As a child I was fascinated by pictures of trees and their root systems. I remember seeing this for the first time in my school science book- an illustrated tree with its cluster of branches, each branch splitting off into smaller branches. And then, as though the horizon was a mirror, the the root system appeared to be a reflection of the tree itself, only hidden below ground!
Over the years I’ve noticed that same phenonmena occur in nature, where something looks like a smaller version of the bigger thing that it’s a part of. From the tree-like viens in a leaf reflecting the tree itself to an atom with orbiting electrons reflecting our solar system with orbiting planets, we can observe this in a variety of forms. The idea of a correspondence among things is an important concept and the metaphysical axiom for this is, “as above, so below.” It succinctly conveys the notion that our reality is a reflection of larger patterns, and not the result of it.
Astrology makes sense when considered in light of a worldview that holds there is an intelligence throughout the universe. If we’re part of a living system and not just disconnected beings living on a rock in a cold universe then it may be possible that this living system communicates with us through all possible channels. And we with it.
Astrology isn’t a religion. It isn’t anti-religion. Or anti-God. It isn’t dependent on your personal spiritual beliefs; and doesn’t dictate what those beliefs should be. It’s simply a language that offers us a different way of describing our experiences- both internal and external.
“We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything more.” -Carl Gustav Jung
The natal chart is a map of the sky showing the planets and constellations at the time you were born. Their placement does not dictate your behavior anymore than a clock dictates when you eat dinner. It does assume a correspondance- ah, that concept again- that something can reflect a moment in time and that reflection can be interpreted.
Astrology was first developed by the Babylonians over six thousand years ago. If it were without merit could it have survived as long as it has? The power of the tonic lies not only in its properties but also in the proper application of it. So too with astrology.
How can a sign describe everyone born that month? It can’t! To accurately read a chart one must also understand the meaning of not only the sun and the sign it is in, but the moon and the eight other planets, their signs, and the aspects they make to one another. It’s through the unique combination of their placement in your chart that astrologers are able to deduce certain characteristics.
Okay, so how can a handful of planets describe every different kind of person? Let’s look to science. In biology we know that four protiens, A G C & T, combine in different ways to produce DNA. And DNA is the building block for everything from a tulip to a human. On a molecular level we’re a reflection of the combination of a very few tiny things. And on a cosmic level we’re a reflection of the combination of a very few large things. Life unfolds on this plane through the push and pull of forces both big and small. We may never fully understand them all, but that doesn’t negate their existance and potential influence.
The stories humankind has associated with astrology represent character types that we all possess to one degree or another. For example, the planet Mars is a symbol for the warrior. We all have a warrior within us. How you express your inner warrior- agressively or obscurely; verbally or emotionally- depends on where Mars is found in your chart. The chart doesn’t make you respond a certain way- it only reflects how you naturally repsond.
“The signs of the zodiac are karmic patterns; the planets are the looms; the will is the weaver.” -Author Unknown
So how can astrology predict what will happen? It can’t with any certainty. Astrology is good at describing conditions, not outcomes. For example, if Saturn is transiting a certain part of your chart an astrologer could describe it as time when you might feel as though you’re shouldering a heavy work load– but whether that’s because the company won’t hire more people or because you will have been promoted could be difficult to predict. If we know the company is having fiscal problems, then you may be doing the work of two. But if you’re up for a promotion then you’ll likely be happy about the outcome of this transit.
Knowing the conditions can help you prepare- just as knowing the whether forecast prepares you for a cold day. Cold or hot, wet or dry can influences what you wear, how you get to work, if you’ll go out for lunch, and many other small decisions affected by the weather. You make the best choices for yourself when you understand and anticipate the conditions.
If you want to go downtown, have a bus schedule, have bus fare, and stand at the bus stop you still won’t get there unless you step onto that bus. Life requires your active participation and all astrology can do is be a guidepost. You choose the destination. As they say, “Fate has two arms, and one of them is yours.”
I’ll close by suggesting if you’re skeptical to try it for yourself and then make up your mind. Your initial assumption that astrology is not descriptive of anything will either be confirmed, or you may be surprised at what you do learn. Then you’ll know for yourself.
If you have any questions about astrology or its application to your life then feel free to contact me. I’m happy to share what I know with you.
Good luck in your journey,
Ron