Conversations with an
Astrologer usually begin with a series of questions. The first questions
relate to the basic question, “What does it say about me?”
If the person is curious, the questions may include, “Can you help
me get along with my brother who is an Aries?” or “My best
friend is an idiot can you explain why he is so weird?”
Seldom does the
conversation turn to the broader issue, “What does the study of
Astrology tell us about the World?” Yet, this is the most important
question of all. It was the question the Ancients asked when they began
to understand the relationship between weather and the food supply, the
general health or lack of it to the cycles of night/day, and to the movement
of the “lights” in the sky.
Until the general
populations began to be educated, the very complex study of the sky, astronomy,
and the meanings given to planetary movement, Astrology, was the prerogative
of the ruling class. In short, Astrology was used to predict the affairs
of the king or ruler. It became the job of the well educated to interpret
the weather, plagues, wars, and the rise and fall of the rulers.
This important information
was considered too important to waste on the average person. In time the
body of knowledge was taken over by politics and religion. Certain ideas
were permitted and others were forbidden. Even the issue of whether or
not the Earth moved around the Sun instead of the Sun moving around the
Earth, was highly controversial. People were thrown in prison and sometimes
killed for holding an unpopular view. It has taken a long time to move
from control of men’s minds to the encouragement of individual rights
to pursue one’s own thoughts.
I have been studying
astrology for over thirty years. I began my study as a skeptic. I have
studied the history, the many theories about why it does or does not work,
and eventually became convinced that Astrology is an essential part of
human history. I had the great good fortune to meet a woman who had also
made a study of astrology. She has an impeccable educational background
and among her degrees is a degree in psychology. She has written many
textbooks about Astrology. The Zodiac as a Key to History is one
of my favorites.
I will quote a passage
from page 67. “Astrology is a mirror, to let us see how we are doing.
It is a glimpse of the evolving cosmic order. But human minds wield the
creative power, choose among the options, build cities or bomb them, care
or turn away. Character is destiny. It is up to us to nourish the vision
of the best of Aquarius-Pisces, the knowledge of air and the universal
love of that last water sign. “Let there be peace on earth, and
let it begin with me.”
In the Twenty first
Century we can choose to educate ourselves and develop a “World
view” or we can concentrate on our personal relationships, our homes
and community. No matter which you choose, the language of Astrology is
a valuable tool that can help your life have more meaning.
