Neptune's Dolphins

In the “First Advancement: The Invocation of Saturn,” Dykes and Gibson write, “You are he who is mystery, the divine understanding and the protector of the dead. You are the ancient and wise one.” (Note 1.) Meanwhile, Denning and Phillips describe Saturn as “lofty, autocratic, cold, sometimes mournful or brooding. The forces of constriction and crystallization.” (Note 2.)

 

For me, Sherlock Holmes is Saturn personified. In the “Adventure of the Lion’s Mane,” Holmes says, “my brain has always governed my heart.” In the “Sign of Four,” he states, “whatever is emotional is opposed to that true, cold reason which I place above all things.” Brooding, autocratic, and cold, Holmes brings criminals to justice. In spite of his remoteness, people from all walks of life still appeal for Holmes’ help.

 

JUPITER

Jupiter is described in “Planetary Magick” as “majestic, expansive, organizing, optimistic…an overview of the unity of life gives a sense of responsible concern…Justice interpreted to fulfill the needs of those involved.” (Note 3.) In the “First Advancement: The Invocation of Jupiter,” Dykes and Gibson include in the invocation “You are the lord of benevolence, for you have given bread to the hungry and clothed the naked.” (Note 4.)

 

By befriending Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson has humanized him. He fills Holmes’ life with companionship and optimism. Watson is Jupiter to Holmes’ Saturn, acting as a “whetstone” for Holmes’ mind. By writing and publishing their adventures, he allows the world to see Holmes’ abilities for aiding the grieved.

 

In the “Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle,” (Note 5.) Watson demonstrates his Jovian character. After Holmes solved the case, they sit down to their Christmas Eve dinner. Meanwhile, the wrongly accused man, John Horner, is still in jail. Watson chides Holmes for being so callous and not telling the police promptly to release Horner. Then, Watson goes to the jail to have him released so Horner can spend Christmas Eve with his family.

 

Works Cited:

 

Note 1. Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Page 205.

Note 2. Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Page 15.

Note 3. Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Page 29.

Note 4. Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Page 182.

Note 5. “The Blue Carbuncle,” The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, created by Michael Cox, Season 1, Episode 7, Granada Television, 1984.

 

Works Used:

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” Created by Michael Cox, Granada Television, 1984-1985.

Baker Street Wiki, 2021. Web. https://bakerstreet.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page.

Denning, Melita and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN). 1989.

Dykes, Benjamin and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Cazimi Press: Minneapolis. 2012.

Paulson, Linda, “Discovering Sherlock Holmes – A Community Reading Project From Stanford University,” 2007. Web. http://dickens.stanford.edu/sherlockholmes/index.html.