Astrology is the study of the effects of planetary forces upon man. It is not fortune telling. It is one of the best methods for man to learn about who he is, where he came from and where he is going. Astrology reveals CHARACTER and character is destiny. If man can change his character, then man will have changed his destiny.
The main uses of astrology are diagnosis of health and sickness, character analysis, vocational guidance, analysis of children’s horoscopes so as to give parents a better idea as to how best to raise their children, and analysis of the compatibilities between people.
Astrology does not show anything but tendencies. A man can rule his stars by exerting his will. If a man decides to flow with the tide of life, then the tendencies indicated in the birth chart will at some time have their effect. The one thing a birth chart does not show is the WILL of the individual and how he may exert it. The matter of exercising free will is left entirely up to the individual. The wise man rules
his stars, the fool is ruled by them. Astrology forewarns and being forewarned, a man is thus forearmed to better cope with the struggles of life.
A VOYAGE THROUGH TIME, STARS, AND HUMAN STORIES
Gazing skyward, our ancestors saw not just twinkling lights, but a vast tapestry woven with meaning. This is the essence of astrology, a system of philosophies linking the movements of celestial bodies to earthly events and human traits. But to truly understand what astrology is, we must embark on a journey through time, exploring its rich history, multifaceted uses, and modern applications.
A Timeless Tapestry: Astrology’s Ancient Origins
Astrology’s roots reach back millennia, predating recorded history. The earliest evidence comes from Mesopotamia, where clay tablets dating back to the 5th century BC reveal detailed observations of planets and constellations. Babylonians used lunar cycles to track time and predict agricultural seasons, while Egyptians saw constellations as representations of gods and goddesses. In India, Vedic astrology emerged, emphasizing karmic cycles and planetary influences on personality.
Through the Ages: Astrology’s Shifting Roles
Across civilizations, astrology served diverse purposes. In Hellenistic Greece, it intertwined with philosophy and medicine, guiding philosophers like Ptolemy and influencing medical practices. Medieval Europe saw astrology embraced by royalty and commoners alike, informing decisions on war, marriage, and everyday life. The Islamic world witnessed a flourishing of astronomical and astrological knowledge, with scholars like Al-Biruni making significant contributions to both fields.
Modern Times: Astrology Evolves
The rise of scientific astronomy in the 17th century led to a decline in astrology’s scientific standing. Yet, it never truly faded. Today, astrology enjoys renewed popularity, fueled by interest in self-understanding and alternative perspectives. Contemporary Western astrology focuses on interpreting birth charts, linking the positions of planets at birth to personality traits, potential challenges, and life journeys.
From Horoscopes to Healing: Astrological Applications Today
While daily horoscopes are often seen as light entertainment, astrology offers more profound applications. Astrologers utilize birth charts for career guidance, relationship compatibility analysis, and exploring personal growth opportunities. Some even integrate it into therapy practices, finding it a valuable tool for self-discovery and understanding emotional patterns.
Science vs. Belief: The Controversial Debate
Despite its enduring popularity, astrology remains a subject of debate. Critics argue that its underlying principles lack scientific validation, pointing to the absence of a proven causal link between celestial movements and human behavior. Supporters, however, counter that astrology delves into subtle energies and archetypal patterns not always captured by traditional scientific methods.
Beyond the Debate: An Invitation to Openness
Whether you seek scientific rigor or embrace a more intuitive approach, the essence of astrology lies in its attempt to connect the vastness of the cosmos with the intricacies of human existence. It invites us to consider the possibility that our lives are not random occurrences, but part of a larger, interconnected web. Ultimately, embracing or questioning astrology is a personal choice. The true value lies in engaging with its rich history, diverse applications, and the enduring human quest for meaning under the stars.
As an astrologer of more than 45 years, I describe it to my clients and anyone who asks that astrology is a type of cosmic road atlas. This gives you the choice of which paths to take during your journey. When we travel, we tend to plan around the weather, and astrology provides us that cosmic weather that’s specific to the time, date, and location that we were born. For example, people born in the spring tend to exhibit very specific character traits and other patterns bestowed upon us through our birth chart. The month, day, and time hone those characteristics down to deeper specifics.
When met with skepticism, I work to find a common ground where I can meet with such individuals and ask them if they agree that our Moon influences events on Earth. The tides, human behavior, etc. I have never met with disagreement on this point. So then I ask the individual to stretch beyond the Moon, and to how the nearby planets also have a bearing on humanity and human events. So while many may quibble about how astrology is a “pseudo-science,” I remind them that so was psychology and psychiatry back in the day. The bulk of the population distrusted such magical thinking. However, psychology and psychiatry both are integral parts of medicine in current times.
MY STORY
I subscribe to the idea that sometimes we don’t find meaning in things, but that meaning finds us. I was raised in a traumatically abusive home, with both parents suffering somewhat debilitating mental illnesses. As a child, I didn’t understand my parents’ need to cause us pain — physically, emotionally, and mentally. I felt lost and adrift in my lack of understanding. I was a fairly intelligent boy, an avid reader, and learning well above my age group. In this way, I happened upon a book on my mother’s “forbidden” bookshelf called Yesterday, Today, and Forever: How Astrology can help you find your place in God’s plan, by Jeane Dixon. While we weren’t religious, the book caught my imagination and I understood that astrology was a tool I could use to understand my parents, and by extension, human behavior in general.
I was nine.
From that day forward, I dove deep into the subject matter, devouring everything I could find. I had to do so without my parents finding out, as I was certain I would be severely beaten for my curiosity. It wouldn’t have been the first time.
Long before renowned psychologist and author Elaine Aron posited the existence of sensory processing sensitivity and the highly sensitive individual, I knew I was different. It wasn’t until I was in my twenty-seventh year (the very year my first Saturn return occurred) that I came across Dr. Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, that everything in my life up until that moment fell into place. And I saw how my discovery of astrology (or its discovery of me) had saved my life.
Astrology continues to provide meaning and fulfillment in my life. Where I once thought I wouldn’t survive beyond the age of 25, here I am in my sixth decade. I credit astrology for it.
JUNG AND ASTROLOGY: A DANCE OF PSYCHE AND COSMOS
Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, had a complex and fascinating relationship with astrology. While not strictly an astrologer himself, Jung saw in this ancient practice a potent symbol system and a valuable tool for understanding the human psyche. This article delves into the intricacies of Jung’s engagement with astrology, exploring his insights, reservations, and the lasting impact their unlikely union has had on both fields.
From Skepticism to Symbiosis: Jung’s Evolving Views
Initially skeptical of astrology’s scientific validity, Jung’s perspective shifted after observing remarkable correlations between astrological charts and the personalities of his patients. He recognized in the planets and zodiac signs archetypal themes, mirroring the dynamics of the collective unconscious he had painstakingly mapped. This resonated with his understanding of the psyche as a tapestry woven from universal symbols and patterns.
“Astrology,” Jung wrote, “is the psychology of the ancients.” He saw it as a pre-scientific attempt to grapple with the same fundamental questions that occupied his own psychological theories: the nature of personality, the influence of archetypes, and the interplay between individual and collective forces.
Synchronicity: Bridging the Gap Between Cosmos and Psyche
One of Jung’s most significant contributions to the understanding of astrology lies in his concept of synchronicity. He observed meaningful coincidences between astrological events and individual life experiences, suggesting a non-causal connection between the cosmos and the psyche. This challenged the linear, cause-and-effect framework of conventional science, opening the door to a more holistic view of reality where inner and outer realms resonate in mysterious ways.
Beyond Prediction: Astrology as a Tool for Self-Discovery
Jung emphasized that astrology should not be used for mere prediction or fortune-telling. Instead, he saw its value in its potential to illuminate unconscious aspects of the personality, providing individuals with deeper self-understanding and insight into their unique life journeys. By interpreting their natal charts, people could gain awareness of their strengths, weaknesses, and archetypal tendencies, guiding them towards individuation, a process of integrating the diverse aspects of the self.
Criticisms and Cautions: The Importance of Balance
Jung was not without reservations about astrology. He cautioned against dogmatism and overreliance on interpretations, stressing the importance of individual judgment and critical thinking. He also emphasized the dangers of astrological determinism, reminding us that while the stars may influence us, they do not dictate our fates. Ultimately, Jung viewed astrology as a complementary tool, not a substitute for psychological analysis or personal responsibility.
A Lasting Legacy: Jung and Astrology Today
The dialogue between Jung and astrology continues to resonate today. Jungian practitioners often incorporate astrological insights into their therapeutic work, finding it a valuable complement to traditional methods. Similarly, many contemporary astrologers draw upon Jungian concepts to enrich their interpretations and deepen their understanding of the human psyche.
In conclusion, Jung’s engagement with astrology is a testament to his openness to exploring the vast uncharted territories of the human mind. He demonstrated that seemingly disparate systems of knowledge can hold complementary truths, enriching our understanding of ourselves and the cosmos we inhabit. Whether you embrace Jung’s perspective or approach astrology with a different lens, one thing remains clear: the dance between psyche and cosmos, once ignited, continues to captivate and inspire.
Further Exploration:
- Jung on Astrology by C.G. Jung
- Jung and Astrology: Hyde, Maggie
- Jung’s Studies in Astrology by Liz Greene
So, the next time you gaze at the night sky, remember, that it’s not just a canvas of twinkling lights. It’s a story waiting to be unraveled, a reflection of ourselves in the cosmic mirror. Whether you choose to delve into the depths of astrology or simply appreciate its beauty from afar, the stars hold a story waiting to be discovered.
This is just a glimpse into a complex and multifaceted topic, and I encourage you to delve deeper into the writings of Jung and contemporary astrologers who continue to build upon his groundbreaking work. Remember, the journey of understanding oneself and one’s place in the universe is a lifelong pursuit, and the stars may offer valuable guideposts along the way.
The Daily Gemini 