Why
is this? Why the hedging?
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
of predicting the "unfolding" of the 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
Chaos Theory and Prediction
Frankly... the forecasting of future events, based on whatever astrological
symbols are involved is (and has always been) a dicey and hazardous endeavor
at best.
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... this particular Chaos Theory limitation of prediction generally
holds 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 
