Unlocking the Secrets of Pandora’s Box: Exploring the Mysteries of the 8th House
Exploring Potentials of the Unconscious: The Importance of Epicataphora
“Epikataphora is a mysterious journey in which one descends into oneself, confronts the dark valleys of the unknown and reaches the secret of light. On this path, we experience transformation by dancing with the shadows and moments when repressed emotions come to light. In the end, we rediscover the hope hidden within us and realize the meaning of life.” TheWitch
The journey of the Sun and its symbolism in astrology is a magical subject that people are always curious about to understand the meaning of their existence and the cosmic order. Astrology offers a perspective that believes that celestial bodies influence people’s lives. According to this perspective, sun signs, rising signs, and houses can have an impact on people’s personalities, dispositions, and lives.
When the sun rises in the rising sign and peaks in the Midheaven (MC) at noon, it symbolizes the completion of a day and the culmination of its power. While the Ascendant represents one’s relationship with the outside world and how one appears to the outside world, the MC symbolizes one’s position in society and one’s career.
Epikataphora is a term of Greek origin and means “Falling Upon” or “Descending Underground”. In astrology, it refers to the period of time when the Sun moves through the chart and visits different houses. The Sun moves through the ascendant sign in which it rises, reaching its zenith at noon, then falls into the 9th and 8th houses, and in the afternoon the hours of the shadow begin. This is the natural rhythm of a day and reflects the hours when people are introverted and seek peace, while at other times they are thought to be more open to social interaction. The 9th house is the area related to one’s worldview, beliefs and philosophy. Here, the sun is an area where the individual embarks on inner questioning and spiritual quests, increasing his/her awareness and searching for meaning. The 8th house is a hidden and profound house with the theme of death and rebirth. Here, the sun is an area where the person confronts their own shadows and experiences a series of experiences related to transformation and transformation.
This process of the sun falling is also full of mythological connotations. Like Lucifer’s fall from heaven and his transformation from angel to devil, the fall of the sun represents a process of transformation. People feel the need to confront aspects of themselves that are hidden in their inner world and that they need to work on. In this process, they have to overcome personal tests and challenges in order to remain authentic and on the path of development.
In mythology, the term epicataphora is used in stories where heroes embark on an inner journey and go underground to discover themselves. In the process, they confront dark and repressed aspects, discover their unconscious potential and return transformed with sacred knowledge. This inner journey is a metaphor for the transformation and development of the person. The term also brings to mind Tartarus, the home of Hades, a deep and dark underground region. Considered a place that imprisons the most powerful enemies of the gods and criminals, Tartarus is associated with punishment and darkness.
Pluto corresponds to Hades, the god of the underworld in Greek mythology, and means “the invisible one”. In Pluto transits, it indicates that the personality is also invisible, or that there is nothing forcing us to face the truth that lies deep within. Hades does not hide behind objects or images but presses to bring to the surface the truth that lies behind the mask of identity. In astrology, it refers to our 8th house, the invisible space that we hide in our inner world.
A similar story in mythology is the legend of Pandora’s Box.
According to the legend, Prometheus stole fire and gave it to humans and this was not welcomed by Zeus. Zeus sent the beautiful and charming Pandora as a gift to Prometheus’ brother Epimetheus to take revenge. Pandora was carrying a box that she was not supposed to open and out of curiosity, she opened it. However, she unleashed the bad things in it on the world, causing people to face grief, disease, pain, and evil. Only “Hope” remained at the bottom of the box.
This legend reflects the main characteristics of the 8th house in astrology and illustrates the main steps of this house related to the inner journey.
Mystery: There is something mysterious inside Pandora’s box and Pandora is curious about this mystery. This represents the mysterious and deep inner world of the 8th house.
Taboo: There is a taboo about opening the box, meaning it is something that should not be opened. Pandora succumbs to her curiosity by challenging the taboo. This refers to the forbidden or hidden aspects of the 8th house.
Sin: By opening the box, Pandora causes temptation and releases the bad things inside into the world. This represents the feelings of sin and guilt that must be overcome in the inner transformation process of the 8th house.
Self-conquest: The bad things that come out of Pandora’s Box cause people to face their own shadows in the inner world and make inner discoveries. This refers to the process of inner discovery and transformation of the 8th house.
Shadow: The things that come out of the box represent the shadows that people suppress or don’t want to acknowledge. The 8th house calls us to face our shadows and accept them.
Crisis: The opening of Pandora’s Box causes a crisis in the world and people’s lives become difficult. This represents the 8th house’s process of facing crisis and difficulties.
Crime: Pandora causes a crime by opening the box and this represents the 8th house’s inner feelings of guilt and bad intentions.
Transformation: At the bottom of the box, a single precious thing called hope remains. This represents the stage in the 8th house’s inner journey and transformation process, facing the shadows and finding hope again
The deeper meaning of the myth reflects the complexity of human nature while reminding us that the inner journey will enrich us spiritually and we will find hope again. Thus, despite the challenges of life, through inner exploration and transformation, we can maintain hope and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of life.
Epikataphora refers to the process of going deep within oneself to discover, accept and transform one’s dark and repressed sides. Tartarus, Hades, Pluto, the 8th house symbolizes a spiritual transformation and helps reveal one’s true identity. This inner journey reflects the important changes that take place in one’s own inner world and how one achieves wholeness and balance through acceptance and transformation.
“To discover the magic of transformation, we must peek into Pandora’s Box. Because the power that can transform the darkness within us into light is actually the hidden hope itself.” TheWitch
The witch is a Psychic, Spiritual Healer, Empath, and 5th-Generation WiTcH. Instagram, Pinterest, Website
Copyright © [2023] [The Witch]. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, please contact [thewitchusa@gmail.com]. All media designated as “designed by TheWitch” or “photographed by TheWitch” belongs to me.
Follow The Orange Journal so you don’t miss a post. Do you love to write about self-improvement and personal development? Learn how to be added as a writer here. 🍊
