can be found in Rodney Collin’s book, “The Theory of Celestial Influence.”
Lunar Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Lunar type is the pancreas. The pancreas makes fluids which help the body digest food. Correspondingly, the moon’s influence on the earth is connected to the water of the ocean, and its gravitational pull causes the oceans to bulge and effects the tides.
The Lunar type is a passive, negative type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of willfulness – a kind of passive power through resistance.
The maximum attraction for the passive/negative Lunar type is the active/positive Saturnine type.
Physically a youthful looking type, seeming frail or delicate features; can have weak eyesight; prefers late night activities; very private or has a hidden side (like the dark side of the moon).
Venusian Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Venusian type is the parathyroid. This gland regulates the blood calcium levels in the body.
The Venusian type is a passive, positive type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of nonexistence – living through others.
The maximum attraction for the passive/positive Venusian type is the active/negative Martial type. (You may recall the archetypal Mars and Venus of Greek mythology.)
Physically Venusians are often fleshy and “pear-shaped,” not unlike the mythological picture of Venus. The positive aspect of the feature of nonexistence is that they tend to be good followers, are loyal, warm and nurturing.
Mercurial Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Mercurial type is the thyroid. The thyroid gland and its hormones control the body’s metabolism. A higher metabolic rate, controls weight, burning off the body’s caloric intake.
The Mercurial type is an active, negative type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of power – not power in the physical sense but a very quick ─ sometimes manipulative ─ mind.
The maximum attraction for the active/negative Mercurial type is the passive/positive Jovial type.
Physically Mercurial types are the smallest types with dark, thick hair, broad smiles, and deep voices. The planet Mercury and its speed of orbit around the sun is mirrored in the Mercurial body type, which is equally quick to perceptions and constantly moving quickly. (Think, messenger of the Gods in mythology.)
Saturnine Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Saturnine type is the anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary gland regulates the other endocrine glands.
The Saturnine type is an active, positive type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of dominance.
The maximum attraction for the active/positive Saturnine type is the passive/negative Lunar type.
Saturnine types govern and monitor people and their environment just as the anterior pituitary governs and controls the other endocrine glands. Even in the night sky, Saturn is distinguished by rings and sports nine satellites. Physically Saturnine types are tall with heavy bone structures. Saturnine types can be slow and indecisive, and the feature of dominance comes across as a “father knows best” projection.
Martial Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Martial type are the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce adrenaline and affect strong reactions to stimuli. A burst of adrenaline elicits the “fight or flight” response.
The Martial type is an active, negative type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of power – power in the physical and sometimes destructive sense. (Remember the God of War in mythology was Mars.)
The maximum attraction for the active/negative Marital type is the passive/positive Venusian type.
Like the red planet, the Martial type often has a ruddy, freckled complexion, often red hair, a sturdy build with a stabile strong warrior-type stature. The Martial type is poised for attack or retreat and ready for action. Psychologically they are often honest, blunt and take matters in their own hands. They have high energy levels and are devoted to duty and commitment.
Jovial Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Jovial type is the posterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary is associated with the muscles of the intestines, bladder, and uterus. One of the hormones this gland produces causes the release of milk from the mammary glands in nursing mothers.
The Jovial type is a passive, positive type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of vanity.
The maximum attraction for the passive/positive Jovial type is the active/negative Mercurial type.
Jovial types are good natured and promote harmony in their environments. Jovial types are nurturing and maternal. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and just as the planet attracts satellites, the Jovial types are also large in stature and like to surround themselves with guests, parties, special festivities, and they enjoy life’s pleasures. They are creative, deep, and sensitive people and tend to have many interests and activities. They can be found active in the arts and supporting other people’s creative endeavors.
Solar Body Type
The dominant endocrine gland of the Solar type is the thymus. The thymus gland is active in children and usually atrophies after puberty. The hormones it produces seem to affect growth in children and to be responsible for clear, delicate skin, fine hair, and clear eyes.
The Solar type is an active, positive type.
It has a chief feature or weakness of naiveté.
The Solar type - its ruling body a star rather than a planet - does not have a fixed place on the Enneagram. The Solar type combines with all types and has no maximum attraction.
Solar types are very childlike and have delicate facial features, wide-set eyes and delicate bone structure. They often have an androgynous appearance, and, like the sun, they seem to be made of pure energy. Solar types can lack discernment because their negative halves of centers are underdeveloped. With their high energy, Solar types can be highly focused on a project ─ even obsessive ─ forgetting to eat or rest when appropriate. In their enthusiasm, they may run out the door in a storm without a raincoat.
Whew! Even in this condensed version, that is a lot of information. Now, please enjoy this mystical illustration of body types by clicking on the following link. It is a video illustration which takes you around the entire enneagram and shows numerous examples of each body type as well as combinations of body types from well known figures in history, mythology, TV and movies.
The Circulation of Light – The Enneagram
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