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* As the Infinite differs from the Finite and the Unconditioned
from the Conditioned.--Ed. Theos.
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VIII. Vrischika.--It is stated by ancient philosophers that the sun when
located in this Rasi or sign is called by the name of Vishnu (see the
12th Skandha of Bhagavata). This sign is intended to represent Vishnu.
Vishnu literally means that which is expanded--expanded as Viswam or
Universe. Properly speaking, Viswam itself is Vishnu (see
Sankaracharya's commentary on Vishnusahasranamam). I have already
intimated that Vishnu represents the Swapnavastha or the Dreaming State.
The sign in question properly signifies the universe in thought or the
universe in the divine conception.

It is properly placed as the sign opposite to Rishabham or Pranava.
Analysis from Pranava downwards leads to the Universe of Thought, and
synthesis from the latter upwards leads to Pranava (Aum). We have now
arrived at the ideal state of the universe previous to its coming into
material existence. The expansion of the Vija or primitive germ into
the universe is only possible when the 36 "Tatwams" * are interposed
between the Maya and Jivatma. The dreaming state is induced through the
instrumentality of these "Tatwams." It is the existence of these
Tatwams that brings Hamsa into existence. The elimination of these
Tatwams marks the beginning of the synthesis towards Pranava and Brahmam
and converts Hamsa into Soham. As it is intended to represent the
different stages of evolution from Brahmam downwards to the material
universe, the three signs Kanya, Tula, and Vrischika are placed in the
order in which they now stand as three separate signs.

IX. Dhanus (Sagittarius).--When represented in numbers the name is
equivalent to 9, and the division in question is the 9th division
counting from Mesha. The sign, therefore, clearly indicates the 9
Brahmas--the 9 Parajapatis who assisted the Demiurgus in constructing
the material universe.

X. Makara.--There is some difficulty in interpreting this word;
nevertheless it contains within itself the clue to its correct
interpretation. The letter Ma is equivalent to number 5, and Kara means
hand. Now in Sanskrit Thribhujam means a triangle, bhujam or karam
(both are synonymous) being understood to mean a side. So, Makaram or
Panchakaram means a Pentagon.**

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* 36 is three times 12, or 9 Tetraktis, or 12 Triads, the most sacred
number in the Kabalistic and Pytha