What is Astrology?

The question of what astrology actually is can very very simple or very complex, depending on how you choose to look at it!  First, let me tell you what the dictionary definition of astrology is from a Google search:

The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.

I think this is a good basic definition.  We, as astrologers, look to the sky to see what influences we are under.  Celestial bodies can include the sun and the moon, the planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, fixed stars and more.  We look at these objects in the sky and we interpret them to bring meaning to our personal lives as well as to the larger world around us.  We construct a two dimensional chart in order to read the signs at any given moment in any given place.

But what does it all mean?

There is an ancient saying “As above so below”.  This comes from the Emerald Tablet whose source is unknown although the oldest written record is from an Arabic book that is from somewhere between the 6th and the 8th century.  Reputedly the original source is much older but we have no modern proof of that claim.  Still this idea that what happens above is mirrored below is one basis on which the study of astrology rests.  There is a natural correspondence to the natural world above and where we exist here on earth.  This correspondence can be seen in many types of omens.  Here we use astrology as our omen to glean greater insight into the world in which we live.

If you believe that the world inherently reflects a deeper meaning then astrology is an excellent tool for studying the trends, cycles and patterns.  This can be done on an individual level to a global level and on any level in between.  By learning more about ourselves and the world in which we live we can identify the natural reverence contained not only in the world around us but within ourselves.  We see that the patterns are all around us and that we can harness these energies to promote our own personal growth.  For example … if we plant seeds in the spring we are more likely see see a harvest then if we plant seeds in autumn.  The patterns are there and we can use them or fight against them or be completely oblivious of the influences we are living with in our lives.

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How do we use astrology wisely?

For me astrology is the ultimate healing tool.  It helps bring out the things in our life that are not working and it advises how to handle change in a way that is healthy and considerate of ourselves and our personal needs.  I view our journey here as a journey to recognize and embrace wholeness and I have found that astrology can be incredibly helpful in showing us the way.  Astrology is like a flashlight pointing toward our path but it is still up to us to walk the path and if instead we stumble off into the darkness that is on us, too.  Astrology doesn’t guarantee that we make wise choices, it simply aids in directing us if we so choose to embrace the advice it gives.

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So once again ... What is astrology?

Astrology is not fate.  This is a debatable topic and there are many who disagree with me but I believe we have free will and astrology can aid us in harnessing our own power rather than giving our power away to the fate of the universe.

Astrology is not perfect.  There is no perfect chart.  Sometimes people can focus on the difficulties in a chart and become overwhelmed but these difficulties are really just opportunities.  Embracing the challenge, so to speak, is one way to use astrology in your favor.  Fighting against it won’t work.  Ignoring it won’t work.  Sometimes we come to understand the influences i our lives only through trial and error.  But if we consciously work toward understanding then we are at an advantage because we act with intention and intention has power.

Astrology is.  You cannot learn everything about astrology.  It is an ancient practice and is still evolving today.  Each person is different.  Each situation is unique.  It is an area of study that can take a lifetime and even then there will be more areas to investigate either through research or study or practice or all three.  

I am not here to convince anyone about the validity astrology.  I know it works for me and my clients agree.  If you wonder about it and wish to learn more I would love to have a conversation.  If you aren’t interested in astrology you probably aren’t reading this article anyway but if you are I am open to conversation with you as well.  I do not think that everyone needs to use astrology to make their lives more understandable and more meaningful but I do believe that if people are questioning, if they are searching for answers, then astrology is one of many tools that can help.