Why
is this? Why the hedging?
Through
a Glass Darkly - Symbols, Energies, and Combinations
Western Tropical Astrology is all about vibrant living symbols,
flowing active energies - and interpreting the varying combinations
of those dynamic symbols and energies. The
Sun combining energies with Jupiter (or any other planetary combination)
can result in a wide range of typical behaviors, actions and/or responses.
This
is true both when interpreting the birth chart and in the different
methods whereby one attempts to predict the "unfolding" of the birth
chart over the course of time.
"The
soul is its own source of unfolding."
Heraclitus (Fragment 115 : DK 22B115 Stobée, Anthologie,
III, 1, 180.)
And
fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view) the
"unfolding" of our souls (and of our destiny) is not set in stone.
The forecasting of future events, based on whatever astrological symbols
are involved is (and has always been) a dicey and hazardous endeavor
at best.
In her fascinating book, On Divination and Synchronicity (pps
101-102), Jungian author Marie-Louise Von Franz, confirms that,
even in the deepest layers of the unconscious psyche, prognostication
of exact events is not possible:
"if
one watches more closely what happens in the different techniques
of divination one sees that actual events are never predicted, but
only the quality of possible events... [they]
only sketch with the help of acausal orderedness, the quality of
a time moment. So one can say that if something happens it will
fall into the area of this qualitative field."
Giving
astrological and dream interpretation examples, Von Franz goes on
to (rightly) conclude that only a likelihood can be predicted, sketching
for us a more or less blurred image of possibilities.
The
Chaos Theory and Prediction
Further, as demonstrated in the Chaos Theory - as propounded by Quantum
Physics - when studying, examining, and making predictions about any
complex systems and/or organisms in nature there is a hidden thread
and/or pattern underlying what was (on face of things) seemingly chaotic
and/or random.
Ultimately,
the concept of chaos in Quantum Physics refers, not to "disorder"
- but to the issue of whether or not it is possible to make accurate
long-term predictions about the behavior of a complex system. The
Chaos Theory appears to tell us that the answer is no.
Put
simply... in the Chaos Theory, nature is orderly and knows what it's
doing. However, it's easier to see and explain the hidden patterns
complex systems of implicit order after the fact.
This
is because the second tenet of the Chaos Theory is that very small
intervening variables (events) can (and do) cause complex behaviors
or events. This phenomenon has been called the "Lorenz Butterfly
Effect," where it's only somewhat "tongue in cheek"
asked: "Does the Flap of a Butterfly's Wings in Brazil set off
a Tornado in Texas?"
Astrology,
and the precise forecasting of future events, is much the same. It's
most often, when looking in rear view mirror, that the hidden underlying
pattern and purpose of the unfolding soul is most clearly revealed.
By
the way... although more than a few astrologers will likely have
a conniption fit... these limitations of prediction generally hold
true for all of the various astrological systems (Tropical, Western
Sidereal, Vedic, Mayan, Chinese, etc., etc.).
"In
all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order."
Carl Jung
Aligning
With Our Destiny
According to Jungian author Dianne Skafte, Ph.D. in "Listening
To The Oracle," in ancient times it was normally considered impious
for a pilgrim to consult an oracle for predictions of the future.
It was, however, considered proper to ask an oracle how one could
become aligned with their destiny.
Speaking
only for myself, astrology has generally been most effective in my
life when used as one of several augmentative tools that assists in
confirming what I already know (or should have known) in the inner-depths
of my being.
"Together
the patient and I address ourselves to the 2,000,000-year-old-man
that is in all of us… in the last analysis; most of our problems
come from losing contact with our instincts, with the age-old unforgotten
wisdom stored up in us." CG Jung Speaking, p 89, (McGuire and
Hull) Princeton University Press
We
have the ancient wisdom stored within us, if only we can learn to
look within for the answers.
The
very idea of predictive astrology being used to gain a sense of control
over one's circumstances reminds me of the wonderful Scottish astrologer
Isabelle Pagan (1867-1960) that commented in the 1930 edition of her
book "From Pioneer to Poet" that as a rule she avoided making
predictions about such things.
"Few
have the fortitude to face predictions of calamity without loss
of energy; while many, assured of coming luck - especially financial
- are inclined to take things easy." Pagan
The
Soul Code
In James Hillman's book, The Soul's Code - In Search of Character
and Calling, he relates the following story:
"Consider
this event. Amateur Night at the Harlem Opera House. A skinny, awkward
sixteen year old goes fearfully on-stage. She is announced to the
crowd: 'The
next contestant is a young lady named Ella Fitzgerald...
Miss
Fitzgerald here is gonna dance for us... Hold it, hold it.
Now
what's your problem, honey?... Correction, folks. Miss
Fitzgerald has changed her mind. She's not gonna dance, she's gonna
sing...'
That
night, Ella Fitzgerald gave three encores and won first prize.
However,
'she had meant to dance.' Was
it chance that suddenly changed her mind? Did a singing 'gene' suddenly
kick in? Or
might that moment have been an annunciation, calling Ella Fitzgerald
to her particular fate?"
On
a Lark...
Any effective astrologer is going to (copiously paraphrasing Bernadette
Brady in her book The Eagle and the Lark) rely on a lot of
"tried and true" astrological technique (eagle) and then, also, a
certain amount of plain old-fashioned intuition (lark). The
astrologer's eagle "homes in" on the major themes and events with
their mixed bag of astrological techniques - and then their lark may
be able to intuit which of the typical responses, actions and/or behaviors
the individual is most likely to engage in. (i.e.
Will they choose to dance or will they choose to sing? Will they choose
to perform or choose not to perform at all...)
Again,
for me, the most fascinating and useful thing about astrology is that
it demonstrates the design and purpose existing in each of our
lives. Discovering meaning in our lives is ultimately much more
important and satisfying than any "dog and pony show" based
on attempting to accurately predict the physical level of reality.
I
still remember the incredible rush of excitement I felt when first
learning about astrology... using
the lens of astrology, I discovered that I was able to see the events
that had taken place in my life (and the people who had entered and
exited my life) as being part of a grand design of the universe.
And
I learned that each and every person was a necessary part of my long
Road Home...
Some
Things Never Change
I know an eighty (something) year old astrologer who's been practicing
astrology for almost sixty years, now - and she admits still feeling
that initial sense of excitement and intrigue when doing a reading
for a new client. Even
after practicing astrology for almost sixty years, she continues to
always be amazed at how well astrology works. She always feels that
initial rush of excitement as the person begins discovering validation
of:
back
to Astrology
The
Hero(ine)'s Journey 