Astrology and Self-Gratification

If there was an astrological sign that was symbolically linked with masturbation,

the case could be made that Virgo, the virgin, is an appropriate fit.

An obscure but deep aspect of her symbolism is the concept that it

was an act of

self-gratification that made the stellar virgin pregnant

without a

partner. In many ways, this is not unlike other myths about the

deities who masturbated life into existence.

There's also Virgo's relationship with the hermit card, which is all about a return

to self in the solitary journey. Barbara Walker speaks to this

dynamic in the following quote, In Greece, the hermits of Hermes were said

to practice ritual masturbation, which Hermes invented as another

technique of self-contemplation in search of the god within the

self. Similarly, in India, many auto-erotic practices were

attributed to Krishna as the god of self-love.

Pagans and Orientals often believed that masturbation purified the body, as

opposed to the Christian view that it was a sin and a pollution.

Some scholars accordingly interpreted the hermetic caduceus as a phallic

symbol of masturbation, which is the almost inevitable practice of any

solitary man, and also linked this meaning with the

ninth card of the Major

Arcana, the hermit. As always, I'd love to know what you

think. Thanks.