On December 29th, we honor King David, whom we associate with the King of Swords a symbol of wisdom, discernment, and moral clarity ruled by Saturn in Aquarius. Like the King of Swords, David embodied leadership guided by reason and truth, yet his story is also one of profound human vulnerability, marked by sins and the path of repentance.
David’s transgressions, particularly concerning Bathsheba and Uriah, reflect the darker side of the Saturnine archetype – Saturn’s shadow is a reminder of the inevitable reckoning we must face when we avoid accountability or try to circumvent the consequences of our choices. In the context of King David, this darker side of Saturn can be seen in his struggles and sins, where his actions led to painful consequences.
Yet, it was through his confrontation with these realities and his repentance that he was able to grow spiritually and reign as a wise and just leader. Saturn’s lessons of responsibility and consequence can ultimately lead to redemption, as they guide us to a more mature and authentic path.discipline, judgment, and the weight of accountability. These moments of failure serve as reminders that true justice is not without struggle and consequence. Through repentance, David discovered that redemption is always possible, offering us a model of humility and grace.
Astrologically, King David’s Day aligns with Saturn in Aquarius, a pairing that reflects both the burdens of responsibility and the visionary potential of leadership. While Saturn’s influence emphasizes accountability and the reckoning of one’s actions, echoing David’s own journey through failure and redemption, Aquarius adds a dimension of idealism and innovation, resonating with David’s visionary role in uniting his people and establishing Jerusalem as a spiritual center. Together, these energies invite us to balance justice with mercy, recognizing our imperfections while striving toward higher ideals for the collective good.
This feast is a time to reflect on David’s life and draw inspiration from his Psalms, which have served as a bridge between humanity and the divine. As we celebrate King David’s legacy, we are reminded that true wisdom lies not only in strength but in the courage to confront our shadows and seek transformation.
The Masonic King of Swords
I chose the King of Swords from the Masonic Tarot as the arcana for King David’s Day. The association of this card with the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius adds an interesting layer to the King’s character. The Sun brings illumination, clarity, and vitality, suggesting a ruler who governs with wisdom and vision. Mercury, however, introduces a trickster element, as the god of communication, intellect, and cunning. As Mercury can deceive, manipulate, and twist situations to his advantage, this association brings attention to the darker side of intellect and strategy – traits that can be used for both good and ill.
In the case of King David, his arranging Uriah’s death in battle to cover up his affair with Bathsheba reflect the deceptive and morally ambiguous aspects of Mercury. David, in this instance, used his power and influence to manipulate a situation for personal gain, just as Mercury would use trickery and deceit to serve his own purposes.
The parallel with Mercury’s trickster energy in Aquarius becomes clear: the intellectual and communicative powers associated with Mercury can be used for both positive and negative outcomes, just as David’s leadership could be both righteous and flawed. This duality in the King of Swords’ character reminds us that while intellectual power can guide a leader to greatness, it can also lead to moral failings when wielded without integrity. The trickster’s cunning is a potent tool, but its misuse can bring about profound personal and societal costs, a lesson that is echoed in both David’s actions and the symbolism of the King of Swords.
The Collect
O God, almighty Father, who by the mouth of David made hymns to be sung in Thy Holy Spirit; grant, we ask, that by his example, we may be able to worthily make the sacrifice of praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament Reading
Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.
Samuel 16: 12-13
New Testament Reading
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
Matthew 22: 41-45
Psalm 97: Dominus regnavit
THE LORD is King, the earth may be glad thereof; yea, the multitude of the isles may be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3 There shall go a fire before him, and burn up his enemies on every side.
4 His lightnings gave shine unto the world: the earth saw it, and was afraid.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD; at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens have declared his righteousness, and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that worship carved images, and that delight in vain gods: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Sion heard of it, and rejoiced; and the daughters of Judah were glad, because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9 For thou, LORD, art higher than all that are in the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 O ye that love the LORD, see that ye hate the thing which is evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
11 There is sprung up a light for the righteous, and joyful gladness for such as are true-hearted.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.
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