Astrology For Psychological Insight and Expansion

Astrology and astronomy were always seen as one science until Copernicus proved that the earth was not the center of the solar system in the 1500's. The two fields of study gradually divided until astronomy became a "true science" and astrology a "superstition". But with the advent of quantum ...
Astrology and astronomy were always seen as one science until Copernicus proved that the earth was not the center of the solar system in the 1500's. The two fields of study gradually divided until astronomy became a "true science" and astrology a "superstition". But with the advent of quantum physics at the beginning of this century it is clear that there is more mysticism inherent within science than we had previously realized. The more scientific discoveries we make, the more mysteries the universe reveals.

Personally I have never seen a conflict between religion and astrology. I see the planets as a part of creation that are educating us. Giving our personal power away to anything or anyone is never constructive. When used correctly, astrology is another way to expand our view of ourselves and to be in awe of the universe and our part in it.

Astrology teaches the interconnection of all life. Nothing is separate. We are one with the rhythm of the solar system. When viewed from this perspective, religion and astrology are in harmony. It is said that "God helps those who helps themselves" and astrology can be a tool for self discovery so that we may consciously work toward spiritual unfoldment. It can also help shed the light of understanding on others and facilitate forgiveness for their weaknesses or their current life challenges.

In the 60's and 70's astrologers needed to prove astrology. They wanted it to be taken seriously as a science, and not just a frivolous pastime. There was much emphasis on prediction and astrology became almost fatalistic. However, this was a crucial step in showing that astrology is valid. As a second generation astrologer, I grew up with these solid basics and I am grateful that I knew these foundational astrologers personally through my mother -- yet I yearned for a deeper understanding.

In the 80's and 90's a new generation of astrologers emerged. These people explored astrology in terms of archetypes and depth psychology. Astrology became a way to explain the unfolding of a person's potential. Many people adopted to ideas of Carl Jung. Each planet and sign reflect a dimension of human experience. We aren't victims to the planets. They are trying to awaken us to higher stages of human evolution. There are no "good" or "bad" planets, although some bring more challenging opportunities than other. They are all positive because they are allowing us to grow.

Astrology gives us an "owner's manual" for our psyches. It is like a map of life that alerts us to detours, shortcuts and scenic overlooks. Our birth chart does not lock us in or condemn us with "bad" traits. By the same token a "good" chart does not mean we coast through life. Our astrological chart reveals our tendencies and potentials. We can grow and overcome difficult aspects of our personalities that are spelled out in our chart. In fact, those traits are there because our soul is longing to overcome them. We may have positive traits that our birth chart illuminates, but we must be fully aware of them and put them into action. It would be like having a wide screen TV and never plugging it in.

Another facet of astrology concerns how the planets in the sky are angling our birth chart. Here again the planets are teaching us to grow and expand ourselves. We are meant to work with these cycles in an upward spiral of spiritual growth. We don't hide from these challenges/opportunities and then say, "Phew! That's over!" Growth is not meant to be avoided or dreaded. It is to be welcomed with an open and educated mind. Astrology can give a clear picture as to what parts of the personality need to be shifted and adapted in order to be best prepared for the opportunities ahead. We are in control of our destinies when we take charge of how we approach and meet with the circumstances life is offering us. Also, there is no magical time that will fix our lives. We need to work with the energies in order to improve ourselves.

Besides my many years of experience, I feel I am a good astrologer because I am a skeptic. I have observed astrology to work over and over again -- it is uncanny. Finally I stopped worrying about how and why it works, and began to accept that it does! Then I could truly begin helping people shed a new perspective on their lives. I could also open them up to a wonderful world of inner process that is mirrored by the movement of the planets.

Through astrology, I can help others to find the guiding force of wisdom within themselves. For me, astrology is a way of viewing the patterns and cycles of life that I find comforting. It is important to me to help others see that their lives are not chaotic or random, but are constantly guided by a loving hand.