Practical Astrology
“Astrology isn’t real.”
“Your life isn’t affected by the planets or stars.”
“There’s no science supporting astrology.”
“Anyone who follows astrology is stupid.”
I am personally not affected by sports teams losing or winning. It takes nothing away from me nor does it add value to my life. I am personally not affected by New York Fashion Week, The Oscars, The Grammys, and other mainstream pop-culture events and celebrations. It takes nothing away from me nor does it add value to my life.
Why then, am I personally affected by astrology?
Why does it add value to my life?
Why are other people so affected by sports and pop-culture?
Why does it add value to and meaning to their life, but not mine?
Like sports fans, pop-culture enthusiasts, and fashion lovers, I enjoying show up for and participating in the commotion, energy, and hum drum of astrological events, but on a metaphorical, symbolic dimension.
I do not believe I am possessed by the position of the planets or stars. However, the zodiac is a compass of the human spirit and universal human experiences. It is a map of emotions, stories, roles, archetypes, plots, trials, obstacles, failures, successes, themes, lessons that foster personal development, invite healing, & integrate new levels of awareness on one’s path in life.
When I take the time make myself aware of planetary transits, I open a door.
When I am made aware that Venus is moving into Scorpio, I open a door.
When I am made aware that Mercury is going retrograde, I open a door.
When I am made aware that Mars is squaring Saturn, I open a door.
Every time I am made aware of the changing positions of the planets, zodiac signs, and houses, I stand in front of a portal. I then have the decision to walk through that entryway. Once I walk through, I then have the choice to engage with that energy. Finally, I am asked to let the energy lead the dance. With a deep exhale I gaze into the heart of an energy and let myself be moved by it as I surrender to the energy’s power.
My relationship with astrology is similar to Timothy Leary’s “turning on and tuning in, and dropping out.” In his 1983 autobiography Flashbacks, Leary explained,
TURN ON meant go within to activate your neural and genetic equipment. Become sensitive to the many and various levels of consciousness and the specific triggers engaging them…
TUNE IN meant interact harmoniously with the world around you—externalize, materialize, express your new internal perspectives.
DROP OUT suggested an active, selective, graceful process of detachment from involuntary or unconscious commitments… self-reliance, a discovery of one's singularity, a commitment to mobility, choice, and change.
At every level, I have the choice to be affected by the archetypal energies of the zodiac when I am made aware of them. No one is forcing me to blindly follow or believe anything. I consciously choose whether I want to walk through the door. I consciously choose if I want to dance. I consciously choose if I want to be led. At any point, I can turn around and walk back through the door if what is being offered doesn’t serve me or resonate with me.
I do not and will not blame my failures on astrology. I do not and will not thank astrology for my successes and my triumphs. I alone am responsible for all of the choices I make - my words, my behaviors, my actions, and my in-actions. Astrology is simply a guide I consult in my decision making process and making peace with my past.
Astrology offers me a route with so much scenery I am perpetually in awe of its depth and beauty and darkness. It’s so rich and delicious and there’s no center, despite my endless pursuit to peel back all the layers. Anyone who scoffs at astrology is missing out on a multi-dimensional experience inside themselves they have never even considered giving a chance to deepen and enrich their life.
To look at me and question my intelligence, my worth, my value because I study astrology says more about you than it does about me.
Astrology is not magic. The only magic involved is the practitioner - me. I am the magician, and I cast spells of my own choosing.