LOUIS XIII Embodies Jupiter and Saturn

From the perspective of an astrological researcher, I would say that LOUIS XIII cognac embodies the characteristics of Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter liberates people, while Saturn represents formality and tradition. When I tasted LOUIS XIII, I found it to be like silk. Unlike spirits with high alcohol content, it has no harshness and is incredibly smooth. This is the influence of Jupiter. The formality and tradition are, as everyone knows, self-evident.

Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the sun, while Saturn takes 29.5 years. There are times when Jupiter and Saturn appear in the same direction from Earth only once every 20 years. This is called a "Great Conjunction," and it marks a significant turning point in the era. Between 2000 and 2001, a Great Conjunction occurred in the direction of Taurus. The next one will be around 2020. Looking in that direction, we see the air signs, indicating a shift from a society focused on material possessions and money to one that values intellect and information. We are halfway through this 20-year cycle, at a pivotal moment of transition into a new era. Furthermore, major shifts occur every 200 years, and it takes 800 years to return to a similar state. As history shows, we are constantly subject to the winds of change.

A Spirit Imbued with the Essence of Time

Amidst these grand shifts in eras, LOUIS XIII has continued to mature. Carl Jung said, "Wine inherits the qualities of the time in which it was made. The same is true for humans." Brandy was originally called "Vin brûlé," meaning "burnt wine," in the Cognac region. True to Jung's words, I believe LOUIS XIII carries the essence of time from over 100 years ago. In winemaking, humans can influence the process through technique. However, the essence of time cannot be replicated by human power. Science aims for reproducibility, where anyone can achieve the same result under the same conditions. Yet, the taste of wine is akin to the occult—in the Japanese sense, meaning "that which is hidden" or "that which is not immediately understood." The identity of the maker and the time of creation are crucial in winemaking.

A Dream in Amber

Speaking as a lover of fine spirits, my initial impression of LOUIS XIII was that of a high-end brand beyond my reach. It's something to be savored when one has the means. Upon tasting it, the first thing I noticed was the difference in aroma. Even from a distance, the scent is powerful, with complex flavors. Despite the existence of such a magnificent spirit, I was aware that overall alcohol consumption in Japan is declining. It was to help invigorate the scene that I accepted this ambassadorship. Brandy is often enjoyed as a nightcap. The other day, I tweeted "A dream in amber" before going to bed, and it was very well-received. Perhaps drinking LOUIS XIII before sleep can lead to dreams of amber.

Endless Fascination

I am particularly intrigued by the name LOUIS XIII. I've heard that Louis XIII laid the foundation for absolute monarchy and encouraged brandy production. However, I believe there's a deeper meaning behind naming it with the number 13. In Western culture, the number 13 is often considered unlucky, even ominous. Yet, it also corresponds to the number of lunar cycles in a year, as a lunar month is approximately 28 days, and 13 cycles complete a year.

It is also an indivisible number. In the Grimm fairy tale "Briar Rose," the 13th fairy is forgotten, perhaps symbolizing the omission of the night, the "time of the moon." It might suggest a fear of the uncontrollable, the realm of the night. Thus, the number 13 holds significance, adding to the mystique of LOUIS XIII.

Ryuji Kagami

Born in Kyoto in 1968. He began submitting articles to astrology magazines during high school, quickly gaining attention and writing horoscopes. While at International Christian University, he published his first book. He subsequently introduced psychological approaches to astrology in Japan, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field. He is also active in promoting astrology within academia, teaching at universities. He is a member of the Astrological Association of Great Britain and the British Association for Professional Astrologers, a director of the Japan Transpersonal Association, and a visiting professor at Heian Jogakuin University.